Native plants are increasingly gaining popularity among gardeners for their beauty, low-maintenance requirements, and ability to support local ecosystems. If you’re new to gardening or want to make a positive environmental impact, native plants are an excellent choice. These plants naturally occur in a specific region, adapting to local climates, soils, and wildlife over centuries.
But what about nativars? These are cultivated varieties of native plants bred for enhanced traits such as vibrant colors, unique foliage, or improved disease resistance. While the ecological benefits of nativars compared to pure natives are still debated, they undeniably offer significant advantages over non-native species. Let’s dive into 10 native plants and their nativars that deserve a place in your garden.
1. Bluestar (Amsonia)
Bluestar dazzles gardeners with its pale blue flowers in spring and golden foliage in fall. This versatile perennial provides nectar for pollinators like butterflies and bees while serving as a host plant for caterpillars.
Options to Grow:
- Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) – native species
- ‘Storm Cloud’ Bluestar – nativar
- ‘Starstruck’ Bluestar – nativar
2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Known for their bright yellow blooms, Black-eyed Susans are a garden favorite that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and produce seed heads that feed birds in the fall.
Options to Grow:
- Giant Coneflower – native species
- ‘Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan – nativar
3. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are loved for their vibrant blooms that lure pollinators like swallowtails, fritillaries, and hummingbirds. In fall, their seed heads provide essential food for birds, so avoid deadheading!
Options to Grow:
- PowWow Wild Berry Coneflower – nativar
- ‘Purple Emperor’ Coneflower – nativar
- Color Coded ‘Orange You Awesome’ Coneflower – nativar
4. Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum)
This tall perennial produces long flower spikes that bloom gradually from base to tip, providing an extended food source for pollinators. If you’re a fan of spike speedwell, this plant’s larger, more dramatic display will captivate you.
Options to Grow:
- ‘Fascination’ Culver’s Root – nativar
5. Bowman’s Root (Gillenia trifoliata)
Bowman’s Root is a bushy native perennial that delights with clusters of white flowers in late spring and early summer. It’s a favorite for native bees, butterflies, and skippers. Its foliage transforms into stunning red hues in autumn.
Options to Grow:
- Bowman’s Root – native species
6. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Buttonbush is a pollinator magnet, with its unique spherical white blooms attracting butterflies and its foliage serving as a host plant for moths. Birds flock to its red seed heads, making it a multi-purpose shrub for supporting wildlife.
Options to Grow:
- Sugar Shack Buttonbush – compact nativar
7. Goatsbeard (Aruncus)
Goatsbeard thrives in shaded gardens with its delicate, feathery flowers that attract butterflies and bees. This perennial forms lush clumps that add height and texture to any garden.
Options to Grow:
- Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) – native species
- ‘Chantilly Lace’ Goatsbeard – compact nativar
8. Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed is essential for pollinator gardens, particularly for Monarch butterflies, whose caterpillars exclusively feed on its leaves. These plants are also low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant.
Options to Grow:
- Orange Milkweed – native species
- ‘Cinderella’ Swamp Milkweed – nativar
- ‘Hello Yellow’ Milkweed – nativar
9. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Oakleaf hydrangeas are shade-tolerant shrubs that bring year-round interest with their massive lacecap blooms, bold foliage, and peeling bark. Their flowers attract pollinators, and the foliage turns stunning shades in fall.
Options to Grow:
- Gatsby Pink Oakleaf Hydrangea – nativar
- Gatsby Moon Oakleaf Hydrangea – nativar
10. Perennial Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Perennial hibiscus is a showstopper with its dinner-plate-sized flowers that are impossible to miss. Its large blooms, loaded with pollen, are a favorite of bees and butterflies. Naturally adapted to wet soils, it’s ideal for challenging garden spots.
Options to Grow:
- Summerific ‘Berry Awesome’ Perennial Hibiscus – nativar
- Summerific ‘French Vanilla’ Perennial Hibiscus – nativar
Why Choose Native Plants and Nativars?
Native plants and their nativars offer countless benefits for gardeners and the environment. They are low-maintenance, resilient to local conditions, and provide essential resources for pollinators and wildlife. While the debate on whether nativars are as beneficial as pure natives continues, both options are far superior to non-native plants in supporting biodiversity.
By incorporating these ten native plants into your garden, you can create a thriving, eco-friendly space that brings beauty and purpose to your outdoor area.
