Best Plants For Des Moines, IA
A variety of plants are suitable for Des Moines's climate. According to our data, the growing zone for the area is 5b, with average annual lows of -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. Scroll down for a full list of the best plants for Des Moines, IA based on our analysis of the region's climate.
Trees for Des Moines
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
American Elm (Ulmus Americana)
American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
White Ash (Fraxinus americana)
White Birch (Betula papyrifera)
White Oak (Quercus alba)
White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Fruits for Des Moines
Apples
Apricots
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Concord grapes
Currants
Elderberries
Figs
Gooseberries
Hardy kiwi
Honeyberries
Mulberries.
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Quince
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Flowers for Des Moines
Asters
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra Spectabilis)
Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Forsythia
Hardy Geraniums
Hostas
Hydrangeas
Iris
Lilacs (Syringa)
Marigolds (Tagetes)
Peonies (Paeonia)
Petunias
Rhododendrons
Roses (Rosa)
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum)
Sunflowers (Helianthus)
Tulips (Tulipa)
Zinnias
Vegetables for Des Moines
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Onions
Peas
Pumpkins
Radishes
Spinach
Squash
Swiss Chard
Tomatoes
Turnips
Zucchini
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about plants for your area? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about what plants grow best in the Des Moines, IA climate.
Some of the best vegetables for Des Moines, IA include beets, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Other recommended vegetables include Cabbage, Carrots and Cauliflower based on Des Moines's USDA hardiness zone.
Map of IA Hardiness Zones
Choose plants with your zone in mindChoosing plants based on the growing zone for Des Moines ensures that your plants will be able to survive the lowest annual temperatures in your area of Iowa.
Cluck Around Sign
Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Metal Arbor Trellis
Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis
Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Brass Watering Can
Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set
Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.
Best Time to Plant in Des Moines
Check the growing calendar for Des Moines at the Old Farmer's Almanac to see the best planting times for the region.
Need Gardening Gear?
The Plant Guide Online has selected some of our favorite products to help you with your next growing project. From seed starting trays and fertilizers to decor and lifestyle items, we think you'll love what we've selected.
Cluck Around Sign
Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Metal Arbor Trellis
Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
Reusable Grow Bags
Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Metal Seed Storage Box
Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Raised Garden Planter
Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Raised vegetable bed rows in zone 8aDes Moines's Temperature
USDA Growing Zone: 5b
Zip Codes: 50309, 50312, 50314, 50315, 50316, 50317, 50310, 50313, 50319, 50321, 50320, 50311, 50301, 50302, 50303, 50304, 50305, 50306, 50307, 50308, 50318, 50328, 50329, 50330, 50331, 50332, 50335, 50340, 50380, 50381, 50391, 50392, 50393, 50394, 50395, 50396, 50936, 50940, 50947, 50950, 50980, 50981, 50982, 50983
Longitude: -93.6105
Latitude: 41.5725
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -15 to -10
The USDA growing zone is 5b in Des Moines, IA. This is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive, helping to decide what plants would be suitable for the region's climate. According to our records, the average annual extreme minimum temperature in Des Moines is -15 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit. If you would like to learn more, visit our page on the growing zone for Des Moines, IA.
Map of Des Moines
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle
Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Raised Garden Planter
Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Cluck Around Sign
Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Self Watering Plant Pots
Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Worm Composting Kit
Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
All Towns In IA
