![\"lush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Bahiagrass-lawn.jpg\")
Looking for a low-maintenance turf option for your Southern lawn? Do you have predominantly sandy or low-fertility soil that doesn’t support Zoysiagrass or buffalograss? If either of these questions hit home with you, it may be worth a shot to try growing a Bahiagrass lawn instead, and we’ve got all the information you need! Bahiagrass […]
\n","content":"\nLooking for a low-maintenance turf option for your Southern lawn? Do you have predominantly sandy or low-fertility soil that doesn’t support Zoysiagrass or buffalograss? If either of these questions hit home with you, it may be worth a shot to try growing a Bahiagrass lawn instead, and we’ve got all the information you need!
\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soils, does well in sandy loam
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 3-4 inches
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: With a moderate to high growth rate, it needs frequent mowing
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low
\n\n\n\nInsect pest tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bahiagrass is grown along the Gulf Coast and in the Southeastern U.S. It does best in acidic soils and is not the best grass if your soil is naturally alkaline. It doesn’t tolerate salt water well.
\n\n\n\nWhile this may come as a surprise to many, Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) is used mainly as a pasture grass and for hay production across the southeastern United States. However, selected varieties—Argentine and Pensacola, especially—work well as turfgrass species for lawns. Behind St. Augustinegrass, Bahia is the second most common turfgrass across much of the southeastern United States, and for a good reason.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is well-adapted to low-fertility soils and is excellent for homeowners wanting a low-maintenance, low-input lawn. It puts down a deep root system that spreads via underground rhizomes. This root system makes it great for areas prone to drought or lawns without an irrigation system. However, Bahia doesn’t form the same dense carpet as other warm-season grasses that spread using above-ground stolons.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass is not the best choice for every Southern lawn, but it is ideal in many situations, especially if you have many acres of property to cover.
\n\n\n\n✓ Low water needs
\n\n\n\n✓ Low fertilizer requirements
\n\n\n\n✓ Lower maintenance than many other grass types
\n\n\n\n✓ Deep root system
\n\n\n\n✓ Does well in sandy and other low-fertility soils
\n\n\n\n✓ Minimal insect and disease problems
\n\n\n\n✓ Thatch is generally not a concern
\n\n\n\n✓ Establishes from seed or sod
\n\n\n\n✗ Does not form a dense carpet
\n\n\n\n✗ Seed head stems dull mower blades quickly
\n\n\n\n✗ Seed heads need regular mowing, or they become an eyesore
\n\n\n\n✗ Only a few varieties are available for home lawns
\n\n\n\n✗ Open growth habit leaves space for weeds to grow
\n\n\n\nIf you’re considering switching your lawn to Bahiagrass or using it to start grass at a fresh build, you have the option of seeding or laying sod.
\n\n\n\nHowever, some crucial differences between the two methods must be considered when choosing.
\n\n\n\nThere’s no denying that planting grass from seed is by far the cheaper of the two options and is much easier labor-wise to “install.” For homeowners with economic constraints, this makes seeding attractive. On the flip side, if you opt for seeding, the grass needs considerably more babysitting during the establishment process and takes quite a bit of time to grow into a beautiful lawn.
\n\n\n\nLaying sod comes with a pretty hefty price tag, and the process is back-breaking – even more so for Bahiagrass sod, as it tends to fall apart unless you spend extra money for sod with a netting material to hold it together. That being said, once you get it down, you automatically have a nice green lawn, and it doesn’t take micromanaging to get it established like seeding does.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass Seed: Depending on where you purchase seed from, expect to pay $100-$110 for a 25 lb bag of Pensacola Bahiagrass seed.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass Sod: A 400-square-foot pallet of Bahiagrass sod costs approximately $113 to $134.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass Seed: Getting grass seed down in late spring or early summer is best. Warm-season grasses like Bahia grow the most when the air temperatures hit a whopping 85 to 95°F, so you want to plant just before temps climb this high. This helps your grass establish as quickly as possible, putting down a sound root system so it is well-prepared to go dormant and survive the winter.
\n\n\n\nNote: Not all grass seeds you scatter will germinate; some Bahiagrass seeds lay dormant and may sprout later in the season.
\n\n\n\nBahiagrass Sod: Sod is a little more forgiving timing-wise and can be put down whenever you have time to tackle the project. However! You’ll have a much easier time getting it established if you do it in the spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate.
\n\n\n\nSince Bahia grows a little more sparsely than other turfgrasses, you can overseed your lawn annually with more Bahiagrass seed to keep it as thick as possible. Remember that no matter what you do, it will never grow as thick as Zoysia or other turfs with dense growth habits.
\n\n\n\n![\"sparse](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sparse-Bahiagrass.jpg\")
Yes, I’ve said that Bahiagrass is low-maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need your attention at all. Here are the basic rules of Bahiagrass lawn maintenance to follow.
\n\n\n\nIt was mentioned that Bahiagrass is fantastic for large acres and properties without irrigation. This doesn’t mean it will stay green regardless of how little or how much water it gets.
\n\n\n\nWhen you’re growing Bahiagrass without irrigation, it will go into a state of dormancy and turn brown during long periods of drought. Once the rain returns, the grass greens back up and resumes growing. In climates such as Florida, where it rains most days, you may not ever need to give a Bahia lawn supplemental water.
\n\n\n\nIf you can water your lawn, it’s best to keep an eye on it and watch for signs it needs water. You’ll see folded grass blades, a color change, and footprints will remain on the grass after you walk across it. So, if you see these things, turn on the sprinklers and give your grass one-half to three-quarters of an inch of water to get it green and perky.
\n\n\n\nFertilizer specifics will depend on the soil in your yard and how you’ve managed it before. You need to account for soil type, organic matter content, if you’ve mulched clippings back into the lawn, etc. To get an exact recommendation, perform a soil test before seeding or laying sod.
\n\n\n\nAs a general rule of thumb, apply 1 to 4 pounds of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of yard annually.
\n\n\n\nAlways check local guidelines for lawn fertilizer blackout dates or ordinances regarding its application.
\n\n\n\nDuring the summer, Bahia is known for its characteristic Y-shaped, two- or three-branched seed heads. To keep them in check and your grass looking nice, expect to mow your lawn every one to two weeks. During the hottest parts of summer, you may need to cut it a little more frequently unless you don’t mind the seed heads, but you’ll want to keep your grass 3 to 4 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nThe seed head stems are tough on mower blades, so you may need to sharpen them more frequently than with other grasses. Keeping mower blades sharp will help give you an excellent crisp cut when you mow instead of tearing the tops of the grass off with dull mower blades.
\n\n\n\nKeeping a Bahiagrass lawn weed-free is a challenge since Bahia doesn’t grow as thick or dense as some grass types. Weeds love to come in and reside in those bare spots and compete with your grass for essential nutrients, water, and sunlight. The best defense against weeds is to maintain a healthy lawn.
\n\n\n\nTo do this, keep your grass mowed to the proper height, irrigate when you see signs of drought stress, and fertilize throughout the growing season. You can also consider periodically overseeding to help fill in some bare spots where the weeds like to hang out.
\n\n\n\nWhen proper lawn management doesn’t succeed in weed control, pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides are available in both chemical and organic formulations. Just stay away from products containing atrazine and metsulfuron because they damage Bahiagrass.
\n\n\n\nFortunately, Bahia lawns experience very few insect and disease problems. Watch for mole crickets, Bahiagrass billbugs, and fall armyworms, as they may cause issues in Bahiagrass lawns.
\n\n\n\nThe two classifications of turfgrass are distinguished by where they have adapted to grow the best. Warm-season grasses prefer hot summers and mild winters and grow in the South. Cool-season grasses like temperate summers and can tolerate brutal winters; they grow mainly in the northern United States.
