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!

Shop Now

New Free Flower Design Tutorials Page for Beginners- Learn & Grow with your Flowers

We’ve been working on something special behind the scenes, and we’re so excited to finally share it with you. If you love flowers as much as we do, whether you’re growing them, arranging them, or simply enjoying them in your home, you’re going to love these two new additions to our website!

Introducing Our Floral Design Tutorials Page

Our new Floral Design Tutorials page was created to help you feel confident and inspired when arranging flowers. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your style, these tutorials walk you through the process in a way that feels approachable and creative.

You’ll find step-by-step guidance, helpful tips, and design techniques that we use in our own floral work. From building a balanced arrangement to choosing the right focal flowers and textures, this page is designed to help you bring your vision to life.

Explore Free Floral Design Tutorials Here

Get to Know Your Blooms with Our Flower Facts Page

We’re also excited to introduce our Flower Facts page, a space where you can learn more about some of our most frequently used cut flowers.

If you’ve ever wondered how to care for a specific bloom, what makes certain flowers last longer, or how to best use them in arrangements, this page is for you. We’re sharing the details that make a difference, so you can get the most out of every stem.

Browse Flower Facts Here

Don’t Miss Our Blog for Local Growing Tips

In addition to these new pages, our blog is another great resource, especially for our fellow Michigan growers. We regularly share posts that highlight more in-depth flower facts, our favorite varieties to grow and design with, and practical tips to help you succeed throughout the season.

You’ll find helpful guides, beginner-friendly recommendations, and deeper dives into some of the flowers and herbs we love most. Whether you’re planting your first garden or expanding your cutting beds, these posts are filled with insights tailored to growing in Michigan.

Some of our favorites to get you started:

• A Guide to Growing Beautiful Flowers in Michigan

• Beginner-Friendly Flowers

• Some of Our Favorite Flowers to Grow in West Michigan: She Is GR’s Top Picks

• Some of Our Favorite Herbs to Grow in West Michigan (and Why) – Part 1

At She Is GR, we’re passionate about not just growing beautiful flowers, but also helping you enjoy them to their fullest. These new pages are meant to be a resource you can come back to again and again, whether you’re designing for your home, an event, or just for fun.

This is just the beginning, too. We’ll continue adding more tutorials, more flower features, and more helpful tips to support you in your floral journey.

We’re so glad you’re here and can’t wait to keep growing and creating alongside you!

A Guide to Growing Beautiful Flowers in Michigan

Gardening in Michigan comes with its own rhythm, cold winters, rich soil, and a growing season that truly rewards patience. The good news? There are so many incredible flowers that thrive here. In this guide, we’re sharing more of our favorite flowers and flowering shrubs to grow in Michigan gardens & Landscapes, along with simple care tips, growing advice, and interesting facts that make each one special. Whether you’re just starting out or adding new varieties to your garden, these flowers are a great place to begin.

Easy & Rewarding Flowers for Beginners

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are one of the best cool-season flowers for Michigan gardens.

How to grow: Plant early in spring or late summer for fall blooms

.Care: Full sun, regular watering, and deadheading for continuous blooms.

Fun fact: The blooms “snap” open and closed when squeezed—kids love them.

Zinnias

A must-grow for cut flower gardens.

How to grow: Plant after the last frost in full sun.

Care: The more you cut them, the more they produce.

Fun fact: Zinnias attract butterflies and are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed.

Calendula

Bright, cheerful, and incredibly versatile.

How to grow: Sow early—handles cool temps well.

Care: Low maintenance and blooms quickly.

Fun fact: Calendula petals are edible and often used in teas and skincare.

Marigolds

A garden staple for good reason.

How to grow: Plant after frost in full sun.

Care: Very low maintenance.

Fun fact: Marigolds naturally help repel certain garden pests.

Larkspur

Soft, romantic, and perfect for cottage gardens.

How to grow: Direct sow in early spring.

Care: Prefers cooler weather.

Fun fact: Larkspur symbolizes positivity and grace.

Borage

A pollinator favorite with unique blooms.

How to grow: Easy to grow and self-seeds.

Care: Minimal effort required.