Ackley Ackworth Adair Adel Afton Agency Ainsworth Akron Albert City Albia Albion Alburnett Alden Alexander Algona Alleman Allerton Allison Alta Alta Vista Alton Altoona Alvord Amana Ames Anamosa Anderson Andover Andrew Anita Ankeny Anthon Aplington Arcadia Archer Aredale Argo Argyle Arion Arispe Arlington Armstrong Arnolds Park Arthur Asbury Ashton Aspinwall Atalissa Athelstan Atkins Atlantic Auburn Audubon Augusta Aurelia Aurora Avoca Ayrshire Badger Bagley Baldwin Balltown Bancroft Bankston Barnes City Barnum Bartlett Bassett Batavia Battle Creek Baxter Bayard Beacon Beaconsfield Beaman Beaver Beaverdale Bedford Belle Plaine Bellevue Belmond Bennett Bentley Benton Berkley Bernard Bertram Bettendorf Bevington Big Rock Birmingham Blairsburg Blairstown Blakesburg Blanchard Blencoe Blockton Bloomfield Blue Grass Bode Bolan Bonaparte Bondurant Boone Bouton Boxholm Boyden Braddyville Bradford Bradgate Brandon Brayton Breda Bridgewater Brighton Bristow Britt Bronson Brooklyn Brunsville Buck Grove Buckeye Buffalo Buffalo Center Burchinal Burlington Burr Oak Burt Bussey Calamus California Junction Callender Calmar Calumet Camanche Cambridge Cantril Carbon Carlisle Carpenter Carroll Carson Carter Lake Cascade Casey Castalia Castana Cedar Falls Cedar Rapids Center Junction Center Point Centerville Central City Centralia Chapin Chariton Charles City Charlotte Charter Oak Chatsworth Chelsea Cherokee Chester Chillicothe Churdan Cincinnati Clare Clarence Clarinda Clarion Clarksville Clayton Clear Lake Clearfield Cleghorn Clemons Clermont Climbing Hill Clinton Clio Clive Clutier Coalville Coburg Coggon Coin Colesburg Colfax College Springs Collins Colo Columbus City Columbus Junction Colwell Conesville Conrad Conroy Conway Coon Rapids Coppock Coralville Corley Corning Correctionville Corwith Corydon Cotter Coulter Council Bluffs Craig Crawfordsville Crescent Cresco Creston Cromwell Crystal Lake Cumberland Cumming Curlew Cushing Cylinder Dakota City Dallas Center Dana Danbury Danville Davenport Davis City Dawson Dayton De Soto Decatur City Decorah Dedham Deep River Defiance Delaware Delhi Delmar Deloit Delphos Delta Denison Denmark Denver Derby Des Moines DeWitt Dexter Diagonal Diamondhead Lake Dickens Dike Dixon Dolliver Donahue Donnellson Doon Douds Dougherty Dow City Downey Dows Drakesville Dubuque Dumont Duncan Duncombe Dundee Dunkerton Dunlap Durango Durant Dyersville Dysart Eagle Grove Earlham Earling Earlville Early East Amana East Peru Eddyville Edgewood Elberon Eldon Eldora Eldridge Elgin Elk Horn Elk Run Heights Elkader Elkhart Elkport Elliott Ellston Ellsworth Elma Ely Emerson Emmetsburg Epworth Essex Estherville Evansdale Everly Exira Exline Fairbank Fairfax Fairfield Fairport Farley Farmersburg Farmington Farnhamville Farragut Fayette Fenton Ferguson Fertile Floris Floyd Fonda Fontanelle Forest City Fort Atkinson Fort Dodge Fort Madison Fostoria Franklin Fraser Fredericksburg Frederika Fredonia Fremont Fruitland Frytown Galt Galva Garber Garden City Garden Grove Garnavillo Garner Garrison Garwin Geneva George Gibson Gilbert Gilbertville Gillett Grove Gilman Gilmore City Gladbrook Glenwood Glidden Goldfield Goodell Goose Lake Gowrie Graettinger Graf Grafton Grand Junction Grand Mound Grand River Grandview Granger Grant Granville Gravity Gray Greeley Green Mountain Greene Greenfield Greenville Grimes Grinnell Griswold Grundy Center Gruver Guernsey Guthrie Center Guttenberg Halbur Hamburg Hamilton Hampton Hancock Hanlontown Hansell Harcourt Hardy Harlan Harper Harpers Ferry Harris Hartford Hartley Hartwick Harvey Hastings Havelock Haverhill Hawarden Hawkeye Hayesville Hayfield Hazleton Hedrick Henderson Hepburn Hiawatha High Amana Hills Hillsboro Hinton Holiday Lake Holland Holstein Holy Cross Homestead Hopkinton Hornick Hospers Houghton Hubbard Hudson Hull Humboldt Humeston Hutchins Huxley Ida Grove Imogene Independence Indianola Inwood Ionia Iowa City Iowa Falls Ireton Irvington Irwin Jackson Junction Jacksonville Jamaica Janesville Jefferson Jesup Johnston Joice Jolley Kalona Kamrar Kanawha Kellerton Kelley Kellogg Kensett Kent Kent Estates Keokuk Keomah Village Keosauqua Keota Keswick Keystone Kimballton Kingsley Kingston Kinross Kirkman Kirkville Kiron Klemme Knierim Knoxville La Motte La Porte City Lacona Ladora Lake City Lake Mills Lake Panorama Lake Park Lake View Lakeside Lakota Lambs Grove Lamoni Lamont Lanesboro Lansing Larchwood Larrabee Latimer Laurel Laurens Lawler Lawton Le Claire Le Grand Le Mars Le Roy Leando Ledyard Lehigh Leighton Leland Lenox Leon Lester Letts Lewis Libertyville Lidderdale Lime Springs Lincoln Linden Lineville Linn Grove Lisbon Liscomb Little Cedar Little Rock Little Sioux Livermore Lockridge Logan Lohrville Lone Rock Lone Tree Long Grove Lorimor Lost Nation Loveland Lovilia Low Moor Lowden Lowell Lu Verne Luana Lucas Luther Luxemburg Luzerne Lynnville Lytton Macedonia Macksburg Madrid Magnolia Maharishi Vedic City Malcom Mallard Maloy Malvern Manchester Manilla Manly Manning Manson Mapleton Maquoketa Marathon Marble Rock Marcus Marengo Marion Marne Marquette Marshalltown Martelle Martensdale Martinsburg Marysville Mason City Masonville Massena Matlock Maurice Maxwell Maynard Maysville McCallsburg McCausland McClelland McGregor McIntire Mechanicsville Mediapolis Melbourne Melcher-Dallas Melrose Melvin Menlo Meriden Merrill Meservey Meyer Middle