Planting native is one of the most important things we can do to protect biodiversity of landscapes and preserve habitats for the plant and animal species in a particular area. When we are conscious about what we plant in our gardens, we are doing our part to ensure we maintain biodiversity in our ecosystems. Many native perennials do a wonderful job of attracting pollinators like birds, bees, and butterflies to our gardens, which are essential for fertilizing our beloved plants. It’s no secret that pollinator populations are dwindling, and mindful planting can make a big difference!
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) offers bursts of orange blooms which, as their name suggests, attracts butterflies and other pollinators. This plant prefers dry, well-drained soil and full sun. If you’re looking to establish a pollinator friendly garden, then nectar-rich butterfly weed is the one for you!
As a member of the iris family, northern blue flag (Iris Versicolor) is a delightful addition to any garden. This plant can be kept anywhere from full sun to partial shade, and even thrives in wetlands. We love northern blue flag because it’s low maintenance and attracts hummingbirds!
The Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) is Maryland’s official state flower! It’s bright yellow petals and black center make it a real catch. This plant enjoys moist, well-drained soil and full sun. Rudbeckia is known to attract native bees and other pollinators.
With its ruby-red petals, it’s clear to see how the cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) earned its name. This plant’s height and shape makes it a great source of nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds. Cardinal flowers can survive in partial shade and in wet soil.
Among the best plants for pollinators, aster is beloved for its blooms, which last throughout late summer until fall. While other flowering plants prepare themselves for cold weather, this plant shines. When caring for aster, be sure to keep them in full sun and well-drained soil.
The turtlehead earned its name for its resemblance to the animal. This unique plant does a great job of attracting pollinators to its bright pink petals. Be sure to keep your turtlehead flowers in partial shade and water them frequently!
This article explores the importance of planting native plants in the home landscape, highlights examples of common native plants by season, and provides cultural requirements for each to help you make informed choices for a vibrant, sustainable garden.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of native shrubs for pollinators, provide a short list of shrubs categorized by sun exposure requirements, offer landscaping ideas, and share tips on attracting pollinators to your garden.
The season for blooming perennials is just beginning! Start your early spring garden off right with native plants that deer tend to avoid. While there is an overwhelming amount of options to choose from, we have compiled a list of our top 5 early spring blooming native perennials that are deer-resistant.
