![\"Brown](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rake-Debris.jpg\")
Spring is great in New York. In fact, late spring is the best time to visit the state and certainly one of the best times to live here. But spring is also the time of the year when your yard needs your attention again, and doing it right will give your lawn the foundation it […]
\n","content":"\nSpring is great in New York. In fact, late spring is the best time to visit the state and certainly one of the best times to live here. But spring is also the time of the year when your yard needs your attention again, and doing it right will give your lawn the foundation it needs to thrive all year long.
\n\n\n\nLocation matters, so the approach will be slightly different if you live in the cooler upstate area than along the Atlantic coast. But, in general, these 11 spring lawn care tips for New York will set you up well for the warm-weather months ahead.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: David Goehring / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAs soon as spring starts, grab your rake and remove dead leaves, twigs and loose grass to help the lawn breathe. If the soil is moist, it’s best to wait for it to dry, as raking when wet can pull up healthy grass.
\n\n\n\nRaking promotes straight grass growth by splitting grass blades. After your first rake, you can let thatch build up to an inch. Thatch less than an inch thick protects the grass from damage and provides nutrients for growth as it decomposes. Any more than that, however, and it can smother your lawn, creating a barrier that keeps oxygen and moisture from getting to the roots.
\n\n\n\nWe’ll get into dethatching more below.
\n\n\n\nIt’s good to test your soil at least once a year. New York sometimes experiences heavy precipitation, which can wash away essential nutrients. A soil test will reveal what nutrients are missing from your soil and whether it’s too acidic or alkaline.
\n\n\n\nYou can then add amendments like magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, or calcium. If you plan to fertilize your soil after adding amendments, we recommend you wait for at least four weeks to prevent negative interactions between them.
\n\n\n\nYou can purchase a DIY soil test kit from a plant nursery and test the soil yourself. Or, if you want a complete soil analysis, send the sample to local testing laboratories. Contact Cornell Cooperative Extension to find soil testing laboratories in your area.
\n\n\n\n![\"Treat](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Treat-Diseases.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nFungi can attack your lawn at any time during the spring. The chances increase during the summer because fungi love warm, humid climates. These precautionary steps can help eliminate fungi at their source.
\n\n\n\nHere are some common lawn diseases in New York.
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat dollar spot:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat red thread:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat fairy ring:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat snow mold:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat brown patch:
\n\n\n\nWhat to look for:
\n\n\n\nHow to treat leaf spot:
\n\n\n\n![\"Lawn](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lawn-Fertilizer-Spreader.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dion Hinchcliffe / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nThe best time to fertilize cool-season grasses is during fall. But, if you haven’t fertilized the previous fall, you can do so in spring.
\n\n\n\nNitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) are the primary nutrients in fertilizer as they are the most needed for soil growth. Your soil test result will tell you what mixture of nutrients to use.
\n\n\n\nAlways choose slow-release fertilizers over fast-release ones. Fast-release fertilizers make your grass grow quicker but can damage it. In fact, they can burn it.
\n\n\n\nPro tip: Use a spreader or sprayer to apply fertilizer evenly.
\n\n\n\nIf you have pets and children playing on your lawn, we recommend you avoid using chemical fertilizers. You can instead go for organic fertilizers like:
\n\n\n\nWeeds start growing in spring and can take over your beautiful turf quicker than you’d imagine. Prevention is better than cure! So, apply pre-emergent herbicides during early spring to prevent weeds from germinating.
\n\n\n\nIf weeds have already started to show up, it may be too late to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. In this case, you can use post-emergent herbicides. If there are only a few weeds, you can remove them manually.
\n\n\n\nHere are some weeds that are common to New York.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hairy_Chinch_Bug_-_Blissus_leucopteru_50594763067-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Christina Butler / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nMost lawn pests reproduce during spring. Use pesticides to eliminate these pesky creatures before they have time to lay and fertilize eggs.
\n\n\n\nSome people use catch-all pesticides, but they are less effective and can harm beneficial insects, pets, and even your children. It’s best to identify the exact pest in your yard and use a pesticide that targets it specifically.
\n\n\n\nHere are some lawn pests common to New York lawns.
\n\n\n\nBesides these lawn pests, you may also find spiders, wasps, centipedes, and mosquitoes in your yard. It’s best to seek professional help to eliminate them, as they can harm humans.
\n\n\n\nProper fertilization, irrigation, and dethatching can reduce your lawn’s susceptibility to pests. However, it’s impossible to prevent them altogether.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn equipment probably sat idle in your garage throughout the winter. Now it’s spring and time to get it duty-ready.
\n\n\n\nFollow these steps to check your lawn equipment and get them ready.
\n\n\n\nIn most cases, you can remove thatch with a rake. However, you may have to dethatch your lawn with a dethatcher if the accumulation is too great.
\n\n\n\nIt’s best to dethatch your lawn when it’s actively growing. This time is usually in early spring for cool-season grasses. Also, ensure the soil is moist before running the dethatcher.
\n\n\n\nOnce you finish dethatching, overseed to fill any new bare spots.
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8704115339_808a6b275c_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Oregon State University / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAeration is the process of punching small holes in the lawn to allow water, air, and other nutrients to reach the roots. You can aerate your yard during spring or fall.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn should be aerated if you notice excessive thatch accumulation and soil compaction. Aeration can also help improve the health of your grass. It’s best to aerate your yard every year or every other year.
\n\n\n\nIf you have planned to dethatch your lawn, it’s best to dethatch first and then aerate. It’s easier to aerate when there’s no thatch. Also, water your grass before running the lawn aerator, as it’s easier to aerate when the soil is moist.
\n\n\n\n![\"orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lawn-Mowing-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Prasannanossam3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nYou should mow your lawn as soon as the grass starts growing. Here’s the recommended mowing height for popular grasses in New York.
\n\n\n\n| Grass Type | Recommended Height |
| Fine fescue | 1.5 – 3 inches |
| Tall fescue | 2 – 4 inches |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
| Perennial ryegrass | 2 – 3 inches |
If you want a lush, green, healthy lawn, water is a must. A lawn typically requires 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week. However, the amount of water can vary depending on the grass and climate.
\n\n\n\nOverwatering and underwatering can both harm your lawn. Overwatering can breed fungi, pests, and weeds. Underwatering will make the grass lose its color.
\n\n\n\nA simple technique for determining whether your lawn needs water is to insert a screwdriver about 3 to 4 inches into the ground. Remove the screwdriver. If there’s moisture, you don’t need to water your yard.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to irrigate is early morning (before 10 a.m.). If you water during the evening or night, the excess water will remain in the soil, attracting diseases.
\n\n\n\nNew York sees a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The weather is beautiful during spring, especially in May. And it’s the best time to have fun on your lawn.
\n\n\n\nRemove debris, treat diseases, eliminate weeds, get rid of pests, and fertilize to make your lawn look great during spring and stay strong in the coming months.
\n\n\n\nLastly, don’t forget to clean your clogged gutters to give your lawn a perfect look and protect your home from water damage.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re new to lawn care and don’t have the time to spend on your yard, Wikilawn New York lawn care pros are always here to assist.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Brooklyn bridge, New York / Pxfuel
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\n","content":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced with a muddy mess come springtime.
\nSo grab your tools and put on your gardening boots. We at Wiki Lawn have prepared a few fall landscaping tips and maintenance ideas you can use to “fall-ify” your landscaping and get your property ready for winter.
\nApproximately 90% of Americans say they prefer to live in a home that’s surrounded by grass, trees, and other plants. But if you’re going to have plants, you’ll need to maintain them like the rest of your yard.
\nThat leads us into the first of these 12 fall maintenance tips.
\nIt’s important to spread mulch during the fall months because it helps to protect the roots of your trees and plants from frost. It also helps to retain moisture in the dry winter weather. You’ll want to spread between 2 and 3 inches of mulch around your trees and shrubs.
\nCheck out our tips for Eco-friendly Lawn Care.
\nFall might not be the time to prune your plants, but it’s definitely the time to remove the dead and dying plants from your yard. When you get rid of your dead landscaping during autumn, you won’t have to look at them during the winter months. Remove dead annuals and perennials. Prune (lightly) the dying branches from trees and shrubs.
\nYour shrubs can be damaged from high winds, ice, and heavy snow. Wrap your shrubs in burlap to protect them from winter weather conditions and surround your trees with shredded leaves. If you have smaller plants, use overturned plastic pots or bucks to hide them.
\nIt’s a good idea to mow your lawn so the grass doesn’t get too long before the first snowfall. According to gentlemanship guide Joel Flynn, grass that’s too long can not only shade the other blades of grass and affect growth but it can also get packed down under the snow and cause snow mold. You’ll want to keep your grass around 3 inches tall year-round to make sure it’s able to grow properly and receive enough sunlight.
\nLearn How to Grow Grass like a gardening expert.
\nIt’s essential to take care of your plants and lawn before winter hits, but it’s important to give your walkways and driveway some special attention, too. If you have cracks in your concrete or asphalt, water can penetrate these cracks and freeze during the winter months. When the water freezes in the cracks, it expands the cracks and causes even more damage to your walkways and driveway. That said, be sure to apply a sealant to keep water from getting into these cracks while it’s still warm enough to do so.
\nFallen leaves in the yard might look like an autumn postcard at first, but soon enough they turn into a problem. After a while, the leaves start to decay, they become slippery and might be a potential health hazard.
\nUse a leaf blower or a lawn sweeper to collect dead leaves and tidy your yard. Ensure that the house gutters are also free from fallen leaves. Clogged gutters can cause significant water damage if left unattended.
\nYellow, red, brown and all sort of hues formed from these colors are what makes fall such a lovely season. Implement these colors in the outdoor decoration of your property. Collect some of the fallen leaves in your yard and place them in baskets at your front porch.
\nAlso, plant seasonal flowers such as crocuses and goldenrod that bloom in October and November. This way you’ll have an incentive to continue watering your lawn and it will remain greener for longer.
\nWhen the trees in your yard lose their leaves, any hidden flaws of the exterior of your home will be exposed. According to manhood culture and lifestyle expert Joel Flynn, poor looks mean it’s time to make an inspection and dedicate some time for small repairs and improvements.
\nUse a pressure washer to clean the exterior of the house along with the driveway and walkway. Repaint and seal any chipped paint, wipe the windows and their frames. And we’ll say it again because it’s highly important – clean your gutters too.
\nWith summer gone, daylight is also scarce. For the convenience of your own family, inspect the outdoor lights to see if they work properly or need maintenance. Test if they provide enough illumination from the walkway to the entrance of your home.
\nInvest in energy-saving lightbulbs to reduce your electricity bills and also help the environment. If you’re a big fan of the upcoming holidays, get decorative lights and arrange them creatively.
\nRead also: How to Use Lighting To Transform Your Outdoor Space.
\nPumpkin, in all its forms and colors, is the queen of autumn. You can even use it for decorating the exterior of your home. Arrange several pumpkins on the front porch or window sills. Create a DIY wreath from mini pumpkins and seasonal flowers and proudly hang it on the front door.
\nFor more inspiration, check out our 9 Examples of Halloween Inspired Garden Designs.
\nWhatever decoration you choose, make sure it’s tasteful. Don’t overdo it.
\nDuring autumn, the weather is often gloomy. And with fewer colors in the yard, your house will lose its appeal. Use this opportunity to put an emphasis on the front door.
\nRepaint it in a bright color that will make it stand out from the neighborhood doors. Yellow, blue, and red are great options for highlighting the entrance.
\nAlso, check the insulation of the front door and prepare it for the cold months.
\nImprove the curb appeal of your property by installing a new mailbox or upgrading the old one. This can be a fun family project for a rainy afternoon. Customize your mailbox with bright colors, unusual design or whatever else comes to your mind.
\nUse Pinterest for mailbox makeover inspiration.
\nAlso, check if your house numbers need any polishing or replacement. Numbers made from aluminum or stainless steel won’t be affected by the weather changes that much.
\nAutumn is the time to prepare your yard for the cold winter months. Make sure your trees, plants, and walkways are as ready for the snow as you are. Upgrade the exterior of your home and make it vibrant even during the gloomy months.
\nStill, have questions about lawn care?
\nVisit our lawn care page for additional information
Richmond has four distinct but mild seasons. That variety of weather conditions also means that each season, our lawns require different types of care.
\n","content":"\nWe look forward to four distinct but mild seasons in Richmond. Unlike areas that suffer six months of summer or winter, we can expect predictable seasonal shifts at regular intervals. While this offers a beautiful, changing landscape and a variety of weather conditions, it also means that with each season, our lawns require different types of care. Here’s a monthly guide to lawn care in Richmond, VA.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/q9Pl220ZL8VEeBmz0OTM0OTdGg7cZbdrtiXunOjBK4XMBfqEkugf2noQ9A8XgLv0kho19GwWq-s0021JrokR0hlEnJxGG97iJooW4SfLdhkv1h2PfrQgjA6l-mI5nPQsx-SATlms\")
During the coldest months of winter, there’s little to do when it comes to lawn care. But even a little bit is critical is you want a healthy lawn come spring. January is a time to snuggle up and focus on indoor activity–no maintenance necessary. However, sometime in February or March, it’s you’ll need to apply a 15-5-5 fertilizer and a pre-emergent treatment if you know that crabgrass or nutsedge is a problem.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Rgm7QbOL-uWclWI4lhKt4kBGLfRgC0Pwgof3JlqA6atSmLCW5E-ebU3YDMua72V1w0wQnOU6zYRQAUd3G0_8J2P8A0LAehXoX7yyAf3XKXdf936g0yhaAJ2ykw1TNOUFXtaJpUqw\")
As spring begins to set in and everything comes back to life, do a thorough raking and cleaning of your yard. Remove any leaves, debris, and litter that may have collected over the winter. Cut back any trees that have hanging branches and get your lawn mower tuned up. Even the most powerful mower needs the blades sharpened. What you should not do in April is fertilize your lawn. That will only make it more vulnerable to diseases. If you choose to apply another pre-emergent to the lawn, find one that is not packaged with a fertilizer. You can apply fertilizer in late May at a rate of half a pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Make sure your lawn is summer-ready.
\n\n\n\nOnce summer is in full swing, your monthly guide to lawn care involves mowing. You’ll want to mow often, but maintain the recommended height for your grass type. Know your grass type so you can mow it right. For Bermuda or Zoysiagrass, 1/2 to 1 inch is perfect. Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass can be cut to 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches. Tall fescue, on the other hand, should stand at 2 to 3 inches. Cool-season turfgrasses can be cut on the high side in the warmer months to keep them as resilient to pests and heat as possible. Leave clippings where they fall to add natural fertilizer to the lawn and reduce the need to fertilize in the fall.
\n\n\n\nDuring summer, make sure your lawn is getting enough water. Don’t irrigate until it is actually thirsty, but rest assured that your grass will tell you when it’s time. When you walk across the yard and see footprints that remain a few minutes after impact, that means it’s time to water. Air on the side of caution, watering deeply and less frequently rather than watering shallow and often. Water in the pre-dawn hours to avoid leaving any moisture clinging to blades overnight, which can invite fungal disease.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ttXTWYeu-gcIvH1yNuSQ2MixlCyOh2h_B6QphqgHqceTOcOHwJmeVATGhUHvZD5zsy4qusW9V8vB4lfPOvMCibnLLVK1Yh_O9K5__eowKPaLjL_nVPJUvnu5ZBGyFfGHzbjXdOcQ\")
As autumn brings crisp, cool weather, the most critical period of lawn care is upon you. Now’s the time to aerate, overseed and fertilize. Hand-pull any odd weeds as they come up, and pay close attention to make sure you don’t have any weed infestations that require weed control.
\n\n\n\nYour monthly guide to lawn care in Richmond includes some chores in December. This is a great time to apply a bit of fertilizer, the same as you did in September. Once that’s done, you can cozy up and rest assured that your work is done until next year.
\n\n\n\n
Have more questions about lawn care and landscaping? Visit our Richmond, VA lawn care page for more guides and additional information.
Phoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native […]
\n","content":"\nPhoenix residents are actively seeking to preserve the natural landscape and its native plants. In addition to helping sustain our environment, these plants thrive in an arid climate and surround our homes with bursts of color and artistic shapes. Some native varieties are great plants to plant around a pool as well. We are spotlighting five native plants from the dozens that can decorate our outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nThis sprawling perennial also known as plumbago scadens is showing up in more and more Phoenix gardens. The flowers, a startlingly bright white, are quite dramatic against the deep green of the foliage. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, a deep red as new growths, then green when they mature. They return to red during the fall and winter.
\n\n\n\nIn Phoenix, the white desert plumbago prefers filtered or partial shade, which is pretty quirky for a native of the Sonoran Desert. It’s an easygoing plant all around: It’ll grow under trees or taller shrubs; climb fences, walls or trellises; or cascade from containers or hanging baskets. Plant them along the perimeter of your yard for an innovative and informal hedge.
\n\n\n\nTufted evening primrose is a low-growing perennial with fragrant flowers that open at dusk, glowing white through the night, and then fade to pink and fold in the morning heat. The hairy, narrow leaves are gray-green on top and blue-gray underneath. They also fold up in the heat to retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nLike all native plants in Phoenix, the tufted evening primrose needs little water. However, if you water it moderately, you’ll be rewarded with flowers all summer. The flower’s petals are held above the base of the flower by a long tube that collects nectar. Night-flying hawkmoths love the plant. Their long, coiled tongues stretch far enough to reach the nectar.
\n\n\n\nPlant near a patio or porch so that you can view the fascinating transitions in the evening and early morning hours.
\n\n\n\n![\"Feather](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feather-bush-brian-ralphs-cc20.jpg\")
Also known as fern of the desert, the heat and sun-loving feather bush is a single- or multi-trunk tree that can reach a height of 12 to 15 feet and spreads to widths of up to 15 feet. Clusters of fragrant, creamy white puffballs bloom in early spring amid long, lacy leaves that resemble graceful green feathers.
\n\n\n\nPlant the feather bush around a pool or pond if you want to simulate an oasis, group it to create a natural privacy screen or bring a tropical ambiance to a patio or entryway. Wherever you plant it, you will be captivated by the colorful butterflies fluttering among the flowers and foliage.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most of the year, and in some areas, all year. The striking flower is actually spiky stamens that form puffballs. The delicate leaves are a deep green composed of tiny leaflets.
\n\n\n\nIt’s an evergreen but may thin out during those very rare “cold spells” in Phoenix. But there is no such thing as “too hot.” Plant it where you’ve not been able to grow anything, such as in the full sun against a west-facing wall. You can plant it in partial shade, but you will not have anywhere near as many blooms. Hummingbirds flock to the shrub. Watch closely and you’ll also see some finches, wrens, and verdins.
\n\n\n\nThe hedgehog cactus is a low-growing succulent with short, spiny stems that resemble hedgehogs. All varieties of the cactus have magnificent blossoms that last five days in shades of pink or purple. They open in the morning and close at night.
\n\n\n\nOnce the flowering is complete, the plant produces edible red-orange fruit with a fleshy white pulp that tastes like strawberry. At first, the fruit looks too dangerous to pick — the stems are densely covered with sharp spines, but the spines fall off as the fruit matures.
\n\n\n\nEven though the hedgehog cactus grows in sandy, rocky soil, and full sunlight, it also does well indoors near a sunny window.
\n\n\n\nFeature image source: Alan Levine / CC 2.0
\n","title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/107df/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/293e9/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/f2cbb/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1789c/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/356ef/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.jpg 1280w","srcWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/67b76/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 320w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/8df11/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 500w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/98a65/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 800w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/1dd6e/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 960w,\n/static/b11e770742245b817539c59bb4c24efd/93f70/rsz_all-arizona-prickly-pear-cactus-lake-cc20.webp 1280w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Native Plants for Easy Gardening in Phoenix, AZ | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"35bd61e2-5f42-55d4-a73f-dae500f6af23","slug":"best-native-plants-florida","path":"/lawn-care/fl/best-native-plants-florida/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"May 8th, 2023","excerpt":"From the wetlands of the Everglades to the sunny beaches of Miami, the Sunshine State’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of natural beauty. It’s home to 1,197 statute miles of coastline, 825 miles of pristine beaches, and a vast array of stunning native plants. Florida’s flora not only provides visual appeal but also supports a […]
\n","content":"\nFrom the wetlands of the Everglades to the sunny beaches of Miami, the Sunshine State’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of natural beauty. It’s home to 1,197 statute miles of coastline, 825 miles of pristine beaches, and a vast array of stunning native plants. Florida’s flora not only provides visual appeal but also supports a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
\n\n\n\nNative plants offer several advantages over non-native species, including:
\n\n\n\nWhether you’re looking to create a vibrant garden or enhance your property’s natural beauty, incorporating the best native plants for Florida is an excellent place to start.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nFrom showy wildflowers and groundcovers to majestic trees and shrubs, these native plants will enhance your landscape while also supporting the state’s ecosystem:
\n\n\n\n![\"American](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/American-Beautyberry.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in Florida, this beautiful native shrub is an excellent choice for homeowners in Central and North Florida, as it is more tolerant of colder temperatures than other tropical plants in South Florida. In its natural habitat, American beautyberry grows in various areas, including hammocks, pine rocklands, and wetlands.
\n\n\n\nIt typically blooms from June to August, producing small pinkish-purple flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The plant then produces clusters of bright purple berries in the fall – a favorite food of many species of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant American beautyberry is in the fall or winter, as this allows the plant to establish a robust root system before the heat of summer arrives. Pruning can be done in the winter to promote healthy growth and a more attractive shape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – requires at least four hours of direct sun exposure
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows well in most soil conditions but prefers fertile, organic loam soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch of water per week, but it needs deep, slow watering during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but its berries may cause discomfort like vomiting if ingested
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Beach-Sunflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nBeach sunflower is a popular plant due to its hardiness and beautiful, sunny blooms. It thrives in sandy soil, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. This perennial plant can be found throughout the state, including the Panhandle.
\n\n\n\nWith green, slightly hairy leaves, beach sunflowers produce small, bright yellow flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates. With a daisy-like appearance and papery texture, the clusters of flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It also serves as a host for the larvae of the Gulf fritillary butterfly.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant does well in dry conditions but can benefit from regular watering to promote healthy growth and flowering. It’s relatively low-maintenance and requires little attention once established, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a plant that requires minimal effort.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8b-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, acidic to alkaline, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/brown-eyed-susan-23441281362806Ay7C.jpg\")
Photo Credit : PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nAnother native plant that can thrive in gardens throughout the Sunshine State, the black-eyed Susan is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. This perennial wildflower is a hardy plant that’s easy to grow and care for. It doesn’t need a lot of water and can handle drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for Florida’s hot and humid climate.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is a larval host for the silvery checkerspot butterfly and serves as a habitat for lacewings and ladybugs. From late spring through fall, it produces golden yellow petals with dark brown or black centers that resemble an eye. These flowers are a favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nReaching up to a few feet tall, black-eyed Susan can be a great addition to mixed borders or as a backdrop for smaller plants. Remember to deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial, annual, or biennial (depending on growing conditions)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it requires at least six hours of sun exposure each day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and pets, but may cause allergic skin reactions and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blanketflower_-_Gaillardia_aristata_IMG_6098-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Macdon / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the southeastern United States, blanketflower is a colorful and easy-to-grow plant. This member of the Aster family is best suited for gardens in Central and South Florida, as it prefers warm temperatures and well-drained soil. But it can grow in North Florida with proper care and protection during colder months.
\n\n\n\nOften found along roadsides, as well as in fields and meadows, this plant blooms from spring to fall. Its leaves are lance-shaped and typically green or gray-green, while its flowers come in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. The flowers have a unique shape with a central disk surrounded by colorful petals, resembling a miniature sunflower.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial wildflower doesn’t require much watering once established, as it is drought-tolerant and can handle high temperatures. You can plant it in groups for a colorful mass effect. Plus, you may deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, dry, acidic, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\n![\"Many](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Blazing-Star-Liatris-spicata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nNaturally found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands, blazing star blooms in mid-summer to early fall. It produces tall spikes of vibrant pink or purple flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This deciduous wildflower is a host plant for the rare Liatris butterfly, making it ideal for butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nTo add more appeal to your garden, plant blazing stars in groups for a dramatic effect. You may mix it with other wildflowers for a more natural look. It’s best suited for homes in Central and North Florida, although it also can thrive in South Florida with proper care. The best time to plant this wildflower is in the spring, after the last frost.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – it grows well in areas that get six or more hours of sun exposure a day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but it’s not recommended to ingest its leaves and flowers
\n\n\n\n![\"Orange](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Butterfly-Milkweed-Asclepias-tuberosa-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed is a beneficial plant for Florida homeowners looking to attract pollinators to their gardens. It is best suited for Central and South Florida properties, as it is native to the state and can thrive in the warm, humid climate.
\n\n\n\nCommonly planted in areas with well-drained soil, butterfly milkweed blooms in the summer months, typically from June to August, and attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It’s also a larval host plant for the monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant’s leaves are long and narrow with a slightly hairy texture, and its flowers are bright orange and showy. Planting in the spring is the best time to give it a good start before the summer growing season. It can tolerate drought, but you may add mulch to help suppress weeds around its base and retain moisture.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of the plant is poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Carolina-Jessamine-Gelsemium-sempervirens.jpg\")
Photo Credit: KENPEI / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the southeastern United States, Carolina Jessamine is often found growing in forests, stream banks, and other natural areas. It’s particularly well-suited to the warm, humid climate of Central and South Florida.
\n\n\n\nWith glossy, dark-green leaves, this evergreen vine produces vibrant, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. It’s a larval host plant for several butterflies, including the Zarucco duskywing and the southern cloudywing.
\n\n\n\nIf you are planting Carolina Jessamine in your garden, it is best to do so in the fall or winter. It prefers well-drained soil and will benefit from regular watering during the growing season. You may prune it occasionally to control its size and shape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it can grow even with just 2-6 hours of direct sunlight a day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, loamy soil with high organic matter
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: All its parts are toxic if ingested, and its sap can cause allergic skin reactions in some people
\n\n\n\n![\"photo](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/coontie-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Leonora (Ellie) Enking / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nA slow-growing, evergreen plant, coontie is best for gardens in Central and South Florida. Its natural habitat is in sandy soils, coastal dunes, and pine rocklands, and it’s also found in the understory of hardwood hammocks.
\n\n\n\nThe Atala butterfly, an endangered species native to Florida, relies only on this plant as its larval host. In fact, this prehistoric “living fossil” has survived for more than 200 million years and remains the sole cycad species in the United States.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial shrub produces cones rather than flowers, with the female cone being bright orange and the male cone being brownish-green. The best time to plant coontie is in the fall or early winter. It’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established, making it an ideal choice for Florida’s sandy soils.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-11b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade (two to six hours of sun per day)
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Coral-Bean.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Everglades National Park / Flickr / CC0 1.0
\n\n\n\nNative to Florida, coral bean can be found in sandy soils, pine rocklands, and coastal hammocks throughout the state. Although, it’s best suited for gardens in Central and South Florida due to its preference for warmer temperatures and more humid environments.
\n\n\n\nFrom late spring to early summer, this deciduous plant produces bright red flowers. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking to attract pollinators, as it is a larval host to several species of butterflies and moths. The best time to plant coral bean is in the fall or winter. Doing so will allow the plant to establish a strong root system before the heat of summer arrives.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial shrub’s leaves are bright green and have a slightly rough texture, while its flowers are trumpet-shaped and grow in clusters. After the flowers fade, coral bean produces seed pods that contain bright red seeds. While these seeds may look beautiful, note that they are highly poisonous when ingested.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-12 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial (annual for regions with freezing winters)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry, well-drained, acidic, clay, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its seeds are very poisonous to humans, especially to small children
\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\nA beautiful, easy-to-grow plant perfect for Florida gardens, coral honeysuckle thrives in a wide range of habitats, including woodland edges, sandy dunes, and along riverbanks. It’s commonly found throughout Florida, as well as in many other parts of the southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial vine blooms from spring to fall and produces tubular-shaped, coral-red flowers incredibly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. Its foliage is deep green, and it remains evergreen throughout the year. It requires little maintenance and is generally resistant to pests and diseases.
\n\n\n\nCoral honeysuckle prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought once it’s established. You can train it to climb a trellis or fence or allow it to sprawl as a groundcover. It’s also a larval host plant for the spring azure butterfly, so it’s a great addition to butterfly gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet (depending on its supporting structure)
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Grows well in partial shade but prefers full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers well-drained, rich, slightly acidic soil but tolerates most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Its berries are toxic to humans and pets but favored by birds
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Coreopsis_auriculata_Nana_3zz.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in meadows, prairies, and woodland edges, ear-leaved tickseed attracts pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. It also serves as a larval host to various species of butterflies, including zebra longwing – Florida’s state butterfly.
\n\n\n\nWhile it’s native to Florida and many other southeastern states, ear-leaved tickseed is best for gardens in Central and North Florida, as it thrives in sandy soils and frequent summer rainfalls. This plant produces an abundance of bright yellow flowers that bloom from spring to summer – perfect for homeowners who want to add a burst of color to their gardens.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant ear-leaved tickseed is in the fall or spring – when the weather is cooler, and there is more moisture in the soil. Doing so will give the plant a better chance to establish its roots and grow strong before the hot summer months arrive.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\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: Dry, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/40561099854_c6581da4db_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: gailhampshire / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nFirebush is salt-tolerant – a welcome trait for gardens across peninsular Florida. Often found in open woodlands, disturbed areas, and along the edges of swamps and ponds, this perennial shrub has glossy and dark green leaves.
\n\n\n\nIt typically blooms from spring to fall, producing clusters of tubular, bright orange-red flowers that are irresistible to pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. After the flowers fade, firebush produces small red fruits – a favorite food of many bird species. It’s also a larval host plant for the common buckeye butterfly and the adult food source for the Pluto Sphinx moth.
\n\n\n\nFirebush is excellent for adorning patios, containers, or as borders. You should plant it in the spring or fall – before the heat of summer arrives. You also can use fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and more prolific blooming.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-2 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: Well-drained, fertile, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – but it needs regular watering until fully established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Florida-Anise-Illicium-floridanum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ted Bodner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
\n\n\n\nAlso known as purple anise, Florida anise is a beautiful shrub native to Florida and other southeastern states. It’s sometimes called stinkbush because its leaves and twigs have a strong, musky odor that some people find unpleasant. It’s best suited for Central and North Florida gardens, as it can tolerate cooler temperatures. Although, it also can thrive in South Florida with proper care.
\n\n\n\nCommonly planted in shady areas and moist soils, such as swamps, riverbanks, and bogs, this evergreen plant blooms in early spring, producing clusters of dark red or maroon flowers attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. It’s also a larval host to the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. With glossy and leathery, dark green leaves, Florida anise produces small, woody capsules of fruit that split open to reveal shiny black seeds.
\n\n\n\nIt’s recommended to plant Florida anise when the soil is moist – in the fall or winter. Also, consider planting it with other shade-loving plants and incorporating it into a woodland garden design for a natural and wild look.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, fertile, clay, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – while it’s drought-tolerant, you will need to water it weekly during long periods of dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Oakleaf-Hydrangea-Hydrangea-quercifolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: normanack / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in woodland areas across the state, oakleaf hydrangea is well-suited to the humid climate and can thrive in a variety of Florida gardens. From late spring to early summer, it produces showy, cone-shaped flower clusters that are white or pinkish-white.
\n\n\n\nYou should plant it in the fall when there’s more consistent rainfall and the temperature is lower. This deciduous shrub will lose its striking oak-like leaves in the winter but will turn a beautiful reddish color before falling off.
