The demand for native plants is steadily rising. Native plants are ones that have grown in a particular region for thousands of years. They evolved over time, making them well-suited to the humidity, weather, and soil conditions.
Luckily, you can add these to your yard! Discover the benefits of native plants, how to select which ones to grow, and how to add them to your landscape by reading this guide.
The Benefits of Landscaping With Native Plants
Planting native species comes with several benefits. They:
- provide shelter and food for regional wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and birds.
- generally have deeper root systems, substantially increasing the soil’s ability to absorb and retain water.
- require less water because they have adapted to local rainfall patterns.
- need fewer fertilizers or pesticides.
How to Find and Choose Native Plants
To learn which plants naturally occur in your area, you can visit your local botanical gardens and plant nurseries, go on hikes, and find out what your neighbors are growing.
Be sure to check which planting zone you live in, too. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location.
Missouri has four planting zones, ranging from 5b in the north to 7b in the south. Illinois growing zones range from 5a to 7b.
Common Native Plants to Grow
Thousands of plant varieties native to the US can be grown in home gardens. Here is a list of some of the ones most commonly grown.
Shrubs include these three.
- Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is native to Zones 2-8. It produces white flowers that appear in late spring before giving way to blue-black, berry-like drupes.
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), also native to Zones 2-8, showcases white or pink flowers that bloom from late spring to summer.
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), native to Zones 4-9, has spherical pincushion blossoms composed of dense clusters of tiny white tubular flowers.
Perennials include the following.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is native to Zones 2-8. It’s named after the dark brown center of its daisy-like flower head and blooms in the summertime.
- Blazing Star (Liatris spicata), also native to Zones 2-8, produces purple flower stalks in summer to late fall.
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp.), native to Zones 3-9, blooms slender, tubular flowers in the summertime. Its flower colors can be white, pink, red, lavender, or purple.
Adding Native Plants to Your Landscape
Once you’ve selected your native plants, take a look at your landscape to determine where they’d thrive best. Choose spots that will give them the appropriate amount of sun and shade.
To ensure your native garden supplies nectar and pollen year-round, have an array of plants that bloom in succession. Having plants that bloom in spring, summer, and fall will provide different pollinators with food, further supporting your local wildlife.
Reach Out to The Massey Team
Your yard should be an oasis, a place where you can sip your morning cup of coffee, relax at the end of a long day, and spend time with friends and family. Beautiful plants help to create this peaceful atmosphere.
If your backyard feels small and you’re looking for a change, The Massey Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties is here to help! Our goal is to make the process of buying or selling your home as stress-free as possible.
Speak with a member of our team by contacting us today at (618) 791-5024 or (618) 791-9298!
The Massey Team 