Plant the wrong species in Wisconsin and you'll be replacing it next May. Here are the proven performers we keep coming back to for Wausau-area yards.
Perennials that survive winter
Hostas, daylilies, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, sedum, and Karl Foerster grass. All hardy through Marathon County winters with zero babysitting.
Shrubs that look good year-round
Dwarf burning bush, hydrangea (especially Limelight and Annabelle), and boxwood do well around Wausau. Add some red twig dogwood for winter color.
Trees worth planting
Sugar maple, white oak, river birch, and serviceberry. Avoid silver maples and willows near foundations — their roots cause problems fast.
Skip these
Most magnolias, Japanese maples in exposed sites, and anything tagged zone 5 unless you're in a very protected microclimate.
Want a planting plan?
We design and install garden beds across Wausau, Weston, Rothschild, Schofield, and Rib Mountain. Get a free quote and we'll match plants to your soil, sun, and style.