Some of our Favorite Flowers to Grow in West Michigan: She Is GR's Top Picks

The Best Flowers to Grow in West Michigan: Our Top Picks

At She Is GR Co., we are passionate about growing flowers that bring beauty, fragrance, and even flavor to your garden and home. Whether you're looking to brighten up your living space with fresh-cut blooms or add a delightful edible touch to your meals, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top favorite flowers to grow in West Michigan, along with growing tips, fun facts, and more!

Favorite Flowers for Fresh Cut Arrangements

These flowering plants have long blooming periods, especially with regular deadheading and cutting back techniques. They thrive in West Michigan’s climate and make stunning additions to bouquets and vases.

Zinnias

• Grow Time & Conditions: Fast-growing annual; blooms in 60-75 days. Full sun, well-draining soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Zinnias symbolize endurance, as they bloom profusely all summer long with regular cutting!

Cosmos

• Grow Time & Conditions: Blooms in 70-90 days. Thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Cosmos attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, making them excellent for eco-friendly gardening.

Delphinium

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms in early to mid-summer. Prefers full sun and well-draining, slightly alkaline soil.

• Fun Fact: Delphiniums are often called "Larkspur," and their tall, spiked flowers can grow up to 6 feet tall!

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Ranunculus

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial in mild climates, often grown as an annual in colder regions; blooms in spring. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Ranunculus flowers have layers of delicate petals, making them a popular choice for wedding bouquets!

Wisteria

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial vine; blooms in spring. Requires full sun and well-draining soil, often needing sturdy support.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Wisteria can live for over 50 years, making it a long-lasting, breathtaking garden feature!

Hellebores

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms in late winter to early spring. Prefers partial shade and well-draining, rich soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Also known as the "Christmas Rose," Hellebores bring color to the garden when most plants are dormant! Hellebores come in a variety of beautiful shades from matcha green, white, pink, purple, & mauve tones.

Allium

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial bulb; blooms in late spring. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Related to onions and garlic, Alliums have a subtle scent that deters pests!

Rainbow Chameleon Flower

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; thrives in warm climates with full sun and well-draining soil.

• Fun Fact: Its color-changing blooms shift throughout the season, making it a dynamic garden addition!

Gladiolus

• Grow Time & Conditions: Blooms in 70-100 days. Full sun and well-drained soil required.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Gladiolus flowers symbolize strength and integrity.

Blue or White Agapanthus

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms in summer. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil, tolerating drought once established.

• Fun Fact: Also known as the "Lily of the Nile," Agapanthus attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds!

Hollyhock

• Grow Time & Conditions: Biennial or short-lived perennial; blooms second year. Full sun, well-draining soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Hollyhocks have been grown in gardens for centuries and attract hummingbirds!

Blue Sapphire Baptisia

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms in late spring to early summer. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil, tolerating drought well.

• Fun Fact: This plant is a nitrogen fixer, helping to enrich the soil naturally!

• Baptisia comes in many colors like blue, purple, yellow, light yellow, pink & white.

Pineapple Lily

• Grow Time & Conditions: Blooms in late summer. Prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: This exotic-looking plant is named for its flower spikes that resemble tiny pineapples.

Ageratum (Artist Series)

• Grow Time & Conditions: Blooms in 60-90 days. Thrives in full sun and moist, well-draining soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Ageratum is also known as ‘Floss Flower’ due to its soft, fuzzy blooms.

Hydrangeas (Pink & Limelight)

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms mid to late summer. Prefers partial sun and moist soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: The pH of the soil affects the flower color of many hydrangea varieties!

Pieris Japonica (Lily of the Valley Shrub)

• Grow Time & Conditions: Evergreen shrub; early spring blooms. Prefers partial shade and acidic soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Its tiny, bell-shaped flowers resemble the true Lily of the Valley.

  
  

  

  
  

  Yarrow

  
  

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms from late spring to early fall. Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, tolerating drought well.

