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Best Native Plants to Plant in Chicago This Fall (Plus Garden Essentials)
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items Fall is a wonderful season to plant native species in Chicago. The cooler weather helps roots establish before winter, so your garden bursts to life come spring. Whether you have a balcony, garden, or yard, these plants and essentials will get you re...
Sections
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Native Perennials & Flowers for Fall Planting
Native Shrubs
Fall Gardening Essentials
Reading Recommendations About Native Plants
Native Perennials & Flowers for Fall Planting
Fall is the perfect time to tuck native perennials into your garden. These plants spend the cooler months establishing strong roots, so they’re ready to bloom beautifully come spring. Plus, they’re low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly, and adapted to...
I love Purple Coneflower for its beautiful pink-purple blooms that last into fall. It’s tough, drought-resistant, and attracts so many pollinators. Plus, those seed heads make your winter garden a favorite bird hangout!
Purple Coneflower - Echinacea purpurea, Butterfly Kisses
Cardinal Flower is such a showstopper with its intense red blooms that attract hummingbirds. It thrives in moist soil, making it perfect for spots near a small water feature or a damp garden bed.
Lobelia, Cardinal Flower
Wild Bergamot smells amazing and draws in pollinators like crazy. I recommend it for anyone who loves a fragrant garden full of buzzing bees and butterflies.
Monarda fistulosa
This native perennial blooms bright blue flowers in summer but establishes great roots if planted in fall. It’s hardy and adds a splash of color to any garden.
Tradescantia, Blue & Gold
For shaded spots, Wild Blue Phlox is fantastic. Its delicate lavender-blue flowers brighten up any corner and it’s native, so it thrives with less fuss.
Phlox, Blue Paradise
Goldenrod is a must-have for fall gardens, with bright yellow blooms that pollinators adore. It’s often misunderstood but is truly essential for supporting local ecosystems.
Solidago (Goldenrod), Fireworks
Native Shrubs
Native shrubs add year-round structure, color, and habitat to your garden or yard. From fall berries to vibrant foliage, these hardy options bring beauty and biodiversity to your outdoor space — with less effort and more rewards.
Serviceberry is a versatile shrub with delicate spring blooms and fall berries that birds love. It’s perfect for both containers and yards, adding multi-season interest.
Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry Tree
I recommend Witch Hazel for its amazing late-fall yellow blooms and lovely fragrance. It adds something special to the garden when most plants are winding down.
Common Witch Hazel Shrub
Fall Gardening Essentials
Set your garden up for success with tools, soil, and supplies that make fall planting easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re digging in a yard or filling containers on a balcony, these essentials will help your native plants thrive through winter and bey...
This is the best soil for your garden - I always add soil to garden beds in the fall.
Kellogg Garden Organics All Natural Garden Soil
Adding compost is one of the best ways to boost soil health and give your fall plantings a strong start. This organic compost is high-quality and easy to work with.
Back to the Roots Organic Compost
Mulching helps protect roots through winter and keeps weeds down. I recommend this mulch for its natural resistance to pests and long-lasting fragrance.
Miracle-Gro Organic All Natural Mulch
I love terracotta for balcony or patio planting - the natural clay breathes, keeping roots happy. This set fits a variety of native plants.
Terra Cotta Pots with Saucer
These gloves are a game changer for digging and planting. The built-in claw fingertips make breaking ground so much easier while protecting your hands.
Garden Gloves with Claws
Perfect for detailed fall planting and transplanting native seedlings, this tool set is durable and comfortable to use.
Fiskars 3-in-1 Garden Tool Set
Reading Recommendations About Native Plants
Want to dig deeper? These books are perfect companions for learning how to design, plant, and care for a native garden in the Midwest. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, there’s inspiration here for every level.
If you want to dive deeper, this guide is an invaluable resource for learning about Midwest native plants and how to care for them throughout the seasons.
Native Plants of the Midwest: Top 500 Species Guide
This book is a must-read if you're considering putting in a tree in your Midwest yard
Native Trees of the Midwest: ID & Landscaping
This is a great guide to native wildflowers - stick it in your backpack when hiking!
Prairie Plants of Illinois: Field Guide to Wildflowers & Grasses