Question:
What should I plant in my landscape?Answer:
There are many trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines that can be planted in an Iowa landscape. What you decide to plant is based on many different considerations. While selecting plants that are attractive to you is certainly a consideration, matching those plants to the growing conditions is essential to create an attractive and easy-to-care-for landscape.
Factors to consider when selecting plants for your landscape include light, soil conditions, winter hardiness, nativity, pest pressure, size, and ornamental features.
Light
Determine the amount of light your planting location receives. Areas that receive six or more hours of direct sunlight a day are considered full sun. Full shade locations are often described as receiving two hours of direct sunlight or less per day.
Most trees and shrubs grow best in full sun, but there are several that tolerate partial shade locations (those sites that receive 3 to 4 hours of direct sun each day). Perennials are available that grow in nearly any light level from full sun to full shade.
Use these resources to find the best plant for your landscape based on the amount of light the area receives.
Soil Conditions
The moisture level of the soil is also an important consideration. Plants that perform best in moist to wet soils will require much more irrigation and maintenance. Observe the soil conditions or conduct a soil drainage test to determine the moisture levels of the area and match plants to that location based on their preferred soil conditions (e.g., dry, well-drained, wet).
Soil fertility is also an important consideration. While nearly all plants will appreciate abundant nutrients, some will tolerate low-fertility better than others. For some plants, such as native prairie species, excessive fertility can lead to tall, lanky growth that may be too large for the space or less attractive. Conduct a soil test to determine the quality of the soil and its fertility, and amend the soil or match plants to that location.
Utilize these resources to select the ideal plant for your landscape, taking into account your soil conditions.
- Landscape Plants for Dry Soil Conditions
- Landscape Plants for Wet Soil Conditions
- Trees and Shrubs for Alkaline Soil Conditions
Winter Hardiness
Not all plants will survive an Iowa winter. If you want the plant in your garden year after year, those that are winter hardy need to be selected. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map divides the country up into several zones based on the average lowest winter temperature. According to the 2023
version of the map, nearly all of Iowa is in Zone 5 (average lowest temperature is between -20 and -10°F), with the northern half in 5a and the southern
half in 5b. Small areas in northeast Iowa are in Zone 4b, and small areas in southeast and southwest Iowa are in Zone 6a.
Use this publication to learn more about landscape plants well-suited for your area based on winter hardiness: Gardening in Iowa Zones (PDF).
Size
Mature size of the plant is an important consideration as plants that are too large for their location require regular maintenance like pruning and may interfere with structures, roadways, or utilities. Always note the mature height and width of your plants and be sure to select plants that will not outgrow their area.