If you’re eager to add color and beauty to your Oklahoma garden, you’ll want to consider planting some of the best flowers for the state’s unique climate. The good news: There are numerous options available, from hardy perennials to eye-catching annuals that thrive in the Sooner State’s conditions. These selections are well-suited to Oklahoma’s weather patterns and will not only provide you with a lovely floral display but also attract beneficial pollinators to your outdoor space.
Black-Eyed Susan
Dark-Eyed Susans are a common garden flower that bloom in the middle of summer to early fall. Although it can take some shadow, full light is ideal for it to grow. This perennial can be grown in a variety of climates because it is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Once grown, it needs little irrigation and is fairly hardy, drawing pollinators like butterflies and bees yet withstanding rabbits and deer.
Indian Blanket
The Indian Blanket, or Gaillardia, has a long flowering season that usually lasts from late spring to October. It is quite drought-tolerant and grows best in full sun. Once established, it needs very little watering. This perennial is typically found in zones 3 to 10 of hardiness. Indian Blanket is a great plant for pollinator-friendly landscapes since it draws bees and butterflies. It’s a great plant for beginners because it requires very little care.
Eastern Red Columbine
The Eastern Red Columbine usually blooms for several weeks in late spring. This perennial needs full to partial sunlight to grow properly, and it does best in well-draining soil. Reputably adaptive, it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. It is a great option for gardeners looking for plants that are visually appealing but not too demanding because it requires very little upkeep once established, only needing occasional watering. It also brings vitality to your landscape by drawing pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Coreopsis
The perennial coreopsis plant is well-known for its prolonged bloom period, which usually lasts from early summer to fall. Once established, it needs regular watering but grows well in full sunlight and can withstand some drought. Its low maintenance requirements are appreciated by gardeners, since it only needs to be deadheaded to encourage additional blooming. Furthermore, Coreopsis attracts bees and butterflies to the garden, increasing its ecological importance as a pollinator magnet.
Pink Muhly Grass
Hardiness zones 6–9 are ideal for the perennial pink muhly grass, which is endemic to North America. It can handle a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, but it likes well-drained soils. For best growth, this grass prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate watering; once established, it can withstand droughts somewhat. Little maintenance is required; mainly, pruning should be done sometimes in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa, also known as butterfly weed, usually flowers from early summer to early fall, providing a long show. This perennial plant likes well-drained soils and grows best in direct sunlight. It is particularly prized for attracting pollinators, such as butterflies and bees. Once established, it also requires very little care, which makes it a great option for gardeners who wish to encourage local animals with little maintenance.
Blanket Flower
The Gaillardia, or Blanket Flower, blooms from early summer to fall and offers a long-lasting, uniform color. It needs six hours or more of direct sunlight per day to flourish. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but prefers well-drained soil because to its drought tolerance. It is a useful addition to any garden ecosystem because pollinators like bees and butterflies are drawn to its vibrant blossoms.
Daylilies
Perennial daylilies need full sun to grow well and produce their greatest bloom. They are available in an array of hues, such as yellow, orange, red, and purple. These plants do well in soil that drains well and require only modest irrigation. Daylilies are well-known for their hardiness, low maintenance requirements, and ability to adapt to many hardiness zones.
Salvia
Salvia blooms from late spring to early fall and is noted for its wide range of hues, which include blue, purple, red, and white. These perennials require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and they do best in full sun. Once established, they can withstand droughts and prefer well-drained soil. Salvia is a great addition to a garden that aims to promote local wildlife because it is also known to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Yarrow
Yarrow is hardy in zones 3 through 9, and it usually flowers from early summer to early fall. Once established, these perennial plants can thrive in well-drained soil with little watering and like full sun. They are known to draw pollinators like bees and butterflies and are available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. Yarrow requires little upkeep; in order to encourage continuous flowering, deadheading is frequently all that is needed.