\n\n\n\nConsider planting it alongside other native plants, such as coneflowers or black-eyed Susans. It will create a stunning display of color and texture that will last for years.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall
\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: Fertile, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – every part of this plant is poisonous
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pink-Pinxter-Azalea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: EoRdE6 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the Southeastern United States, pink pinxter azalea is commonly found in wooded areas and along streams. As it can thrive in cold temperatures, it’s best suited for gardens in North and Central Florida and is less tolerant of the hotter conditions of South Florida.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial shrub blooms in the spring, usually in April or May, with clusters of pink or white, trumpet-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators like the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. Remember to plant it in the fall or early winter when temperatures are cooler.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves of pink pinxter azalea are medium green, with a leathery texture, and turn a reddish-purple color in the fall. To make it more beautiful in your garden, you can prune it after it blooms to encourage more branching and fuller growth. Also, this plant prefers moist soil, so keep it well-watered during dry spells.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic to both humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Saw](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/saw-palmetto-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nA native Florida plant commonly found in dry, sandy areas like pine flatwoods and coastal scrubs throughout the state, saw palmetto can tolerate a wide range of soil and environmental conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis hardy plant typically blooms from April to June, producing small yellowish-white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. It’s also a larval host plant for the palmetto skipper butterfly. With fan-shaped, blue-green leaves, this slow-growing plant produces small, dark blue-black berries – a favorite food of many wildlife, including bears, raccoons, and deer.
\n\n\n\nWhile saw palmetto is not poisonous, it’s essential to handle it carefully, as its leaves can be sharp and cause skin irritation. Additionally, it has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes and is believed to have various health benefits.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub or small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 4-8 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, slightly acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/scarlet-sage-salvia-close-up.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PublicDomainPictures
\n\n\n\nScarlet sage is an eye-catching flowering plant well-suited for gardens in all regions of Florida. It is particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a favorite of gardeners who want to attract pollinators to their yards. Native to Florida, this evergreen plant can grow wild in various habitats, including woodlands, hammocks, and meadows.
\n\n\n\nFrom late spring through fall, this perennial plant produces beautiful bright red, pink, or white flowers. You can deadhead the spent blooms regularly to encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period.
\n\n\n\nThe leaves of scarlet sage are deep green and have a slightly fuzzy texture, adding to its overall visual appeal. Its leaves’ pungent scent also makes it a deer-proof option. And if you want to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth, you may occasionally prune it.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial – annual in regions with below-freezing winters
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, clay, loamy, or sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its flowers can cause gastric distress
\n\n\n\n![\"Wide](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southern-Live-Oak-Quercus-virginiana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nA beautiful and iconic tree native to Florida, southern live oak is a popular choice for homeowners who want to add shade, beauty, and value to their properties. It’s a slow-growing evergreen and can live for a long time. It’s best suited for Central and South Florida properties due to its ability to tolerate salt spray and hot temperatures.
\n\n\n\nThis majestic tree grows naturally in coastal areas, swamps, and along rivers, and its hardiness and durability make it ideal for landscapes that experience hurricanes and tropical storms. Southern live oaks don’t bloom in the traditional sense, but they produce acorns – an essential food source for deer, squirrels, birds, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant southern live oaks is in the fall or winter – when the tree is dormant. Regular pruning can help to maintain the tree’s shape and promote healthy growth. You can add understory plants and groundcovers to complement the tree’s beauty and create a naturalistic landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8a-10b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-80 feet tall, 30-100 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – avoid ingesting the acorns and leaves as they can be poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"Green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southern-Wax-Myrtle-Myrica-cerifera.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: BotBln / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA versatile evergreen well-suited for gardens in all regions of Florida, southern wax myrtle has attractive green leaves with a leathery texture and a spicy, aromatic scent when crushed. It’s commonly found in natural habitats throughout the state, including wetlands, coastal dunes, and upland areas.
\n\n\n\nThis evergreen blooms in early spring, producing tiny flowers and, eventually, clusters of small, waxy, blue-gray berries in the fall. Its berries are a food source for various birds and other wildlife. Plus, the plant is an essential host for several species of butterflies.
\n\n\n\nThe best time to plant this drought-tolerant perennial is in the early fall or late winter, as these seasons provide optimal growing conditions. Consider planting it as a hedge, using it as a specimen plant, or incorporating it into a mixed border with other flowering plants. Its dense growth habit also makes it ideal for screening and privacy.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-25 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun, but can tolerate full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Can grow well in most soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – needs watering every two weeks but can tolerate floods and drought once established
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Texas](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Texas-Sta-Hibiscus.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWell-suited for gardens in Central and North Florida, Texas star hibiscus is commonly found in wetlands and along waterways in these regions. It’s often used in landscaping around retention ponds and other water features.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the scarlet rose mallow, this vibrant plant blooms in late summer and early fall. It produces showy, large flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. It’s an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden.
\n\n\n\nRemember to plant Texas star hibiscus when there’s no more threat of frost – in the spring. While it requires regular watering, particularly in the hot summer months, don’t overwater as it does not tolerate standing water.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-8 feet tall
\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: Prefers moist soil but grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High – needs 1-3 inches of water per week, even more during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"close-up](\"https://lawnlove.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rsz_29534434604_92af0cdbb6_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as sweet viburnum, Walter’s viburnum is a beautiful and hardy shrub native to Florida. While its natural habitat includes wetlands, flatwoods, and hammocks, it’s also well-suited to suburban landscapes.
\n\n\n\nAs it thrives in warm and humid climates, Walter’s viburnum is ideal for gardens in Central and South Florida. This shrub blooms in late winter to early spring with small white flowers that mature into clusters of bright red berries, making it an excellent food source for wildlife.
\n\n\n\nIdeal for use in hedges and privacy screens, Walter’s viburnum is best planted in the fall or winter. Prune it to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub to small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 8-25 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in regions with mild winters
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial sun to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, sandy soils
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, but water it often until established (six to 12 months after planting)
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nFlorida boasts a wide variety of native flora, ranging from vibrant wildflowers to verdant shrubs and trees. With average lows ranging from 41 to 65 Fahrenheit, the Sunshine State’s climate is highly conducive to the growth of numerous native plant species.
\n\n\n\nFor your garden, choose plant species that are well-suited to your specific region and environmental conditions.
\n\n\n\nIn the state’s northern region, you’ll find a variety of native plant species, such as wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, including muhly grass, azaleas, and yuccas. When selecting plants for your yard, you may need to choose the ones that can withstand occasional cold snaps. Additionally, you need to consider shade exposure and other factors, including:
\n\n\n\nWith a humid subtropical climate, Central Florida’s soils are typically sandy, and the area receives ample rainfall throughout the year. Native plant species that thrive in this region include palms, oaks, and magnolias. Consider adding plants like beach sunflower, coontie, passion flower, and Fakahatchee grass that can tolerate high humidity and heat and thrive in these conditions:
\n\n\n\nSouth Florida’s tropical climate makes it a paradise for native plants. The soil and climate in this region are ideal for various plants, from wildflowers to palms and ferns. Plants that thrive here include saw palmetto, coral bean, and gumbo limbo. If you live near the coast, consider plants like seagrape and wild coffee that can tolerate salt spray, as well as the following factors:
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, you need to consider the plant’s size, growth habit, and maintenance needs. To learn more about Florida’s native flora and fauna, visit one of the state’s many botanical gardens and nature preserves. They often feature extensive collections of native plants, as well as educational programs and events that highlight the importance of native species in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
\n\n\n\nFlorida has an array of soils due to its varied topography, but the majority of the state has sandy soil, with some areas containing high levels of organic matter. The sandy nature of the soil is due to Florida’s geological history, which includes marine sediments and ancient beach dunes.
● North Florida: The northern part of Florida generally has more acidic soil with higher sand content, but some areas have loamy and clay soil. These soils are typically low in nutrients and organic matter, so adding compost or other organic materials can help improve soil quality.
● Central Florida: This region has a mix of sandy and clay soils, with some areas having more sand and others having more clay. These soils are low in nutrients and organic matter, so adding amendments like compost or fertilizers can be beneficial.
● South Florida: The southern part of Florida has more alkaline soil and higher clay content. But some areas in this region have acidic, sandy, and limestone-based soil with low levels of organic matter, making it difficult for plants to absorb nutrients. Adding soil amendments like lime can help raise pH levels and improve soil quality.
Florida’s soils also can vary in water-holding capacity, drainage, and nutrient content. Regardless of where you live in Florida, you must test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels.
To determine the soil type in your yard, you can perform a simple soil test or consult a local nursery or extension office. It can help you decide on the kinds of plants that will thrive in your landscape and ensure they receive the proper care they need.
The best time to plant native flowers and shrubs in Florida depends on the specific plant and location. Fall and winter are generally the best times to plant in Florida.
In the northern parts, where the climate is cooler, fall is the best time to plant as it allows the roots to establish before the colder winter months. For gardens in Central Florida, fall and winter are still ideal for planting, but the warmer climate allows for some planting to be done in early spring.
In South Florida, where the weather is tropical and subtropical, planting can be done year-round, but the best time is in the winter months when the temperatures are cooler, and there is less rain.
An excellent option for Florida homeowners is Zoysiagrass. This grass type is known for its durability and drought resistance, making it a fantastic choice for Florida’s hot and dry summers. Zoysiagrass also has a fine texture and low-growing habit, making it perfect for those who prefer a more manicured lawn.
Other turfgrass varieties that may complement Florida native plants include bahiagrass, centipedegrass, and bermudagrass. And if you’re not a fan of traditional grass lawns, ground covers are a great alternative, as they provide a low-growing carpet-like appearance that requires less maintenance.
Interested in adding Florida native plants to your garden? You can start by visiting local nurseries and garden centers that specialize in native plants. These stores often carry a vast range of native species, and their staff can offer helpful advice on selecting the right plants for your garden.
\n\n\n\nAnother great resource is the Florida Native Plant Society, which promotes using wildflowers and native plants in public and private landscapes. Their website provides information on where to find native plants, how to care for them, and how to incorporate them into your landscape.
\n\n\n\nYou also can visit local farmers’ markets and plant sales, often featuring native plants and herbs grown by farmers and gardeners. These events will give you an opportunity to meet other plant enthusiasts and get tips on gardening with native species.
\n\n\n\nWhether you live in St. Augustine, Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Pensacola, or another city in the Sunshine State, consider hiring a landscaping pro to help design and maintain your beautiful, eco-friendly garden.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
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\n","content":"\nAfter seeing the plethora of Virginia native plants displayed at the Virginia Living Museum, you may want a colorful and diverse exhibit of your own to show off. You can maintain your enjoyment and connection to nature by filling your garden with Virginia native plants. Here’s a list of the best native plants for Virginia and its five regions.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Black-Eyed-Susan.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan is common throughout Virginia. Since the wildflower’s hardiness zones include 5a to 8a, it should survive the coldest temperatures in every region of the state.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan looks like a daisy. Susan has long, bright yellow petals emerging from a dark brown center. She attracts birds, butterflies, and pollinators. The young plants are hardy enough to tolerate frost, making black-eyed Susan well-suited for the cold Virginia winters, especially the freezing winter temperatures in Northern Virginia, the Southwestern Mountain Region, Piedmont Region, and Western Mountain areas.
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susan has moderate drought tolerance once established and is very easy to grow. She tolerates a variety of soil types. If your home gets a lot of sunlight and some shade, it will provide a great place for this flower to thrive. Black-eyed-Susan works well in borders, beds, or as an accent plant.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant Type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sandy, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Can be perennial, biennial, or annual depending on growing conditions
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom Time: Spring to early autumn
\n\n\n\nWater Needs: Medium. Has moderate drought tolerance
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Cutleaf](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cutleaf-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katja Schulz / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCutleaf coneflower is native to all five regions of Virginia. This brightly colored yellow flower has multiple petals stacked on top of each other. Like black-eyed Susan, cutleaf grows along the roadside, except cutleaf is generally found in roadside ditches. The leaves at the stem’s base remain in the winter, making this coneflower an excellent year-round groundcover.
\n\n\n\nCutleaf is easy to grow. It thrives in full sun, full shade, or partial shade. Cutleaf’s nectar attracts butterflies. In the fall, songbirds flock to the coneflower’s seeds. If deer are prone to stop by your home, you’ll be happy to know that deer tend to ignore this plant. Cutleaf looks great in borders, beds, and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, slightly acidic soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 10 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Somewhat toxic to livestock
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: May need staking in some garden situations
\n\n\n\n![\"Whorled](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Whorled-Tickseed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: I, Chrumps / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIt’s easy to see why whorled tickseed is part of the daisy family. Like black-eyed Susan and cutleaf coneflower, tickseed is another bright yellow flower. Tickseed flowers are simpler than cutleaf’s, with tickseed having only one layer of petals.
\n\n\n\nWhorled tickseed has her own uniqueness. Some varieties are exquisitely two-toned. Tickseed requires well-drained soil and will grow well on a property with full sun and some shade.
\n\n\n\nThis herb attracts butterflies, bees, and wasps. Tickseed looks great in containers or borders. Whorled tickseed is not picky about soil type, but soil that is too moist or rich can make the plant stems fragile, causing the plant to flop.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Valley and Ridge
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained, moist soils.
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – August
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 3 ft
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: None, has medicinal properties
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Eared](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eared-Coreopsis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSo far, this list is full of brightly colored yellow vegetation. This perennial is no different. Unlike black-eyed Susan, the center of the eared coreopsis is also yellow. The petals have a deeper yellow hue and are contrasted by deeply-green colored leaves. If you want a colorful garden without a lot of work, you’ll be glad to know this flower is low maintenance.
\n\n\n\nCoreopsis is humidity tolerant. It’s also heat tolerant, making it ideal for the hotter summers in the Tidewater Region. This plant requires well-drained soil and tolerates dry conditions.
\n\n\n\nAlthough coreopsis is listed as a perennial, it may die out after two to three seasons. It can also spread quickly and be invasive. Butterflies love this flower.
\n\n\n\nEared coreopsis is best when planted in groups. Use this flower to add flavor to border fronts, beds, and cottage gardens.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Valley and Ridge
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, sand, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Anise-like
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Early spring – early summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Eastern-Redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlso called ace of hearts, the eastern redbud is a strikingly beautiful tree. It has stunning reddish-purplish flowers and leaves the shape of hearts. Don’t blink, because the cluster of colorful petals is only around for two to three weeks.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is pH adaptable, so it is well-suited for your home if you’re unaware of your soil’s pH level. It requires regular fertilization and watering, and its flowers bloom best in full sun. When it gets hot, however, ace of hearts calls for some shade.
\n\n\n\nIt attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Eastern redbud can grow up to 30 feet tall and 35 feet wide. Allow it to cast shade in a small garden or serve as shrub borders. It works well as a lawn tree, but it is sensitive to chemicals used for lawns, like herbicides.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun or partial shade.
\n\n\n\nSoil: Any moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Spring
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Keep the soil moist to a depth of 2 to 3 inches; watering schedule depends on your soil type, but you should water about once per week
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall with a 25 to 35-foot spread
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low. Since this tree is not meant to transplant, it should be planted when young and left undisturbed. It needs little pruning.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Flowering-Dogwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is considered a tree or a large shrub. It has pink and white flowers that curve slightly upward. The red berries feed songbirds from fall through winter. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers that bloom in the spring.
\n\n\n\nFlowering dogwood is susceptible to a fungal disease that has killed at least 50 percent of dogwood trees. Although this plant prefers partial shade, planting it in full sun lessens the chances of an infection.
\n\n\n\nWhen flowering dogwood is developing, it requires irrigation. It may also need weekly watering in the absence of rain. Put mulch around the base of the trunk to keep mowing from damaging it. Be careful not to pile on too much mulch, as it will cause the bark to remain wet, encouraging the growth of disease and insect infestation.
\n\n\n\nThis tree looks stunning as a shade border, shade tree, or next to a patio.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Deciduous tree or shrub
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 5 to 9
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers partial shade but also grows in full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, acidic sandy or loam soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March – June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: May need to water once per week when there’s no rain
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20 to 40 feet tall and up to 20 feet wide
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Contact with tree may cause skin irritation
\n\n\n\nMaintenance Needs: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Baptisia](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Baptisia-australis-Blue-False-Indigo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAll parts of blue false indigo are poisonous. It causes low toxicity when ingested. You may want to keep this plant in an area not easily accessible to young children.