Bahiagrass is a warm-season grass.
Bahiagrass is typically grown on sandy soils in coastal areas, so there isn’t a need to aerate, as these soils don’t compact. Also, it isn’t a grass type that develops a lot of thatch, so dethatching isn’t usually necessary.
Sometimes, when it’s growing where it isn’t wanted, Bahiagrass is considered a weed rather than a turfgrass. If Bahiagrass is a weed in your book, and it’s overrunning your lawn, see our guide on how to get rid of Bahiagrass.
\n\n\n\nIf you think a Bahiagrass lawn is a good fit for your landscape, contact one of our highly-qualified local lawn professionals. They can help get your lawn started or care for your established turf, giving you more time to spend doing what matters most to you – without sacrificing the quality of your lawn.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"Everything You Need to Know About Growing Bahiagrass","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/1789c/Bahiagrass.jpg","srcSet":"/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/107df/Bahiagrass.jpg 320w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/293e9/Bahiagrass.jpg 500w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/f2cbb/Bahiagrass.jpg 800w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/1789c/Bahiagrass.jpg 960w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/c26c2/Bahiagrass.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/1dd6e/Bahiagrass.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/67b76/Bahiagrass.webp 320w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/8df11/Bahiagrass.webp 500w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/98a65/Bahiagrass.webp 800w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/1dd6e/Bahiagrass.webp 960w,\n/static/915b1bf34215a32d9ee781638fc388f5/3cc96/Bahiagrass.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Everything You Need to Know About Growing Bahiagrass | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Bahiagrass is a great, low-maintenance grass for Southern lawns with sandy soils. We have all the information you need if you’re looking to grow it!"}}},{"node":{"id":"57703967-635b-543e-8ae0-b2e60809557b","slug":"best-native-plants-southern-california","path":"/lawn-care/ca/best-native-plants-southern-california/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"If you’ve been to the California Botanic Garden or the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you know how beautiful native plants can be. Native species are not only well-adapted to the local climate but are also: Do you want to introduce native species to your garden? The best native plants for Southern California gardens will vary […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve been to the California Botanic Garden or the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you know how beautiful native plants can be. Native species are not only well-adapted to the local climate but are also:
\n\n\n\nDo you want to introduce native species to your garden? The best native plants for Southern California gardens will vary by region, as well as the needs and preferences of each homeowner.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bush-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: tdlucas5000 / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as California brittlebush, this bushy shrub is native to the coastlines and inland foothills of SoCal. It has thin branches with widely spaced leaves. It produces yellow flowers with a brown center, quite similar to daisies. They bloom from February through June when temperatures are moderate, and moisture is adequate.
\n\n\n\nBush sunflowers attract small birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects. They are fast-growing, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant. You also can use them as a ground cover or for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nWhile their reseeding ability may save you time and money, bush sunflowers may out-compete other plants and invade spaces where they aren’t wanted. They also don’t look appealing during their late summer and fall dormancy. This shrub does best in sunny yards where temperatures won’t drop below freezing.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 ⅗ to 5 feet tall, 3 to 7 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates a wide variety of soils, including sodic soil; does best when pH is between 6 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5965186545_e6a73bf093_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: chuck b. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nYou can find this flower all over California, right up to the Oregon and Mexican borders. It naturally grows on the coast and all over the foothills. In Southern California, it often grows near water sources to counteract the dry climate. California fuchsia produces red flowers in summer and fall, then dies back in winter.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to attract hummingbirds, this plant is a must-have. Their affinity for the plant has earned it the alternate names hummingbird trumpet or flower. It’s easy to grow, reseeds itself, and flowers profusely in full sun. It’s also included on some fire-resistant plant lists.
\n\n\n\nUnless it is near a natural water source, California fuchsia will need more supplemental water inland than on the coast. Water it around once a month to keep it hydrated. This herb’s appearance will suffer somewhat in fall or winter when flowering is over. You can improve its appearance by cutting it back when flowering is over.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: ¼ to 1 ½ feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Winter semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay and sand with a pH between 6 and 8; they also tolerate serpentine soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"California](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/California-milkweed-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joe Decruyenaere / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nNamed for its white sap, the California milkweed is an herbaceous plant found from the East Bay down and in the Sierra foothills. It has white wooly stems, and its fuzzy buds burst into star-shaped flowers.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia milkweed’s most important role is hosting endangered monarch butterflies and caterpillars. As a result, avoid pesticides to keep these butterflies safe. California milkweed also attracts bees and other insects. This plant can tolerate sandy, clay, dry, or moist soils and is cold-hardy as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Water it deeply twice a month to keep it healthy.
\n\n\n\nThe Kawaiisu tribes cooked California milkweed sap to create a gum-like candy and roasted the leaves for chewing. Though it is edible to humans when cooked, it may be toxic raw. It’s safest to keep this plant away from children, pets, and livestock.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy or clay with a pH between 6 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic raw, but not when cooked
\n\n\n\n![\"This](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/California-Poppy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: docentjoyce / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIt’s no surprise the state flower made it onto this list. The California poppy grows all over the state and in neighboring states as well, including Oregon. Its appearance varies slightly depending on location, with SoCal poppies more yellow than orange. The flowers can bloom any time between February and September, though they shut in cold, cloudy, or windy weather.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia poppies can tolerate poor-quality soil, full sun, partial shade, and drought. They will do best in well-drained sandy soils. Water twice a month once established. This flower makes a welcome addition to butterfly, bee, or bird gardens. Its quick-growing and self-seeding nature may spread it more than you intended but can create a beautiful meadow in your yard.
\n\n\n\nThough California poppies will generally last for years, they may burn out quicker in the hottest and coldest parts of Southern California. Poppies aren’t safe for pets or small children to eat due to their mild toxicity.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 inches to 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial in mild climates and annual in harsh conditions
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sandy soils with a pH between 5 and 8; tolerates poor soil quality
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"small](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/California-sagebrush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Antandrus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDo you love aromatic plants? The hairy, light green leaves of the California sagebrush release a pleasant smell when touched. It produces small, inconspicuous creamy white flowers. This shrub is also called Coastal sagebrush due to its prominence along the California coastline.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia sagebrush is tough, easy to grow, and drought-tolerant. It can survive in the driest, sunniest areas where other plants can’t. It may not need any supplementary water, but you can water it once a month if needed. Use it as a garden shrub or a groundcover. You also can plant it to attract California gnatcatchers, quails, and many other birds and insects.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub poses no known danger to humans or animals. However, rain may leach toxins from California sagebrush and discourage other plant growth nearby.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy soils with a pH of 5 to 8; tolerates low fertility and clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Extremely low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some toxicity toward other plants, but no known danger to humans or pets
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chalk-Dudleya.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you’re a fan of succulents, consider chalk dudleya. You also may know it by the names chalk liveforever or chalk lettuce. It naturally grows in rocky coastal areas, desert foothills, and inland mountains. Its thick, water-dense leaves are pale green with pointy ends. Though its shape may look flower-like, the real flowers will develop on tall stems in spring.
\n\n\n\nThis succulent relies on hummingbirds and bees for pollination. When mature, it can handle extreme heat and below-freezing temperatures. Chalk dudleya does well in full sun, but south-facing specimens benefit from partial shade. Don’t panic if the outer leaves turn white, tan, pink, or purple. As long as the inside looks alive, it’s likely just dormant. Water it once a month to improve its appearance.