• Fun Fact: Yarrow has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its healing properties!

  
  

  

  
  

  Marigolds

  
  

• Grow Time & Conditions: Annual; blooms from late spring to fall. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Thrives in heat and can tolerate dry conditions once established.

• Fun Fact: Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties, especially against nematodes and aphids!

Amaryllis

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial (often grown indoors as a bulb); blooms in winter or early spring. Prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.

• Fun Fact: Amaryllis flowers can be so large that they often look like lilies, and they're a classic holiday favorite!

  
  

  

  
  

Sedum

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; late summer blooms. Drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Sedum is a favorite for bees and butterflies and is great for rock gardens!

Celosia

• Grow Time & Conditions: Blooms in 90 days. Loves full sun and warm temperatures.

  
  

Fun Fact: Celosia’s feathery plumes resemble flames and make unique dried flowers.

Rocket Larkspur

Grow Time & Conditions: Annual; blooms in late spring to early summer. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Fun Fact: Rocket Larkspur attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies while also being deer-resistant!

Liatris

Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms in mid to late summer. Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

Fun Fact: Also known as Blazing Star, Liatris is a favorite of monarch butterflies and is drought-tolerant!

Torch Lily

Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms from late spring to early fall. Requires full sun and well-draining soil.

Fun Fact: Also called Red Hot Poker, this striking flower produces nectar-rich blooms that hummingbirds love!

Calla Lilies

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial in warm climates; can be grown as an annual in colder regions. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.

• Fun Fact: Calla Lilies symbolize purity and rebirth, often used in weddings and celebrations!

  
  

  

  
  

  Michigan Native Poppies

  
  

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms in late spring to early summer. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Known for their drought tolerance once established.

• Fun Fact: Michigan Native Poppies, such as the "Eastern Poppy," are vibrant and have a long history of being part of native wildflower meadows!

Black-Eyed Susan

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial or annual depending on the variety; blooms from summer to fall. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

• Fun Fact: Black-Eyed Susans are known for their resilience and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies!

  
  

  

  
  

  Weigela

  
  

• Grow Time & Conditions: Deciduous shrub; blooms in late spring to early summer. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

  
  

  Fun Fact: Weigela produces beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers and can be a striking addition to any garden or landscape!

  
  

  

  
  

Lavender (French & English)

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms in summer. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

• Fun Fact: Lavender’s calming scent is often used in aromatherapy!

Viburnum

Grow Time & Conditions: Deciduous or evergreen shrub; blooms in spring. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

Fun Fact: Viburnum flowers attract pollinators, and its berries are a food source for birds!

Heliopsis

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms from mid-summer to fall. Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Also called "False Sunflower," Heliopsis blooms resemble sunflowers and provide long-lasting color in gardens!

Sweet Peas

• Grow Time & Conditions: Annual; blooms in spring and early summer. Prefers full sun and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Benefits from a trellis or support for climbing varieties.

  
  

• Fun Fact: Sweet Peas have a delightful fragrance and were a favorite of Victorian-era gardeners!

Feverfew

• Grow Time & Conditions: Perennial; blooms from early summer to early fall. Grows best in full sun and well-draining soil.

• Fun Fact: Feverfew has been used in herbal remedies for centuries, especially for headaches & to break a fever.

Favorite Edible Flowers to Grow

in West Michigan

Edible flowers can add unique flavors and beauty to dishes, teas, and garnishes. Here are some of our favorites!

Nasturtium

• Flavor Profile: Peppery, similar to arugula.

• Fun Fact: Both the flowers and leaves are edible and packed with Vitamin C!

Calendula

• Flavor Profile: Mildly spicy, slightly tangy.

• Fun Fact: Often called ‘poor man’s saffron’ because of its bright yellow-orange petals.

  
  

  

  
  

Wild Violets & Pansies

• Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet and grassy.