\n\n\n\nFalse indigo has lovely blue flowers that stand three to four feet tall. The petals appear for about three weeks. Bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies make themselves at home during this short time span. The leaves pick up the slack and remain once the flowers have left.
\n\n\n\nA sunny yard will provide a good home for this perennial. Blue false indigo is also drought-tolerant and adapts to poor soil. It’s deer and rabbit resistant. This plant makes a nice addition to borders and beds and also works well on slopes.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, and Valley and Ridge
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Upright perennial
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Loam, Sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: None
\n\n\n\nBloom time: April – July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low, Average
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"colorful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Butterfly-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Hunt / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nButterfly milkweed, commonly called butterfly weed, has showy clusters of orange flowers with yellow highlights. It’s native to all regions of Virginia and most of the United States.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial herb likes a sunny yard and grows well in dry, poor soil. The monarch butterfly depends on butterfly milkweed and other milkweeds for its survival.
\n\n\n\nPlant this low-maintenance herb in borders, beds, or butterfly gardens. Let butterfly weed rest after planting. It does not do well if transplanted once it’s established. Be mindful that this plant is poisonous if ingested.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May – September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and people
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Cardinal](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you’re looking for a flower that makes your garden stand out, the cardinal flower is the right plant for you. It has rich, deep, red flowers that blossom from midsummer to early fall, making it a great choice for late summer planting and a burst of fall color.
\n\n\n\nCardinal flower is low maintenance and non-invasive. It mostly thrives in the sun but also needs shade in the afternoon. This wildflower will thrive in your yard if your soil is damp and does not drain well. It even tolerates a little flooding.
\n\n\n\nCardinal draws in butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant it alongside a pond or in a wild garden. It’s a welcome blast of color in a rain garden or conservation landscaping. Cardinal flower is toxic if large amounts are ingested, so keep this stunning flower out of the reach of small children.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nHardiness zones: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: No floral scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Fall and Summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic if large amounts are ingested
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Swamp](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Swamp-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritzflohrreynolds / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed boasts clusters of small, hot pink flowers. These showy petals attract hummingbirds and butterflies. But be mindful that this milkweed is poisonous if eaten. You may want to take precautions if you have small children or pets.
\n\n\n\nThis flower thrives in medium to wet soils and is usually found in wetlands, so it will be right at home in a rain garden. Add spectacular fall color to your neighborhood by using swamp milkweed in butterfly gardens or near a pond.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet smelling
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Midsummer to fall
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 4 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to humans and animals in large quantities
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"white](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Fall-Phlox.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kor!An (Корзун Андрей) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFall Phlox, also called blue paradise, is naturally found in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This herb blooms lavender flowers atop vines with large, dark green leaves.
\n\n\n\nFall phlox is more difficult to grow than many other plants on this list. It is highly vulnerable to many pests and diseases. To manage its susceptibility to powdery mildew, it needs to be planted so that it has adequate airflow. And it should not be watered from the top.
\n\n\n\nFall phlox should be removed from the garden in the winter to reduce the chances it will be infected with powdery mildew the next season. This herb attracts birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
\n\n\n\nNative Regions: All
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Perennial herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet scent
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June – October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 ft
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Medium
\n\n\n\nSoutheast Virginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nNorthern Virginia’s native plants include:
\n\n\n\nNative plants for Virginia’s Capital Region include:
\n\n\n\nChoose plants that are in your USDA hardiness zone. These plants will survive in the lowest temperatures your area experiences.
\n\n\n\nAlso, be mindful that the five Virginia regions comprise multiple counties. Some plants may not be listed as native to all counties within a region. Your local nursery should have information to help you make the best choice.
\n\n\n\nConsider the characteristics of your property and select plants that thrive well in those conditions. Knowing your soil’s pH balance can help you choose plants that will grow best, unless you opt for vegetation that is pH adaptable.
\n\n\n\nBe sure to choose plants that accommodate your availability to care for them and your family’s composition. If you have small children or pets, you may want to take special precautions if you choose plants that have potential hazards.
\n\n\n\nUsing native plants instead of non-native or invasive plants has many advantages for you and the environment. Here are some examples:
\n\n\n\nYes, you can. But plants that are not in your zone may take extra work to maintain and keep alive. And, they may not survive your area’s winter temperatures. It’s best to use plants in your zone.
\n\n\n\nUSDA hardiness zones tell you which plants are most likely to survive the area’s lowest temperatures. If you do choose plants outside of your zone, use plants in a lower zone. Plants in higher zones may not survive the lowest winter temperatures in your zone. So, if you live in zone 7a, use plants from zones 1 through 7.
\n\n\n\nMilkweeds native to Virginia include:
\n\n\n\nIf you’ve been to Green Spring Gardens, you’ve seen many attractive Virginia native plants. You may also find native plants in your neighborhood the next time you’re out for a walk. If you’d like even more ideas for native plants and where to purchase them, the Virginia Native Plant Society is a great resource for garden centers, native plant guides, and other information.
\n\n\n\nNow that you’ve worked hard to make your home landscape a natural habitat for local insects and wildlife, treat yourself to the ease that comes when experts care for your lawn. The sooner you call a local lawn care professional to ensure your lawn compliments your native flora, the sooner you can enjoy the beautiful water and Virginia’s native scenery.
\n\n\n\nConnect with trusted pros in Norfolk, Alexandria, Arlington, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"11 Best Native Plants for Virginia","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/1789c/Eastern-Redbud.jpg","srcSet":"/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/107df/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 320w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/293e9/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 500w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/f2cbb/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 800w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/1789c/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 960w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/c26c2/Eastern-Redbud.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/1dd6e/Eastern-Redbud.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/67b76/Eastern-Redbud.webp 320w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/8df11/Eastern-Redbud.webp 500w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/98a65/Eastern-Redbud.webp 800w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/1dd6e/Eastern-Redbud.webp 960w,\n/static/dd6d05b4be821074895893efc969807a/3cc96/Eastern-Redbud.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Best Native Plants for Virginia","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Give back to the ecosystem with the best native plants for Virginia and create a diverse and stunning landscape."}}},{"node":{"id":"ced0739d-74c2-518a-906c-035d8de1a73c","slug":"your-quickstart-guide-to-lawn-care-in-atlanta","path":"/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/your-quickstart-guide-to-lawn-care-in-atlanta/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Wikilawn strives to be the #1 resource about lawn & garden care in your region. From in-depth soil guides and design tips to lists of the top lawn care pros near you’ we’ve got you covered.","name":"Jake Hill","id":"efb62fed-642b-53a1-9a36-c4c129dd9f4d","path":"/author/jake/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c0947849f6fdb1ee2f867a8ca575e0b2?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"f552cb4e-e448-57f4-a5a4-d001c98833f6","name":"Atlanta","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/atlanta/"},{"id":"e4b1764d-a5cd-56e1-942a-7fc609f1b8e9","name":"Georgia","count":11,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ga/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"}],"date":"August 16th, 2019","excerpt":"Your lawn and landscape create the frame for your picture-perfect home. It’s the first thing people see when they drive up to your house, so you want the grass to be greener and neat and trim on your side of the fence. Fortunately, Atlanta’s climate makes it easy to grow a lush, green lawn. We […]
\n","content":"\nYour lawn and landscape create the frame for your picture-perfect home. It’s the first thing people see when they drive up to your house, so you want the grass to be greener and neat and trim on your side of the fence. Fortunately, Atlanta’s climate makes it easy to grow a lush, green lawn. We get nearly 50 inches of rainfall a year, and our temperatures range between 34 and 90 degrees. The mercury rarely drops below freezing, so Atlanta lawns stay green longer than most. Here is your quickstart guide to lawn care in Atlanta.
\n\n\n\nThe fluctuating seasons puts Atlanta in a transitional zone, meaning both warm-season and cool-season grasses will thrive. We recommend a mixture of both. Choosing the right grass type is the first step toward a healthy, well-manicured lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZHNuWfARMcUhgkWrY4Aw9eDm29nUm1hU7cp8NZWN--bm0UNgjuF-0WYWHWLaVRNvfAKhP8XqrSMW9eBR20qT5urgtEMFglHhmmbxgwqQv4_Qx_X_tqPyaAzeW4XF7tMFR7jLQUXZ\")
This warm-season grass stands up well to heavy foot traffic, drought and cold. It’s the most common type of grass for Atlanta lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. Bermudagrass will grow well when planted in sunny areas with high humidity but tends to wilt in the shade.
\n\n\n\nSince it grows quickly, you may have to mow your lawn twice a week during the summer. We recommend mowing this grass to a height of 1 to 1½ inches and giving it 1½ inches of water a week. You may also want to overseed it with tall fescue to add some green color during the winter when Bermudagrass goes dormant.
\n\n\n\nA cool-season grass, this one is a favorite for those of you who love walking barefoot on the lawn. This turf works well by itself or blended with other types such as Bermuda. It resists heat and drought but may need more watering than warm-season varieties.
\n\n\n\nIt does best when planted in shady areas where it will need little maintenance. It doesn’t grow very fast, so it only needs mowing every nine days at a height of 2 to 3 inches. It doesn’t bounce back as quickly as Bermudagrass, so it may need reseeding more often.
\n\n\n\nThis warm-season grass is another low maintenance sod. It doesn’t need much fertilizer and will tolerate some shade. It can stand up to heat, but not drought and may need frequent watering during dry periods. It will remain green all winter, but will not survive repeated frosts.
\n\n\n\nCentipedegrass grows slowly, so you can get away with mowing once every two weeks to a height on 1½ to 2 inches. You will have to dethatch your lawn in the fall before reseeding. Be careful about which grass types you use for overseeding. Ryegrass will compete with the existing turf, eventually killing the centipedegrass.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/yQ6euhlqlmS_0wDZLjr_dPtUITtJMUl3pTbmDGCDYp8M7hAVgG-9bOSaTL0heiE6ByOLiFFxUmnV4OUUUAXAq5HuiPMC5bYln0r-xfYKBXDPl2cAOVhVngoqnCZeY2Wi4DV1cy6G\")
This tough warm-season turf can stand up to heat and tolerate the cold. It doesn’t need much maintenance and handles pets and kids with ease. Although it’s drought-resistant, Zoysia needs more water during the summer than other warm-season grasses. Its fine texture also makes it perfect for running barefoot across the lawn.
\n\n\n\nZoysia will cover your yard with a dense carpet of grass. This quality means you’ll have to aerate and dethatch in the spring. Mow to a height of 1 to 1 ½ inches to keep it green and weed-free all summer.
\n\n\n\nNever cut more than one-third of the height of your grass. If your grass is too short, it is vulnerable to pests and lawn diseases. Most turfs need a weekly mow until late fall when the growth slows down or stops. Consider varying the pattern and direction each time you mow. Otherwise, your grass blades will lean in one direction, making your lawn look unbalanced. After mowing, leave the clippings behind. They will decompose and fertilize your lawn. If you hire a lawn service professional, make sure to remind this person.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/sPCP3-iv3M0DLJ1oXkzLccWVSA6S0VCdAAOsf0dCvpOTI1gf4eiHorPsx2nlKwrNbyYDpSJO7z_IiHHBLXOiINZNGEX9MaL1kL_nitlA6Tn15UNKwJiyhhgkQ6v96yUpf2x5tMQV\")
Dull mower blades will tear the grass instead of cutting it. As a result, your lawn will turn brown. With sharp mower blades, you only need to pass over your lawn once instead of several times to get the job done. Most hardware stores can sharpen them for you, or you can do it yourself in less than an hour. Just make sure you disconnect the spark plugs first.
\n\n\n\nYou can adjust the cutting height by raising or lowering the mower’s wheel. Look on the side of your lawnmower and find a knob or lever that adjusts the height for your grass type.
\n\n\n\nYour lawn will start to look tired and worn out after a summer of use. By raking up all debris and thatch and distributing seed, you can replenish some of those bare patches over the fall and winter. A thinning lawn is an invitation for weeds and pests. You can spread seed over the smaller areas by hand, or rent a seed spreader for the entire lawn.
\n\n\n\nThe heavy foot traffic over the summer has likely compacted your soil. Poking tiny holes in the lawn, or aerating, gives the grass a chance to take in more moisture and nutrients. It also raises the lawn’s resistance to diseases and pests. Do this in the fall, just before you add fertilizer. Fertilizing the lawn at the end of September will help it make it through the cold winter. Before deciding which fertilizer to use, find out what your lawn needs. You can get a home soil test kit at your local home improvement store. If you prefer, you can mail a sample the extension office at the University of Georgia, and they’ll test the soil for you and recommend a fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nIn spite of all the rain that blesses Atlanta, your lawn may need a little more moisture before it goes dormant over the winter. Keep your sprinkler ready until the first frost. A few good soakings will give the roots of the grass the strength it needs to make it through the winter. You also want to make sure the new seeds and fertilizer work their way into the soil. If you want to learn more about local watering restrictions, visit Wikilawn’s Atlanta city page.
The big-hearted town of Peoria in the middle of Illinois has wide appeal. Sitting right on the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria has a picturesque backdrop that many cities can only dream of. When you find yourself putting down roots in a city that one national publication dubbed one of the Top 50 Best […]
\n","content":"\nThe big-hearted town of Peoria in the middle of Illinois has wide appeal. Sitting right on the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria has a picturesque backdrop that many cities can only dream of.
\n\n\n\nWhen you find yourself putting down roots in a city that one national publication dubbed one of the Top 50 Best Places to Live, you might as well embrace the area and landscape your property with native plants. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best native plants for Peoria and the surrounding areas.
\n\n\n\nIncluded in this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Purple](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Purple-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PumpkinSky / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurple coneflower resembles daisies, but this native beauty has a large center cone that stands well above the dry, papery petals. It is the most popular type of coneflower grown and one of the first native wildflowers to jump into mainstream horticulture.
\n\n\n\nThis beautiful plant looks stunning when planted en masse and creates a soothing rustle when the papery petals brush up against one another in the breeze. Flowers appear between mid to late summer, and when deadheaded, purple coneflowers may gift you a second round of blooms before the season ends.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium green, rough texture
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full to part sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Fertile loam; tolerates clay if dry
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall (may need more during dry periods)
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Japanese beetles, leaf spot, aster yellows disease
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe sensational cardinal flower blooms for about a month in late summer, displaying brilliant red flowers that attract hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies to your garden. Plants get their common name from the bright red robes traditionally worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.
\n\n\n\nThese plants are excellent choices for wet areas in your yard. They naturally occur in wetlands and thrive in full sun and light shade. They aren’t long-lived perennial species, but they self-seed prolifically, so you’ll always have a cluster of cardinal flowers bringing color to your yard.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green,
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full to part sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Loamy, rich, moist soil
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Snails, slugs
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Common](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Common-Milkweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContrary to its name, milkweed isn’t considered a noxious weed anywhere in the United States. This tough wildflower is the only host plant for the endangered monarch butterfly, making it an essential aspect of native habitats.
\n\n\n\nMilkweeds were once widespread across the prairies of the Midwest, but habitat destruction has severely reduced the plant’s range and numbers. Thankfully, gardeners are increasingly adding them back into their landscapes. They are loved, of course, for bringing in the bold, beautiful monarchs but also appreciated for their fragrant, purplish-pink flowers that appear in late spring or early summer.
\n\n\n\nHowever, be mindful that milkweed sap contains alkaloids that irritate everything except the monarch butterfly.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 24 to 30 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green with fine, soft hairs
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-draining
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall; may need more during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Large or small milkweed bugs, swamp milkweed beetles, blue or red milkweed beetles, milkweed aphids, and furry milkweed tussock moth caterpillar
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Cause eye and skin irritations and are poisonous to pets when ingested
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed Susans are among the most easily recognized flowering perennials and a favorite of gardeners. These tough-as-nails plants also look like daisies, with their center discs in deep, rich hues and bright yellow to orangish, oblong petals.
