Native plants bring more wildlife and natural beauty while requiring less maintenance. Find out how to add them to your garden.
Native plants are like the cool, chill neighbor next door. They’re easygoing, low-maintenance, and effortlessly fit the local scene. On the other hand, exotic flowers are the high-drama divas of the plant world. Sure, they’re stunning, but they demand your constant attention, a bit like living in a never-ending soap opera. Oh, you forgot to water me? :dies in plant:
Natives, with their laid-back charm, don’t require you to be on your toes all the time. You can plant them and then pretty much forget about them (but in a good way) and still have a beautiful, vibrant garden.
What are native plants?
Native plants are locals of the plant world. They’ve been growing in a particular area for centuries, way before we started bringing in all those exotic, foreign plants. These plants are perfectly adapted to the local climate, soil, and even the neighborhood critters.
Think of them as plants that thrived in your area long before gardening became a trend. They fit in seamlessly without any need for special treatments or fuss.
In short, native plants are nature’s perfect match for your local garden conditions.
Native vs. nativar – what’s the difference?
Here’s where it gets interesting. We already know that native plants are the old-timers that have been around your local area for ages. But what in the world is a “nativar”?
Nativars are cultivated varieties (cultivars) of native plants – basically, native plants that humans have tweaked to bring out certain traits. Think brighter flowers, different leaf shapes, or even a more compact size. It’s like taking the original native plant and giving it a bit of a makeover to suit our gardening desires. It’s like the remix of your favorite classic songs.
The big question is, does this makeover change how they fit into the local ecosystem? Sometimes, yes. While nativars can add a bit of glamour to your garden, they might not provide the same ecological benefits as natives, like supporting local wildlife.
So, native or nativar? It’s like choosing between a classic, time-tested recipe or a new, trendy version. Both have their place in the garden, but it’s good to know the difference.
Advantages of going native
Natives are a smart pick because they are:
- Low maintenance: Native plants are like that friend who’s easy to hang out with – they don’t ask for much. They’re already used to the local climate, soil, and water conditions, so they require less watering, fewer fertilizers, and minimal pampering.
- Eco-friendly: Natives are like a party for local wildlife – bees, butterflies, and birds. They offer the right kind of nectar, seeds, and shelter. Plus, they’re great at preventing soil erosion and maintaining natural biodiversity.
- Disease resistant: Natives are tough cookies. They’ve adapted to resist local pests and diseases over time, so you won’t have to worry about them.
- Seasonal interest: Native plants change with the seasons, giving you year-round blooms, berries, and foliage.
- Water conservation: Natives are accustomed to local rainfall patterns and typically need less watering than those thirsty exotics. Lower watering requirements are especially suitable if you’re in an area with water restrictions or just want to reduce your water bill.
- Support the local ecosystem: By going native, you’re creating a mini sanctuary for the creatures and plants that belong to your region.
How to add natives to your garden?
Adding native plants to your garden is relatively easy if you follow these steps:
- Know your zone: Determining your USDA hardiness zone is essential. The zone system divides the country into regions based on their minimum winter temperatures. You can easily find your zone by entering your zip code on the USDA website or consulting local gardening resources. Select plants well-adapted to your local climate.
- Do your research: Visit local botanical gardens, connect with gardening clubs, or explore online databases dedicated to natives. Gauge the sunlight, soil, and water requirements of native plants suitable for your area
- Start small: If you’re new to native plant gardening, begin with a small area or a few containers. You will learn and adjust as you go, reducing the risk of overwhelming both yourself and your garden.
- Mix it up: Include a mix of plants – flowering species, shrubs, grasses, and trees – to create a balanced ecosystem. Variety supports local wildlife and creates a more resilient garden.
- Consider wildlife: Select plants that provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for local birds, insects, and other wildlife. For example, birds and small mammals eat American beautyberry, and its thick foliage gives shelter and nesting opportunities.
- Plant properly: Pay attention to the spacing and placement of your plants. Respect their growth habits and preferences for sun or shade to ensure healthy growth and development.
- Opt for organic practices: Embrace organic gardening methods. Native plants thrive in local soil and conditions without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Add some compost now and then, and watch them flourish.
Important note: Remember that native plants may take time to establish and prosper. They need to acclimate to their new environment and may not show significant growth in the first season.
Top 10 native plants you can grow
1. Purple coneflower
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/purple-coneflower-flower-plant-8096813/
- Latin name: Echinacea purpurea
- Common names: Eastern purple coneflower, hedgehog coneflower, or echinacea
- Growing conditions: This perennial loves full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil conditions.
- Grown plant size: About 2 to 5 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in width
- Hardiness zone: 3 – 8
- Bloom time: Mid-summer to early fall
- Flower characteristics: The flowers have vivid purple petals surrounding a spiky, orange-brown central cone.
- Potential pests and diseases: Generally resilient, but watch out for aphids and powdery mildew. Good air circulation around the plant can help prevent these issues.
