Why You Should Plant Native Perennials in Your Landscape

Creating a vibrant, resilient landscape doesn’t have to mean constant upkeep or battling against the elements. Native perennials offer a stunning, eco-friendly solution for homeowners and designers alike. These hardy plants are adapted to local soil, weather, and wildlife, making them a smart and sustainable choice for any landscape.

What Are Native Perennials?

Native perennials are plants that have evolved in a specific region over thousands of years. Unlike annuals, perennials return year after year, going dormant in winter and re-emerging each spring. When you plant native perennials, you’re working with nature—not against it.

Benefits of Planting Native Perennials

1. Low Maintenance

Once established, native perennials typically require less water, fertilizer, and pest control than non-native species. Their deep root systems improve soil structure and help them survive drought conditions.

2. Habitat for Wildlife

Native plants provide essential food and shelter for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, as well as other local wildlife. They help restore ecosystems in suburban and urban areas.

3. Seasonal Interest

From early spring blooms to late-season seed heads and fall foliage, native perennials offer year-round beauty. Many also pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and other drought-tolerant plants.

4. Soil and Water Conservation

Their root systems reduce erosion and improve water infiltration. In rain gardens and swales, native perennials can even filter pollutants from stormwater runoff.

Tips for Planting Native Perennials

1. Know Your Site

Is your garden sunny or shaded? Wet or dry? Clay or sandy? Choose plants that match the conditions. Native plants thrive when planted in the right place.

2. Group by Water Needs

Even native plants need extra water during their first season. After that, grouping plants with similar water and sun needs helps reduce long-term irrigation demands.

3. Think in Layers

Design with groundcovers, midsize perennials, and taller species to mimic natural plant communities. This creates a fuller, healthier, more dynamic landscape.

4. Start Small

You don’t have to overhaul your entire garden at once. Start with a few well-chosen natives and expand over time. Even a small pollinator patch makes a difference.

5. Avoid Pesticides

One of the key benefits of native plants is supporting beneficial insects. Avoid chemical pesticides and herbicides that can disrupt this natural balance.

Favorite Native Perennials by Region (Example: Colorado Front Range)

• Blue Flax (Linum lewisii) – Delicate sky-blue flowers, blooms all summer

• Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) – Vibrant purple spikes, beloved by bees

• Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata) – Long-lasting red and yellow blooms, drought-tolerant

• Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) – Tall, airy flowers that sway in the breeze

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Flat-topped white or yellow blooms, deer-resistant

  
  

Final Thoughts

Incorporating native perennials into your landscape isn’t just a design decision—it’s a step toward creating a more sustainable, climate-resilient environment. Whether you’re rewilding a backyard or adding a native plant border, the benefits go far beyond aesthetics.

If you're looking to design a native-friendly garden or want help selecting the right plants for your site, let’s talk—we can create a custom planting plan that blends beauty and ecology.