\n\n\n\nAs members of the sunflower family, black-eyed Susans thrive in rocky, infertile soils where most other plants can’t survive. Between this, and their heat and drought tolerance, it’s no wonder you often see them blanketing roadside ditches and open fields across the country.
\n\n\n\nBe careful when planting them, though. They spread aggressively through underground stems called rhizomes and prolific self-sowing. Their spreading is excellent if you want to fill in a flowerbed, but it can be problematic when planted close to other plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Bright green with coarse hairs
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained, not too rich
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dries out
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Aphids, slugs, snails, powdery mildew, aster yellows, Southern blight, downy mildew, rust
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3912256151_865e2a4b51_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSwitchgrass is an important native prairie grass that grows well in any soil type and under any moisture level. Their low maintenance needs have given them solid standing as landscaping plants. Growing upwards of six feet tall, they work well as background plantings in flower beds, hedges, or privacy screens.
\n\n\n\nDifferent varieties offer you a variety of foliage colors. Switchgrass plants are available with reddish-tinged, steel-blue, or metallic blue-green foliage that takes on a golden glow come autumn. Seed heads are pinkish early in the season and fade into a reddish-brown to add even more interest to fall landscapes.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Perennial bunchgrass
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium green with a prominent midrib
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Well-drained, not too rich
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week the first year, then only during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Very few
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Purpletop\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Purpletop.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joanna Boisse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPurpletop is a native warm-season ornamental bunchgrass. It grows individually or in tufts and frequently in ditch banks alongside the road. Come late summer, it puts out flower spikes with reddish-purple seed heads that bring rich color to the landscape into November. It’s often called grease grass; the seed heads are covered in an oily, sticky substance.
\n\n\n\nThis native grass does well in part shade and even in moist conditions, making purpletop a fantastic choice for growing under the canopy of larger trees or as a foundation plant against your home.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Perennial bunchgrass
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green, rough
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Adapted to all types
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week the first year, then only during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Very few
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Bottlebrush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Bottlebrush-Grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: I, SB Johnny / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBottlebrush is a cool-season grass that likes cooler temps and grows abundantly during the spring and fall. It’s one of the few native plants on this list that is shade-tolerant and prefers a wooded area over full sun. Plant it under your big oak trees, where it receives a little bit of dappled light to add tremendous interest and texture.
\n\n\n\nThe tall grass has a unique spike arrangement that sets atop bright green blades, making it easily recognizable. As its name states, the spikelets resemble a large-bristled brush used for cleaning bottles. Over time, bottlebrush grass reseeds itself to form small colonies of plants.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Cool-season perennial grass
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 2 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 3 feet
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Blue-green to grey-green, mostly hairless
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Part shade to shade
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Loamy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week the first year, then only during dry periods
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Aphids, leaf spot
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Shooting](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Shooting-Star.jpg\")
Photo Credit: C T Johansson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShooting star plants are a spring ephemeral—a plant that is in full glory in spring but then fades into the background—so they add glorious color to your early-season landscape. This charming native plant has pink, purple, or white flowers resembling shooting stars streaking across the night sky.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as prairie pointer, the shooting star used to grow abundantly through moist wooded areas or rocky slopes in cooler climates. Now it is frequently grown as a garden ornamental and, in 1993, received the Royal Horticulture Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 9 to 20 inches
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 9 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Emerald to grayish green with a prominent midrib
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Partial shade, will tolerate full sun in cooler climates
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Rocky or sandy, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about 1 inch of water per week when flowering, less during the summer
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Very few
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: none
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Prairie-Smoke.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jay Sturner from USA / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe prairie smoke plant is one of the earliest spring bloomers on the prairie, and it brings a delicate, unique look when planted in your yard. In late spring, each flowering stem bears clusters of nodding, feathery pink, maroon, or purple bell-shaped flowers in clusters of three to nine. Once fertilized, the nodding blooms transform into arrays of wispy pink, feathery blooms.
\n\n\n\nPrairie smoke forms a colorful ground cover resembling delicate puffs of smoke from your planting beds. Plants don’t like to be overcrowded by taller perennials, so give them at least 18-24 inches of space.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 6 to 18 inches
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 6 to 12 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen, deeply cut margins
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Tolerant of types, as long as well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Needs about inch of water per week when flowering, less during the summer
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Root rot
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: None
\n\n\n\n![\"Great](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Great-Blue-Lobelia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGreat blue lobelia is perfect if you’re looking for a rough, hardy perennial that brings late summer color to your yard. This easy-to-grow native perennial blooms gorgeous, light icy-blue blooms in late summer, drawing in a crowd of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nPlants thrive in moist garden spots and grow well in damp clay soils where other plants struggle. They will grow in sunny places if plenty of moisture is present. When grown in its favored spot of shaded, moist areas, great blue lobelia will gladly spread and multiply to bring you dozens of new plants each spring.
\n\n\n\nGrowth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
\n\n\n\nMature Height: 3 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nMature Width: 12 to 18 inches
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Medium green, somewhat coarse
\n\n\n\nSunlight Needs: Sun, part shade, shade
\n\n\n\nSoil Preferences: Clay, loam, sand
\n\n\n\nWater Requirements: Keep soil moist
\n\n\n\nDisease or Insect Problems: Snails, slugs
\n\n\n\nPotential Hazards: Toxic if ingested in large quantities
\n\n\n\nAll the plants mentioned above are native to Peoria and, in theory, should do well in your yard. However, it is crucial to consider some things when choosing plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nIs your yard in full sun, or are you planting in partial or full-shade spots?
\n\n\n\nAre you looking to plant in full sun, partial shade, or full shade? Or trying to find a plant that will do well in mixed conditions? You always want to match the sun exposure to the plant’s needs. A plant that needs full sun will struggle in the shade, and vice versa. Since Peoria has a varied climate and plenty of trees, this list contains a nice mix of plants that thrive in different conditions.
\n\n\n\nWhat kind of soil are you working with?
\n\n\n\nLike sun exposure, it’s also critical to consider the soil in your landscape. The soil type directly affects water retention and drainage. It wouldn’t be wise to put a plant needing well-draining soil in a planting spot with heavy clay that holds water. You must also pay special attention to the specific planting area, as your yard can have anomalies with slightly different soil textures.
\n\n\n\nWhat size space are you working with?
\n\n\n\nIt’s always a challenge when buying new plants because they tend to look so small for the space you’re working with. Remember, though, you should always consider a plant’s mature size, not how big it is, when you purchase it. Over time that plant will grow, and you don’t want to buy something that will be too large for the space after a few years.
\n\n\n\nWhen buying native plants to add to your landscape, it’s always helpful if you can buy them locally. Not only does it support local businesses, but these plants are also usually propagated from parents acclimated to your climate, so they are better equipped to survive your seasons.
\n\n\n\nDreaming of a yard filled with native plants but overwhelmed with choices or trying to figure out what’s best for your yard? Reach out to our Peoria lawn care pros! Our experts are ready and looking forward to helping you make your landscape dreams come true.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Pettingill-Morron House / Mmikhailova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n","title":"Best Native Plants for Peoria, Il","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/1789c/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg","srcSet":"/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/107df/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 320w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/293e9/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 500w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/f2cbb/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 800w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/1789c/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 960w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/c26c2/Pettingill-Morron-House.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/1dd6e/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/67b76/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 320w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/8df11/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 500w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/98a65/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 800w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/1dd6e/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 960w,\n/static/428c910e7ea0b6eeb944d31ce69ac369/3cc96/Pettingill-Morron-House.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"Best Native Plants for Peoria","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Looking for low-maintenance plants for your Peoria landscape? We’ve pulled together a list of the best native plants for your area."}}},{"node":{"id":"3e37f030-a14b-594d-8a42-f7084ea3b465","slug":"5-most-common-lawn-problems","path":"/lawn-care/5-most-common-lawn-problems/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Bob Greenly has been mowing and caring for lawns since he was 12 years old. His summer job turned into a permanent career after college when he opened his own landscaping company.","name":"Bob Greenly","id":"86622de6-1450-5165-836f-e7397d91491b","path":"/author/bob-greenly/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/38ceb71a8b949ee91fe8f7d81c04ccde?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"84a346a7-9ce4-5d70-a95f-abcea3779ced","name":"Pests and Diseases","count":10,"path":"/category/pests-and-diseases/"}],"date":"November 4th, 2019","excerpt":"If you’ve got a yard, you’re likely spending some time taking care of it. After all your hard work, it can be frustrating to discover unsightly lawn problems. This may be small comfort, but you’re far from alone. The best way to avoid lawn problems is to grow and maintain a healthy lawn. Start by […]
\n","content":"\nIf you’ve got a yard, you’re likely spending some time taking care of it. After all your hard work, it can be frustrating to discover unsightly lawn problems. This may be small comfort, but you’re far from alone.
\n\n\n\nThe best way to avoid lawn problems is to grow and maintain a healthy lawn. Start by choosing a grass type that will grow well in your area. That alone will give your lawn the best chance against pests, weeds and lawn disease. Read on to learn more about the most common problems that may be plaguing your lawn.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/4S-DCXhofFHBaDgbXOWqsRPRmMSnhZqLGHGmXAAMHV15iaGXKjQRchnMgJeTxS4u7m7VB8PnqphYL1Oa1gLlySGuiTPS4SjiMcC9aYQcQNBqtqpvlRIlPCueccRwDMfuXnPTG6-d\")
Brown patch disease happens most frequently during hot, humid summer months. The University of Massachusetts Extension says “Brown patch caused by Rhizoctonia solani is the most widespread of all turf diseases occurring throughout the world and attacking all known turfgrasses.” You’ll notice large irregular circles of brown grass. Tall fescue and ryegrass are particularly susceptible.
\n\n\n\nRust is a fungal disease caused by fungal spores. It leaves yellow-orange spots with a powdery residue in your grass. The spores prey on under-watered and over-watered lawns. They’ll also attack lawns that are lacking in key nutrients like nitrogen.
\n\n\n\nSnow mold develops under snow that sits on your lawn for extended periods. There are two types: pink snow mold and gray snow mold. It appears in early spring when the snow melts as gray or pink-hued patches of white. Pink snow mold can also grow during cool, wet weather without any snow. Prevent snow mold by gradually cutting the grass shorter ahead of winter, and by not leaving a thick layer of leaves on your lawn over the winter. A preventative fungicide may also help.
\n\n\n\nDollar spot shows up as patches of silver-dollar sized brown patches in your lawn. It’s caused by a fungus and is very common on golf courses and recreational turf fields. It affects cool and warm-season grasses and can appear anywhere from late spring to late fall. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and after long periods of wet weather.
\n\n\n\nWhite grubs are beetle larvae and larvae of other types of insects. White grubs feed on grass roots, causing irregular brown spots in your yard. You’ll notice this damage most often in the fall.
\n\n\n\nYou can tell you have an infestation if you can pull up the dead turf like a rug, revealing the C-shaped white larvae on top of the soil. You may also notice birds on your lawn because they love to feast on the grubs. Other animals are attracted to the scent, including raccoons, opossums, moles, and skunks. They’ll dig up your yard to get to the grubs, so lawn damage is another sign you may have an infestation.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"/](\"https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/wyUrxwMg673hhLE8s8NmrkONFoFXHp-075zupE9zNyFdaCTv4UeE2mcDY9Vre23NJcJ8QfjPmdJ23PfpJK8_8Cz7O-ypVhff8FFeonNvC6sUNpFqeOYFQCLaPheyp3vCUubbjCPv\")
Weeds may be the king of lawn problems, or at least one of the most common. Weeds like crabgrass and dandelions will take over your yard if given the chance, especially if your lawn isn’t healthy. To avoid this, use good lawn care practices. These include regular mowing with a sharp blade and adequate watering for your grass type. To conserve water, supplement rainfall with a regular watering schedule. Weeds will have a harder time taking hold in a thick, healthy lawn with a healthy root system.
\n\n\n\nThese problems show up for many different reasons. These include foot traffic, lawn diseases, compacted soil or broken or badly adjusted sprinklers. Aerating once a year can help with compacted soil and in the prevention of lawn diseases. Test sprinklers to see if you need to adjust or replace them. In areas with high foot traffic, consider replacing the grass with a pathway using rocks, pavers or wood chips. You could also hardscape the area rather than continually reseeding or replacing the turf.
\n\n\n\nDog urine contains high amounts of nitrogen which can burn your grass and cause it to turn brown. Dark green grass can sometimes ring the brown patches. Train your dog to take care of business in one part of your yard. Consider re-planting damaged grass with a urine-resistant grass like tall fescue or ryegrass.
\n\n\n\nRecognizing these common lawn problems is the first step in fixing them. Preventing these problems before they start is even better. Regular mowing, watering, and lawn care can go a long way in keeping these unwelcome issues off your lawn.
Main image credit: Veracious Rey, CC by-SA 3.0
\n","title":"5 Most-Common Lawn Problems","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.5064814814814815,"src":"/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/1789c/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/107df/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 320w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/293e9/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 500w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/f2cbb/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 800w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/1789c/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 960w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/3f77c/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.jpg 1627w","srcWebp":"/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/1dd6e/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/67b76/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 320w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/8df11/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 500w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/98a65/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 800w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/1dd6e/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 960w,\n/static/a62151b9397f633d267d25b7f43ae420/c6846/wikipedia-typical_suburban_backyard-veracious-Rey-cc30.webp 1627w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Most-Common Lawn Problems | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"9895d57a-4008-5961-8fc2-26214cbff1a3","slug":"best-native-plants-pennsylvania","path":"/lawn-care/pa/best-native-plants-pennsylvania/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Rela Catucod, a journalism graduate, nurtured her love for gardening while admiring her grandmother's vibrant orchids. When she's not writing about lawn care, Rela indulges in reading, traveling, and playing with her two dogs.","name":"Rela Catucod","id":"14e95666-6df4-5827-8d17-081d01b8ce99","path":"/author/rela-catucod/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c4741d869f47268640f525e2135c701c?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2d317bbd-578b-5162-8946-7b230bb15f85","name":"Pennsylvania","count":4,"path":"/category/lawn-care/pa/"}],"date":"May 20th, 2023","excerpt":"The Keystone State, renowned for its scenic Pocono Mountains and the Appalachian Plateau’s rolling hills, boasts a diverse array of native plants. These unique landscapes create a perfect backdrop for the eastern redbud, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best native plants for Pennsylvania gardens. Embracing native plants […]
\n","content":"\nThe Keystone State, renowned for its scenic Pocono Mountains and the Appalachian Plateau’s rolling hills, boasts a diverse array of native plants. These unique landscapes create a perfect backdrop for the eastern redbud, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best native plants for Pennsylvania gardens.
\n\n\n\nEmbracing native plants in Pennsylvania has plenty of benefits, such as:
\n\n\n\nChoosing Pennsylvania native plants means you’ll create a vibrant, balanced ecosystem right in your backyard. If you’re ready to dive into the world of native plants, we’ve got some fantastic options for your yard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Eastern-Redbud-Cercis-canadensis-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nThe eastern redbud, with its vibrant pink flowers blooming in early spring, is a stunning deciduous tree native to Southern Pennsylvania, such as Philadelphia and Delaware. This eye-catching tree offers homeowners a spectacular focal point in their gardens while supporting local ecosystems. As a bonus, the eastern redbud’s blossoms also attract pollinators, particularly bumble bees, enhancing the beauty and vitality of any Pennsylvanian outdoor space.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adaptable to various soil types; prefers moist, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to May
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 20 to 30 feet tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Close](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Pennsylvania-Sedge.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nOpt for a low-maintenance groundcover with the versatile Pennsylvania sedge, a native grass-like plant found throughout the state. Adaptable to various soil conditions and shade levels, this evergreen sedge is perfect for homeowners looking to fill in areas under trees or create a lush, natural look in their gardens. As an added bonus, Pennsylvania Sedge is deer-resistant, ensuring its beauty remains untouched.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Grass/Grass-like
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Adaptable; dry to moist soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 10 inches tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Swamp-Milkweed-Asclepias-incarnata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nSwamp milkweed, commonly found throughout the state, is an attractive perennial that produces clusters of pink flowers during the summer. Ideal for wetland areas or rain gardens, this native plant is a wonderful choice for homeowners looking to support local ecosystems while adding a touch of color to their landscape.
