![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oakleaf-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-quercifolia.jpg\")
Alabama is known for its natural beauty, including breathtaking mountains, pristine beaches, and attractive native plants. But Alabama’s native plants aren’t just pretty; they’re also low-maintenance and great for the ecosystem. Additionally, you can affordably plant most natives from seeds. So, we researched and compiled a list of the best native plants for Alabama. Our […]
\n","content":"\nAlabama is known for its natural beauty, including breathtaking mountains, pristine beaches, and attractive native plants. But Alabama’s native plants aren’t just pretty; they’re also low-maintenance and great for the ecosystem. Additionally, you can affordably plant most natives from seeds. So, we researched and compiled a list of the best native plants for Alabama.
\n\n\n\nOur list includes plants for North, Central, and South Alabama, and we break down each plant’s characteristics and regional preferences.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFlourishing throughout the state, the oakleaf hydrangea has been Alabama’s state wildflower since 1999. It naturally grows in moist woodlands and along Alabama’s rivers and streams. Homeowners in all of Alabama’s regions plant oakleaf hydrangea as an ornamental because it’s beautiful and pollinator-friendly but resists most pests.
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea is a sweet-smelling shrub with striking white flowers that bloom in spring, turn rose in the summer, and remain until mid-winter. Its exquisite flowers complement green oak-shaped leaves that turn vivid shades of red and purple come fall.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey-vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: At least 1 inch a week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They resist pests, but sometimes get spiders or aphids and they are susceptible to leaf bright or powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if the plant gets damaged or becomes overgrown. You may deadhead.
\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\nThe boxelder maple, also called box elder, is a native shade tree that naturally grows on river banks and wetlands throughout the U.S. and Canada. It’s native throughout Alabama and typically lives 65 to 70 years.
\n\n\n\nBox elders are famous for their light-green leaves because it’s the only maple tree with compound leaves with more than three leaflets. Although its sap isn’t as sweet as sugar maple, it is sweet enough to make a tasty syrup.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Just about any well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mild
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 30 to 80 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They are toxic to horses and some people get an allergic reaction from them. Their wood is weak and susceptible to storm damage.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Be careful not to overwater. It thrives best when the soil’s moisture varies.
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Chrysogonum_virginianum_pm.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter A. Mansfeld / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nGreen-and-gold, or goldstar, is a showy herb native to Southeast Alabama and Mobile County. Its star-shaped yellow flowers and hairy stems make it an excellent specimen plant and it’s also grown as groundcover. Green-and-gold is highly adaptable and resists most pests while attracting beneficial insects like bumble bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Does best in soil that is moist, well-drained, and organically rich
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: It is susceptible to mildew
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: It is easy to care for.
\n\n\n\nWavyleaf purple coneflower is native but rare throughout Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Admired for their beauty, they have pink and purple flowers with drooping petals and a dark center. It is easy to grow and highly adaptable to just about any soil.
\n\n\n\nMany Alabamans choose wavyleaf purple coneflower as a specimen plant, and its flowers are used in bouquets and teas. It is also popular with wildlife lovers because its nectar attracts bees and butterflies, and its seeds attract birds.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, calcareous, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Occasionally gets leaf spot and may attract the Japanese beetle.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Separate clumps when overcrowding occurs. Removing dead flowers isn’t required, but improves the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Coreopsis_grandiflora_001.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kor!An (Андрей Корзун) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nLargeflower tickseed is an herb native to North and Central Alabama, including Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Lee County. It is an excellent addition to any butterfly, wildflower, or rock garden, and its bright yellow flowers look beautiful beside wavyleaf purple coneflower.
\n\n\n\nIt has fragrant flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds and it’s extremely low-maintenance. Additionally, largeflower tickseed is great for homeowners with small children or pets because it’s completely non-toxic.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant, 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some people are allergic to tickseed. They are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. They may attract aphids, aster leafhoppers, or coreopsis beetles.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, fertilize and deadhead to encourage robust blooms.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe flowering dogwood is an attractive tree that natively grows throughout most of Alabama. It has fragrant clusters of small yellow-green flowers surrounded by pink and white petal-like leaves. Then, in the fall, its foliage turns vivid shades of red, purple, and scarlet, making a spectacular fall display.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its lavish flowers and leaves, flowering dogwood has an interesting bark with a pattern that resembles scales. However, it isn’t just desired for its looks; its hardwood is excellent for making household items, such as tool handles and butcher blocks, and its nectar attracts native pollinators.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet floral
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 30 feet, but can be up to 65 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contact with its berries give some people rashes. It is susceptible to fungal diseases including powdery mildew and spot anthracnose.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Prune in early spring and fertilize during spring and fall.
\n\n\n\nPussytoes are flowering herbs with colorful leaves that look great as groundcover, in rock gardens, and along pathways. They are native to North and Central Alabama, including Huntsville and Birmingham.
\n\n\n\nIts nectar-rich pink and white flowers bloom in early spring. Although you can expect to see pollinators, such as butterflies, in mid to late spring, pussytoes are deer resistant and don’t attract many pests.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 9 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: If the soil is too moist, it can get root rot. You may get an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to ragweed, daisies, and marigolds.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, deadheading will improve the plant’s appearance.
\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 maples are beautiful shade trees that natively grow throughout all of Alabama. In fact, the red maple is so tolerant and adaptable that it natively grows as far north as Quebec and as far south as Key West. Although it is more common outside major cities, many red maples still thrive throughout Alabama’s urban areas.
\n\n\n\nThe red maple is asymmetric with green leaves, red flowers, and red and pink fruit. However, it gets its name from its fabulous bright red fall foliage that mixes with shades of yellow and orange.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet cherry or almond flower scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – April
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 40 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to horses
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: If you overwater, it may not grow to full height.
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lonicera_sempervirens_-_Coral_honeysuckle_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nIf you are looking to grow a native vine, consider coral honeysuckle. Many Alabamians shy away from honeysuckle due to the unruly growth of Japanese honeysuckle, but don’t be alarmed. Unlike the Japanese plant species, coral honeysuckle isn’t an invasive plant. Instead, it naturally grows throughout Alabama, living in harmony with the state’s plants and wildlife.
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners grow coral honeysuckle on trellises, while others prefer it as a groundcover. Its red and yellow flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, and its red berries and seeds attract several birds, including songbirds and cardinals.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 11
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loan, clay, slightly acidic, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: 1 inch per week, somewhat drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its red berries are toxic to humans and some pets, including dogs and cats. Its leaves are susceptible to aphid damage and leaf spot diseases.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: It needs occasional pruning and well-drained soil will prevent disease.