\n\n\n\nChalk dudleya is easy to grow on rocky slopes and walls but not when planted on flat ground because it collects too much water. Watch out for aphid infestations, as they could cause deformity.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or succulent
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: ⅓ to 1 foot tall and 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fast or medium-drained soils with plenty of rocks and a soil pH between 5 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Checker-Bloom.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe checker bloom is a type of mallow found all over the state. It primarily grows in dry, open flats between sea level and 7,500 feet elevation. This plant has bright green leaves and produces dark pink flowers in spring and summer.
\n\n\n\nChecker bloom is suitable for ornamental and pollinator gardens. You also can use it as a groundcover. It needs little water and can get by with water once a month or less in summer. You can plant it in a variety of soil types in sunny or partially shady yards.
\n\n\n\nMild, damp winters and dry, cool summers best suit this plant. However, it can survive in temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a colder part of SoCal, you can use mulch to protect checker bloom from freezing temperatures. Because of its short stature, you’ll need to place it in front of tall plants so it’s not obscured.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: ⅓ to 1 ½ feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates many soil types with a pH between 6 and 7, including serpentine soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and edible
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cleveland-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Phyzome / Flickr / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nDespite what the name implies, Cleveland sage is native to the Golden State. It is also called blue sage, fragrant sage, or chaparral sage. Its natural habitat is well-drained flats, bluffs, and gentle slopes in coastal areas. This aromatic shrub is gray-green in color with small, wrinkled leaves. It produces round purple flower clusters in spring and summer. Flower color varies between cultivars.
\n\n\n\nCleveland sage is a great choice for hummingbird and bee gardens. It’s not just useful for animals — dry its fragrant leaves for cooking or just to enjoy the scent. This shrub can handle many soil types and temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant it as an ornamental plant or for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nThis plant needs very little irrigation. While this trait is generally beneficial, it’s possible to overwater Cleveland sage in summer, killing it or shortening its lifespan.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 to 4 ½ feet tall and 8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates a variety of soils but does best in well-drained soils with a pH between 6 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hummingbird-Sage.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jerry Kirkhart / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHummingbird sage is native to Central and Southern California. It grows anywhere between sea level and 2,000 feet but is mostly found on shady slopes, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub. This plant has a woody base and is covered with soft hairs. It produces fragrant magenta flowers from March to May. Its leaves also are aromatic when crushed.
\n\n\n\nHummingbird sage is valued for its appearance and scent. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies flock to its flowers as a food source. Because of its sprawling growth habit, you can use it as a groundcover. It can handle sun or shade but does particularly well under dense tree cover. Hummingbird sage can handle temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is drought-tolerant and may not need supplemental irrigation after its first year. However, it may lose some leaves and visual appeal in summer. Water hummingbird sage once or twice a month to keep it green in hot weather, and prune it if you want a neater appearance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 inches to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Various soils with a pH between 5 and 7
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bush-Monkey-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nMonkeys may not be native to California, but monkey flowers are. The bush monkey flower grows throughout most of California. It’s also called sticky monkey flower due to its sticky green leaves. Its tubular flowers are typically orange but also may be white, yellow, or red. If you or a pollinator touch the flower’s stigma, it will shut.
\n\n\n\nBush monkey flowers will attract hummingbirds, bees, and other insects. The leaves and flowers are edible, and Native Americans used them for medicinal purposes. Once established, water it once or twice a month in summer.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to increase flower production and get rid of unappealing faded blooms, prune the old growth and seedheads. Be careful not to cut off buds in the process.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Tolerates many soil types, including serpentine soils, as long as drainage is adequate; ideal pH is between 5 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic and edible
\n\n\n\nPeople from out of state may only see SoCal as sunny coastlines, but residents know there’s more to it. A Southern Californian may live by the beach, mountains, or desert, and each will have its own gardening challenges. Focus on plants that fall in your USDA hardiness zone, which is based on average annual low temperatures. SoCal falls in zones 7 through 10.
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones can’t tell you everything. They don’t account for your yard’s layout, soil makeup, shade levels, and proximity to water sources. Consider getting a soil test, especially if your garden plants have struggled in the past. University of California Cooperative Extensions can connect you with local soil testing labs.
\n\n\n\nThe final factor to consider is you. Consider what features you value, whether it be visual appeal, scent, drought tolerance, safety, or practicality.
\n\n\n\nFor erosion control or bank stabilization, consider planting bush sunflower or Cleveland sage.
Yes. Chalk dudleya is one of the best choices for SoCal, but there are hundreds of other succulents native to the state.
It depends on where you are and which succulents you plant. Southern California generally has mild winters. While some cities may never see a day below 40 degrees, a few places in SoCal have temperatures below freezing and could get as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some succulents, like chalk dudleya, can survive freezing temperatures. However, others are more sensitive and may not survive a cold snap. If you see an unusual temperature drop on your weather channel or app, you can take in any potted succulents, just in case.
Keep in mind that your succulents will get more rain in winter as well. Don’t water them yourself this time of year, and make sure they are in well-drained soil.
It’s easy enough to swing by your local nursery for one or two native plants. However, some homeowners choose to transform their yards into entirely native gardens. They also might replace their lawn with a more suitable turfgrass for improved drought resistance.
The more changes you make, the more time you’ll need to commit. Even the most passionate green thumb may need a helping hand. Wikilawn can connect you with landscaping and lawn care professionals in your area, whether you live in San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, or another SoCal city.
Main Image Credit: Epibase / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Southern California","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2698412698412698,"src":"/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/1789c/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/107df/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/293e9/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/f2cbb/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/1789c/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/c26c2/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/1dd6e/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/67b76/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 320w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/8df11/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 500w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/98a65/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 800w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/1dd6e/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 960w,\n/static/b4f13e1791abcb0ed395d1a0a8aa9069/3cc96/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Southern California | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best native plants for Southern California include shrubs, wildflowers, and succulents that survive heat, drought, and cold snaps."}}},{"node":{"id":"4b313a94-ef05-5d02-9334-06d741cf5a10","slug":"best-native-plants-california","path":"/lawn-care/ca/best-native-plants-california/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Lauren Bryant is a freelance writer based out of Eugene, Oregon, with a B.A. in English and a minor in comics and cartoon studies. She is excitedly awaiting the day when she can grow her own edible garden.","name":"Lauren Bryant","id":"104563f0-6820-5e73-b732-a5aa9cd0fd4c","path":"/author/lauren-bryant/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/59c00f89f2a61befe0b5d36cc3b0cc62?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"d4a57f5d-7087-5464-8fbc-e03c067b9723","name":"California","count":13,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ca/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Humans and plants alike love sunny California. But what plants like the Golden State best? Your garden will thrive if you use native plants instead of non-native plants. Vegetation originating in this state is more likely to be Different plants will do well in different parts of the state. For example, a plant that thrives […]
\n","content":"\nHumans and plants alike love sunny California. But what plants like the Golden State best? Your garden will thrive if you use native plants instead of non-native plants. Vegetation originating in this state is more likely to be
\n\n\n\nDifferent plants will do well in different parts of the state. For example, a plant that thrives in Northern California may not do well in the Southern California heat. Many plants that grow on the coast won’t do well inland, and vice versa. Let’s review the best native plants for California, including what areas they’re best suited for.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nThis state is home to thousands of plants. Out of those, we’ve selected some popular choices that work for many different areas. Make sure to double-check whether each plant you’re interested in grows well in your city.
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/California-Buckwheat.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jarek Tuszyński / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nIf you live in Southern or coastal California, consider California buckwheat. This plant grows on scrubby slopes, chaparral biomes, and dry washes. Its structure tends to be more compact in coastal areas and spread out in foothills. You can use some varieties as groundcovers. It produces clusters of leaves and small pink and white flowers from spring to fall.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia buckwheat attracts honey bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. It will shed its flowers and some (but not all) leaves in the dry season, creating a natural mulch. It’s low-maintenance and requires little irrigation once established. California buckwheat may also prevent erosion.
