Indianapolis natives are no strangers to wild spring weather. While we begrudgingly withstand winter weather one day and near summer-like temperatures the next, not all plants thrive in Indianapolis’ early spring conditions. If you’re eager to get your front yard landscaping started, you must be mindful of the plants you select.
As you design your front yard landscaping plan for 2019, make note of which plants are more tolerant to colder temperatures and which aren’t so you plant them at the right time for them to thrive.
Front Yard Landscaping: Plant First
Cool season annuals, as well as tender perennials, do well against Indianapolis’ spring temperatures. As trees and shrubs are not full of foliage, these flowers receive adequate sunlight even in early spring to liven up your front yard landscaping:
- Violas, primroses, and pansies are able to be planted in very early spring but must be hardened off to survive colder temperatures.
- Wallflower, a perennial that should be treated more as an annual, as it is unlikely to live through the winter weather in Indianapolis.
- Stocks, also called gillyflowers, are easily grown from seeds started indoors in late winter.
- Snapdragons, a familiar flower that is often considered a summer flower but does just fine in spring.
- Ranunculus, offering ball-shaped flowers, do well in early spring at temperatures above 50 degrees.
- Senetti are sensitive to freezing weather but are easily planted once temperatures warm up.
- Oriental poppy seed should be planted in early spring, producing a late spring to early summer bloom.
- Bleeding hearts should be planted in light shade, producing early blooms that die back once the Indiana weather becomes too warm.
- Fringed bleeding heart, a native shade plant that flowers from April to September.
Front Yard Landscaping: Save for Later
Warm season annuals do well when planted later in the spring once frost threats are over. Trees and shrubs can be planted later in spring before higher temperatures hit – though it’s best to do so in the fall.
- Butterfly weed, which should be planted in late spring and requires full sunlight.
- Snapdragons, again do just fine in spring.
- Fall flowering bulbs such as dahlias, may be planted in late spring.
- Geraniums, a popular bedding flower throughout Indianapolis.
- Impatiens, a bedding flower commonly used in shady spots of front yard landscaping.
Knowing when to plant flowers, trees, and shrubs in the spring makes front yard landscaping successful. Planting too early or too late often spells disaster for these species, especially those sensitive to the unpredictable spring frosts that hit the Indianapolis area.
Before you start purchasing plants, decide what you want to use and look up the recommended planting range, Zone 6a or 5b, depending on where you are located throughout the Central Indiana region.
Conclusion: Hittle Landscaping Knows the Indianapolis Climate
If you need assistance planning front yard landscaping this season, turn to Hittle Landscaping for help. Our experienced team shares what to plant first and performs the planting for you! Contact us today to explore our landscaping services.
Scott DeNardin is the President of Hittle Landscaping in Westfield, Indiana, where he leads the company in providing top-tier commercial landscaping services. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Scott and his team are dedicated to delivering customized landscaping solutions that meet the specific needs of their clients, ensuring that every project reflects the company’s commitment to excellence and sustainable practices.
