We often tell you what our favorite plants are, but last summer we decided to ask you, our readers, to tell us about the plants you love to grow and why. I might have predicted a few of the favorites, but the diversity in your responses was broad. Recurring themes were easy-care and colorful blooms on everything from annuals to shrubs. From sun to shade, there’s something for everyone on this list. Thank you to everyone who participated in this survey. Here are 10 of our readers’ favorite plants!
Coneflower
Echinacea spp. and hybrids
Our readers love coneflowers’ attractive flowers, wide range of colors and ability to feed pollinators. Plants don’t require much maintenance, and deadheading is optional, plus the seedheads make a great food source for birds. Julia from zone 6 Ohio says, “I’m a very amateur gardener but I’ve had good luck with them in the tricky, sunny areas of our yard grown alongside other pollinator-friendly plants.” She also describes coneflowers as resilient, and our readers agree.
The native species purple coneflower () is most popular, but don’t be afraid to try new cultivars, such as ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ at right with its mix