Amana Middletown Miles Milford Miller Millersburg Millerton Milo Milton Minburn Minden Mineola Mingo Missouri Valley Mitchell Mitchellville Modale Mona Mondamin Monmouth Monona Monroe Montezuma Monticello Montour Montpelier Montrose Mooar Moorhead Moorland Moravia Morley Morning Sun Morrison Moscow Moulton Mount Auburn Mount Ayr Mount Pleasant Mount Sterling Mount Union Mount Vernon Moville Murray Muscatine Mystic Nashua Nemaha Neola Nevada New Albin New Hampton New Hartford New Haven New Liberty New London New Market New Providence New Sharon New Vienna New Virginia Newell Newhall Newton Nichols Nodaway Nora Springs North Buena Vista North English North Liberty North Washington Northboro Northwood Norwalk Norway Numa Oak Hills Oakland Oakland Acres Oakville Ocheyedan Odebolt Oelwein Ogden Okoboji Olds Olin Ollie Onawa Onslow Orange City Orchard Orient Orleans Osage Osceola Oskaloosa Ossian Osterdock Otho Oto Otranto Ottosen Ottumwa Owasa Oxford Oxford Junction Oyens Pacific Junction Packwood Palmer Palo Panama Panora Panorama Park Park View Parkersburg Parnell Paton Patterson Paullina Pella Peosta Percival Perry Persia Peterson Pierson Pilot Mound Pisgah Plainfield Plainview Plano Pleasant Hill Pleasant Plain Pleasanton Pleasantville Plover Plymouth Pocahontas Polk City Pomeroy Popejoy Portland Portsmouth Postville Prairie City Prairieburg Prescott Preston Primghar Princeton Promise City Protivin Pulaski Quasqueton Quimby Radcliffe Rake Ralston Randalia Randall Randolph Rathbun Raymond Readlyn Reasnor Red Oak Redding Redfield Reinbeck Rembrandt Remsen Renwick Rhodes Riceville Richland Rickardsville Ricketts Ridgeway Rinard Ringsted Rippey River Sioux Riverdale Riverside Riverton Robins Rochester Rock Falls Rock Rapids Rock Valley Rockford Rockwell Rockwell City Rodman Rodney Roland Rolfe Rome Rose Hill Roseville Rossie Rowan Rowley Royal Rudd Runnells Russell Ruthven Rutland Ryan Sabula Sac City Sageville Salem Salix Sanborn Sandusky Sandyville Saylorville Scarville Schaller Schleswig Scranton Searsboro Sergeant Bluff Sexton Seymour Shambaugh Shannon City Sharpsburg Sheffield Shelby Sheldahl Sheldon Shell Rock Shellsburg Shenandoah Sherrill Shueyville Sibley Sidney Sigourney Silver City Sioux Center Sioux City Sioux Rapids Slater Sloan Smithland Soldier Solon Somers South Amana South English Spencer Sperry Spillville Spirit Lake Spragueville Spring Hill Springbrook Springville St. Ansgar St. Anthony St. Benedict St. Charles St. Donatus St. Joseph St. Lucas St. Marys St. Olaf St. Paul Stacyville Stanhope Stanley Stanton Stanwood State Center Steamboat Rock Stockport Stockton Stone City Storm Lake Story City Stout Stratford Strawberry Point Struble Stuart Sully Sumner Sun Valley Lake Superior Sutherland Swaledale Swan Swea City Swedesburg Swisher Tabor Tama Templeton Tennant Terril Thayer Thompson Thor Thornburg Thornton Thurman Tiffin Tingley Tipton Titonka Toeterville Toledo Toronto Traer Trenton Treynor Tripoli Truesdale Truro Turin Twin Lakes Udell Underwood Union Unionville University Heights University Park Urbana Urbandale Ute Vail Valeria Van Horne Van Meter Van Wert Varina Ventura Victor Villisca Vincent Vining Vinton Volga Wadena Wahpeton Walcott Walford Walker Wall Lake Wallingford Walnut Wapello Washburn Washington Washta Waterloo Waterville Watkins Waucoma Waukee Waukon Waverly Wayland Webb Webster Webster City Weldon Wellman Wellsburg Welton Wesley West Amana West Bend West Branch West Burlington West Chester West Des Moines West Liberty West Okoboji West Point West Union Westfield Westgate Weston Westphalia Westside Westwood Wever What Cheer Wheatland Whiting Whittemore Whitten Willey Williams Williamsburg Williamson Wilton Windsor Heights Winfield Winterset Winthrop Wiota Woden Woodbine Woodburn Woodward Woolstock Worthington Wyoming Yale Yarmouth Yetter Yorktown Zearing Zwingle
Tools You'll Love
The Plant Guide Online has selected some of our favorite products to help you with your next growing project. From seed starting trays and fertilizers to decor and lifestyle items, we think you'll love what we've selected.
Seed Starting Trays
Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Self Watering Plant Pots
Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit
Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Worm Composting Kit
Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Metal Arbor Trellis
Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
Plants For Other States
Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.
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Shiitake Mushroom Kit
Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign
Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Deluxe Plastic Watering Can
High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket
Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.
Metal Arbor Trellis
Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
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