\n\n\n\nThis plant isn’t common in most of Northern California and the Central Valley. It isn’t suited for poorly-drained soils or temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 6 feet tall and 3 feet across
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Loamy, well-drained soils with a pH between 5 and 8.5
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Extremely low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: chuck b. / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as hummingbird flower or trumpet, the California fuchsia is found in foothills and coastal areas throughout the state. This plant is less common in the central valley and desert regions. It naturally grows near creeks and springs. Use it in gardens or as a ground cover.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia fuchsia produces bright red flowers from summer to fall that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths. Their late summer blooms are particularly notable since many plants are past their peak by then. This species is easy to grow and able to reseed itself. It is also featured on many fire-resistant plant lists.
\n\n\n\nThough California fuchsia requires little supplemental water in the north, it will need some irrigation in southern and inland areas unless it is close to a wet area. If you live inland or in SoCal, water once a month to keep it alive. The plant may look less aesthetically pleasing once flowering is done in fall or winter. Cut back after the flowering season to improve its health and appearance in spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: ¼ to 1 ½ feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Winter semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay and sand with a pH between 6 and 8; they also tolerate serpentine soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1280px-Eschscholzia_californica_2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Epibase / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMost California residents have beheld the beauty of the California poppy, the state’s flower. You can find them in fields all over the state, excluding altitudes above 6,500 feet. They have pale green foliage and orange or yellow flowers. California poppies bloom between February and September, though they close at night and during cold, windy, or cloudy weather.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia poppies are fast-growing and drought-tolerant. Water them twice a month at most in summer to keep them healthy and extend their blooming season. These flowers attract pollinators, birds, and small herbivores. You can easily collect and plant the seeds or let the flowers reseed naturally.
\n\n\n\nThough they have a long flowering period, they may bloom less in areas with extreme weather. California poppies are edible yet mildly toxic, depending on the consumer, amount, part eaten, and time of year. As a result, there may be better choices for parents and pet owners. Poppies can become a weed due to their rapid growth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb or flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 inches to 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial in mild climates and annual in harsh conditions
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sandy soils; tolerates poor soil quality
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Mildly toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/California-Sagebrush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NatureShutterbug / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe California or coastal sagebrush is an aromatic shrub found on the coast and foothills. The branches spread out from the base of the plant, creating a round shape. Some varieties work as groundcovers. The leaves are thin, branching, and grayish-green in color. It produces white or yellow flower clusters in spring, summer, and fall.
\n\n\n\nCalifornia sagebrush attracts the California gnatcatcher, a threatened bird species that eats small insects. The plant also appeals to quails, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. This fast-growing shrub grows in dry areas where other plants perish and only needs water once a month in summer. Use it for erosion control on sloped properties.
\n\n\n\nThe Cahuilla and Chumash Native Americans historically used California sagebrush as medicine. Though there are no reported dangers for humans, toxins in the plant leech out during the rain and prevent other plants from growing below it. California sagebrush doesn’t tolerate temperatures lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s best for coastal or Southern California.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Summer deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, sandy soils with a pH of 5 to 8; tolerates low fertility and clay soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Extremely low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some toxicity towards other plants, but no known danger to humans or pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Common-Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jitaeri / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis plant has a dozen different names, including thousand-leaf and plumajillo. It naturally grows in the grasslands and open forests of Northern, Central, and Coastal Southern California. Common yarrow actively grows in spring and produces white or yellow flower clusters from mid to late spring.
\n\n\n\nButterflies, bees, and other insects are drawn to this fragrant plant. It’s easy to grow and needs water once a week at most in summer. Common yarrow tolerates sun and shade, making it a good fit for many yards. It can also survive temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Use it for erosion control or as a ground cover.
\n\n\n\nBecause it reseeds itself easily, common yarrow can spread aggressively. Native Americans used it to stop bleeding, reduce fever, and lessen pain. However, be aware that it is toxic to animals and can cause photosensitivity and rashes in humans.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1 to 3 feet tall and ½ to 1 ½ feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen, summer deciduous, summer semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Any as long as it’s not excessively moist; ideal pH is between 4 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to animals; may cause rashes or photosensitivity in humans
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Jerry Kirkhart / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHummingbird sage has upright stems that produce magenta flowers. It blooms from March to May. Its bright green leaves are slightly hairy and produce a pleasant aroma when touched or crushed. The plant is native to Southern and Central California, primarily along the coast and foothills. Cultivars include ‘Topanga’ and ‘Sunrise.’
\n\n\n\nYou guessed it — this plant is great for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Hummingbird sage is a popular choice for gardens and groundcovers. It tolerates anything from full sun to full shade. You likely won’t need to water it at all in summer, though it may lose some leaves. Irrigate hummingbird sage a few times a month to keep it green all year.
\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that without its tall flower stalks, it will look shorter outside of the flowering season. Hummingbird sage has a limited range compared to other plants on this list. It does best in the coastal areas between the Monterey Peninsula and Carlsbad. It may also do well in some parts of the Bay Area, including the peninsula, San Francisco, East Bay, and North Bay.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7b-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4 inches to 3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Various soils with a pH between 5 and 7
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Big-Berry-Manzanita-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nThere are several types of manzanita in California, but one of the most popular ones is the big berry manzanita. This shrub grows from the Bay Area down to the border on rocky slopes, flats, desert transition areas, and woodlands. It has light green waxy leaves. Clusters of white or pink bell-shaped flowers bloom in winter and spring. Its berries are the largest of any manzanita.
\n\n\n\nBig berry manzanita flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Other birds eat the round red fruits the shrub produces. Humans can also eat these berries. This shrub is drought tolerant almost to a fault. Water it around once a month once established, but be careful — direct water could kill the plant. Big berry manzanita is generally easy to grow but will be more difficult in dry areas like SoCal.
\n\n\n\nThis shrub has an unusual lifecycle. Not only can it live 100 years, but it won’t produce fruit until 20 years in. Even stranger, its seeds won’t germinate unless exposed to fire or sulfuric acid. The easiest way to propagate this plant is from cuttings. Plant it on rocky slopes, but avoid any south-facing slopes in dry areas because it gets too warm. Big berry manzanita is susceptible to leaf galls, though they aren’t severe.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3 ⅓ to 20 feet tall and 6 to 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Fast or medium-draining soils with a pH between 6 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None known
\n\n\n\n![\"purpled](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Showy-Penstemon-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: peganum / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThis plant is primarily found in Southern California’s chaparral, scrub, and woodlands. Its leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. Within its first year, showy penstemon produces clusters of bluish-purple trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds and wasps pollinate. It flowers in winter and spring.
\n\n\n\nShowy penstemon is quick-growing and easy to care for. Though it has a relatively short lifespan of five to ten years, its reseeding ability will allow new plants to pop up in your garden. It can handle a variety of soil textures.
\n\n\n\nThe amount of water needed depends on how well the soil retains water. If it retains water well, you may not need to supplement irrigation. You can water showy penstemon once a month for improved flowering, but it may shorten its lifespan. Plant it on a slight slope for improved drainage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained rocky, loamy, sandy, or clay soils with a pH between 6 and 7.5
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Very low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: No known danger
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/plant-fruit-berry-flower-food-red-443747-pxhere.com-1-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nAlso known as Christmas berry or California holly, this shrub is reportedly the namesake of Hollywood. It’s most at home in Western California and the Sierra foothills. It produces small white flower bunches in early summer that release a pleasant smell and attract butterflies and other insects. The red berries produced afterward feed birds and mammals.