\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\nRed buckeye, also called the firecracker plant, grows into a shrub or small tree throughout Alabama. It is a thyrse plant with showy red flowers that bloom very early in spring, attracting hummingbirds and bumble bees. In addition, squirrels love to notch on its nuts.
\n\n\n\nDue to its unique beauty, red buckeye is an excellent ornamental plant that enhances Alabama landscapes. Consider planting it near Joe Pye weed, which is native to several Alabama counties, including Madison, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and Lee.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub/small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained sand, loam, clay, limestone
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium – High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 40 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Seeds and young shoots are toxic to humans and children are the most susceptible. Its fruit contains toxins called saponins, but they don’t have much effect on humans and are also common in beans. However, the fruit may harm pets.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Red buckeyes enjoy liquid fertilizer, but once it’s 4-5 years old it no longer requires fertilization. Summer is the best time to prune and overwatering can cause leaf spot.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing native plants for Alabama, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\nThe best plants native to Birmingham include the following:
If you live in Mobile or Baldwin, consider these native plants:
And if you live close to the Gulf, these salt-tolerant Alabama native plants grow well in the southern part of the state:
If you live near the state’s capital, consider growing the following plants that are native to Montgomery County:
If you live in Madison or Limestone County consider these North Alabama native plants:
You can view collections of Alabama native plants are the following places:
\n\n\n\nAnd you can buy native plants at the following nurseries:
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, many gardening groups have native seed exchange programs, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens has a seed exchange program for its members.
\n\n\n\nConsider hiring a landscaper to help you plan a native plant garden. A pro will determine what native plants are best for your yard, then build you the luscious landscape of your dreams. In addition, expert lawn care pros in Alabama can maintain your lawn and handle periodic yard clean-ups. Then, with the time you’ll save, you can hike to Noccalula Falls or watch a game at Bryant–Denny Stadium.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Coreopsis / Pxfuel
\n","title":"10 Best Native Plants for Alabama","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/1789c/pxfuel.com-6-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/107df/pxfuel.com-6-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/293e9/pxfuel.com-6-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/f2cbb/pxfuel.com-6-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/1789c/pxfuel.com-6-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/c26c2/pxfuel.com-6-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-6-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/67b76/pxfuel.com-6-1.webp 320w,\n/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/8df11/pxfuel.com-6-1.webp 500w,\n/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/98a65/pxfuel.com-6-1.webp 800w,\n/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/1dd6e/pxfuel.com-6-1.webp 960w,\n/static/536dd38c57ddae2a64d38a439fada757/3cc96/pxfuel.com-6-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"10 Best Native Plants for Alabama | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best native plants for Alabama include exquisite flowers, trees, and shrubs that are low maintenance and great for the ecosystem."}}},{"node":{"id":"a7d4f1dc-205b-5939-88f1-10ed1b0aabd9","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-alabama","path":"/lawn-care/al/low-maintenance-landscaping-alabama/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"LaShonda Tucker is a freelance writer, poet, and spoken word artist in Atlanta. She earned her masters from the University of Georgia and enjoys playing her violin.","name":"LaShonda Tucker","id":"f7fdb6d3-a89a-5295-963a-aac47afa7cee","path":"/author/lashonda-tucker/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ce61747b62dbfb82f56a8611f2835988?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 14th, 2023","excerpt":"After taking in the views at Cheaha State Park, returning to a home landscape that provides the same serenity and aesthetic pleasure is a welcoming thought. We’ve compiled eight low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Alabama homeowners to help you do just that. While you may not be able to duplicate the wonders of Cheaha in your […]
\n","content":"\nAfter taking in the views at Cheaha State Park, returning to a home landscape that provides the same serenity and aesthetic pleasure is a welcoming thought. We’ve compiled eight low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Alabama homeowners to help you do just that. While you may not be able to duplicate the wonders of Cheaha in your yard, you can create a breathtaking landscape that is just as appealing.
\n\n\n\nAnd let’s be honest, the breeze from the Gulf of Mexico is nice, but sometimes the summers get really hot. These ideas will help you stay out of the heat, or at least allow you more time to enjoy the beaches at Gulf State Park when you are outdoors, instead of spending a lot of your time doing yard work. A spectacular-looking yard does not have to mean a lot of sweat and labor.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/36415538275_740f5f1f45_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlanting perennials has many benefits. Annuals only last one season and must be replanted. Perennials, on the other hand, last many seasons after being planted only once. They require maintenance, but usually less than annuals. Most perennials require dividing for healthy growth and continued flowering.
\n\n\n\nMany perennials thrive as long as they receive sunshine and are planted in well-drained soil. The deep root systems of perennials help prevent erosion and promote healthy soil composition.
\n\n\n\nPerennials come in multiple colors, sizes, and textures, so you can have the same diversity as you would with annuals. Planting different perennial varieties means they’ll blossom at different times, giving you a colorful garden longer.
\n\n\n\nCheck out these Alabama hardy native perennials:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of perennials depends on the plant type and size, purchase location, and if you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional. It costs between $650 and $3,000 for professional flower bed installation, depending on plant type and size, and the number of plants. Expect to pay between $10 to $100 per plant if you’re DIY’ing it. A package of seeds typically costs less than $2.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Oakleaf-Hydrangea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFill your flower bed and other areas of your yard with a diverse collection of native plants. From shrubs to sedums to ornamental grasses, native plants add variety, color, and interest to any home.
\n\n\n\nNative plants can make your life a little easier and promote a healthier environment. Most native plants are low maintenance because they have adapted to the Alabama climate. They require less watering and fertilizing and are more tolerant of local diseases and pests. As a result, fewer chemicals are needed to maintain native plants, meaning fewer harmful chemicals run off into the water supply and contaminate the environment.
\n\n\n\nNative plants provide habitat and nourishment for local insects, butterflies, birds, and wildlife, sustaining biodiversity and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nHere are some attractive Alabama native plants:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Native plant prices depend on plant type, size, and purchase location. Shrubs cost between $15 to $50. Expect to pay between $5 to $50 per vine. A tree averages between $200 to $1,500.
\n\n\n\n![\"Plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Plants-with-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch is a low-maintenance idea that saves time and money and benefits your soil and plants. Mulch protects the soil from direct sunlight, which reduces water evaporation and conserves water. It also prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, and protects the soil from extreme temperatures that can injure plant roots.