• Fun Fact: These flowers are often candied and used for decorating desserts.

  
  

  

  
  

Apple Mint Flower, Dill Flower, Sage Flower, Basil Flower

• Flavor Profiles:

  • Apple Mint Flower: Mildly minty and floral.

  • Dill Flower: Anise-like, slightly bitter.

  • Sage Flower: Earthy and slightly peppery.

  • Basil Flower: Intensely aromatic, slightly spicy.

• Fun Fact: Herb flowers often have a more concentrated flavor than the leaves!

Peach & Cherry Blossoms

• Flavor Profile: Mildly floral and sweet.

• Fun Fact: These delicate blossoms are often used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Fennel Flower

• Flavor Profile: Licorice-like, slightly sweet.

• Fun Fact: Also known as ‘Nigella’ or ‘Black Cumin,’ these flowers are used in Middle Eastern cooking.

Purple Mountain Chives

• Flavor Profile: Mildly oniony.

• Fun Fact: The flowers are just as tasty as the chive leaves and add color to salads.

Echinacea

• Flavor Profile: Slightly bitter, medicinal.

• Fun Fact: Roots Commonly used in teas to boost immunity!

• Plant takes 2-3 years to mature before harvesting.

Magnolia & Peony Petals

• Flavor Profiles:

  • Magnolia: Citrus-like, slightly spicy.

  • Peony: Lightly sweet and floral.

• Fun Fact: Peony petals can be steeped into syrups and teas!

  
  

  

  
  

Rose Petals

• Flavor Profile: Sweet and perfumed.

  
  

  

  
  

Shop Our Selection!

At She Is GR Co., we are thrilled to offer these beautiful flowering varieties and more! Visit our online plant shop to browse our selection of seeds, bulbs, and plants. Looking for fresh organic edible flowers? Join our edible flower availability list to get notified throughout the spring and summer season about our locally grown, organic offerings!

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Our Favorite Herbs to Grow in West Michigan and Why- Part 1 of 2

West Michigan's diverse climate and rich soil create an ideal environment for cultivating a variety of herbs. Here, we share our top picks for herbs to grow in this region, highlighting their culinary uses, health benefits, and unique characteristics.

Johnny Jump Up Violets

Description and Uses: Johnny Jump Up Violets, also known as heartsease, are delightful flowers with tri-colored blooms in purple, yellow, and white. These flowers are edible, adding a splash of color and a mild, sweet flavor to salads, desserts, and beverages. They can also be crystallized for cake decorations or infused in syrups and teas.

Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins C and E and antioxidants, these violets have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit skin health and immune support. Historically, they have been used to treat respiratory issues and skin conditions.

Fun Fact: Johnny Jump Up Violets were a favorite of William Shakespeare and are often mentioned in his plays and sonnets.

Borage Flowers

Description and Uses: Borage flowers, also known as starflowers, are striking blue, star-shaped blossoms with a mild cucumber-like flavor. They are a refreshing addition to salads, cocktails, and garnishes and can be candied or frozen in ice cubes.

Health Benefits: Known for their high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, borage flowers help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. They also support adrenal function and relieve stress.

Fun Fact: Historically, borage was believed to bring courage and comfort, and Roman soldiers drank borage-infused wine before battle.

French Thyme

Description and Uses: French thyme is characterized by its small, aromatic, gray-green leaves and delicate pink or lavender flowers. It's a staple in French cuisine, used to season meats, soups, stews, and vegetables, imparting a warm, earthy flavor with subtle minty and lemony undertones.

Health Benefits:French thyme contains thymol, which aids in respiratory health, digestion, and has antimicrobial properties. It is also rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants.

Fun Fact: In ancient Greece and Rome, thyme symbolizes courage and was used in baths and incense to promote strength and vigor.

Rosemary

Description and Uses: Rosemary is an evergreen herb with needle-like leaves and blue, pink, or white flowers. Its robust, pine-like flavor with hints of citrus and mint enhances roasted meats, vegetables, breads, and sauces.