\n\n\n\nToyon is drought-tolerant and easy to grow. It tolerates more water than other chaparral shrubs and does well near water sources or irrigated areas. The farther south you live, the more they benefit from shade. If you live in a colder part of California, they will tolerate temperatures as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is sometimes used for erosion control.
\n\n\n\nToyon berries are edible to humans. However, the unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can become cyanide if consumed, similar to apple seeds. Cooking the berries is the safest way to consume them. This plant may not be the best choice for pet owners and parents unless you can supervise their activity carefully.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun or partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Clay, sand, and serpentine soils with a pH between 5 and 8
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Extremely low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Edible but poisonous when unripe
\n\n\n\nMountains, deserts, beaches — California has it all. The variety of climates and geographical differences mean a native plant that does well in Southern California might not do well in Northern California. Before choosing a plant, confirm its suitability for your area. USDA hardiness zones are an excellent way to narrow down your choices. California contains zones 6 through 10.
\n\n\n\nEven within the same city, you may notice differences between your yard and other properties. The soil composition, slope, sun or shade, and presence of water sources can all make conditions more or less favorable. The University of California Cooperative Extensions can recommend commercial soil testing labs to check for pH and nutrient levels.
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget your garden goals. Do you want sweet-smelling wildflowers to attract bees and butterflies? Do you want to minimize water usage and fire risk? California is home to so many native plants that you should be able to find whatever you’re looking for.
\n\n\n\nMost California native species are adapted to low-water conditions. However, the following plants are especially drought-resistant:
● California buckwheat
● California sagebrush
● Toyon
If you need to stabilize a bank or reduce the risk of erosion, consider:
● California buckwheat
● California sagebrush
● Common yarrow
● Toyon
Yes. The California Native Plant Society has information on thousands of plant species native to the state. You can sort by a variety of factors to find what you need.
The safest plants for kids and pets won’t have spikes and aren’t poisonous when consumed. Of the plants we’re discussed, the following species don’t pose any known threat to humans or animals:
● California buckwheat
● California fuschia
● Hummingbird sage
● Big berry manzanita
● Showy penstemon
It takes time and effort to build a native garden. You’ll need to acquire the plants once you narrow your options by location and personal preference. You also can switch to a more suitable turfgrass to make your landscaping more drought-resistant.
\n\n\n\nA new plant here and there is manageable enough, but a complete yard transformation may be too much to handle with limited free time. Let Wikilawn connect you with a local landscaping company. These pros can help homeowners in Los Angeles, Fresno, San Francisco, and many other cities.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Joe Decruyenaere / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Native Plants for California","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/1789c/Showy-Penstemon.jpg","srcSet":"/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/107df/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 320w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/293e9/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 500w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/f2cbb/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 800w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/1789c/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 960w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/c26c2/Showy-Penstemon.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/1dd6e/Showy-Penstemon.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/67b76/Showy-Penstemon.webp 320w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/8df11/Showy-Penstemon.webp 500w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/98a65/Showy-Penstemon.webp 800w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/1dd6e/Showy-Penstemon.webp 960w,\n/static/c19647d56435aaf72efcf68953b13c93/3cc96/Showy-Penstemon.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Native Plants for California | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best native plants for California vary by what part of the state you live in. They include flowers, shrubs, and groundcovers."}}},{"node":{"id":"1b014bac-5927-53f1-82b6-a11cf2f1aba3","slug":"best-grass-types-mississippi","path":"/lawn-care/ms/best-grass-types-mississippi/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"690c1e77-e03d-574f-811e-b355bf8606f1","name":"Mississippi","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ms/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Mississippi’s diverse climate allows for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to grow, though high rainfall and hot temperatures sometimes hinder the successful growth of a lush lawn. Despite these challenges, agriculture has been successful in Mississippi for centuries thanks to its naturally fertile soils. Whether you choose a warm-season or cool-season grass for your landscape […]
\n","content":"\nMississippi’s diverse climate allows for both warm-season and cool-season grasses to grow, though high rainfall and hot temperatures sometimes hinder the successful growth of a lush lawn. Despite these challenges, agriculture has been successful in Mississippi for centuries thanks to its naturally fertile soils.
\n\n\n\nWhether you choose a warm-season or cool-season grass for your landscape depends on many factors. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the best cultivar. Read on to discover the 7 best grass types for Mississippi.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re new to lawn care, distinguishing between cool-season and warm-season grasses can be challenging. Although many maintenance tips apply to both types, they have their share of differences.
\n\n\n\nNorthern Mississippi is in the transition zone, experiencing both hot summers and cold winters. Both cool-season and warm-season grass types grow well in these regions. In the rest of the Magnolia State, warm-season cultivars dominate.
\n\n\n\nEvery homeowner should know when their grass grows, when it goes dormant, and how it handles climate conditions. Whether you select a cool-season or warm-season grass depends on your preferences, location, and the characteristics of your landscape. Consider the unique traits of different grass types:
\n\n\n\nBottom line: Plant warm-season grasses in late spring or early summer, and stick to sowing cool-season varieties in the fall.
\n\n\n\nThe following grass types adapt to the climatic and soil conditions of Mississippi:
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass, also known as Bahama grass or dog’s tooth grass, is an excellent choice for many parts of the South, including Mississippi. It is quick-growing and thrives in most soil types. Bermudagrass is drought, humidity, and salt-tolerant and grows best in full sun.
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season cultivar stands up to heavy foot traffic, recovers quickly, and is disease resistant. Bermudagrass is relatively high-maintenance, requiring weekly fertilization and watering during the spring growing season.
\n\n\n\nCommon bermudagrass is coarser in texture, though hybrid cultivars can create a more fine-textured, albeit high-maintenance, lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Poor — needs full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and is able to outcompete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You’ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns. Tolerant of most soil types
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carpetgrass.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sugeesh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCarpetgrass likes tropical climates, moist, fertile soils, and full sun but can easily thrive in partial shade. In fact, experts recommend planting carpetgrass in Mississippi landscapes with large shade trees.
\n\n\n\nCarpetgrass thrives on one inch of water per week. It is a low-maintenance and adaptable grass with a coarse texture that creates a dense, light-to-medium green lawn. It is high-maintenance like bermudagrass and requires regular mowing.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Mow weekly to control seed heads
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Large patch is common
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Infertile, moist but not waterlogged, acidic, sandy
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Usually established by seed. Flourishes in warm and humid conditions along the Gulf Coast. Does not thrive in arid climates.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Centipede_Grass-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nThough slow-growing, centipedegrass is a Mississippi favorite. This medium-textured grass has bright green leaves and a dense growth habit. It is low-maintenance and disease and pest-resistant. Cultivars grow well in partial shade but prefer full sun.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass isn’t exceptionally drought-tolerant and requires sandy, limestone soils for steady growth. It prefers acidic soils with a pH below 7.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate — at least six hours of full sun per day
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low to moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1.5-2 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to diseases and insects
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Acidic, infertile, at least moderately good drainage (very dense, clay soils produce poor results)
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Low maintenance once established; greenish-yellow color (like a green apple) during the growing season; low fertilizer and mowing requirements; doesn’t tolerate heavy traffic; not a salt-tolerant grass
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_starr_070906-8518_zoysia_sp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass is a drought and heat-tolerant warm-season grass that blooms in May. It prefers full sun and sandy, well-drained soils. It is more cold and shade-resistant than other warm-season cultivars thanks to a deep root system. Cultivars can hold their own against drought, heavy foot traffic, and weeds.