\n\n\n\nWeed suppression means less time and money spent on herbicides. When plant roots are protected from injury, like frost in the winter, you do not have to spend time repairing the damage or replacing plants. When you replace grass in difficult-to-mow areas with mulch, you reduce the time otherwise spent mowing the lawn.
\n\n\n\nYou have two choices for mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulch can improve soil quality, aeration, and drainage. As it breaks down, it adds nutrients to the soil. Both organic and inorganic mulch can add aesthetic value to your home.
\n\n\n\nMulch comes in different textures, colors, and styles. Here are some examples:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Organic mulch typically costs about $50 to $150 per cubic yard. Inorganic mulch costs about $20 to $400 per cubic yard. You can typically get mulch at $3 to $7 a bag.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fire-Pit.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rochester Concrete Products / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are non-living, man-made features. Although they cost more upfront, after they are constructed, they provide years of low-maintenance visual appeal and functionality.
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve installed a flagstone pathway and wrap-around porch as inviting entryways to your home, you’ve created a landscape design that does not need mowing, weeding, or fertilizing. The more hardscapes, the fewer lawn care and gardening tasks you’ll have to do.
\n\n\n\nYou might like some of these hardscape ideas:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: It costs an average of $4.50 to $17 per square foot for professional hardscaping, depending on the type of project, or between $3,300 to $13,200 per project. A walkway costs between $335 and $2,840. A retaining wall is one of the more expensive landscape designs, costing between $3,600 to $9,500.
\n\n\n\n![\"Xeriscaping](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Xeriscaping.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is another landscaping idea that saves water and time. This type of landscaping uses drought-tolerant plants and other low-maintenance features to replace grass. Succulents, native plants, and other plants that require little water, like liriopes, create an efficient and diverse display. Many xeriscaping features require no fertilization and little to no pruning.
\n\n\n\nLet’s look at some ways to xeriscape:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay between $5 to $20 per square foot for professional installation, depending on materials, type of feature, and the size of your yard.
\n\n\n\n![\"Lilyturf](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lilyturf-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUsing groundcover instead of grass eliminates or reduces the need to mow. Choosing low-maintenance groundcover means less watering, fertilizing, and other activities necessary to maintain grass.
\n\n\n\nYou can replace your grass with plants that are low-maintenance and look like grass, with a touch of color. Liriopes are a category of grass-like plants that also flower. They spread to make an excellent groundcover.
\n\n\n\nLiriopes (Liriope muscari) are not native to Alabama, but some, like monkey grass, are popular amongst Alabama homeowners. Liriope is very low-maintenance. It is drought, heat, and high-traffic tolerant. It suppresses weeds and requires little, if any, fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nMixing different types of groundcover plants can give your yard a more interesting and colorful landscape than having a lawn made of only grass. Groundcover also prevents erosion.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for interesting groundcover to partially or completely replace your grass, you may like these plants that are either drought-tolerant, native to Alabama, or both :
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcovers:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of groundcover plants depends on the plant type, size, how they’re sold, and purchase location. A container plant costs about $40. Plant trays cost about $10. The same plant may cost between $4 and $400 when sold as seeds, depending on the number of seeds.
\n\n\n\n![\"Artificial](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Artificial-Grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Nick Bastian / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtificial grass means no more mowing, watering, fertilizing, dethatching, or any of those maintenance chores associated with real grass. Although artificial grass is costly initially, you’ll only have to do occasional maintenance, like cleaning it and keeping it free of debris.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll also contribute to a cleaner environment. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that would have been used to maintain your lawn will no longer be applied and run off into the water supply.
\n\n\n\nIf you choose artificial turfgrass, be aware that it reduces the nutrients the soil underneath it receives. So, the soil can be damaged.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay an average of $5.50 to $19.75 per square foot for artificial grass installation, depending on the material, property size, and yard shape.
\n\n\n\n![\"Showy](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Showy-stonecrop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kroton / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSucculents are great for low-maintenance landscapes and well-suited for the dry, hot Alabama climate. These plants store water in their stems, roots, and leaves, allowing them to thrive with little watering. They are drought-tolerant and usually require less pruning and fertilization than other plants.
\n\n\n\nSedums are a category of hardy succulents. Not all sedums are succulents, but most are, and they come in multiple colors, sizes, and styles. Their flowers usually blossom late in the growing season, so sedums help you keep some visual excitement in your flower bed a little longer.
\n\n\n\nHere are some sedums and other succulent plants for your Alabama garden bed:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Succulents cost an average of $10 to $75 per plant, depending on plant type and size.
\n\n\n\nPlants native to Alabama thrive best. You can choose non-native plants, but you want to identify options that will grow well in Alabama’s climate. One way to do this is by referring to the plant’s USDA hardiness zone.
Zones indicate the plants that will survive an area’s lowest winter temperatures. Zones differ by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Alabama’s zones are 7b to 8b. So choose plants within your zone for the best success.
Invasive plants can outcompete native plants, causing them to be greatly reduced or completely replaced. This means hummingbirds, insects, and wildlife can no longer depend on native plants for food and habitat. The ecosystem can become unbalanced and some insect and animal species can begin to decrease. Here are some ways to manage invasive plants:
• The best way to keep them from spreading is to remove the plant.
• If the seed has not formed yet, remove the flowers by deadheading.
• Pull up small plants or seedlings.
• Cut down large, woody varieties and treat the stump with an herbicide.
Drip irrigation systems allow homeowners to save water by watering more efficiently. They are excellent choices for xeriscape designs. Drip irrigation systems usually result in using less water than sprinkler irrigation. You can use a simple drip irrigation system under mulch, or a more elaborate system for larger areas.
With these eight ideas, you can create a beautiful landscaping design that reduces the time it takes to keep it healthy and visually appealing. Alabama has over 15 state parks. Why spend your time maintaining your yard when you can spend it enjoying walking trails, beaches, biking, and other recreational activities?
