Fruit Trees & Plants for Michigan’s Climate
Hardiness Zones: 4-6
Michigan gardeners face a unique set of growing conditions — including cold winters, late spring frosts, and a shorter growing season — so choosing the right fruit trees and plants makes all the difference. The varieties on this page are well-suited for Hardiness Zones 4–6, offering reliable cold hardiness, strong disease resistance, and dependable performance year after year.
From apples and cherries to berries, nut trees, and landscape options, these plants have been selected to thrive in Michigan’s climate and support successful home orchards and gardens.
Top Fruit Trees for Michigan Gardens
Cold-hardy fruit trees suited for Michigan’s winter temperatures and shorter growing season.
Why Michigan Gardeners Trust Stark Bro’s
Cold-Hardy, Michigan-Tested Varieties
We highlight fruit trees and plants that reliably withstand Michigan winters, late frosts, and shorter growing seasons.
Disease Resistance Matters
Many of our recommended varieties offer natural resistance to apple scab, fire blight, cherry leaf spot, and other common Michigan issues.
Generations of Growing Expertise
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has specialized in fruit trees and edible plants — pairing horticultural experience with modern research to help Michigan gardeners succeed.
1-Year Survival Guarantee
Cold winters can be tough on young trees, which is why every plant on this page is backed by our 1-year Survival Guarantee.
What Grows Best in Michigan?
Michigan’s climate supports a wide range of fruit trees and plants — especially those with strong cold hardiness and reliable disease resistance. Gardeners in Zones 4–6 tend to see the best success with:
✔ Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees
Apples, pears, cherries, and plums that can withstand winter freezes and bounce back from late spring frosts.
✔ Disease-Resistant Varieties
Choosing fruit trees bred for resistance to apple scab, fire blight, cherry leaf spot, and other common Michigan diseases helps ensure consistent harvests.
✔ Short-Season & Early Ripening Plants
Michigan’s shorter growing window makes early- and mid-season fruiting varieties excellent choices.
✔ Hardy Berry Plants
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and currants perform extremely well throughout the state and thrive in its naturally acidic soils.
Best Berry Plants for Michigan Gardens
Blueberries and other hardy berries thrive in Michigan’s naturally acidic soil.
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
Out of Stock
This variety is compatible with your location
Premier Nut Trees for Michigan
Cold-tolerant nut trees with proven reliability in Zones 4–6.
Essential Landscape Trees for Michigan
Michigan-friendly ornamentals that handle cold winters and add four-season interest.
Must-Have Garden Plants for Michigan
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
Out of Stock
This variety is compatible with your location
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
On Sale
This variety is compatible with your location
Choosing the Right Plants for Michigan
In Michigan, a rich variety of plants and fruits awaits your green thumb! When choosing fruit trees, berry plants, garden plants, nut trees, and landscaping trees for Michigan, understanding your local environment is key. Considerations such as soil type, water availability, sun exposure, and the state's notable temperature variations are crucial in making the right selection. By aligning your choices with Michigan's specific conditions, you can cultivate a garden that not only thrives but also provides beauty, nourishment, and lasting enjoyment.
Michigan gardeners have a unique advantage, given the state's diverse climate zones. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the interior highlands, selecting plants adapted to your local Michigan conditions is essential for gardening success. Stark Bro's offers a carefully curated selection of plants ideal for Michigan's varied landscapes, ensuring your gardening efforts yield rewarding results.
Michigan's USDA hardiness ranges from zones 4-6, depending on where you live. Our website features a Hardiness Finder Tool to narrow your search for your specific area using your zip code. Look for the checkmark for the plants compatible with your area.
To round out your order, shop for accessories, fertilizers, and tools needed to care for your plants. Gardeners in Michigan may be particularly interested in our Tree Accessories which include tree stakes and irrigation solutions to help your plants thrive.
What fruit trees grow best in Michigan?
Cold-hardy apples, pears, cherries, and plums perform reliably in Zones 4–6.
Can fruit trees survive Michigan winters?
Yes — varieties selected for cold hardiness can thrive even after harsh winters and late frosts.
Why is disease resistance important in Michigan?
Michigan’s humidity makes conditions ideal for apple scab, fire blight, cherry leaf spot, and fungal issues — resistant varieties reduce maintenance.
What berries grow well in Michigan?
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and currants thrive throughout the state.
Grow Your Knowledge
For further advice on adding fruit and nut trees to your home garden and how to care for them, refer to one of our many helpful articles.
The Stark Difference
Whether you're looking to grow more of your own food, beautify your landscape, or find unique plants that are suitable for your area, we have got you covered!
You can expect top-quality plants, hand-selected by our expert growers. All our plants and growing supplies are carefully packaged and shipped directly to your door.
Survival Guaranteed!
Feel confident planting with the included step-by-step instructions and 1-year Survival Guarantee!
Read more about our warranty policy.