The Best Michigan Flower Beds

• Peonies grow well in Michigan. Anna Yu/Photodisc/Getty Images

  Where you live is a large factor when it comes to choosing the flowers to plant in your garden. Michigan is known for its heavy winter snows and short but hot summers, a combination that can be difficult for gardeners. However, people in Michigan can still enjoy colorful flower beds.

Native Flowers

• One of the easiest ways to grow a garden in Michigan without hassle is to choose flowers that are indigenous to the state. Many of these wildflowers can be found growing throughout the state, but they can also be cultivated for use in your garden. One example is the lady's slipper; although it is the state flower of nearby Minnesota, the lady's slipper is also found in Michigan. It is a species of orchid that blooms in early June to mid-July in flowers of red, white, green and pink. The plant grows to 2 feet tall, adding a long, majestic plant to your garden.

Peonies

• Peonies do well in Michigan gardens; in fact, the University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens features a collection of more than 230 species of peony. Known for their alluring fragrance and large flowers, the peony grows best in cool climates. Peonies bloom in the region beginning in mid-May to mid-June, depending on the weather and the cultivar of peony. However, the peak time for color and fragrance is the first half of June, according to the University of Michigan. The best time to plant peony bulbs is on the fall, so they have plenty of time to establish a root system.

Annuals

• One of the perks of growing annuals is you can switch up the colors in your garden each year. Among the annuals that grow best in Michigan, zinnias are a good choice, especially during summer since they prefer to grow in places that get full sunlight. They are also resistant to pests and disease. If you are looking for a flower to add height and a different texture, consider adding cosmos to the garden; these annuals like full sun, too, and take very little care. Cosmos come in a wide variety of colors, from red to yellow to purple.