Incorporate Pennsylvania Native Perennial Plants into the Garden

Herbaceous (nonwoody) perennial plants add year-round interest to any landscape and are a popular choice among gardeners.

Although thousands of perennials are available, native perennials have a special role in the garden, including:

• Creating habitat and providing food for animals
• Improving biodiversity
• Protecting soil from erosion
• Conserving water
• Savings on time and money

This article will give an overview of the importance of native perennial plants, guidance on planting and care, and provide a list of suggested plants to incorporate into the landscape.

Why Natives?

A native Pennsylvania plant is one that grew in Pennsylvania before the European settlers arrived, as opposed to exotic plants from other countries after that time. Natives have many advantages. Because they evolved here, they are well-adapted to our climate and are generally easy to care for once they are established. Many native perennials like less fertile soil and require little or no fertilizer.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose natives is their role in preserving Pennsylvania’s biodiversity. As development continues, it rapidly reduces the natural areas that shelter many of our native plants. The landscapes that replace the natural areas consist mostly of lawns and exotic plants that have little ecological value. Therefore, as native ecosystems disappear, residential gardens play an important role in preserving Pennsylvania’s biodiversity.

Recent research from Doug Tallamy, Ph.D., of the University of Delaware has determined that 90 percent of our native insects are specialists that feed on three or fewer families of plants. The insects rely on native plant hosts and cannot eat the exotic plants that have become common in our yards. Fewer native insects means that birds have fewer insects to feed to their young, which will reduce bird species. In the next 50 years, what we plant in our yards will determine the kind of wildlife that can live in Pennsylvania. By planting natives, gardeners can help retain our natural history and the beauty and diversity of “Penn’s Woods,” the meaning of Pennsylvania, and a tribute to William Penn and the heavily forested nature of the region at the time it was founded.

Choosing Native Perennials

Although native plants are better suited to Pennsylvania’s environment, matching their needs to the growing site is still very important. The soil around many of our home sites is often removed prior to home construction and may not be replaced afterward. Determine your soil type:

• Do you have heavy clay or silty loam?
• Is it high or low in organic matter?
• Does it tend to dry out quickly after a rainfall?
• Does it hold moisture?

Other factors must also be considered. Is the site in sun or shade? How much room does the site allow for perennials to grow to their maximum size without crowding? Combining plants that grow well in the same natural habitats will help create healthy, vigorous plantings. If you do some homework and place plants in the proper environment, your gardens are more likely to thrive with less care.

Note: Natives have many advantages. Because they evolved here, they are well-adapted to our climate and are generally easy to care for once they are established.

Planting and Care

Spring, early summer, and fall are the best times to establish native perennials. Test your soil before planting and, if needed, amend the nutrients according to the soil test results. Remember that many natives do not require added fertilizer and may do poorly in highly fertilized soil. Plants that require moist soil high in organic matter will do well if compost is added. Cultivate the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches and incorporate any soil amendments.

When planting, it is important to place the plant in a hole at the same depth as it was in the container. If the plant is root-bound, meaning their roots become tightly packed, make sure to free the root system by gently pulling it apart. Once the backfill soil is added, water the plant thoroughly. Additional water may be needed during the growing season until plants are well established. If planted in the proper environment, many natives need little or no additional water once they are established. In fact, many meadow species may become leggy if the soil is too moist. A 2-inch mulch layer of shredded leaves, shredded bark, or compost will help conserve water. However, be sure to keep the mulch away from the plant stems.

Buying Native Perennials

Do not collect from the wild! Collecting plants from the wild causes the depletion of native species and disruption of the ecosystem. Be sure to purchase plants from a reputable source and purchase only nursery-propagated native plants. Visit your favorite nursery or seek out native plant nurseries and sales sponsored by conservation societies. Native plants are becoming increasingly popular and easier to find. Scan the following QR codes for more information.

Where to buy native plants?

Additional native plant resources can be found on PA Commonwealth website.

Source

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 2001. “Mid-Atlantic Recommended Native Plant Species List.” wildflower.org

Suggested Native Plants for Pennsylvania Perennial Gardens

Grasses

Prepared by Andy Faust, horticulture program manager; Shirley Wagner, former Master Gardener coordinator; and Connie Schmotzer, former consumer horticulture, Penn State Extension, York County.