\n\n\n\nThis slow-growing, dark-green turfgrass produces a dense lawn that needs to be cut with sharp mower blades. Insects have a hard time invading zoysiagrass thanks to its thick blades and growth habit.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Tolerates light to moderate shade
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low to moderate nitrogen requirement; moderate mowing frequency
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 1-2.5 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Not prone to disease and insects; good disease tolerance overall
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Well-draining, some cultivars more tolerant of a wide range of soils than others
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Moderately salt tolerant; cut with sharp mower blade; mow taller if grass is in partial shade
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton / Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is a popular cool-season grass, well suited for the northern regions of Mississippi. It is easy to establish, has a coarse texture, and remains green during the cold months when warm-season varieties turn brown and go dormant.
\n\n\n\nTall Fescue is a bunch-type grass that grows most vigorously during spring and fall. It is adaptable but prefers fertile, well-drained, clay soils. Cultivars require regular irrigation during the summer months. Tall fescue loves the sun but tolerates moderate shade.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Tillers (Bunch forming)
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate – doesn’t recover easily from wear
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations, as many tall fescue lawns grow best when they’re mowed on the tall side.)
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Low to moderate – can be susceptible to brown patch, leaf spot, seedling disease, cutworms, armyworms, grubs, and sod webworms
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Grows in most soil types but prefers clay soils
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Fertilize it only once in September and November. To restore the lushness of your lawn and address thinning and patchy areas, it is recommended to sow new grass seeds every few years.
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is a high-maintenance, high-quality turfgrass with deep roots that rely on regular watering and fertilization. Kentucky bluegrass recovers quickly from injury, so active kids and pets running around won’t be a problem, and its beautiful bluish-green color increases curb appeal.
\n\n\n\nCultivars form a fine-textured, dense, carpet-like lawn, but take six months to thicken. While it grows best in the sun, it doesn’t tolerate high heat and drought unless it is well irrigated. Plank Kentucky bluegrass in northern Mississippi and Tennessee border regions.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low to moderate — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low to moderate, but recuperates well
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, fertile
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lolium_perenne_TK_2021-06-26_1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: T. Kebert / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is widely used throughout the U.S., but its application varies from region to region. Cultivars are commonly found in the northern regions of Mississippi, where cool and warm temperatures meet in the middle.
\n\n\n\nIt is a deep green-colored grass with a glossy texture and the highest traffic tolerance of any cool-season variety. Perennial ryegrass is often used around homes, schools, athletic fields, and parks.
\n\n\n\nThis rich, fine-textured grass wins major points for its fast germination rate, quick establishment, and disease resistance. While not as cold-hardy as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, perennial ryegrass thrives in moderate summers and cool winters. It is important to note cultivars are usually mixed with other grass types like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, or fine fescue to create a hardy and drought-tolerant lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type grass
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low — prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought resistance: Low (summer dormancy in some areas)
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but poor recuperative ability
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)
\n\n\n\nMowing height: 2-3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: High, especially in areas with hot, humid summers
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 6-7
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Good drainage, high fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability, low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one’s for you), and rapid germination rate (four to seven days). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass is preferred when it comes to heavy foot traffic in the Southern states.
Zoysiagrass is one of the easiest turfgrasses to maintain. It withstands drought and survives in poor soil conditions with little upkeep. It also stands up to diseases, pests, and weeds.
Perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are the best cool-season grass varieties for shaded lawns, while zoysiagrass is the most shade-tolerant warm-season cultivar.
When choosing a grass type for your lawn, consider sun exposure, soil type, watering capabilities, and maintenance needs.
\n\n\n\nThe grass type you select should match your needs and budget. Whether you pick bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, fine fescue, or any other cultivar, a well-maintained lawn is the difference between fab and drab. For additional inspiration, check out our guide detailing the best native plants for Mississippi.
\n\n\n\nFor a worry-free lawn care experience and a healthy outdoor space, let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro today. Our trusted experts are spread out across Jackson, Southaven, Olive Branch, Pearl, Ridgeland, and many other cities in the Magnolia State.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: ScottOldham / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"7 Best Grass Types for Mississippi","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.2396694214876034,"src":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1789c/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/107df/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/293e9/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/f2cbb/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1789c/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/c26c2/lawn-in-mississippi-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1dd6e/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/67b76/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 320w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/8df11/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 500w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/98a65/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 800w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/1dd6e/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 960w,\n/static/bdcaf11226e03f7031d86441b0bbf7d6/3cc96/lawn-in-mississippi-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"7 Best Grass Types for Mississippi | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"From bermudagrass to Kentucky bluegrass, choose one of the 7 best grass types for Mississippi’s humid, subtropical climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"acb23508-3f7d-5332-8866-5c3c533b7f84","slug":"best-native-plants-mississippi","path":"/lawn-care/ms/best-native-plants-mississippi/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"690c1e77-e03d-574f-811e-b355bf8606f1","name":"Mississippi","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ms/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Known as the Magnolia State, Mississippi boasts a variety of native plants that are adapted to its humid, subtropical climate. Native plants are hardy and low-maintenance and make excellent plants for beginners. We’ve compiled a list of the 13 best native plants for Mississippi to provide your landscape with a multitude of benefits, including: In […]
\n","content":"\nKnown as the Magnolia State, Mississippi boasts a variety of native plants that are adapted to its humid, subtropical climate. Native plants are hardy and low-maintenance and make excellent plants for beginners.
\n\n\n\nWe’ve compiled a list of the 13 best native plants for Mississippi to provide your landscape with a multitude of benefits, including:
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking to add some fresh color, texture, or flair to your garden and want to tap into all the perks native plants offer, read on to discover the best options for your Mississippi landscape.
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/American-Beautyberry-Callicarpa-Americana-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nAmerican beautyberry is a shrub found in the southeastern United States. It has a moderate growth rate and can be planted in fall or spring. Beautyberry’s flowers and medium green foliage are fairly unspectacular, but its clusters of glossy purple berries are quite the showstoppers. The edible fruits appear in late summer or early fall and persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for wildlife like deer and birds.
\n\n\n\nBeautyberry is relatively disease and pest-resistant and can survive for decades in the right conditions. The fruit-bearing shrub drops seeds that remain dormant in the ground until bursting to life after the original plant has reached the end of its lifespan.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil but tolerates acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; prefers a regular watering schedule and moist roots
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; cooked fruit can be made into jelly
\n\n\n\n![\"azalea](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pxfuel.com-3-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nCan you think of a more captivating sight in the spring than flowers in full bloom? Azaleas are loosely branched, shade-loving plants with elliptical leaves. Specimens produce clusters of bell-shaped, tubular flowers that bring delightful color and native pollinators to all corners of your spring garden.
\n\n\n\nMost azaleas bloom in mid to late April. Some cultivars are temperamental if growing conditions aren’t to their liking. They prefer loose, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil and can live for up to 50 years if properly cared for.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-12 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, rich, humusy, acidic, moisture-retentive soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: About 1 inch of water or rainfall per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous to humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/51140942935_cf1d07ffea_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tatters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBox elder is a fast-growing, adaptable, native maple tree that is drought resistant. Unfortunately, it doesn’t provide ornamental appeal for many homeowners. In the wild, box elders grow on river banks, providing erosion control and shelter for wildlife. It has a short trunk, light green foliage, and spreading branches. Unlike other maples, it grows irregularly and has a sprouting base and compound leaves.
\n\n\n\nBox elder has brittle, weak wood that doesn’t stand up to high winds or ice. The seeds germinate quickly and can be a nuisance in a residential garden. Female specimens attract its namesake insects, boxelder bugs, which live inside the trees during winter.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 2-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 30-50 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; chalk, clay, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water deeply every 7 to 10 days
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous to horses
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Coreopsis_tinctoria_kwiaty.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ogrodnikk / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis, also known as tickseed, golden wave, and calliopsis, is a slender plant. It is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, long-blooming flowering plant to fill a bed or line a border in your yard.