\n\n\n\nIf you’re ready to treat yourself to a well-kept lawn without all the effort, contact a local lawn care professional.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Bellingrath Gardens / Pixabay
\n","title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Alabama","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/1789c/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg","srcSet":"/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/107df/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 320w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/293e9/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 500w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/f2cbb/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 800w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/1789c/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 960w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/c26c2/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/1dd6e/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/67b76/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 320w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/8df11/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 500w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/98a65/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 800w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/1dd6e/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 960w,\n/static/3b66aa278d344631f04fbda749a9e0a8/3cc96/Bellingrath-Gardens-Alabama.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"8 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Alabama","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reduce your yard work and increase your free time with these low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your Alabama home."}}},{"node":{"id":"e49bd466-a000-52af-90a9-0723a40d9303","slug":"low-maintenance-landscaping-birmingham","path":"/lawn-care/al/birmingham/low-maintenance-landscaping-birmingham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"17db6bdd-4802-5368-a598-f1f632ae1e64","name":"Birmingham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/birmingham/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"Living in a warm climate means maintaining plants year-round, which can be exhausting, especially when you’re boiling in the blaring Birmingham sun. So, many homeowners choose low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Birmingham, including native plants, succulents, and grass alternatives. Spending a lot of time working on the yard is a shame when you could be dining […]
\n","content":"\nLiving in a warm climate means maintaining plants year-round, which can be exhausting, especially when you’re boiling in the blaring Birmingham sun. So, many homeowners choose low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Birmingham, including native plants, succulents, and grass alternatives.
\n\n\n\nSpending a lot of time working on the yard is a shame when you could be dining at Saw’s BBQ or hiking at Red Mountain Park. So we break down the best ways to achieve a low-maintenance yard, including prices and examples.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Plant-Perennials.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nAll flowering plants go through similar life stages, but perennials repeat their life cycle, living for at least three years. In contrast, annual plants only live one year, so you must continuously replant your garden. Furthermore, many perennials can thrive even when only given well-drained soil and sunshine.
\n\n\n\nHowever, because perennials live for years, proper planning is crucial. Dividing a single plant into multiples controls the size of the plant, so its roots spread out and take in more water and nutrition. Smaller plants also provide greater flexibility with plant placement and garden design. The best time to divide your perennials is in the fall, about six weeks before the first frost.
\n\n\n\nExamples of low-maintenance perennials that thrive in Birmingham’s climate include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of perennials:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Perennial plants tend to cost more than annuals, typically costing $10 to $100 per plant. However, many perennials can grow from seeds, and a package of single plant seeds is usually less than $2. To start a wildflower garden, you can buy a bag of mixed perennial wildflower seeds for $10 to $25.
\n\n\n\nAlabama is home to some of North America’s most magnificent trees, flowers, and vines. Native plants require less maintenance than foreign species because they naturally thrive in Birmingham’s environment. As a result, flower beds filled with native perennials require minimal watering, fertilization, and soil amendments.
\n\n\n\nNative plants are also fantastic for Birmingham’s ecosystem because they support local wildlife and don’t disturb their habitat. Pollinators like butterflies and bumble bees prefer native nectar, while birds feast on native seeds. Birmingham’s native herbivores, such as white-tailed deer and eastern cottontail rabbits, enjoy native leaves, nuts, and fruit.
\n\n\n\nExamples of Birmingham’s best native plants include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most native Birmingham plants cost $20 to $150, but the cost depends on the type of plant, its stage of maturity, rarity, and desirability. For example, immature native trees typically cost $35 to $200, but a mature tree can cost as much as $1,850. In contrast, vines and shrubs are usually less than $50 each. Many native plants also grow well from seeds, which can be taken from existing plants for free.
\n\n\n\n![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pine-straw.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nMulch can save you time in the yard while dramatically improving the curb appeal of your Alabama landscape. Because mulch shades the soil, less water evaporates, allowing you to water less often. Additionally, mulch prevents weeds from sprouting by barricading the earth.
\n\n\n\nThere are organic and inorganic mulch options, but in most cases, organic mulch is superior. As organic mulch decomposes, it adds nutrients to the soil. On the other hand, some inorganic mulches, such as rubber mulch, deteriorate the soil’s quality. Although both types block weeds and look pretty, organic mulch is better at retaining soil moisture.
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic mulch include:
\n\n\n\nExamples of inorganic mulch include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most mulch costs $45 to $130 per cubic yard or $3 to $7 per bag. Organic mulch typically costs $50 to $150 per cubic yard, while inorganic is usually $20 to $400 per cubic yard. Straw, pine bark, gravel, and plastic are some of the most affordable mulches, while rubber mulch, crushed sea shells, and pine needles are among the most expensive.
\n\n\n\nHardscape includes all the non-living, man-made structures in your yard, so adding more reduces yard work and improves your outdoor living experience. For example, some Brummies enjoy sipping sweet tea beneath the partial shade of a pergola, while others prefer gathering around a fire pit on a cool November night.
\n\n\n\nExamples of hardscaping include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscape:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost of hardscape varies depending on the structure. For example, most fire pits cost $250 to $2,200, while you can expect to pay $2,100 to $6,000 for a pergola. A typical walkway ranges from $335 to $2,840, and a composite deck usually costs about $8,850.
\n\n\n\nDerived from the Greek word “xeros”, which means dry, xeriscaping is a style of landscaping that requires little to no water. Examples include replacing a portion of the lawn with a rock garden and selecting native plants and succulents that require minimal irrigation.
\n\n\n\nBy reducing water usage, xeriscaping saves you money and time watering the yard. Furthermore, xeriscaping typically requires no fertilization and very little pruning
\n\n\n\nExamples of xeriscaping include the following:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Including labor and materials, most xeriscaping costs $5 to $20 per square foot. Expect xeric plants to cost $9 to $70 and ground cover to cost $10 to $25. The average drought-tolerant tree costs about $300, and rocks typically cost $40 to $140 per cubic yard. Most landscape architects charge $60 to $175 per hour.
\n\n\n\nEven Birmingham’s best grass types require a lot of maintenance, but groundcover is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional lawns. Groundcovers, like creeping thyme, add beauty, color, and fragrance to your landscape. Best of all, the groundcover doesn’t have to be mowed and rarely requires fertilization.
\n\n\n\nExamples of groundcover include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of groundcover:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Groundcover typically costs $10 to $25 per plant.
\n\n\n\nIs caring for the grass bogging you down? Natural grass requires regular mowing, fertilization, sunshine, well-drained soil, and much TLC. In contrast, artificial grass just needs occasional cleaning, allowing you to have a beautiful lawn that requires next to no work.
\n\n\n\nHowever, artificial grass isn’t an exact match, and some homeowners prefer the feeling of natural grass between their toes. Although replacing your existing turf with artificial grass requires a hefty upfront investment, you’ll save time and money on maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of artificial grass:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Expect to pay about $3,000 to $7,000 to replace your lawn with artificial turf, which is about $5.50 to $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nSucculents are fleshy plants (e.g., cacti) that store water in their leaves or stem. Because they stockpile water, they are drought tolerant and require minimal care. They can thrive indoors or outdoors and are standard features in xeriscaping.