Health Benefits: Rosemary is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which support immune function, improve digestion, and enhance memory and concentration.

Fun Fact: Rosemary was believed to improve memory in ancient Greece and Rome, where students wore rosemary garlands while studying.

Chamomile

Description and Uses: Chamomile features small white petals and yellow centers, resembling daisies. It is commonly used in herbal teas, providing a soothing, apple-like flavor that promotes relaxation and sleep.

Health Benefits: Chamomile boasts anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antioxidant properties. It alleviates digestive issues, reduces stress and anxiety, and soothes skin irritations.

Fun Fact: Chamomile was revered by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for its healing properties and used in rituals and medicine.

Sweet Basil

Description and Uses: Sweet basil is known for its broad, glossy green leaves and delightful aroma. Its sweet and slightly peppery flavor with hints of mint and clove is essential in Italian cuisine, used in pesto, salads, sauces, and garnishes.

Health Benefits: Sweet basil is rich in essential oils, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium and magnesium, contributing to overall health and immune support.

Fun Fact: In ancient Greece and Rome, basil was associated with love and protection, and in India, it is considered a sacred plant in Hinduism.

Opal Basil

Description and Uses: Opal basil is known for its deep purple leaves and captivating aroma. It offers a flavor profile similar to sweet basil, with a slightly spicier, more robust taste. It adds vibrant color and flavor to salads, pesto, and cocktails.

Health Benefits: Opal basil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Its anthocyanins support cardiovascular health and combat oxidative stress.

Fun Fact: Opal basil was developed in the 1950s by crossing different basil varieties to combine desirable traits.

Cinnamon Basil

Description and Uses: Cinnamon basil features small, glossy green leaves and beautiful purple stems and flowers. Its flavor is reminiscent of cinnamon with a hint of sweetness and spice, enhancing fruit salads, desserts, teas, and meat dishes.

Health Benefits: Cinnamon basil contains essential oils such as cinnamate, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium and iron.

Fun Fact: Cinnamon basil is traditionally used in Mexican and Asian cuisine, adding a unique twist to traditional recipes.

Growing these diverse and versatile herbs in West Michigan not only enhances your culinary creations but also provides a wealth of health benefits. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these herbs will thrive in West Michigan's climate, adding beauty, flavor, and wellness to your home and kitchen.

Part 1 of 2

8 Tips for Longer Lasting Flowers

  Hello, flower lovers from the Endless Summer Club and the wonderful West Michigan Community! Let's dive into how you can keep your fresh cut flowers looking fabulous for days on end. Here are 8 friendly and practical tips straight from She Is GR Co.

1. Fresh Water: Treat your blooms to clean, cool water right away. Remember to change the water every 2-3 days to keep them hydrated and happy.

2. Give your stems a fresh cut: Give your flowers a fresh start by trimming their stems at an angle before placing them in water. This helps them drink up water more efficiently. Repeat every 2-3 days.

3. Remove any leaves in water: Remove any leaves that might end up underwater. This keeps the water clean and your flowers smiling.

4. Keep your flowers away from the sun: Find a cozy spot away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts for your floral beauties. A cool area will help them stay fresh longer.

5. Flower Food: If your bouquet came with flower food, give it a go following the instructions. It's like a mini nutrient boost for your flowers!

6. Trim and Tidy: Regularly prune any wilting or dead flowers to keep the rest looking their best. This helps prevent premature aging.

7. Stay Hydrated: Check the water level daily and top it up as needed. Well-hydrated flowers last longer, so keep that vase filled with fresh water.

8. Chill Out: Overnight, give your flowers a cool retreat. Cooler temperatures can slow down the aging process and extend their lifespan. With these simple and friendly tips, you'll be able to enjoy the beauty of your fresh cut flowers from She Is GR Co. for days to come.

Let's keep those blooms blooming and spread the floral joy throughout our community!