Fun fact: The flowers taste like cucumber and are edible.

Statement & Unique Flowers Worth Growing

Peonies (Including Rare Varieties)

A timeless favorite in Michigan landscapes.

• Yellow Bartzella Peony (rare): Large, buttery yellow blooms that are hard to find.

• Sarah Bernhardt Peony: A classic soft pink heirloom.

• Japanese Peonies: Known for their unique, textured centers.

How to grow: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil.

Care: Requires patience but very long-lived.

Fun fact: Peonies can thrive for 50+ years and produce better blooms over time.

Allium & Mountain Chives

Add height and structure to your garden.

How to grow: Plant bulbs in fall.

Care: Full sun and well-drained soil.

Fun fact: Part of the onion family and naturally deer-resistant.

Calla Lilies

Elegant and modern blooms.

How to grow: Plant bulbs after frost.

Care: Lift bulbs in fall to overwinter indoors.

Fun fact: Not actually true lilies.

Pineapple Lily

A unique, eye-catching plant.

How to grow: Plant in warm soil after frost.

Care: Treat as a tender bulb in Michigan.

Fun fact: The bloom resembles a pineapple.

Moon Flowers

Perfect for evening gardens.

How to grow: Plant in full sun with support to climb.

Care: Fast-growing annual vine.

Fun fact: Blooms open at dusk and glow in the evening.

Perennials & Shade-Loving Favorites

Hellebores

Including Lenton Rose, Green Flowered, Angel Glow, and Cascade Glow.

How to grow: Thrive in shade or partial sun.

Care: Extremely hardy and low maintenance.

Fun fact: One of the first flowers to bloom, even through snow.

English Lavender

A fragrant garden essential.

How to grow: Plant in well-drained soil.

Care: Avoid overly wet conditions, especially in winter.

Fun fact: Known for its calming scent and pollinator appeal.

Hydrangeas (Annabelle, Limelight, Pink & Green Varieties)

A staple in Michigan gardens.

How to grow: Morning sun, afternoon shade.

Care: Consistent watering is key.

Fun fact: Some varieties change color based on soil pH.

Solidago (Goldenrod)

A late-season standout.

How to grow: Very adaptable and hardy.

Care: Low maintenance.

Fun fact: Often blamed for allergies, but it’s usually ragweed.

Flowering Shrubs & Seasonal Interest

Forsythia

One of the first signs of spring.

Care: Prune after flowering.

Fun fact: Blooms before leaves appear.

Pussy Willow

Soft and textural early-season stems.

Care: Prefers moist soil.

Fun fact: One of the earliest bloomers in Michigan.

Weigela

A pollinator favorite.

Care: Full sun for best blooms.

Fun fact: Loved by hummingbirds.

Viburnum

Reliable and versatile.

Care: Easy to grow.

Fun fact: Many varieties offer fragrance and berries.

Pieris

An elegant evergreen shrub, also known as false lily of the valley.

Care: Prefers acidic soil.

Fun fact: New growth often emerges bright red.

Cornelian Cherry

A unique flowering shrub/tree that produces lots of pollen for the bees in early spring.

Care: Very hardy.

Fun fact: Produces edible fruit used in jams.

Flowering Almond

Soft pink spring blooms.

Care: Full sun and pruning after flowering.

Fun fact: Looks like miniature roses.

Tropical Plants for Michigan Summers

Bird of Paradise

A bold statement plant.

How to grow: Keep outdoors in summer, bring inside well before frost.

Care: Needs bright light indoors.

Fun fact: Flowers resemble a bird in flight.

Michigan Gardening Tips for Success

• Plant most annuals after the last frost (mid-May in West Michigan)

• Focus on well-draining soil to prevent root rot

• Use mulch to regulate moisture and temperature

• Start with easy growers like zinnias, marigolds, and hydrangeas

This is just the start to the list of some of our favorite flowers to grow. This guide focuses on beginner-friendly varieties that are approachable, reliable, and beautiful in Michigan gardens. Stay tuned as we take a deeper dive into some of the most unique and specialty flowers we grow each year, along with more advanced tips, care techniques, and varieties that experienced growers will truly love.