Swamp milkweed not only adds charm to homeowners’ gardens but also serves as a crucial host for Monarch butterflies and a nectar source for various pollinators.
Plant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3a to 6b
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Prefers clay soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: June to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 5 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Poisonous to people, pets, and livestock if ingested.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Virginia-Bluebells-Mertensia-virginica.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Khan “Sadh” N. Mostafa / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nVirginia Bluebells are charming woodland wildflowers that feature delicate, trumpet-shaped blue flowers in spring. These captivating blooms offer homeowners in the area a delightful splash of color, perfect for brightening up shaded garden spots. Their graceful appearance makes them a charming, low-maintenance addition to any Pennsylvania landscape.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand; acid, alkaline, neutral; moist but well-drained soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Light and Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to June
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans, dogs, horses, and cattle; can be fatal when consumed in large amounts
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5992418976_afc9bf5fe7_o-1-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAdd a touch of charm to your Pennsylvania garden with wild bergamot, also known as bee balm. This delightful native plant attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, while offering fragrant foliage and lovely lavender flowers. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, wild bergamot is a perfect addition to your landscape. It’s also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a popular choice among homeowners in the area.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Shallow, rocky soil or clay that’s moist, well-drained, or dry-ish
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Mint and Oregano
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Natural rainfall should be sufficient; withstands dry soil for a while
\n\n\n\nMature height: 2 to 4 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Moderately flammable
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Bunch](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Black-eyed-Susan-Rudbeckia-hirta-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nBlack-eyed susan a hardy native plant that thrives in Pennsylvania. Its bright yellow petals surrounding a dark central cone make it an eye-catching addition to any garden. Loved by pollinators and resistant to pests, this low-maintenance beauty is perfect for homeowners looking to add a splash of color without too much fuss.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, moist, well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Biennial, annual, or short-lived perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Sweet
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/New-England-Aster-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: USFWS Midwest Region / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nEnhance your Pennsylvania garden with the vibrant New England aster. Its rich purple blooms, which attract butterflies and bees, add a stunning pop of color to your landscape. Not only is this plant drought-tolerant, but it also boasts pest resistance, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious homeowners who want to support local pollinators.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a to 8b
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sandy, loamy, clay
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 3 to 6 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Wreath](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wreath-Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Fritz Flohr Reynolds / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWreath goldenrod, native across Pennsylvania, is a native plant known for its hardiness and adaptability. Showcasing brilliant yellow flowers, this drought-tolerant beauty is a favorite among pollinators and an excellent choice for homeowners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options. With its pest-resistant properties, wreath goldenrod is perfect for gardens across the Keystone State.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Well-drained acidic and neutral soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Aniche
\n\n\n\nBloom time: August to October
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low to Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 3 feet
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"Red](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cardinal-Flower-Lobelia-cardinalis.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: linnaeus / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n\n\n\nAdd a burst of red to your landscape with the stunning cardinal flower, a native plant that thrives in Pennsylvania. Known for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies, this vibrant perennial offers both visual appeal and ecological benefits. Homeowners will appreciate its resistance to pests and deer, making it a lovely addition to gardens in the region.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Sand, loam, clay, limestone-based
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: Late summer
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate to high
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and animals if eaten.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Heartleaf-Foamflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Raul654 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nCreate a woodland haven in your Pennsylvania garden with the delicate heartleaf foamflower. Its lovely white flowers, resembling a frothy foam, provide a unique visual interest, while its shade-tolerance makes it ideal for homeowners with shaded yards. This low-maintenance beauty is also deer-resistant, ensuring its delicate charm remains unharmed.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8
\n\n\n\nSun: Partial shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist, hummus-rich, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: March to July
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Medium
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to about 16 inches tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAttract butterflies to your Pennsylvania garden with the aptly named butterfly milkweed. This native plant, with its brilliant orange blooms, provides an important food source for Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Not only is it drought-tolerant, but it’s also deer-resistant, making it an ideal addition to gardens in Southern Pennsylvania.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Herb
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil: Clay, loam, and sandy soils
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFragrance: Vanilla
\n\n\n\nBloom time: May to September
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: 1 to 2 feet
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to people, pets, and other animals.
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Drew Avery / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nBlazing star, also known as gayfeather, is a native perennial that produces tall spikes of vibrant purple flowers that bloom mostly in the Southeast Pennsylvania Region. This striking plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens. Its low-maintenance, pest-resistant beauty is perfect for homeowners looking to add a touch of the wild to their outdoor spaces.
\n\n\n\nPlant type: Flower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
\n\n\n\nSun: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil: Moist clay, silt, or sandy soil that’s well-drained
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nBloom time: July to November
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nMature height: Up to 6 feet tall
\n\n\n\nMaintenance: Low
\n\n\n\nReady to pick the perfect native plants for your Pennsylvania garden? First, consider your outdoor space’s unique needs. Here’s an easy guide to help you make the best choices:
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, it’s important to remember that Pennsylvania falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 7, so keep this in mind when choosing plants that can handle the local climate. By paying attention to these details, you can create a vibrant, low-maintenance garden filled with Pennsylvania native plants that’ll make your landscape truly shine.
\n\n\n\nBoth Philadelphia and Pittsburgh fall within USDA Hardiness Zones 6 and 7. Some native plants well-suited for these cities include eastern redbud, virginia bluebells, and pennsylvania sedge.
\n\n\n\nIn Southeastern Pennsylvania, homeowners can create a vibrant garden with native plants like Swamp Milkweed to attract butterflies and wild bergamot for a lovely fragrance.
\n\n\n\nFor a welcoming backyard in Western Pennsylvania, consider planting heartleaf foamflower for cheerful blooms, wreath goldenrod for a pop of color, and black-eyed Susan to create a lush, attractive landscape that supports local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nOther native plants of Western Pennsylvania include:
\n\n\n\nReady to create a stunning Pennsylvania garden filled with native plants? With options ranging from eye-catching wildflowers and stunning trees to resilient grasses and easy-to-care groundcovers, there’s a native plant for every garden style and taste. Begin your journey by checking out local native plant suppliers found in the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website.
\n\n\n\nEmbracing native plants is just one of the many low-maintenance landscaping options for Pennsylvania residents. To further elevate your outdoor space, explore the best grass types for your region to complement your new native plants.
\n\n\n\nTo keep your landscape and the surrounding greenery in tip top shape, hire a lawn care professional near you who can handle the yard’s mowing, trimming, and edging. We have trusted pros throughout Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and many other cities across the state.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Joshua Mayer / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
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\n","content":"\n
Western Carolina has ample natural beauty. Its mountains, high elevation, and variety of plant life set it apart from the rest of the Carolinas, so it’s essential that you know how to care for your yard in this unique climate.
Adding turf grass, plants, and various other features to your property can be daunting at first. But don’t worry; there are plenty of tips and tricks to not only make your Western Carolina landscape beautiful but also easier to care for.
\n\n\n\nHere are 11 low-maintenance landscaping ideas for Western Carolina.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Highbush_blueberries.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Ryjial Christianson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nThere are a lot of native plants in Western Carolina that do well in the local climate and soil. This makes them easier to care for. In addition, native plants provide important habitat and food sources for wildlife, making them an eco-friendly choice for landscaping.
\n\n\n\nBecause the variety of Western Carolina’s natives is so vast, make sure that you research which plants are best suited to your needs and preferences. Consider factors like sunlight needs, maintenance needs, potential hazards, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of native plants:
\n\n\n\nSome plants native to Western Carolina:
\n\n\n\nIf you’d rather plant a tree, consider:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The price of your plants depends on their type and size. A new flower bed costs $1,000 to $3,000, and a new shrub costs $25 to $60 per plant, although large shrubs can cost up to $350. Tree prices typically range between $150 and $1,850 per tree but can cost as much as $3,335.
\n\n\n\nWildflowers grow in poor soil without any surplus irrigation or fertilizer. Just think about how much work you can save by letting these plants do their own thing and thrive. Plus, reducing your chemical usage is good for wildlife and the environment.
\n\n\n\nA wildflower meadow can grow within 2 to 3 years. It can also attract pollinators and birds to your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wildflowers:
\n\n\n\nExamples of wildflowers:
\n\n\n\nCost: Wildflower seed mixes (mixes of wildflowers and healthy native grasses) cost $60 to $80 per 1,000 square feet. Their professional installation runs $750 to $2,500 for a typical quarter-acre lawn, depending on the preparation needed.
\n\n\n\nFresh herbs enhance food flavor and often have various health benefits, and many of them are a good fit for your Western Carolina garden. And although most herbs aren’t native to Western Carolina, they’re popular; the largest herb festival in the U.S. is actually held in Asheville.
\n\n\n\nHerbs are often native to Mediterranean regions, so they may be able to resist heat and drought. However, make sure that you check the plant’s cold hardiness to be sure it also withstands cold weather.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of herbs:
\n\n\n\nExamples of cold-hardy herbs:
\n\n\n\nCost: Most small potted herbs cost $3 to $15 per plant. If you want to grow herbs from seed, a packet of seeds costs $1 to $3, and a herb garden starter kit ranges from $20 to $45.
\n\n\n\n![\"Turk’s-cap](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Turks-cap-Lily.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shenandoah National Park / Flickr / Public Domain
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t want to replace your flowers every year, consider perennials. These plants come back year after year, making them a great investment for any garden. With proper care, they can provide beautiful blooms for many seasons to come.
\n\n\n\nTrue, annuals typically have more vibrant, longer-lasting blossoms, so the best thing to do is to mix perennials and annuals in your garden. Be sure to research various plants and their characteristics to better understand which ones are right for you.
\n\n\n\nBenefits of perennial plants:
\n\n\n\nExamples of perennial plants for Western North Carolina:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: The cost varies based on the type and size. To give you some approximate figures, plants usually cost $2.50 to $60 per plant, if you plant them yourself, but some plants can cost up to $100. Shrubs typically cost between $25 and $60 per shrub. Large shrubs may cost up to $350. Trees usually cost between $150 and $1,850 per tree, but some trees can cost up to $3,335.
\n\n\n\nJust because most trees and plants go to sleep during the winter doesn’t mean all of yours have to. You can keep your yard vibrant during the colder months by planting evergreens and “winter interest” plants.
\n\n\n\nEvergreen trees’ and “winter interest” plants’ lasting foliage isn’t their only advantage. They have numerous other benefits as well, which makes them a great option for your low-maintenance Western Carolina yard. There are various evergreen and “winter interest” plants out there, so make sure you look into which ones can work for you for your local climate.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of evergreens and “winter interest” plants:
\n\n\n\nIn addition, evergreens also have the following advantages:
\n\n\n\nExamples of “winter interest” plants:
\n\n\n\nEvergreen trees that thrive in Western Carolina:
\n\n\n\nCost: Prices range from $20 to $3,335, depending on the plant’s size, species, and maturity. Small flowering winter interest plants range from $20 to $35; a new shrub costs $25 to $60 per shrub (although large shrubs can cost up to $350); and small trees range from $100 to $600. Larger trees usually cost between $150 and $1,850 per tree, but some can cost up to $3,335 per tree.
\n\n\n\nTaking care of your turf can be a lot of work. If you want an easy-care alternative that gives the same dense, green appeal, why not try ground covers instead? Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread quickly and cover large areas of ground, reducing the need for mowing, overseeding and watering.
\n\n\n\nAs with any other plant, make sure that the ground cover you choose fits your needs and preferences. You should make sure it matches your hardiness zone, and that you know all about its characteristics, such as shade tolerance and potential hazards.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of ground covers:
\n\n\n\nExamples of ground covers include:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: On average, the cost of ground covers ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot without installation.
\n\n\n\n![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhile you can use ground covers to give your lawn a similar appeal, they can’t quite replace the natural look and feel of grass. But not all grass types are the same.
\n\n\n\nLow-maintenance grass types can help you save time and money on watering, mowing, and other lawn care. So make sure you do your research to find the one that’s right for you. You can start by checking out our recommended grass types for Asheville.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of a low-maintenance grass type:
\n\n\n\nExamples of low-maintenance grass types:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Professional grass removal typically costs $1.50 per square foot. Professional lawn seeding typically costs between $0.10 and $0.19 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to keep your plants healthy with minimal effort, you should try mulching. Mulching is an easy and cost-effective way to retain moisture in your plants and protect them from damaging temperatures. It also prevents weeds and improves soil quality.
\n\n\n\nYou can pick between organic and inorganic mulch. As the name suggests, organic mulch is made from natural materials. It decomposes over time and releases nutrients into the soil. On the other hand, inorganic mulch doesn’t provide nutrients for your soil, but you don’t need to worry about it decomposing and replacing it as often as organic mulch.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of mulch:
\n\n\n\nOrganic mulch needs to be regularly replaced, but it has other advantages:
\n\n\n\nExamples of organic mulch:
\n\n\n\nExamples of inorganic mulch:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: Mulching typically costs around $85 per cubic yard. A cubic yard will cover about 100 square feet at three inches deep.
\n\n\n\nIsn’t it a shame for rainwater to go to waste? We think so. If you agree, consider building a rain garden. Rain gardens are essentially basin-formed gardens designed to collect and absorb rainwater, allowing it to filter into the ground instead of running off into storm drains and contributing to water pollution.
\n\n\n\nCaptured rainwater can be used to irrigate your garden or even reduce the amount of runoff that enters local waterways. Plus, rain gardens can be beautiful additions to your landscape, providing habitat for wildlife and reducing erosion.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of rain gardens:
\n\n\n\nWhat you can put in your rain garden:
\n\n\n\nCost: Installing a rain garden yourself costs between $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the type of plants and materials you use. A typical rain garden is 150 to 400 square feet, so expect to pay between $450 and $2,000. Professional installation ranges from $10 and $15 per square foot.
\n\n\n\n![\"plants](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Xeriscaping-garden.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jeremy Levine / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nXeriscaping is another landscaping technique that’s used to save water. Not only can it create a low-maintenance and sustainable garden, but it can also reduce water bills and help conserve natural resources.
\n\n\n\nIf xeriscaping your entire yard feels overwhelming, you can start little by little. You can then gradually convert more areas of your yard to xeriscaping, such as by replacing thirsty plants with drought-resistant ones or installing a drip irrigation system.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nWays you can start xeriscaping:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There are various xeriscaping methods, which vary in cost. On average, xeriscaping may cost between $5 and $20 per square foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you want a beautiful landscape, it’s going to be hard to create one without greenery. But on the other hand, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for functional hardscapes, too. To reduce some of your lawn and garden maintenance tasks and make your outdoor space easier to take care of, hardscapes are a great idea.
\n\n\n\nMoreover, hardscaping features can also add value to your home with their aesthetic appeal, and give you a practical place to spend time with loved ones.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nExamples of hardscapes:
\n\n\n\nEstimated cost: There are various hardscaping projects, so it depends on which ones you choose. But you can expect to pay $2,200 to $6,500 for a patio; $3,900 to $10,500 for a deck; $2,100 to $6,000 for a pergola; $1,100 to $7,500 for a water feature; $250 to $2,200 for a fire pit; $60 to $170 per ton for river rocks; and between $3 and $30 per square foot for stone pavers, depending on the type of stone.
\n\n\n\nThe thought of maintaining a beautiful outdoor space can be intimidating. However, you can create an aesthetic outdoor space that’s easier to care for than you’d think.
\n\n\n\nStart by getting some native wildflowers or evergreens and then continue adding low-maintenance features to your landscape over time. When picking plants, make sure you learn about their needs and see which ones are a good fit. Don’t forget to research their important characteristics, such as their shade tolerance, potential hazards, and so forth.