\n\n\n\nShowy, yellow, daisy-like flowers have little scent, but the light green foliage smells like anise. Coreopsis are native to North America, grow in upright clumps, and flower throughout the summer.
\n\n\n\nThe nickname, tickseed, is a nod to its tick-like round seeds that serve as delicious snacks for birds and other wildlife during fall and winter, while the colorful blooms are a magnet for bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; prefers moist, well-drained chalk, soil, sand, loam, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; 1 inch of rainfall or water per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bignonia_capreolata_2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCrossvine is a woody climbing vine with orange-red, trumpet-shaped flowers that are magnets for pollinators like the ruby-throated hummingbird. You can find specimens in woods, swamps, hedgerows, hammocks, and limestone escarpments throughout the southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nCrossvine can grow impressively tall by anchoring itself to nearby trees. Its leaves are bright green during the growing season and turn a reddish-purple in winter. Though this plant is immune to most pests and low-maintenance, the fast-growing vine can be a nuisance.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 6-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 30-50 feet tall and 6-9 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist, well-drained chalk, clay, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Maintain moist soil
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/27624839110_c61a8a28f4_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nKnown for its fluffy clusters of soft, blue, star-shaped flowers, eastern bluestar is a medium-sized, low-maintenance plant. Its airy but substantial foliage is versatile, suiting all landscape designs. In fall, specimens turn a brilliant yellow color.
\n\n\n\nBluestar produces narrow, lance-shaped leaves with pronounced ribs. Specimens bloom in spring, followed by interesting seed pods. It grows well alongside leafy plants like peonies and hostas.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist, well-drained sand, chalk, clay, or loam
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water once per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; milky sap irritates humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Hippopx
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is a low-maintenance understory tree that blooms in its second year. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, prefers a soil pH between 5.5 to 6, and likes open woodland settings.
\n\n\n\nSometimes considered the most spectacular of the native flowering trees, the flowering dogwood is single or multi-trunked with a spreading crown and showy blossoms that bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. It boasts horizontal-tiered branches, red fruits, and scarlet fall leaves.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Between 20-25 feet tall and 12-18 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, acidic clay, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic; poisonous fruit
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/800px-Catalpa_speciosa_Northern_Catapla_35433010576-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as cigar tree and Indian bean, northern catalpa is a medium-sized tree with showy, white, fragrant flowers, large heart-shaped leaves, and dangling seed pods that look like beans and persist through winter.
\n\n\n\nNorthern catalpa is low-maintenance and best suited to large, open spaces. Unfortunately, once the flowers, pods, and leaves drop, you’ll need to invest in some landscape cleanup. Avoid planting this tree near sidewalks and driveways. Specimens prefer at least six hours of sunlight per day and tolerate a range of moisture conditions, including flooding.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-70 feet tall and 20-50 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist, well-drained clay, loam, chalk, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water one inch per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/milkweed-gc5c87a074_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nOrange milkweed, or butterfly weed, is a bushy perennial that sports large, flat-topped clusters of orange flowers atop long stems. It has five sepals, five petals, and stiff, lance-shaped, glossy leaves that provide a dark green backdrop for the showy flowers.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is beloved for its ability to attract a variety of beneficial insects to the garden. It is fairly slow-growing and is best planted in late spring after the soil warms. If left to its own devices, orange milkweed will become invasive and spread. Generally, it’s a low-maintenance plant found in meadows, prairies, and forest clearings.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herbaceous flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-4 feet tall and less than 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial though some species are annuals
\n\n\n\nFoliage: N/A
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers dry, sandy soil or gravel
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Semi drought-tolerant; prefers to dry out between waterings
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Low toxicity; milky sap irritates humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/31327614124_57cb7c54dd_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPignut hickory is a strong, large tree with a straight trunk and a dense, oval form. It is drought-tolerant and difficult to transplant once established thanks to a deep taproot. The pignut hickory is native to the eastern, southeastern, and central regions of the United States.
\n\n\n\nPignut hickory produces bitter nuts, attracting a variety of wildlife. It is disease and pest-resistant and does not require routine pruning. It prefers full sun but is tolerant of shady Mississippi landscapes.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 50-80 feet tall and 25-40 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Adaptable; moist, well-drained, chalk, loam, or sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant; does not require watering outside of natural rainfall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Aesculus_pavia_3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThis native plant is also known as the firecracker plant or scarlet buckeye, thanks to its upright clusters of red flowers. Red buckeye grows in the southern and eastern United States as a large shrub or small tree. While it doesn’t produce fall colors, its coarse texture and interesting form provide an attractive winter backdrop.
\n\n\n\nRed buckeye is a great understory tree, preferring shade and moisture. It is an extremely well-behaved plant, never extending aggressively, although squirrels spread seedlings. Flowering is consistent, even in dense shade. Specimens have palmate leaves and hard, round seed capsules.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub, tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 4-8
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-40 feet tall; usually 20 feet tall in Arkansas
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers deep, acidic, well-drained sand, clay, loam, or limestone
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch of water or rainfall per week
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderate toxicity; seeds are poisonous to humans and animals, including horses and livestock; often used to make soap
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Red_maple_leaves.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Heng Wang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nRed maple, also known as swamp maple, water maple, and Canadian maple, is a tall tree native to most of North America. It is named for its rich, highly desirable, bright red, fall foliage. During spring and summer, its leaves are bright green.
\n\n\n\nRed maple is a popular choice for yards, providing beautiful color and shade. It is easy to care for and grows well throughout all the seasons, making it a great low-maintenance landscape tree for beds and borders.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-70 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, sand, loamy, chalk, or clay
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Maintain moist soil with slow, deep watering
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/commelina-erecta-g5cce5b79c_1280-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nWhitemouth dayflower, also known as slender dayflower, is an erect, perennial wildflower found in pinelands, coastal uplands, and scrub habitats. It is one of two native species of commelina. ‘Dayflower’ refers to the ephemeral nature of the flowers. Specimens of whitemouth dayflower open in the morning and close in the afternoon.
\n\n\n\nShowy blooms have two large, ear-like, purplish-blue petals and a smaller, white petal that appears below the ears, giving the appearance of a small, white mouth. Whitemouth dayflower sports long, curved, pale purple stamens, bright yellow pistils, and linear, lance-shaped leaves. Stems are soft and jointed.
\n\n\n\nWhitemouth dayflower blooms in summer and fall. Blooms invite a variety of pollinators to your garden, and local songbirds love to snack on their seeds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall and 1 foot wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun; partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained sand
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Water once per week; increase watering to twice per week during hot, dry weather
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic; no safety hazards
\n\n\n\nAll native plants have their own characteristics and needs. It is important to consider the sun exposure, soil type, and watering capabilities of your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, it is important to consider your hardiness zone when planting non-natives. Mississippi’s USDA zones are 7a to 8b, with the lowest annual temperatures ranging from 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. All native plants are hardy to the Magnolia State’s minimum temperatures.