\n\n\n\nSucculents are also very forgiving, making them great for new gardeners. I grew my first succulent in the second grade, took it home, put it on the window sill, then forgot about it for months. Finally, I came back to a sickly brown plant, added a little water, and it flourished. That plant survived to see me graduate high school, even with inconsistent care.
\n\n\n\nExamples of succulents for your Birmingham landscape include:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of succulents:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Most succulents cost $10 to $75 per plant, but prices vary depending on the size and species. For example, most aloe vera plants cost $10 to $20 per plant, but large aloe plants can cost $30 to $150.
\n\n\n\nCreeping phlox is an attractive yet inexpensive ground cover that thrives in Birmingham’s soil.
Planting perennials and native plants from seeds is the cheapest way to start a garden. Most seed packs cost under $2, and gardening groups often have seed exchanges. You can save more money by using DIY fertilizers made from existing organic material, such as grass clippings or a compost pile.
However, if growing it from seed isn’t an option, save money by buying less mature plants. For example, purchasing a small tree that won’t produce fruit for years is much more affordable than buying a mature fruit tree.
Butterflies are attracted to the colorful petals of Birmingham’s native Azaleas, such as pink azaleas (Rhododendron periclymenoides). In fact, nearly 20 species of azaleas are native to Alabama, and these plants don’t require a lot of care. However, they attract swallowtails, grey commas, and several other butterflies.
If you want to eliminate yard work, hire a landscaper to do it for you. Experienced professionals know how to maintain a lush lawn and gorgeous garden beds. However, even low-maintenance landscaping requires heavy lifting upfront, so contact a Birmingham lawn care pro to take that weight off your shoulders.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: PxFuel
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\n","content":"\nWhen they’re not in front of the TV shouting “Roll Tide”, many Alabamians enjoy spending time outside, including in their own backyards. Whether you’re sipping sweet tea by the pool or playing football, a healthy lawn will improve your outdoor experience. And choosing one of the best grass types for Alabama makes it much easier to maintain a pristine lawn.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore choosing a grass type, consider your grass zone. For example, North Alabama is in the transitional zone, and the rest of the state is in the warm-season grass zone. Thus both warm- and cool-season grasses do well in northern Alabama, but central and southern Alabama favor warm-season grass.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass prefers hot weather, so its growth peaks in spring and summer, and it typically goes dormant in the winter. In contrast, cool-season grass prefers moderate temperatures, so its growth peaks in the spring and fall, and many cool-season grasses go dormant in both winter and summer.
\n\n\n\nAlabama’s long, hot summers make it best suited for warm-season grass. Homeowners in North and Central Alabama should consider cold-tolerant varieties that withstand winter cold fronts.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bermudagrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pexels
\n\n\n\nDue to its beauty and resilience, bermudagrass is Alabama’s most popular turf grass. It quickly grows into a dense dark green lawn that is highly tolerant to foot traffic, resistant to weeds, and forgiving when exposed to salt. So if you live on the Gulf Coast or play sports on the lawn, bermudagrass is an excellent choice.
\n\n\n\nThe main disadvantage of bermudagrass is all the work it takes to maintain it. Because it’s fast growing, you must mow it a lot, and it also requires frequent fertilization and dethatching. Also, if you live in North or Central Alabama, consider cold-tolerant bermuda cultivars, such as Yukon bermudagrass, to ensure it survives a harsh winter.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: 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: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 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: Bermudagrass requires more fertilization than most Alabama turf. Therefore, conduct a soil test every year or two to ensure you provide enough nitrogen and lime for the lawn. Avoid burning the grass by using a fertilizer that contains no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/zoysiagrass-5.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass grows densely in the heat, but can tolerate colder temperatures than most warm-season grasses. It is also salt-tolerant and able to adapt to just about any well-drained soil. Thus, zoysia is a great option for lawns throughout the state. Additionally, it has much better shade tolerance than bermudagrass and requires less maintenance.
\n\n\n\nAlabama’s most popular zoysia variety is zoysia japonica. Its coarse light green blades are drought tolerant and resistant to weeds. Many homeowners in northern Alabama choose Meyer zoysiagrass, a zoysia japonica cultivar with high cold tolerance. However, if you have many trees, consider emerald zoysia because it is better at tolerating shade.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall, but may get dollar spot or brown patch fungus
\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: Zoysia has good tolerance to herbicides and pesticides.
\n\n\n\n![\"close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bahia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you are looking for low-maintenance turf, bahiagrass is drought-tolerant and rarely needs fertilizer. Due to its deep root system, bahia pulls more moisture and nutrients from the soil than most grass types. Additionally, it resists most insects and seldom succumbs to disease.
\n\n\n\nAlthough bahia is low-maintenance, it can be challenging to mow. In the warm months, bahiagrass grows long seed stems that are difficult to cut. However, frequently sharpening your lawn mower blades will make mowing easier.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but more shade-tolerant than bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertility requirements. Expect frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Ideal grass height is 3 to 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease and insect infestations
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs well in sandy loam soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including soils with low fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: You can plant bahiagrass from seeds or sod, but the lawn will establish much quicker with sod.
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Centipedegrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Becwar / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\nMany Alabamians like centipedegrass because it looks similar to St. Augustinegrass but is more cold-tolerant. However, it isn’t as cold-tolerant as the other lawn grasses on our list, so it’s best kept in South and Central Alabama. Consider TifBlair, because it can withstand colder weather than typical centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nAdditional advantages of centipedegrass include its adaptability to various soil types and its tolerance to shade. However, centipede grows slowly and can’t handle much foot traffic.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer requirements. Requires weekly mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Common diseases include brown patch, leaf spot, and Pythium root rot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Thrives in wet, poorly drained sandy soils with low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Regularly mow your lawn to its recommended height and avoid over-fertilizing to prevent winter illness. Also, be careful of herbicides and pesticides that may weaken the grass.
\n\n\n\nNorth Alabama is in the transitional grass zone. It has cooler temperatures than the rest of the state, so heat-tolerant cool-season grass grows well in Florence, Huntsville, and the surrounding area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tall-Fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain
\n\n\n\nMany homeowners in northern Alabama choose tall fescue because it’s highly adaptable. For example, it needs less sun than most grass types, so it keeps its dark green color, even in partially shaded areas. Additionally, tall fescue handles moderate foot traffic, tolerates drought, and resists most diseases.