\n\n\n\nAs you already know, no lawn can be completely maintenance-free. If you want help checking off your to-do list tasks, call a lawn care pro in your area.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Joe Wolf / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
\n","title":"11 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Western Carolina","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.518987341772152,"src":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1789c/lawn-in-asheville.jpg","srcSet":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/107df/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 320w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/293e9/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 500w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/f2cbb/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 800w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1789c/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 960w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/c26c2/lawn-in-asheville.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1dd6e/lawn-in-asheville.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/67b76/lawn-in-asheville.webp 320w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/8df11/lawn-in-asheville.webp 500w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/98a65/lawn-in-asheville.webp 800w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/1dd6e/lawn-in-asheville.webp 960w,\n/static/089ad9b349d414e3f52d78ef11a15a80/3cc96/lawn-in-asheville.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for Western Carolina | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Reflect natural beauty in your own yard without being overwhelmed by the maintenance with these low-maintenance landscaping tips for Western Carolina."}}},{"node":{"id":"8cd2fbfb-cdf3-5927-9a97-6f870a0a6439","slug":"hurricane-resistant-landscaping-tampa","path":"/lawn-care/fl/tampa/hurricane-resistant-landscaping-tampa/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Danielle Gorski lives with her family in Texas. She has a degree in Professional Studies and a minor in marketing. Her hobbies include reading, drawing, and writing.","name":"Danielle Gorski","id":"7c21f4d6-aa31-5681-9530-3d69932d07c4","path":"/author/danielle-gorski/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d4dbd5997a7fe91daa87a0bd0839baff?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"57f1b1d9-6347-5707-b4b6-65e6dd1b393d","name":"Florida","count":46,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"dc593a91-bb7f-5961-b8a5-96bfdf119898","name":"Tampa","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/fl/tampa/"}],"date":"March 27th, 2023","excerpt":"Living on the Gulf Coast has nice benefits, like being able to visit the beach anytime you feel like it for a fun day of swimming and building sandcastles. The only problem is that living near the ocean leaves homes vulnerable to hurricane damage from flooding and high winds. You can never have a 100% […]
\n","content":"\nLiving on the Gulf Coast has nice benefits, like being able to visit the beach anytime you feel like it for a fun day of swimming and building sandcastles. The only problem is that living near the ocean leaves homes vulnerable to hurricane damage from flooding and high winds.
\n\n\n\nYou can never have a 100% guarantee that your home will not suffer storm damage, but there are some hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for Tampa that will help protect your property.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\n13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa
\n\n\n\nProtect Your Tampa Home Before a Hurricane Strikes
\n\n\n\nFAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n![\"group](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Wind-tolerant-trees.jpg\")
Photo Credit: denisbin / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to a hurricane-resistant landscape, it’s best to go native. For your landscaping, pick Floridia-friendly plants that are acclimated to the local climate and weather.
\n\n\n\nHurricane-resistant trees with sturdy trunks and deep-reaching roots are usually the best kind of trees to stand up to strong winds. If you have trees in your Tampa yard, they should be reliable, wind-resistant trees such as:
\n\n\n\nTrees to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of wind-resistant trees:
\n\n\n\nCost: Hiring a professional to plant a new tree costs about $150 to $1,850, depending on the size, age, and type of tree. A DIY job will cost less, though you will have to pay for the equipment needed for the job.
\n\n\n\n“Location, location, location” is the motto when it comes to strategic real estate investments, but the principle applies to landscaping trees, as well. Picking the right spot to plant your tree isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about picking the safest and most practical location for your tree.
\n\n\n\nDon’t plant a tree right next to your house. If a tree topples over in a storm, it might fall on top of your home and cause severe damage.
\n\n\n\nThe same rule applies to planting trees near power lines. A falling tree might knock over power lines and create a dangerous electric hazard. Avoid this kind of crisis by planting trees a safe distance away from power lines. If your tree grows to over 20 feet tall at maturity, then it needs to be planted at least 20 feet away from power lines.
\n\n\n\nRegularly inspect your trees for damage or illness, and remove any dead or dying trees, especially if they are near your home.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of keeping trees away from structures:
\n\n\n\nCost: The size of a tree determines the size of the job, but generally transplanting a tree costs $229 to $5,440.. Tree removal prices range from $223 to $2,089.
\n\n\n\nThere’s safety in numbers, and when trees are clustered close together, they are more wind-resistant and less likely to topple over in hurricane-force winds. Generally it’s recommended to plant trees in groups of five or more.
\n\n\n\nIt’s also better to have a mixture of different types of trees rather than planting a group of the same type of tree in the same cluster.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of grouping trees:
\n\n\n\nCost: Tree prices range from $150 to $1,850, so budget accordingly for how many trees you need. Don’t forget to consider additional logistical costs, such as the extra trips it will take to transport multiple new trees from the store to your backyard.
\n\n\n\n![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Trim-Trees.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nTake care of your trees and they will take care of you. Trees are a great source of shade, natural beauty, and, depending on the type, delicious fruit. Without proper care and regular pruning, trees aren’t as resistant and durable in a storm. Keeping your trees regularly pruned helps prevent them from being tossed around in fierce hurricane winds. When it comes to pruning, look out for the three D’s: Diseased, damaged, and dead trees.
\n\n\n\nWhen pruning, remember to thin the crowns of your trees. If the crown of a tree is too dense, rough winds can uproot the tree by pulling it right out of the ground.
\n\n\n\nShrubs aren’t as catastrophically destructive as trees, but loose branches from shrubs still cause plenty of problems on their own. Loose branches become dangerous projectiles in high speed winds or cause drainage blockage problems.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of tree and shrub trimming:
\n\n\n\nCost: To get a professional to trim your tree, you are looking at $315 to $700. A hedge trimming costs approximately $57 per hour, trimming a bush costs roughly $9, and tree trimming is often priced around $428 per tree. If you prefer to save money, you can trim your vegetation yourself.
\n\n\n\nThere’s such a thing as too much of a good thing, and you might be giving your trees too much water. If you overwater trees, the roots will stay shallow because they don’t have any need to delve deeper into the soil in search of water when water is readily available near the surface.
\n\n\n\nTrees with a shallow root system are more prone to getting uprooted when fierce storms and damaging winds blow through.
\n\n\n\nTo help your tree develop deeper roots, water it less frequently. If the soil around your tree is still moist, wait a week or so until it dries out. Then when the ground by the tree roots is dry, you can water your tree again. When you do water, give your tree a good, long drink. Trees need a thorough watering every so often to ensure that they continue to grow roots deeper into the ground.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of not overwatering:
\n\n\n\nCost: This will actually be a cost-saving measure. If you water less frequently, you will be saving on your monthly water bill.
\n\n\n\n![\"Ilex](\"https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/31953982266_8871446f01_c-1.jpg\")
American Holly
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Hurricanes are tumultuous tempests that cause wild waves that send salty sea spray flying everywhere. Sometimes gusty winds blow salty seawater right into your yard.
\n\n\n\nTo help your landscaping plants survive a storm, choose tough, salt-tolerant plants such as the ones listed below:
\n\n\n\nGroundcovers and flowers:
\n\n\n\nGrasses:
\n\n\n\nVines:
\n\n\n\nTrees and shrubs:
\n\n\n\nIf a plant is not salt tolerant, salt will dry out the plant’s roots. This will hinder the plant from absorbing the water and nutrients it needs to survive, killing the plant.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of salt-tolerant plants:
\n\n\n\nCost: To have your plant bed installed by a professional, service prices typically range around $585 to $3,300.
\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to dealing with gusty hurricane winds, you need a fence that allows air to flow through.
\n\n\n\nEven a brand new wooden fence can be easily blown over in powerful high-speed winds if there aren’t gaps wide enough allowing wind to pass through. For this reason, sturdy wooden fences usually aren’t the best options for cities like Tampa. Instead, choose a slatted fencing material, such as:
\n\n\n\nTypes of fencing to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of hurricane-resistant fencing:
\n\n\n\nCost: Prices depend on the type of fencing material, although usually fencing costs $7 to $51 per linear foot. Chain link fences cost between $6 and $36 per linear foot.
\n\n\n\nIf you live next to the ocean, you might need a seawall. A seawall helps prevent flooding and erosion of your property near the edge where the waves relentlessly batter your property.
\n\n\n\nSeawalls can be made out of several different materials:
\n\n\n\nSeawalls are designed to block out sea waves by holding them at bay so they don’t flood your property. This is especially important during a storm surge when the weather and waves are extra wild.
\n\n\n\nMaterials to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of building a seawall:
\n\n\n\nCost: Seawall prices range from $113 to $770 per linear foot. Prices will vary depending on the scope of the project and the type of seawall material you choose.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Soft-Mulch.jpg\")
Photo Credit: pseudo obscure / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nIf you use mulch in your landscape, avoid hard or sharp mulches such as pea gravel or stone. When blown around by high-speed hurricane winds, mulch becomes dangerous projectiles that cause a lot of damage when they hit windows or batter the surface of your house or car.
\n\n\n\nSoft mulch is gentler and won’t cause the same level of damage. Some soft mulches to consider include:
\n\n\n\nMulch to avoid:
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of soft mulches:
\n\n\n\nCost: Organic mulches such as tree bark, grass clippings, wood chips, or pine needles are usually best for lawns in hurricane territory. Free is always the best price, since some types of mulch types can be found in your yard, like pine needles or grass clippings. Prices of mulch vary depending on the type of mulch you want to purchase.
\n\n\n\nWhen rain is pouring down in torrents, water needs somewhere to drain or else flooding ensues. Before a hurricane hits Tampa, check that nearby storm drains aren’t clogged. This involves checking that nothing in your landscape is obstructing or blocking storm drainage pathways.
\n\n\n\nLeaves, sticks, and other debris get washed down and become blockage. To prevent a blocked drain from causing flooding, don’t slack off on keeping the yard clean and clear, especially if there is a hurricane heading your way. Mowing your lawn before a hurricane also makes it easier for water to drain through your yard.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of clearing storm drains:
\n\n\n\nCost: If there is a lot of clutter in your yard that needs to be removed but you don’t have time to do the job yourself, lawn care professionals offer services at around $154 to $411.
\n\n\n\nBefore a hurricane hits Tampa, bring any loose objects inside, including outdoor chairs, lawn decor and lawn ornaments, toys, etc. Anything left outside might get blown away or become a dangerous projectile that could crash into your windows or car.
\n\n\n\nAlso, if you have a pool, you should cover it to protect it from getting filled with debris.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of bringing your yard decor inside:
\n\n\n\nCost: Clearing your yard should be a DIY job provided you have enough room inside your house to store your lawn decor. If there’s room, your garage can be used as a space to store your yard decor.
\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Gutter-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay
\n\n\n\nIf the weather forecast predicts that a hurricane will hit Tampa soon, than you should clean out your gutters. Clearing out leaves, sticks, or other debris clogging your gutter drainage system allows water to drain properly off your roof.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of cleaning your gutters:
\n\n\n\nCost: Hiring a professional to clean your gutters costs $72 to $424, depending on the size of the house and whether the house is a single-story or a multi-story building.
\n\n\n\nWhen there are heavy hurricane rains and the city is in danger of flooding, the last thing needed is more water on your lawn. Turning off your sprinkler systems before a storm hits helps conserve water and protect the pipes from too much pressure.
\n\n\n\nAdvantages of turning off the sprinkler system:
\n\n\n\nCost: Switching off the sprinkler system doesn’t cost any money and in fact it will save you some money on water bills.
\n\n\n\nHurricanes are dangerous and have a tendency to leave behind a lot of wanton destruction in their path. You won’t be able to keep your yard impervious to all damage, but taking steps to protect your yard can reduce property damage and repair costs. For hurricane preparedness, follow these steps to protect your yard from damage:
\n\n\n\nDon’t forget to plan ahead and have an evacuation plan ready for your and your family. While you can take steps to protect your yard and increase its hurricane resistance, it still won’t guarantee that your yard or home will be safe. Play it safe and have a plan for what to do when a hurricane strikes.
\n\n\n\nThe hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.
St. Augustinegrass and Zoysiagrass are the best hurricane-resistant grasses for Tampa yards. They are both warm-season grasses with high salt tolerance and a hardiness that makes them able to weather rough weather.
Yes. Artificial grass is wind-resistant and can handle a large amount of water during heavy hurricane rains.
It’s not just wind-resistant trees you need to think about when it comes to your yard: There are also shrubs, bushes, and flowers to consider, as well as fencing and what mulch types are the safest. Ideally, it’s best for Tampa residents to fill their yard with plants that are native to Florida.
If you want a hurricane-resistant landscape design, then find a Tampa lawn care pro to help you with your next landscaping project.
Main Image Credit: Mark Souther / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa, FL","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1789c/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/107df/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 320w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/293e9/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 500w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/f2cbb/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 800w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1789c/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 960w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/c26c2/Trees-near-power-lines.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1dd6e/Trees-near-power-lines.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/67b76/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 320w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/8df11/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 500w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/98a65/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 800w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/1dd6e/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 960w,\n/static/e62ab78ea28e5e92c39c76cbd2d333b4/3cc96/Trees-near-power-lines.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"13 Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Tampa, FL | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tampa is a prime target for hurricanes. Find out how to make your landscaping more hurricane resistant so your yard can weather the storm."}}},{"node":{"id":"9716c201-4d26-56f5-b62d-593bf7e636d8","slug":"best-native-plants-lafayette","path":"/lawn-care/la/lafayette/best-native-plants-lafayette/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"After discovering her passion for writing through her beauty blog, Melanie left her engineering job in California, became a freelance writer, and never once looked back. She loves nature and enjoys going on road trips with her husband and their two sons.","name":"Melanie Joseph","id":"f86bf815-f27c-5928-b67e-d3481c2d1e0a","path":"/author/melanie-joseph/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/da91467d5e58d9fc8f1f730b09830569?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"dc827560-ae67-51d9-837b-dff243431ac3","name":"Lafayette","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/lafayette/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"8e5263e2-95b5-572d-8061-a1a1afa1a8c2","name":"Louisiana","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/la/"}],"date":"May 25th, 2023","excerpt":"Known for scrumptious Creole and Cajun food, Lafayette prides itself on its unique culture and natural beauty. It’s home to an array of flora and fauna, including many native plants that thrive in the region’s hot, humid summers. From wildflowers and shrubs to vines and trees, these plants offer a host of benefits to homeowners […]
\n","content":"\nKnown for scrumptious Creole and Cajun food, Lafayette prides itself on its unique culture and natural beauty. It’s home to an array of flora and fauna, including many native plants that thrive in the region’s hot, humid summers. From wildflowers and shrubs to vines and trees, these plants offer a host of benefits to homeowners and the environment alike, including:
\n\n\n\nExplore the 15 best native plants for Lafayette, and discover how you can incorporate these beautiful and beneficial species into your own backyard.
\n\n\n\nIn this article, we’ll cover:
\n\n\n\nHere are 15 of the best native plants for Lafayette, including shrubs, trees, wildflowers, and groundcovers.
\n\n\n\n![\"berries](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Callicarpa_americana.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Korall / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nA shrub native to the southeastern United States, American beautyberry can be found growing naturally along the edges of fields and in wooded areas. It is a tough and adaptable plant that can thrive in various soil types and light conditions.
\n\n\n\nThis perennial plant is known for its clusters of bright purple berries that are produced in late summer and fall, which are not only beautiful to look at but also serve as an important food source for birds, raccoons, whitetail deer, and opossums.
\n\n\n\nIn addition to its attractive berries, American beautyberry produces small, pale pink flowers in the spring and early summer that are a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies. It is also a larval host plant for the beautiful royal walnut moth.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6b-11
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – requires a minimum of four hours of sunlight per day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Prefers organic, fertile, loam soil but can still grow in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – around 1 inch of water per week, but give it deep, slow watering during drought and extreme dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic – but avoid eating its berries as they may cause discomfort, such as vomiting
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Taxodium_Distichum_Bald_Cypress_28894599385.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Treeworld Wholesale / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nHighly valued for its aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits, the bald cypress has a broad, pyramidal shape and needle-like leaves that turn a striking rust color in the fall. It’s commonly found in swamps, bayous, and floodplains throughout the Lafayette area, but you also can see it in various parks and gardens, such as Girard Park and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Cypress Lake.