Purple Coneflower is known for its striking, daisy-like flowers that add color to the summer garden. Its large, purple-pink blooms with distinctive, raised central cones attract butterflies and bees, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator garden. Echinacea is also known for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in herbal remedies.
This plant is valued for its ease of care, as it is drought-tolerant and generally resistant to pests and diseases. It’s ideal for adding height and color to perennial borders, native plant gardens, or wildflower meadows.
2. Butterfly weed
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/hawk-weed-orange-red-wild-flower-800914/
- Latin name: Asclepias tuberosa
- Common names: Orange milkweed, Canada root, chieger flower, Indian paintbrush
- Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; drought-tolerant once established
- Grown plant size: About 1 to 2 feet tall and wide.
- Hardiness zone: 3 – 9
- Bloom time: Blooms in the summer, usually from June to August.
- Flower characteristics: Vibrant orange to yellow flowers clustered at the top of the stems
- Potential pests and diseases: Generally resistant, though occasionally susceptible to aphids
Butterfly Weed has bright orange to yellow flowers that are a nectar source for various pollinators, especially butterflies (hence name). The presence of monarch butterfly larvae on the plant signifies a healthy ecosystem and helps preserve this important species.
This plant is well-suited for dry, sunny areas. Its tolerance to drought and capability to grow in poor soils make it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
3. Black-eyed Susan
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/rudbeckia-black-eyed-susan-flower-3576379/
- Latin name: Rudbeckia Hirta
- Common names: Brown-eyed Susan, Brown Betty, gloriosa daisy, golden Jerusalem
- Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Grown plant size: 2 to 3 feet tall and about 1 to 2 feet wide.
- Hardiness zone: 3 – 7
- Bloom time: June to September
- Flower characteristics: Bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown central cone.
- Potential pests and diseases: Generally low maintenance but susceptible to powdery mildew and some fungal diseases in humid conditions.
Black-eyed Susan has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with distinctive dark brown centers. These blooms add a burst of color from early summer until fall. It’s an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, meadows, borders and as a cut flower for arrangements.
This plant is adaptable and easy to care for; it can thrive in various conditions and soil types. While generally robust, keep an eye out for leaf spots and mildew to maintain its health and appearance.
4. Cardinal flower
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/cardinal-flower-flower-beautiful-86592/
- Latin name: Lobelia cardinalis
- Common names: Lobelia, Red Bay, Slinkweed
- Growing conditions: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade to full sun. It’s particularly well-suited for wetter areas of the garden.
- Grown plant size: 2 to 4 feet tall and about 1 to 2 feet wide.
- Hardiness zone: 3 – 9
- Bloom time: July to September
- Flower characteristics: Striking, bright red flowers tubular in shape
- Potential pests and diseases: While generally robust, it can occasionally suffer from rust or fungal infections in overly damp conditions.
The Cardinal Flower is known for its vibrant red flowers, a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators. The late blooming period adds color to the garden when many other flowers have finished blooming.
This plant is ideal for wetter garden areas, such as along ponds or streams or in rain gardens. Its preference for moist conditions and partial shade makes it a unique addition to woodland gardens or shaded borders. While the Cardinal Flower is relatively low-maintenance, ensure adequate moisture and protection from slugs and snails to help it thrive.
5. Red Columbine
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/sitka-columbine-wildflower-forest-800928/
- Latin name: Aquilegia Canadensis
- Common names: Wild Columbine, Alaly, Canadian Columbine, Cluckies
- Growing conditions: Likes partial to full sun and well-drained soil. It’s pretty adaptable and can handle a bit of shade, too.
- Grown plant size: 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide.
- Hardiness zone: 3 – 8
- Bloom time: April to May
- Flower characteristics: Delicate red and yellow flowers that hang like little bells
- Potential pests and diseases: Generally low-maintenance, but keep an eye out for leaf miners.
Red Columbine is a charming plant with distinct bell-shaped flowers that add a splash of red and yellow to your garden in the spring. This plant is especially great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
It’s easy to grow and loves a sunny spot, but it can also handle a bit of shade. Plus, it’s pretty laid-back regarding care, making it an excellent choice for new and experienced gardeners.
6. American beautyberry
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/american-beautyberries-purple-berries-7477688/
- Latin name: Callicarpa americana
- Common names: French mulberry, purple beautyberry, sourbush, and bunchberry
- Growing conditions: Likes both partial shade and full sun and well-drained soil. It’s adaptable to various conditions, including dry or moist soil.
- Grown plant size: 3 to 6 feet in height and spreads to about 4 to 8 feet.
- Hardiness zone: 6 – 10
- Bloom time: Flowers in late spring to early summer; berries appear in late summer to fall.
- Flower characteristics: Produces clusters of purple berries that encircle the stems.
- Potential pests and diseases: Generally low-maintenance but can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases or pests like the beautyberry leaf beetle.
The American Beautyberry is a stunning shrub known for its vivid purple berries in late summer and fall. It’s an excellent choice for attracting wildlife, as the berries are a favorite among birds.