\n\n\n\nAlthough it is one of the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass species, tall fescue doesn’t like extreme heat, so it is best left in North Alabama. Consider heat tolerance cultivars, such as Firenza II or Bonfire.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Produces short rhizomes but has a bunch-type growth habit
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate to High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Frequent mowing. Does not produce significant thatch.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 inches when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Tolerant of most diseases when properly maintained.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5-6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Adapted to a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers fertile clay soils with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: To compensate for summer thinning, overseed fescue grass in the fall. It may periodically need additional grass seed.
\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 America’s most popular turfgrass, but it doesn’t like Alabama’s steaming summers. So Alabamians who want the look of Kentucky bluegrass choose Southern Blue. It’s a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and Texas bluegrass developed by Texas A&M. Southern Blue handles heat and shade better than tall fescue, making it one of the best cool-season grasses for southern lawns.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height to 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: It is especially susceptible to diseases in the summer.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Let it grow 3 to 4 inches in the summer before mowing. Don’t fertilize during the summer; the best months to fertilize are September and February.
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for North Alabama include:
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for Central Alabama include:
\n\n\n\nThe best grass types for South Alabama include:
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass does the best in Mobile and the surrounding area. Bermudagrass and zoysiagrass are two of the best warm-season grasses for Alabama, and they are both salt-tolerant, which is important if you live by the sea.
The best grass types for Huntsville are the following:
● Bermudagrass
● Zoysiagrass
● Tall fescue
● Southern Blue
The best grass types for Birmingham are the following warm-season grasses:
● Bermudagrass
● Zoysiagrass
● Bahiagrass
● Centipedegrass
When choosing plants for your yard, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\nIf you want a lush and beautiful lawn, consider hiring a professional. Experienced lawn care pros in Alabama can take the weight of yard work off your shoulders, so you’ll have extra time to take a trip to Little River Canyon National Preserve or visit the USS Alabama.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Chris Pruitt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"6 Best Grass Types for Alabama","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/1789c/lawn-in-Alabama-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/107df/lawn-in-Alabama-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/293e9/lawn-in-Alabama-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/f2cbb/lawn-in-Alabama-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/1789c/lawn-in-Alabama-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/c26c2/lawn-in-Alabama-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/1dd6e/lawn-in-Alabama-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/67b76/lawn-in-Alabama-1.webp 320w,\n/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/8df11/lawn-in-Alabama-1.webp 500w,\n/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/98a65/lawn-in-Alabama-1.webp 800w,\n/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/1dd6e/lawn-in-Alabama-1.webp 960w,\n/static/7ab7bb9a22d860ef4b66e5f501785e1e/3cc96/lawn-in-Alabama-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"6 Best Grass Types for Alabama | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass types for Alabama thrive in heat and humidity while tolerating winter cold fronts. This list includes warm-season and cool-season grasses."}}},{"node":{"id":"c31668e0-a14b-5f06-9676-e98f7aef82fd","slug":"best-grass-types-for-birmingham","path":"/lawn-care/al/birmingham/best-grass-types-for-birmingham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"17db6bdd-4802-5368-a598-f1f632ae1e64","name":"Birmingham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/birmingham/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"April 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Birmingham is nicknamed the “Magic City” because of its magic soil, which contains everything you need to make iron. However, Birmingham homeowners want their soil to do a different magic trick — grow a pristine lawn full of lush green grass. Fortunately, the loamy soil contains all the magic needed to support the best grass […]
\n","content":"\nBirmingham is nicknamed the “Magic City” because of its magic soil, which contains everything you need to make iron. However, Birmingham homeowners want their soil to do a different magic trick — grow a pristine lawn full of lush green grass. Fortunately, the loamy soil contains all the magic needed to support the best grass types for Birmingham, AL.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen choosing a grass type, it is essential to consider your grass zone. For example, Birmingham is in the warm-season grass zone but is very close to the transitional zone. That means warm- and cool-season grass can grow in Birmingham, but warm-season grass has the advantage.
\n\n\n\nWarm-season grass flourishes in the heat, reaching peak growth in the spring and summer and typically going dormant in the winter. On the other hand, cool-season grass prefers moderate temperatures and peaks in the spring and fall. As a result, many cool-season grass varieties go dormant in both summer and winter.
\n\n\n\nLong hot summers and mild winters make Birmingham’s climate best for warm-season grass. So we researched and selected the best warm-season grasses for Birmingham’s climate and soil.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bermudagrass-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nBermudagrass rapidly establishes dense, dark green lawns making it Alabama’s most popular turfgrass. Furthermore, its resilience and high foot traffic tolerance make it the most popular choice for athletic fields. It grows best from April to October when temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, bermudagrass requires a lot of maintenance, such as frequent mowing, fertilization, and dethatching. Although it is prone to insect damage, proper lawn care will keep pests out of your lawn. Consider cold-tolerant cultivars such as Yukon bermudagrass to ensure your lawn can withstand a harsh winter.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low; thrives in full sun
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: 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: Set the mowing height between 0.5 and 1.5 inches for hybrid bermudagrass cultivars. Mow common bermudagrass down to 1.5 to 2.5 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: Bermudagrass requires more fertilization than most Alabama turf. Therefore, conduct a soil test every year or two to ensure you provide enough nitrogen and lime for the lawn. Avoid burning the grass by using a fertilizer that contains no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Zoysia-grass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nZoysiagrass grass is a cold-tolerant warm-season grass that flourishes in Birmingham. Although it grows densely in our climate, zoysiagrass also grows slowly, requiring less mowing than bermudagrass. Additionally, Zoysia is tolerant to shade, whereas bermuda needs full sun.
\n\n\n\nZoysia japonica is the most popular variety of Zoysia grass found in Alabama, and many homeowners choose Meyer Zoysiagrass (also called Z-52), an upgraded version of zoysia japonica. It is highly tolerant to cold weather and grows lush dark green lawns.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons and rhizomes
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High, but recovers slowly from damage
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low nitrogen fertilization requirements, although, it’s prone to thatch build-up.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good disease tolerance overall, but may get dollar spot or brown patch fungus
\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: Zoysia has good tolerance to herbicides and pesticides.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Forest and Kim Starr / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlabama has about one million acres of bahiagrass, and although much of it is for grazing, it’s also popular as turf grass. Its deep root system allows bahia to pull more water and nutrients from the soil than most grass types, making it ideal for Alabamians looking for low-maintenance turf. It doesn’t require much fertilizer or water, and its coarse blades resist most insects and diseases.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low, but more shade-tolerant than bermudagrass.
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertility requirements. Expect frequent mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Ideal grass height is 3 to 4 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Good resistance to disease and insect infestations
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Performs well in sandy loam soils, but tolerates a wide range of soils, including soils with low fertility.