\n\n\n\nAs a native species, this deciduous tree is well adapted to the hot and humid Louisiana climate, and requires little maintenance once established. Its cones and seeds are a food source for various wildlife, and its roots help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
\n\n\n\nIn addition, bald cypress is tolerant of wet soil conditions and can help absorb excess water during heavy rains. It’s slightly to moderately resistant to challenges, such as salt, fire, deer, and standing water.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 50-70 feet tall, 20-30 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun – thrives in areas with at least six hours of sun exposure per day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, fertile, acidic, clay, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – needs at least 1 inch of water per week, and the soil must be kept evenly moist
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Black-eyed_susan_flowers_40862429212.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Michel Rathwell / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA hardy perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, black-eyed Susan can add a pop of color to your landscape. It’s a drought-tolerant plant that blooms from early summer to early fall in the Gulf Coast region, producing bright yellow-orange flowers with dark centers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
\n\n\n\nFrom New Orleans to Baton Rouge to Lafayette, you’ll commonly find black-eyed Susan planted in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. You can plant it as a border or backdrop for other plants in your garden or flower bed, along fences or walls, and in naturalized areas. Remember to deadhead the flowers after they bloom to promote further blooming throughout the season.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-4 feet
\n\n\n\nDuration: Short-lived perennial, annual, or biennial (depending on growing conditions)
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – it needs at least six hours of sun exposure each day
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, fertile, acidic, loamy, sandy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans and pets, but may cause allergic skin reactions and asthma attacks
\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3694407592_5d15f78c77_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Calvin Webster / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as swamp rose mallow, crimson-eyed rose mallow is a perennial plant native to Louisiana and other southeastern states. The plant produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, white, and red, measuring up to 12 inches in diameter. It blooms from summer to fall, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nThis plant is perfect for rain gardens, naturalized areas, and other wet or low-lying spots in the yard. To encourage healthy growth and maximum flowering, fertilize crimson-eyed rose mallow with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring, and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season.
\n\n\n\nAs a larval host to several moths and butterflies, including the rose mallow moth, pearly wood nymph, and common checkered skipper, the crimson-eyed rose mallow is an integral part of the local ecosystem. Additionally, the plant’s deep roots help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it an ideal choice for wetland restoration projects.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-6 feet tall, 2-5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, slightly acidic, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High – water regularly, especially during hot weather
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to both humans and pets
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Zeynel Cebeci / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nNative to the southeastern United States, coral honeysuckle is commonly found growing in woodlands, along roadsides, fence rows, and trellises. It’s sometimes called trumpet honeysuckle because of the bright coral-red tubular flowers that adorn it from spring to early fall.
\n\n\n\nA larval host to the spring azure butterfly, this perennial vine attracts pollinators and wildlife, including hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. In addition to its beauty, coral honeysuckle is relatively easy to care for. Although, it needs regular watering, especially during dry spells.
\n\n\n\nAn excellent groundcover, coral honeysuckle can be mixed with other native plants to create a beautiful and diverse landscape. And if you want to make it more beautiful in the garden, prune it to maintain its shape and size. Deadheading spent flowers also can encourage additional blooming throughout the growing season.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Vine
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-20 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen to evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Prefers full sun but can still grow in partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Grows in most soil types but thrives in well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: While birds eat its berries, they are toxic to humans and pets
\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\nKnown for its striking pink or white blooms that appear in the spring, flowering dogwood can add beauty and elegance to your garden. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, this perennial tree serves a crucial ecological role in supporting local wildlife. Its nectar-rich flowers attract various pollinators, while its leaves serve as a host for the larvae of certain moth species.
\n\n\n\nWhether planted as a specimen tree or as part of a larger landscape design, flowering dogwood is a beautiful and valuable addition to any Lafayette homeowner’s yard. And if you want it to thrive in your garden or landscape, provide it with proper care. Prune it regularly to promote growth and maintain its shape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 20-65 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Part shade to full shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Dry to moist, well-drained, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: The fruit is poisonous to humans
\n\n\n\n![\"Yellow](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Goldenrod-Solidago-species-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as sweet goldenrod, this perennial plant boasts beautiful clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. It’s often planted in meadows, prairies, and open woodlands but can thrive even in home gardens.
\n\n\n\nBesides attracting pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and wasps, fragrant goldenrod also serves as a host plant for several moth species, including the goldenrod gall moth.
\n\n\n\nYou can plant it in groups for a bold statement or mix it with other native plants for a more diverse landscape. It has a pleasant fragrance that can fill the air around it. And like bluestem goldenrod, this wildflower is also moderately deer-resistant.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-2 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, well-drained, clay, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: While it has therapeutic properties, certain people, like those with medical conditions, should avoid ingesting any of its parts.
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Louisiana-Iris.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel
\n\n\n\nWell-suited to the humid and rainy climate of the Acadiana region, Louisiana iris is a rare plant found growing in the wetlands and along the edges of ponds, lakes, waterways, and other bodies of water throughout Lafayette. It blooms in a range of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, and white, and typically flowers in the spring.
\n\n\n\nVarious insects, pollinators, and wildlife rely on this plant. For example, it is the host plant for the Louisiana iris moth, which is found in the southern United States.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as dixie iris, this plant is a favorite among gardeners due to its hardiness and ability to thrive even in standing water. Lawn enthusiasts can use this native wildflower in mass plantings or as a backdrop for other plants in their gardens.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 1-3 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist, fertile, acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – needs at least 1 inch of water per week during its growing season
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to pets, especially cats, dogs, and horses
\n\n\n\n![\"beautiful](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4615947433_f6d02a427c_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Chris M Morris / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nA small tree ideal for little gardens or as an understory tree in larger landscapes, parsley hawthorn is commonly found growing in the woods and along streams and rivers throughout the southeastern United States.
\n\n\n\nAs a larval host plant for the gray hairstreak butterfly, this perennial tree serves as an essential part of the local ecosystem. The tree blooms in the spring, producing lovely white flowers that attract other pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, and other butterflies. In the fall, the tree’s red berries provide a food source for birds and other wildlife.
\n\n\n\nYou can enhance the tree’s beauty by planting it in groupings, adding understory plantings beneath it, or underplanting it with other shade-loving plants such as ferns or hostas. When properly cared for, parsley hawthorn can be a stunning addition to any landscape, providing year-round interest and supporting biodiversity.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 25 feet tall and 15 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade – can survive even in deep shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, sandy, or loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate – needs infrequent but deep watering
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but the seeds can be poisonous if ingested, and its thorns can cause injuries
\n\n\n\n![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Tennessee-Coneflower.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wallpaperflare
\n\n\n\nNative to the eastern and central US, purple coneflower grows wild in prairies, meadows, and open woods. This hardy perennial is easy to grow and can add a beautiful burst of color to any garden. Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, it’s a favorite of butterflies and bees, making it perfect for gardeners looking to attract pollinators to their yards.
\n\n\n\nRemember to deadhead the flowers as they fade to encourage more blooms. You also can pair this wildflower with companion plants, such as black-eyed Susans or ear-leaved tickseed, to create a stunning display of color and attract even more pollinators. Note, though, that this deciduous plant has a medium flammability rating, so don’t place it too close to your home.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 3-4 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist to occasionally dry, fertile soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic, but may cause discomfort when ingested in large amounts
\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 is a beautiful and versatile tree that can thrive in various soil types and growing conditions. This deciduous tree is native to Louisiana and can be found throughout Lafayette in a range of habitats – from swamps to uplands. In the fall, its leaves turn a brilliant shade of red, making it a stunning addition to any landscape.
\n\n\n\nAn essential resource for pollinators and wildlife, the tree produces small, red flowers in the early spring that attract bees and other insects. These flowers give way to distinctive winged seeds that provide food for birds and small mammals. Additionally, the red maple is a larval host to several species of moths and butterflies, including the rosy maple moth.
\n\n\n\nIf you want to make your red maple tree more beautiful, give it enough water and nutrients. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and can benefit from regular fertilization. Also, prune it regularly to maintain its shape and prevent the growth of weak branches that may break during hurricanes and strong winds.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 40-60 feet tall and 25-45 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Deciduous
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Moist to dry, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic, especially the wilted and dried leaves
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/800px-Rhododendron_indicum_02.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Andrey Korzun / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\nWhen azaleas bloom in the Deep South, it signals the start of spring. For this reason, the Southern Indian azalea has been named the official city flower of Lafayette. With its showy blooms of pink, purple, white, and red, this azalea is a popular choice for adding color and beauty to any yard.
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the Southern Indica azalea, this beloved flowering shrub can be found in many gardens and landscapes throughout Lafayette. And if you want to bask in the beauty of their blooms along with other azaleas, you can simply stroll around the city’s historic azalea trail.
\n\n\n\nAs a larval host plant, Southern Indian azaleas provide a home for the larvae of the Eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. They are typically planted in early spring and bloom from late March to early May, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with their sweet nectar.
\n\n\n\nPruning after the blooms have faded will help encourage new growth and maintain a healthy shape. These plants are often used as foundation plants, specimen plants, or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Semi-evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, rich, slightly acidic, loamy (silt) soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – requires at least 1 inch of water per week during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Highly toxic – all parts of the plant are poisonous to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Southern-Magnolia-Magnolia-grandiflora1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Jim Evans / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\nWith its fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom from spring to summer, the Southern magnolia is Louisiana’s state flower. Native to the southeastern United States, it’s often planted as ornamental trees in yards, parks, and public gardens, including the Acadiana Park Nature Station.
\n\n\n\nKnown for its large, glossy leaves, this native tree grows wild in forests or near water and provides a habitat for various wildlife, including birds and insects. Beetles pollinate the tree’s flowers, while birds and small mammals eat its fruits.
\n\n\n\nYou can make it more beautiful in your native garden by providing proper care, such as regular fertilizing and mulching. Pruning Southern magnolia can help shape it and encourage healthy growth. Planting complementary understory plants such as ferns and shade-loving perennials can help create a beautiful and healthy ecosystem around the tree.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6-10
\n\n\n\nMature size: 60-80 feet tall and 30-50 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Partial shade to full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, fertile soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low – may need supplemental watering during extended dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to both humans and animals
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4367996170_22305dace4_c-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Tatters / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nAlso known as the scarlet rose mallow, the Texas star hibiscus has large, showy, bright red flowers with prominent stamens and a dark maroon center. It typically blooms from late spring to early fall and is a great choice for gardeners looking to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, as it is a favorite nectar source for these pollinators.
\n\n\n\nIn Lafayette, you can find this salt-tolerant wildflower planted in many gardens and public spaces, including the Hilliard University Art Museum and the Lafayette Science Museum. Its natural habitat is along the edges of swamps, bayous, and rivers, but it can thrive in a range of soil types and growing conditions.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Wildflower
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 6-8 feet tall
\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: Prefers moist soil but grows well in most soil types
\n\n\n\nWater needs: High – needs 1-3 inches of water per week, even more during dry spells
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/plant-flower-tree-branch-flowering-plant-fruit-1490773-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxhere
\n\n\n\nCommonly found in the southeastern United States, yaupon holly is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in various soil conditions. Its natural habitat is along coastal areas, in sandy soils or swamps, maritime woods, and limestone uplands. This evergreen plant is resistant to drought, deer, salt, and wind.
\n\n\n\nAs a larval host to the Henry’s Elfin butterfly, yaupon holly plays an important role in supporting local ecosystems. The plant blooms in spring and produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators. The berries that follow are also an important food source for birds.
\n\n\n\nAdditionally, you can prune it to create an attractive shape or incorporate it into a mixed border with other plants that complement its glossy green foliage. It also responds well to regular fertilization and watering, so giving it the right nutrients and moisture can help it thrive in the landscape.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub, small tree
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
\n\n\n\nMature size: 10-20 feet tall
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Evergreen
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Well-drained, moist, rich, loamy soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic – its berries can be poisonous when eaten
\n\n\n\nLafayette is home to an array of stunning native plants that can add color and character to any landscape. But the task of choosing the right plants for your specific yard can be tedious.
\n\n\n\nThe first step is to consider the USDA hardiness zone, which for Lafayette is primarily 9a. The average minimum temperature in the city is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This means plants that thrive in warm, humid climates can flourish in your yard.
\n\n\n\nSince native plants have already evolved to thrive in your local ecosystem, they can provide multiple benefits to your yard. They support the local pollinators and wildlife and can even help mitigate local environmental issues such as soil erosion. But you must check if they are well-suited to your specific yard’s conditions, such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and moisture levels.
\n\n\n\nYou can seek guidance from LSU’s local cooperative extension or soil testing lab to determine your soil type and condition. Also, consider water usage and conservation. Many native plants are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot summers, but you may still need to add mulch or compost to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering.
\n\n\n\nLafayette is home to various public gardens and natural areas that showcase the region’s stunning plant life. One popular destination is the Lafayette Science Museum Native Garden, which features over 150 species of native plants. The garden is designed to provide a hands-on educational experience for visitors and serves as a model for sustainable landscaping practices.
Another must-see spot is the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Native Plant Garden. This garden showcases over 100 species of native plants and serves as a living laboratory for students studying horticulture, ecology, and biology.
If you want a more natural setting, you can head to the nearby Acadiana Park Nature Station. Here, you’ll find a variety of native plant species, including swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, and beautyberry. The nature station also offers guided hikes and educational programs throughout the year.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the city’s numerous parks and green spaces, many of which feature native plantings. From Girard Park to Moncus Park, you will find stunning examples of Lafayette’s diverse plant life just a short drive from your doorstep.
Some excellent choices for backyard buffers in Lafayette include Southern magnolia, yaupon holly, and Texas star hibiscus. These plants not only provide a natural screen but also attract wildlife to your yard and support the local ecosystem. Consider using a mix of native grasses to create a diverse buffer that provides year-round interest and beauty.
Lafayette is located in a region with a rich history of agriculture and farming, so it’s no surprise that the city’s soil is ideal for many types of plants. The soil is typically well-draining, sandy loam, with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0.
The sandy texture of the soil provides excellent drainage, making it less prone to waterlogging, which is important during the rainy season. It also allows for good aeration and root development, essential for healthy plant growth.
While sandy soil is generally easy to work with, it can be low in nutrients and organic matter. To help plants thrive, homeowners may consider adding compost or other organic materials to their soil.
When it comes to selecting turfgrass to complement your native plants, you must consider several factors, such as climate, soil type, and maintenance requirements. Warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustinegrass are well-suited to the region’s hot and humid summers, making them a popular choice for lawns.
Bermudagrass is known for its durability and drought tolerance, while Zoysiagrass is favored for its low maintenance and tolerance to foot traffic. St. Augustinegrass is a popular choice for its lush appearance and shade tolerance, making it a good option for areas with partial shade.
Lafayette homeowners looking to add native plants to their gardens have a wealth of resources at their disposal. The region’s warm climate and well-draining soil make it an ideal environment for many native species, which can help support the local ecosystem and create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.
\n\n\n\nOne excellent place to start your search for native plants is the Louisiana Native Plant Society. This organization offers a wealth of information on native plants, including their growing conditions and where to find them.
\n\n\n\nWhen choosing plants for your garden, consider factors like soil type, exposure to sunlight, and water availability. Native plants often thrive with minimal maintenance, but you’ll still need to pick the right plants for your landscape.
\n\n\n\nAnother option for finding native plants is to attend a local plant sale or nursery event. Many nurseries and botanical gardens host sales throughout the year, and these can be an excellent opportunity to find rare or hard-to-find species.
\n\n\n\nIf you don’t have enough time to design and maintain an eco-friendly garden or aren’t confident in your gardening ability, a Lafayette landscaping pro can assist you in creating and preserving a lovely and sustainable garden.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Flowering dogwood / Pxfuel
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