These native plants are well adapted to our climate, and typically require less irrigation and pesticides in order to thrive in our wet winters and dry summers. Many of these flowering perennials benefit butterflies and birds. Consider incorporating some of these beautiful plants into your garden.
Western Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aleuticum) has black stems that contrast nicely with its delicate green foliage. This deciduous fern prefers a shady, moist location, and grows to 2-3 ft. tall and wide.
Western Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) is a perennial with red/orange and yellow flowers that attract swarms of hummingbirds in late spring and summer. It is easy to grow in part-shade to sun to with good drainage. Western columbine grows to 3 ft. tall by 2 ft. wide.
Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) are ubiquitous here in the Pacific Northwest. This evergreen fern loves a shady location and is adaptable to dry shade. You can refresh the foliage in early spring by trimming off any damaged or tired-looking fronds before the new foliage, called fiddleheads, emerge. Sword Fern grow 2-4 feet tall and wide.
Western Trillium (Trillium ovatum) form a lovely carpet in the woods in springtime. They pair well with ferns, hellebores, and spring bulbs. Trillium will slowly form a clump if undisturbed in shady locations. The white flowers slowly fade to rosy pink, extending the display in the woodland garden.
Broadleaf Stonecrop (Sedum spathifolium) is an evergreen groundcover perennial that thrives in a sunny location with good drainage. Broadleaf Stonecrop has blue/green succulent foliage and yellow flowers in summer. This low-growing 4-6 in. tall plant works well in rock gardens, and eventually spreads to about 18 inches wide.
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is the plant Monarch Butterflies use as both a nectar source and a host plant to lay eggs on. Showy Milkweed likes a sunny location, and grows to about 3’ tall and spreads to 6’ wide.
Blessing Landscapes can help you create a garden that incorporates these beautiful native plants. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our landscape professionals.