Michigan Native Flowers for Cutting
Easy-to-Grow Blooms That Support Pollinators and Make Stunning Bouquets
There’s something special about growing flowers that belong right where you are. Native plants aren’t just beautiful… they’re resilient, support local pollinators, and thrive with minimal fuss. And if you love filling your home with fresh-cut flowers (or sharing them with friends and family), you’ll be happy to know that plenty of Michigan natives make excellent additions to a cut flower garden.
The “wildflower” look of bouquets is personally my favorite, and I can’t tell you the number of people who have said the same thing to me as they’re purchases flowers over the past couple of years. Personally, I think that the whimsical, romantic, simple style reminds us to be a bit more wild, a bit more carefree perhaps… almost giving us permission to relax and remember we, too, can dance in the breeze. Native flowers are going to be the most wonderful way to get that wildflower look because… they are true wildflowers.
While bees, butterflies, and other insects will visit a wide variety of flowers, including non-native species like cut flower favorites such as zinnias, celosia, and dahlias, native plants play a crucial role in supporting native wildlife and insect populations. Many native beneficial insects rely specifically on native plants for food and habitat, helping to maintain ecological balance because these native plants and wildlife have evolved together. When you incorporate these plants into your garden, you’re not only growing beautiful flowers but also actively contributing to the health of Michigan’s unique ecosystem.
So, without further ado, here are five of my favorite Michigan native flowers that are perfect for cutting.
1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is one of those flowers that looks effortlessly wild yet somehow elegant in an arrangement. Its flat, clustered white blooms add the perfect airy texture to bouquets. It’s also a flower that, with proper education, can be used in a variety of herbal and medicinal remedies.
Why grow it?
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Long-lasting in a vase (plus, it dries beautifully!)
A favorite of bees and butterflies
Cutting tip: Harvest when the majority of flowers on a stem have opened. Strip the lower leaves before placing in water to extend vase life.
2. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
Purple coneflower is a native garden staple, and for good reason. It’s tough, it’s beautiful, and pollinators love it. It’s one of those flowers that you see scattered around landscapes come summer and while often thought of as more of a wildflower than a cut flower, echinacea’s sturdy stems and striking daisy-like blooms make it a standout focal flower in arrangements. Similar to yarrow, echinacea is a powerful medicinal herb as well that, with proper education, can be used in a variety of healing ways.
Why grow it?
Adds height and structure to bouquets
Continues blooming after cutting
Attracts butterflies and goldfinches (they love the seed heads!)
Cutting tip: Harvest when the petals have fully unfurled but before the center cone becomes too spiky for the best vase life.
Echinacea purpurea is a staple in any Michigan flower garden. ©Arlyn Flower Farm, 2025
3. Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Bright, cheerful, and full of movement, coreopsis (also called tickseed… perhaps not the most ideal name association) brings a lighthearted feel to any bouquet. The daisy-like flowers, most often golden yellow, sway in the breeze and have a delicate, whimsical and wild look when cut.
Why grow it?
Blooms abundantly all season long
Low-maintenance and thrives in poor soil
Provides food for pollinators and beneficial insects
Cutting tip: Snip stems early in the morning when flowers are just opening. The more you cut, the more it blooms!
4. Penstemon (Penstemon digitalis)
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is one of the best-kept secrets of the native plant world. With its tall spikes of tubular flowers (typically white or pale pink), it adds a graceful, vertical element to bouquets.
Why grow it?
Deer-resistant and easy to grow
Attracts hummingbirds and bees
Offers a unique shape in floral arrangements
Cutting tip: Harvest when about half of the flowers on a stem have opened for the longest-lasting blooms.
5. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
No list of native cut flowers would be complete without black-eyed Susan. These golden-yellow flowers with dark centers are a classic choice for both wildflower meadows and backyard gardens as they bring warmth and charm to any arrangement.
Why grow it?
Tough and reliable, even in poor soil
Blooms for months with regular deadheading
Attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects
Cutting tip: Pick when flowers are fully open for the best vase life. Pair with grasses or other wildflowers for a natural, effortless bouquet.
Growing Native Flowers for a Sustainable Cut Flower Garden
One of the best things about growing native flowers is that they don’t need excessive watering, fertilizing, or fussing. They’re adapted to Michigan’s climate and soil, making them a great choice for a low-maintenance, sustainable garden. Plus, by incorporating natives, you’re supporting local pollinators, birds, and biodiversity… all while filling your home with fresh blooms.
So if you’re looking to grow more cut flowers this season, why not start with plants that already belong here? Adding more native flowers to my gardens has been on my agenda the past couple of years, and I’m excited that this year I already have hundreds of seeds started to finally make it a reality. Won’t you join me in the fun?! Your garden (and your bouquets) will thank you.