\n\n\n\nOther notes: You can plant bahiagrass from seeds or sod, but the lawn will establish much quicker with sod.
\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
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass thrives in Birmingham’s hot and humid subtropical climate. Although centipedegrass looks similar to St. Augustinegrass, it is distinguishable by its fine blades and pointed tips. The main advantages of centipedegrass are its high adaptability to just about any soil and its tolerance to shade and drought.
\n\n\n\nHowever, centipede has a low cold tolerance, so many Alabamans use TifBlair, a cultivar that tolerates colder temperatures than traditional centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low fertilizer requirements. Requires weekly mowing.
\n\n\n\nMowing height: Set mowing height between 1 and 2 inches.
\n\n\n\nPotential for disease: Common diseases include brown patch, leaf spot, and Pythium root rot.
\n\n\n\nSoil pH: 5-6
\n\n\n\nSoil type: Thrives in wet, poorly drained sandy soils with low fertility
\n\n\n\nOther notes: Because centipedegrass is very sensitive to cold, the grass may discolor or die during a harsh winter. Regularly mow your lawn to its recommended height and avoid over-fertilizing to prevent winter illness. Also, be careful of herbicides and pesticides that may weaken the grass.
\n\n\n\nAlthough warm-season grass is recommended for central Alabama lawns, there are a couple of cool-season grasses that can withstand our steamy summers:
● Tall fescue thrives in our cool winters and is heat tolerant enough to survive the summer, making it the best cool-season grass for Birmingham lawns. Overseeding in late fall helps tall fescue stay dense through the summer.
● Perennial ryegrass is another cool-season grass that can tolerate heat. Although it can endure a typical summer, extended heat waves with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can kill the grass.
Invasive Cogongrass is a problem in Birmingham and throughout most of Alabama, but you can control the invasion using the following tips:
● Don’t hand-pull Cogongrass because its razor-sharp leaves and sprouts can seriously hurt you. In addition, hand-pulling isn’t effective because it is extremely difficult to remove its rhizomes altogether.
● Herbicides, such as glyphosate and imazapyr, effectively kill the plant, but it takes multiple applications to get the job done. The best time to apply herbicide is from late summer until early fall.
● Tillage can help control Cogongrass if you repeat the process whenever new growth emerges. However, infrequent tilling can make the infestation worse.
If your lawn loses its deep green color, it probably needs more nourishment. Nitrogen and iron deficiencies often turn grass light green or yellow. Conduct a soil test, then use an appropriate fertilizer to restore your lawn.
When choosing plants for your Birmingham yard, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\nThe secret to maintaining a pristine lawn in Birmingham is to hire a professional. An experienced lawn care pro in Birmingham knows what it takes to sustain lush terrain, so they can do the heavy lifting for you. As a result, your lawn will be healthy, and you’ll have extra time to enjoy Railroad Park or Vulcan Walking Trail.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Sharon Phelan Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"4 Best Grass Types for Birmingham, AL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.7804154302670623,"src":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1789c/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/107df/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 320w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/293e9/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 500w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/f2cbb/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 800w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1789c/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 960w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/c26c2/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1dd6e/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/67b76/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 320w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/8df11/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 500w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/98a65/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 800w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/1dd6e/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 960w,\n/static/79669683dcf3e2f8910f01e47fa6abf1/3cc96/Thompson_House-Birmingham-AL-1.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"4 Best Grass Types for Birmingham, AL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The best grass types for Birmingham are bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, bahiagrass, and centipedegrass. But tall fescue can also thrive in this climate."}}},{"node":{"id":"6f008ac6-7680-52cd-887a-d701074f16be","slug":"best-native-plants-birmingham","path":"/lawn-care/al/birmingham/best-native-plants-birmingham/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Michelle Selzer is a web developer, technical writer, and Linux enthusiast from the hills of Tennessee. Her hobbies include collecting toys, hiking to waterfalls, and writing short fan-fiction stories.","name":"Michelle Selzer","id":"ce795c2b-f287-56e6-a311-f91628ed456a","path":"/author/michelle-selzer/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f05a59712d75dec705cc9870b2f909e7?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f574154e-1209-591b-9c1d-0250dfe4c10b","name":"Alabama","count":6,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/"},{"id":"17db6bdd-4802-5368-a598-f1f632ae1e64","name":"Birmingham","count":3,"path":"/category/lawn-care/al/birmingham/"},{"id":"5bb57152-2e9b-5822-a133-bc84c122adab","name":"Landscaping","count":42,"path":"/category/blog/landscaping/"}],"date":"April 16th, 2023","excerpt":"Birmingham is a southern hub for music, art, and history and home to some of Alabama’s most desirable native plants. Many homeowners prefer native vegetation because it’s low-maintenance and beneficial to the ecosystem. In addition, native plants attract more birds and butterflies. But the best native plants for Birmingham are also favored for their beauty […]
\n","content":"\nBirmingham is a southern hub for music, art, and history and home to some of Alabama’s most desirable native plants. Many homeowners prefer native vegetation because it’s low-maintenance and beneficial to the ecosystem. In addition, native plants attract more birds and butterflies. But the best native plants for Birmingham are also favored for their beauty and utility.
\n\n\n\nIn this article
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oakleaf-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-quercifolia-W.-Bartram-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nAlabama’s beloved oakleaf hydrangea has been the state’s wildflower since 1999. Its white flowers bloom in the spring, then turn rose in the summer. Come fall, the native shrub’s green oak-shaped leaves turn a beautiful deep burgundy, and its flowers remain until mid-winter.
\n\n\n\nOakleaf hydrangea grows quickly, attracting deer and pollinators. It resists most pests but may get an occasional spider or aphid. Overall, the shrub is attractive and easy to care for.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Fertile, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Honey-vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Springa
\n\n\n\nWater needs: At least 1 inch a week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 6 to 8 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They resist pests, but sometimes get spiders or aphids and they are susceptible to leaf bright or powdery mildew.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if the plant gets damaged or becomes overgrown. You may remove dead flowers.
\n\n\n\nThe southern sugar maple makes an attractive street-side, specimen, or woodland tree. Its green leaves create a symmetrical oval that turns deep shades of yellow, orange, and red, making a spectacular fall display. Then, in early spring, the ends of its branches bloom clusters of small yellow-green flowers.
