A large field densely covered with blooming yellow wildflowers, likely Black-eyed Susans, stretching toward a house with a raised deck in the background.

Will Wildflowers Go Wild in the Garden?

For a long time, wildflowers have suffered from a bad reputation—seen as weedy, invasive, or simply not as “nice” as their cultivated cousins. They’re often thought of as the plain Jane of the perennial world, or worse, as a problem waiting to happen.

Yet when we see them growing in nature, we’re often stopped in our tracks by their beauty—and amazed by their ability to thrive without assistance. After all, these plants grow in what seem like terrible soils, under harsh exposure, competing for space and nutrients, surviving on nothing but the moisture provided by Mother Nature herself.

So, what happens when we plant them in our protected gardens, with rich soil, generous fertilizer, and regular watering?

Well, some wildflowers will feel right at home—others may hate it and die off—and yes, there are a few that might go wild and try to take over. The key is to choose the right plant for the right place, and use each plant’s strengths to your advantage.

What if, instead of fearing a vigorous grower, you used its boldness to your benefit—under that spruce tree where nothing else seems to thrive?

Taming the Wild: Matching Plants to Places

We all have those problem areas—down by the garbage bin, along the garage wall, or behind the back fence—where only weeds seem to grow. Why not look to nature for a better option and fill those tough spaces with native wildflowers?

Here are a few ideas based on growing conditions:

  • Hot, dry, exposed beds:
    Try Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium montanum), Showy Locoweed (Oxytropis splendens), or Hairy False Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa). These are all extremely drought-tolerant, long-lived perennials with real charm.
  • Sunny, well-drained spaces:
    Go bold with Brown-eyed Susan (Gaillardia aristata), Cut-leaf Anemone (Anemone multifida), or Tufted Fleabane (Erigeron caespitosus).
  • Moist shade:
    Perfect for Native Columbines (Aquilegia brevistyla or A. flavescens), Heart-Leaved Arnica (Arnica cordifolia), and Blue Clematis (Clematis occidentalis).
  • Large acreage or open space:
    Fill it in with Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), Showy Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), or Sticky Geranium (Geranium viscosissimum)—plants with real presence and spreading potential.

Understanding How Plants Spread

If you're concerned about a plant taking over, consider how it spreads:

  • Rhizomes or runners: These are your more aggressive spreaders—great where coverage is needed, but best avoided in tight urban beds.
  • Short rhizomes or root crowns: These will spread slowly and may need dividing over time.
  • By seed: These can usually be controlled by deadheading before seeds mature.
  • Long flowering plants: These often produce flowers and seeds at the same time, which can make deadheading tricky. If the plant is large and produces windborne seeds, it’s best suited to open areas or large spaces where spreading is welcome.

Grow a Little Wild

When selecting plants for your landscape, take the time to match your site conditions—light, moisture, soil—to the needs and size of the plants. Choosing native species that are acclimatized to your local environment helps create an attractive, low-maintenance, sustainable landscape that uses less water, fewer chemicals, and supports the life around it.

Indigenous plants also play a key role in providing habitat and food for local wildlife.

So go ahead—grow a little wild. Your landscape (and your environment) will thank you.

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