\n\n\n\nNative plants, turfgrass, and other low-maintenance landscaping options come together to create your backyard oasis.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help determining where to start, let Wikilawn connect you with a local pro so you can keep your weekends free for all of the really important things, like Netflix. Our trusted lawn care experts are spread out across Jackson, Southaven, Olive Branch, Pearl, Ridgeland, and many other cities in the Magnolia State.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Coreopsis / C.Maylett / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"13 Best Native Plants for Mississippi","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.411764705882353,"src":"/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/1789c/Plains_Coreopsis-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/107df/Plains_Coreopsis-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/293e9/Plains_Coreopsis-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/f2cbb/Plains_Coreopsis-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/1789c/Plains_Coreopsis-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/c26c2/Plains_Coreopsis-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/1dd6e/Plains_Coreopsis-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/67b76/Plains_Coreopsis-1.webp 320w,\n/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/8df11/Plains_Coreopsis-1.webp 500w,\n/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/98a65/Plains_Coreopsis-1.webp 800w,\n/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/1dd6e/Plains_Coreopsis-1.webp 960w,\n/static/82b579cf7ba1af326d13cc5a9ee6c8cb/3cc96/Plains_Coreopsis-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"13 Best Native Plants for Mississippi | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Discover the best native plants for Mississippi, what they look like, how to care for them, and where to buy them locally."}}},{"node":{"id":"2858093e-56e4-506c-9942-01cfd7a1f41c","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-mississippi","path":"/lawn-care/ms/low-maintenance-landscaping-ideas-mississippi/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Andie Ioó is a writer for LawnStarter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband, sports, and trying out new healthy recipes. She also loves reading and watching reruns of classic '90s TV shows.","name":"Andie Ioo","id":"00424d9e-71f7-5a65-a764-eb85c6210e90","path":"/author/andie-ioo/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c7090b8e789516e6df2e9bd1a57a1ece?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"690c1e77-e03d-574f-811e-b355bf8606f1","name":"Mississippi","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ms/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Can you imagine your Mississippi community without towering shade trees, colorful wildflowers, or big blooming azaleas in the spring? Not a pretty picture, is it? Landscaping is the decorative frosting on your community’s cake. Luckily, landscaping doesn’t have to require backbreaking labor. We’ve rounded up 7 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Mississippi landscapes. Low-maintenance landscaping means […]
\n","content":"\nCan you imagine your Mississippi community without towering shade trees, colorful wildflowers, or big blooming azaleas in the spring? Not a pretty picture, is it? Landscaping is the decorative frosting on your community’s cake. Luckily, landscaping doesn’t have to require backbreaking labor. We’ve rounded up 7 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Mississippi landscapes.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance landscaping means less time spent mowing, fertilizing, weeding, overseeding, and spraying for pests and diseases. Not only will you work less, but you’ll also be helping the environment and protecting future generations.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we will cover:
\n\n\n\n7 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Mississippi
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Low-Maintenance Mississippi Landscaping
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Yarrow-Achillea-Millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThere’s no better low-maintenance landscape plant than natives. They are hardy and grow more productively in Mississippi’s unique climate than non-natives because they are accustomed to the Magnolia State’s soil, pests, diseases, and climate.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some of the best low-maintenance native plants
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices vary widely based on many factors, including type, size, and location. On average, you can expect to spend between $15 to $50 per shrub, $5 to $50 per vine, and $200 to $1,500 per tree..
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/32233513968_9ed0aa0dc8_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Redi-Rock International / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf your idea of low-maintenance landscaping is no-maintenance landscaping, installing hardscapes is one solution. Hardscapes are man-made features used in landscape architecture. They are a set-it-and-forget-it landscaping solution that only requires an annual cleaning.
\n\n\n\nCommon hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Be prepared to spend around $7,500 for a new deck, $4,000 for a patio, $850 for a fire pit, and $3,000 for a flagstone walkway.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscape_garden_2014_-_2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Steakley / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLike hardscaping, xeriscaping focuses on low-maintenance landscaping with additional emphasis on water conservation. Xeriscaping involves creating a beautiful home landscape that requires no watering except natural rainfall.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional xeriscaping costs between $5 to $20 per square foot, depending on many factors like plant selection and the size of your yard. While upfront costs may seem high, you will save around $0.36 per square foot annually on water and maintenance costs.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bigleaf-Vinca.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Cslucas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nLawn maintenance isn’t for everyone, and your lawn doesn’t need to be covered in traditional grass to have a thick, green appearance. Low-maintenance groundcover makes a great alternative to grass. Groundcovers are low-lying perennial plants with a creeping, spreading habit, used to cover sections of ground with minimal maintenance and mowing.
\n\n\n\nDeeply shaded areas and steep slopes that are difficult to mow are perfect spots for growing groundcovers.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some Mississippi groundcovers::
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground covers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes, groundcover plants cost around $5 to $50 each, depending on size.
\n\n\n\nArtificial grass hasn’t always had the best rep, but it has come a long way. Modern, high-quality artificial turf can be just as vibrant and soft as traditional turfgrass and comes in many colors and textures. Without close inspection, your neighbors won’t be able to tell the difference.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, artificial grass is costly and some argue that it negatively affects the environment. However, studies have shown that it doesn’t present increased risk to soils, and the environmental impact is minimal.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial turf:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional artificial grass installation costs between $5 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Garden-Bed-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: ronstik / Canva Pro / License
\n\n\n\nAnother inexpensive, low-maintenance option is mulch. Mulch helps reduce weeds, conserve moisture, and protect your plants’ roots from cold and heat. It is a loose material typically made of inorganic or organic matter like compost, tree bark, wood chips, or rubber.
\n\n\n\nSome examples of mulch are:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: According to Lowes and Home Depot, wood mulch costs between $3 to $5 per 2-cubic-foot bag. Rubber mulch is more durable and expensive, costing around $8 to $10 per 0.8-cubic-foot bag. If your landscaping project requires a lot of mulch, you can often purchase it in bulk to save money.
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blazing-Star-Liatris-spicata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you are considering low-maintenance landscaping options, it is important to understand the difference between perennial and annual plants. Annuals germinate, flower, set seeds, and die, all in one season. To keep your landscape looking great, you’ll need to replant them year after year.
\n\n\n\nUnlike annuals, perennials are typically cold-hardy, going dormant in the winter and returning in the spring. They typically bloom for one season each year, though some species are long-blooming. When grown in favorable conditions, perennials can live decades.
\n\n\n\nCheck out some popular Mississippi perennials:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Like native plants, the average cost of perennial plants varies depending on the size and type of plant, purchase location, and whether you are having a professional handle your landscaping. If you head to your local store to purchase your own perennials, you can expect to spend between $10 to $100 per plant.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to splurge on hardscaping features, there are many inexpensive options available, including:
• Concrete pavers
• Gravel
• Mulch
• Timber edging to define flower beds
If you’re just starting out in landscaping, follow these easy steps:
• Determine your exact landscaping wants and needs. Make a list to keep everything organized.
• Think about location. Consider weather patterns throughout the year when designing your landscape.
• Spend time in your landscape. Live with it for a while before making any changes.
• Start out small. One of the most satisfying parts of landscaping is slowly developing a plan and enjoying the process.
• Find a focal point. Use a sculpture, beautiful tree, or shrubs.
• Focus on scale and design. To give your yard a pulled-together appearance, mix and match various features in your landscape. Vary size, shape, and color to create contrast and visual interest.
• Be open to change. Be honest about what’s working for you and what’s not. Tastes change. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Gravel is an inexpensive hardscaping option with many benefits.
• Cost-effective: Gravel is less expensive than other options like natural stone or concrete.
• Versatile: Use gravel to create pathways, driveways, and to line flower beds or drainage areas. It is available in many colors, textures, and sizes.
• Low-maintenance: Gravel blocks weeds and doesn’t require mowing, watering, fertilizing, or chemical sprays.
• Good drainage: Gravel promotes drainage, allowing water to pass through easily.
We all want a beautiful yard, but some of us don’t want to spend hours outside mowing, fertilizing, watering, and weeding. Your low-maintenance additions will come together with your native plants and turfgrass to create your complete landscape.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help deciding where to begin, let Wikilawn connect you with a local lawn care pro in your area that will take care of the heavy lifting. Our trusted experts are spread out across Jackson, Southaven, Olive Branch, Pearl, Ridgeland, and many other cities in the Magnolia State.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Natchez, Mississippi / Rsfinalayson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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