This shrub is beautiful but also adaptable and low-maintenance, thus suitable for various garden settings and skill levels. Its ability to grow in both sun and partial shade and its tolerance for different soil types make it excellent for any garden.
7. Little bluestem
- Latin name: Schizachyrium scoparium
- Common names: Beard grass, Bunch grass, Creeping bluestem
- Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerates drought and poor soils and can adapt to various conditions.
- Grown plant size: 2 to 4 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet.
- Hardiness zone: 3 – 9
- Bloom time: Flowers in late summer to fall.
- Flower characteristics: Blue-green foliage, which turns to a striking reddish-bronze in the fall. Fluffy, silver-white seed heads appear in late summer.
- Potential pests and diseases: Generally low-maintenance and resistant to pests and diseases.
Little Bluestem is a native prairie grass. Its blue-green foliage transitions to fluffy, silver-white seed heads in late summer and vibrant reddish-bronze in the fall.
It is an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings, meadows, or as an accent in a garden border. This grass is adaptable to various conditions, including poor soils and drought. Its low maintenance requirements and resilience make it great for gardening beginners.
8. Blue False Indigo
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/blue-false-indigo-flowers-plant-5565740/
- Latin name: Baptisia australis
- Common names: Blue Wild Indigo
- Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established and does well in poor soils.
- Grown plant size: 3 to 4 feet in height and width
- Hardiness zone: 3 – 9
- Bloom time: Late spring to early summer.
- Flower characteristics: Produces spikes of deep blue to violet flowers resembling those of pea plants.
- Potential pests and diseases: Generally very hardy and resistant to pests and diseases. Occasionally, root rot can occur in overly wet soils.
Blue False Indigo is a robust and attractive perennial known for its striking blue flowers and easy-going nature. It adds a pop of color to your garden in late spring and early summer.
This plant is particularly valued for its low maintenance needs and common pests and diseases resistence. Additionally, its ability to thrive in poor soils and drought makes it an excellent choice for a range of garden environments.
9. Swamp milkweed
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/swamp-milkweed-blue-winged-mud-dauber-2043932/
- Latin name: Asclepias incarnata
- Common names: Rose Milkweed, Red Milkweed
- Growing conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun. It’s tolerant of wet conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens or wetland areas.
- Grown plant size: 3 to 5 feet in height with a spread of about 2 to 3 feet.
- Hardiness zone: 3 – 9
- Bloom time: Mid to late summer.
- Flower characteristics: Produces clusters of small, fragrant, pink to mauve flowers, sometimes light pink or nearly white.
- Potential pests and diseases: Prone to aphids and milkweed bugs. Also, watch for rust and fungal diseases in very wet conditions.
Swamp Milkweed is a beautifully flowering perennial well-suited to wetter garden areas. It stands out in mid to late summer with its clusters of pink to mauve flowers, attractive to monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
While it is prone to some pests like aphids and milkweed bugs, it supports wildlife and native species. Its ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it suitable for rain gardens or areas near water.
10. Beebalms
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/beebalm-flower-blossom-bloom-5717315/
- Latin name: Monarda spp.
- Common names: Bergamot, Oswego Tea
- Growing conditions: Tolerates both sun and partial shade; thrives in well-drained soil. Thrives in moist conditions but can tolerate drought once established.
- Grown plant size: 2 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.
- Hardiness zone: 4 – 9
- Bloom time: Mid to late summer.
- Flower characteristics: Produces vibrant, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, or white, often with a distinctive, fuzzy appearance.
- Potential pests and diseases: Can be susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in crowded conditions or humid climates. Also, watch for rust and leaf spots.
Beebalms have vibrant, uniquely shaped flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They also add a delightful scent to the garden.
These perennials are ideal for creating a lively and colorful garden, especially when they bloom in mid to late summer. While they are generally hardy and adaptable to different conditions, give them enough space for air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Do natives have some downsides?
Natives can spread quickly and take over space from other plants. In a garden, they don’t have the natural limits they would have in the wild, like certain pests or competing plants. Some grasses and groundcovers can be hard to control once they grow.
Also, while it’s great to attract wildlife, it can sometimes cause problems:
- If deer or rabbits like your plants, they might eat these and your other garden plants too.
- Some plants are good at bringing in helpful bugs, but they might also attract aphids or beetles, which could harm other plants in your garden.
- Attracting birds and bees is usually good, but it can mean dealing with bird droppings or bee stings, especially where people often hang out.
These issues don’t mean native plants are bad – they have many benefits. But it’s good to think about possible challenges when planning your garden. Just pick plants that are right for your area and be mindful of how they affect the wildlife and other plants around them.
Once you go native, you aren’t going back
Native plants are tough and beautiful, and they bring a piece of the wild right to your backyard. Sure, there might be a few challenges, but the rewards are worth it. Before you know it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t go native sooner.
Trust us: once you go native, there’s no turning back – you’ll thank yourself, and the local critters will thank you!
Emma Thompson