Are you planning on landscaping your garden? The climate, soil conditions, and native flora of Omaha affect which plants perform best in your yard. Omaha lies in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, with cold winters and hot summers. So, your garden should feature plants adapted to these climate conditions. Here are a few tips on how to choose the right plants for your Omaha landscape.
How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Omaha Landscape
Assess Soil Quality
Soil quality can vary across Omaha. Test your soil nutrient content and assess its drainage properties. The soil should drain well and have a pH that’s slightly acidic for optimal plant growth in your yard.
If you have a sand or clay-like soil structure, you’ll need to introduce compost or other organic matter. This will increase its nutrient value and improve its structural quality.
Consider Native Cultivars
Using native plants is best for your landscaping project. These plants have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions in Omaha. They have minimal water and fertilizer requirements and they’re naturally resistant to pest damage from local pest species.
Popular Plants in Omaha Landscapes
The most popular native plants for landscapes in Omaha, NE include the following.
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – A species featuring beautiful purple flowers. This beautiful flowering plant is drought-resistant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to the yard.
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – An ornamental grass variety that grows year-round. It grows tall, about three to seven feet in height, with graceful stems and feathery plumes.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – A hardy perennial featuring bright yellow flowers. It’s very attractive and brings plenty of color to the garden.
The Best Seasonal Landscape Plants
Here’s a list of plant recommendations for any season. Plant them in your Omaha garden for an attractive garden all year round.
Spring
Tulips, daffodils, and lilacs. These species give your garden a dose of color with fragrant flowers in early spring.
Summer
Daylilies, phlox, and hydrangeas provide plenty of color to the yard when the weather warms up.
Fall
Asters and ornamental grasses are good choices that bring rich color and texture to your landscape as the temperature drops.
Winter
Junipers, pines, and holly survive the cold winter months and bring form, structure, and color to your yard.
Sunlight Considerations
Plant light requirements vary, so check where the sun hits your garden. Note how much shade or sun the garden gets during the day and which parts of the yard receive full or partial sunlight. Place plants in the correct light conditions to ensure optimal growth and health.
- Full Sun – Best for roses, lavender, and sunflowers. These species enjoy at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Partly Sunny – Hostas, ferns, and impatiens enjoy morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Partly Shady – Hellebores, Astilbes, and Columbines all do well with a fair amount of light to moderate shade.
Water Considerations
Omaha gets occasional dry spells, so it’s prudent to choose drought-tolerant plants for these conditions. Some great examples include:
- Butterfly weed grows about two to three feet tall
- Prairie dropseed
- Coneflower
- Prairie Phlox produces colored clusters that are fragrant
- Aromatic Aster also known as Wild Blue Aster
- Prairie Blazing Star
Prairie plants are low maintenance; they include butterfly weed and prairie dropseed. Group the plants together based on their water requirements to make your irrigation strategy effective.
Look for plants that will require less maintenance regarding watering, deadheading, disease management, and pest control.
Native and drought-tolerant species are relatively low maintenance. They are ideal for homeowners who don’t have the time to spend hours doing garden maintenance every week.
Attract Pollinators
Attract birds, bees, and butterflies to your garden by choosing nectar-rich flowers, berry-bearing shrubs, and seed-bearing plants. Some great examples include the following:
- Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) – A fragrant shrub with flowers that bloom in many colors that butterflies find attractive.
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – They produce fruit that attracts bees.
- Milkweed (Asclepias spp.) – These plants attract monarch butterflies which feed on its nectar and lay eggs on the plant.
Consult Local Professionals About The Right Plants For Omaha Gardens
Check out local resources for plant ideas. Visit garden centers and nurseries in Omaha to get information on the right plants for your garden. Then, choose your favorites for your garden.
Professionals can advise you on which plants will grow best in accordance with your seasonal, watering, and maintenance requirements.
Landscapers can help you with creating a garden design that optimizes plant groupings and space, giving you a beautiful landscape throughout all seasons.
It might cost a bit of money to get the right advice and setup for your yard, but it’s a prudent investment that is worth your while.
Antler Country Landscaping Omaha
Antler Country Landscaping was incorporated in 1997 and over the years has grown to offer professional landscape services, lawn care, and outdoor living spaces. Our mission is to enhance your outdoor experience. Contact us to learn more about our Omaha landscaping services.