Beat the Heat: Low-Maintenance Plants That Thrive in Southern Wisconsin Summers

When Southern Wisconsin heats up, so does the work in your garden—unless you plan smart. At Malterer’s Landscaping & Lawn Care, we believe a vibrant yard shouldn’t require constant watering, pruning, or fuss, especially during the peak of summer. The solution? Choosing low-maintenance plants that thrive in our region’s sun, soil, and seasonal swings.

Here’s a guide to reliable, heat-tolerant favorites that will keep your landscape thriving—without wearing you out.

Coneflowers (Echinacea)

A native prairie staple, coneflowers are drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and come in a variety of colors beyond classic purple. They bloom all summer and even into early fall with minimal maintenance.

Ornamental Grasses

Varieties like switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) offer texture, movement, and structure—even in dry spells. Bonus: they’re deer-resistant and don’t need frequent watering.

Daylilies

These hardy perennials come in endless shades and require very little care once established. Daylilies are ideal for busy homeowners who want beauty without babying their plants.

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

A sun-lover with silvery foliage and lavender-blue blooms, Russian sage can handle heat, humidity, and less-than-perfect soil. It’s a great choice for borders and mass plantings.

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

This Wisconsin native brings bold golden blooms and survives hot, dry conditions with ease. Plus, it naturalizes over time, giving you more bang for your landscaping buck.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers, sedum thrives in dry, sandy soil and stores water in its leaves. Its fleshy texture and late-summer blooms add contrast and resilience.

Why Go Low-Maintenance?

Aside from being easier to care for, low-maintenance plants conserve water, reduce stress on your soil, and stand up better to our region’s increasingly unpredictable weather. It’s a win-win for you and your environment.

Let Us Help You Build a Heat-Ready Landscape

Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating a tired flower bed, Malterer’s Landscaping & Lawn Care in Janesville, WI, can help design and install a beautiful, sustainable summer landscape that thrives in our Southern Wisconsin climate.

Contact us today for a consultation and let’s create a landscape that works as hard as you do—without breaking a sweat.