\n\n\n\nIt has a strong bark that resists breakage, but sometimes it develops shallow roots. Thus, it’s best to avoid mowing the grass beneath them. Although it is too small to produce maple syrup commercially, southern sugar maple syrup isn’t any less delicious than its commercial competitors.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to deep shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand (prefers rich loamy soil)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet and sometimes spicey, almond or cherry scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium, High drought-tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 70 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: They can attract aphids, borders, and scale insects and are susceptible to diseases including leaf spot, tar spot, and verticillium wilt.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, only prune if necessary and only water in times of drought.
\n\n\n\n![\"butterfly](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Wavyleaf-Purple-Coneflower-Echinacea-simulata-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PickPik
\n\n\n\nWavyleaf purple coneflowers have showy pink and purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Known for their beauty, the flowers feature long drooping petals with a dark center. Many gardeners use its freshly cut flowers in bouquets or dry the flowers to make tea.
\n\n\n\nThis native herb is a top pick for wildlife lovers. Its sweet nectar attracts butterflies, bumble bees, and other pollinators, while its fruit seeds attract various birds. Although wavyleaf purple coneflowers aren’t prone to insect damage or disease, they may attract the Japanese beetle and they occasionally get infected by leaf spot.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, calcareous, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Occasionally gets leaf spot and may attract the Japanese beetle.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Separate clumps when overcrowding occurs. Removing dead flowers isn’t required, but improves the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Largeflower-Tickseed-Coreopsis-grandiflora.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nDue to its beautiful bright yellow flowers, largeflower tickseed is common in Birmingham’s butterfly, rock, and wildflower gardens. In wildflower gardens, they are a delightful companion to wavyleaf purple coneflowers or black-eyed Susans.
\n\n\n\nBecause butterflies, bumble bees, and hummingbirds love its nectar, largeflower tickseed is great for Biringham’s ecosystem. It is also the perfect plant for homeowners with small children or pets because it’s entirely non-toxic. Additionally, it’s low-maintenance, requiring minimal care.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, sand, loam, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial, biennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet, spicey
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Summer and fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought tolerant, 1 inch per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1.5 to 2.5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Some people are allergic to tickseed. They are susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. They may attract aphids, aster leafhoppers, or coreopsis beetles.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, fertilize and deadhead to encourage robust blooms.
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Flowering-Dogwood-Cornus-florida.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe flowering dogwood is one of North America’s most attractive native trees. In early spring, it blooms small yellow-green flowers surrounded by magnificent pink and white petal-like leaves. When the weather cools, its breathtaking fall foliage includes bright red, scarlet, and purple leaves above its uniquely patterned trunk.
\n\n\n\nHowever, the flowering dogwood isn’t just coveted for its looks. You can use its hardwood to make household tools such as rakes and butcher blocks and its roots to make red dye. It’s also great for local wildlife, attracting birds and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, moist, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet floral
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 15 – 30 feet, but can be up to 65 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contact with its berries give some people rashes. It is susceptible to fungal diseases including powdery mildew and spot anthracnose.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Prune in early spring and fertilize during spring and fall.
\n\n\n\n![\"Pussytoes](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Pussytoes-Antennaria-Gaertn.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jason Hollinger / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nConsider pussytoes if you’re looking for natural ground cover for a rock garden or pathway. The herb sprouts pollinator-friendly white and pink flowers in early spring. However, pussytoes don’t attract many pests and are left alone by most herbivores, including rabbits and deer. Although pussytoes resist most diseases, they may get root rot if overwatered.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Dry to medium, Drought tolerant
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 9 inches
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: If the soil is too moist, it can get root rot. You may get an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to ragweed, daisies, and marigolds.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low-maintenance, removing dead flower heads will improve the plant’s appearance.
\n\n\n\nThe American chestnut tree is a fast-growing, fruit-bearing tree with edible nuts. Although this native-American tree was once common, its population has dwindled since the introduction of the Chinese chestnut tree. When the Chinese chestnut tree came to North America, it brought a fungal disease called chestnut blight, killing billions of American chestnuts.
\n\n\n\nAlthough mature American chestnuts are almost extinct, several new seedlings flourish in Jefferson and Shelby. For centuries, indigenous people used its hardwood for building, its nuts for eating, and its leaves and bark for medicine.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun for nut production, but they grow fastest with 30% shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained and acidic sandy or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Organic
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Drought-tolerant, but they benefit from weekly to bi-weekly watering in times of drought
\n\n\n\nMature height: 100 to 120 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Although they are non-toxic, its berries contain berberine which is known to cause stomach aches. It is susceptible to chestnut blight.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Remove damaged branches and portions that become infected by disease. Winter and summer are the best times to prune.
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Yellow-Honeysuckle-Lonicera-flava-Sims-3.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere
\n\n\n\nYellow honeysuckle is a native vine with showy sweet-smelling flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its orange and red berries are harmful to humans but a welcome treat to many birds, including songbirds and robins. Additionally, it attracts many small mammals.
\n\n\n\nThis sometimes shrub-like climbing vine is often displayed on trellises, fences, and in bird gardens. In addition, yellow honeysuckle makes an attractive ground cover.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, well-drained clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 10 to 20 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are mildly poisonous.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Bark mulch helps to keep the soil moist and weed-free, and applying compost and organic fertilizer in the spring keeps it healthy. Prune yellow honeysuckle each year, around summer, to inspire growth.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing Alabamian native plants, please consider the following:
\n\n\n\n Native plants naturally grow and evolve in Birmingham, and there is typically evidence that they were here before European colonization. They are a fantastic low-maintenance landscaping Idea for Birmingham that also helps support the local ecosystem.
Pollinators like nectar producing native plants, including:
• Hydrangeas
• Coneflowers
• Tickseed
• Flowering Dogwood
• Pussytoes
• Honeysuckle
• Buttercups
• Sunflowers
Not all foreign plants are invasive. Invasive plants have the following qualities:
• Well adapted to the climate
• Quickly spreads
• Harmful to native plants and wildlife
Birmingham’s most poisonous native plants include:
• Eastern poison ivy
• Poison oak
• Hemlock
The best grass types for Birmingham are warm-season grasses including:
• Bermudagrass
• Zoysiagrass
• Bahiagrass
• Centipedegrass
You can purchase Alabama native plants at the following shops:
\n\n\n\nAnd you can view native plants at the following nature preserves and gardens:
\n\n\n\nIn addition, Birmingham Botanical Gardens has a native seed exchange program for its members.
\n\n\n\nIf you need help planning a native plant garden, consider hiring a landscaper. Experienced lawn care pros in Birmingham can help you maintain a lush lawn and flourishing garden beds. Instead of burdening yourself with lawn work, take that time to visit the McWane Science Center or take a stroll through Railroad Park.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo by: Pixabay
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