Welcome to the land of golden plains, big skies, and rich Midwestern roots! Lincoln, Nebraska—aka Star City—is a hidden gem for gardeners. Whether you're creating curb appeal or a backyard oasis, choosing plants that are tough-as-nails yet full of charm is the key to year-round color and resilience.
Sitting squarely in USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6a, Lincoln's growing season is shaped by cold winters, hot summers, and winds that sweep across the prairie. But with a little planning and the right plant pals, you can make your landscape pop from spring to snow season.
Nebraska is a midwestern state, and the sprawling metropolitan Omaha area was once short grass and tall grass prairie. With saline areas near the Eastern Saline Wetlands and a lot of hard-to-shovel clay, there are many challenges to work around. But from the Historic Haymarket District to the Sower, the home to Cornhusker Football, Lincoln has a lot more to offer gardeners in this Nebraska state.
Understanding Lincoln's Growing Conditions
Climate Breakdown:
- USDA Planting Zones: 5b-6a
- Cold Winters: Can dip down to -10°F to -5°F
- Hot Summers: Hot and dry, frequently reaching 90s with low humidity
- Precipitation: Moderate—about 29 inches annually
- Wind: Those Nebraska gusts are no joke—windbreaks are your friends!
Soil Story: Lincoln gardens usually feature clay and loam soils—fertile, yes, but they need some love. Clay soil retains water, which can suffocate roots. Loosen things up with compost, aged manure, and shredded leaves to improve drainage and texture.
Landscape Layout: Expect open, sun-drenched yards with plenty of exposure to wind. Native plants and drought-tolerant picks are ideal for this landscape, especially when grouped together for shelter and shared hydration.
Top 10 Nature Hills Plants For Lincoln's Climate
1. Blue Chinese Wisteria Tree
This tree showcases stunning clusters of bluish-purple flowers. Once settled, it enjoys full sun and occasional watering, showcasing drought tolerance.
2. Eastern Redbud
Known for its striking early pink blossoms, this tree is tailor-made for Lincoln's climate, requiring minimal upkeep to add charm to any garden.
3. BiColor Butterfly Bush
With its vibrant blooms, this shrub invites pollinators and thrives in sunny spots, making it perfect for waterwise landscapes with moderate watering needs.
4. Common Purple Lilac
These fragrant spring blooms flourish in local soil. A little pruning here and there keeps them growing strong, enhancing both privacy and beauty.
5. Whitespire Birch
Admire its signature white bark and foliage. While young, this birch appreciates regular watering, standing up bravely to cold winters as it matures.
6. Juliet Dwarf Cherry
Compact and manageable, this tree offers delightful blossoms and sweet cherries, ideal for smaller gardens with full sun exposure and moderate watering.
7. Mimosa Tree
Boasting fern-like leaves and pretty pink flowers, the hardy mimosa tree thrives with minimal fuss once established, basking in sunny warmth.
8. Autumn Blaze® Maple
Renowned for its spectacular fall colors, this maple adapts to various soils. Regular watering during dry spells helps maintain its lush, vibrant canopy.
9. Arrowwood Viburnum
A resilient shrub admired for its white flowers and bird-attracting berries, it easily weathers Lincoln's climate variations.
10. Vanilla Strawberry™ Hydrangea
This shrub is a seasonal color chameleon. Plant it in well-drained soil and keep it well-watered to see it thrive.
Honorable Mentions
- Perfecta Trifecta Butterfly Bush
- Jane Magnolia
- Inaba Shidare Japanese Maple
- Ginkgo Trees
- Romeo Dwarf Cherry Tree
- Green Giant Arborvitae
Native Plants For Nebraska's Capitol
5 Native Trees of Nebraska for Prairie-Perfect Landscapes
- Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) – Nebraska's state tree! Wide canopy, deeply lobed leaves, and is built to withstand wind and drought.
- Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) – A hardy, wildlife-loving shade tree that handles poor soils and urban stress with ease.
- Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) – Fast-growing and iconic, with shimmering leaves and a towering presence.
- American Plum (Prunus americana) – Small, thicket-forming tree with fragrant white flowers and edible plums.
- Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) – A native stunner with spring flowers and late-summer berries—great for wildlife and hedgerows.
5 Native Shrubs for Lincoln's Landscapes
- Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) – Silvery foliage and purple spiky flowers. A nitrogen-fixing prairie native that thrives in full sun.
- Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) – Glossy leaves, red berries, and a citrusy scent. Great fall color, too!
- Western Sand Cherry (Prunus besseyi) – A hardy shrub with edible black cherries and fragrant blooms.
- New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) – Compact and ideal for pollinators. Tolerates drought and poor soil with a smile.
- Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – Bright red stems in winter, creamy flowers in spring. A four-season favorite.
5 Perennials to Shine in Star City
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Iconic, drought-tolerant, and beloved by pollinators.
- Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) – Graceful native grass with golden seedheads and a sweet scent.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – Bold yellow petals and sturdy stems. Summer through fall color.
- Blue Flax (Linum perenne) – Dainty blue blooms on arching stems. Loves full sun and dry soil.
- Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa) – Lavender flower clusters with minty, fragrant leaves. Pollinators adore it!
5 Fruiting Trees That Love Nebraska's Prairie
- Juliet Dwarf Cherry (Prunus ‘Juliet') – Small size, big flavor. Self-pollinating and sweetly productive.
- Romeo Dwarf Cherry (Prunus ‘Romeo') – The perfect companion to Juliet! Compact and loaded with dark cherries.
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) – White flowers, purple fruit, and fiery fall foliage—hardy and ornamental.
- Apple Trees (Malus spp.) – Go for Prairie-specific cultivars like Haralson or Honeycrisp for cold resilience.
- Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) – Surprisingly hardy here, this “tropical” native offers creamy fruit and large, exotic leaves.
5 Fruiting Bushes & Vines For Sweet Success
- Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) – A native bramble with juicy fruit. Loves full sun and good drainage.
- Gooseberry (Ribes spp.) – Tart and tasty berries, often deer-resistant and cold-hardy.
- Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) – A Pollinator magnet and a medicinal berry-producing bush.
- Grapes (Vitis riparia or V. labrusca) – Concord or Frontenac varieties do well on arbors and fences.
- Currants (Ribes nigrum) – Shade-tolerant and productive. Great for jellies and jams.
Garden Tips & Tricks For Lincoln, Nebraska Gardeners
- Amend That Clay: Add compost or well-rotted manure to loosen compacted clay and boost drainage.
- Mulch Like You Mean It: Retain moisture, moderate temps, and suppress weeds with 3-4 inches of organic mulch.
- Water Wisely: Early morning is best. Soaker hoses save water and prevent fungal issues.
- Plant Smart: Use windbreaks like tall native grasses or shrubs to protect your garden from Nebraska's sweeping breezes. Strategically plant shade trees to reduce cooling costs. Plant drift barriers to block the buildup of winter snow piles.
- Work With the Weather: Plant in spring after the last frost (usually mid-April) or in early fall for best root establishment.
- Reclaim the Past: By restoring native prairie plants that once thrived across the Lincoln landscape—bringing back the wild beauty, biodiversity, and ecological balance of Nebraska's original tallgrass prairie.
Rooted in Resilience: Gardening the Nebraska Way
In Lincoln, gardening is more than a pastime—it's a celebration of prairie heritage, hearty plants, and Midwest magic. Whether you're wild for native trees or dreaming of dwarf cherries, you've got options that thrive in this climate with minimal fuss!
Choose wisely, mulch generously, and let your garden rise up like a field of waving wheat. Nature Hills is here to help you find gardening success anywhere!
Happy Planting!
