Early spring in the Midwest often brings fluctuating temperatures that challenge many species of plants and the gardeners who tend them. Warm days fool plants into breaking dormancy, but the new growth is damaged when temperatures drop again. Gardeners use everything from frost blankets to heated structures to protect plants, but plant selection is often overlooked as a method of minimizing weather-related damage to plants. Native species are adapted to typical weather fluctuations and in many situations are better options than nonnative species.
Native plants are easier to find now than they were a few decades ago thanks to interest in planting to support pollinators and other native wildlife. Seek out garden centers that stock native species as well as special sales by local native plant and garden organizations. The hardiness and adaptability of natives is a benefit that goes hand-in-hand with how native plants support pollinators and wildlife.
Defining a plants’ native range can sometimes be tricky, but for the most part, look for species that are native to Kansas, Missouri and the Midwest. Prairie grasses and flowers may be the first thing that comes to mind, but native trees, shrubs and woodland plants are also excellent options.
To replace certain species or needs, seek out resources that provide guidance for native species to meet those needs. For example, instead of crabapples and ornamental pears, look to redbuds and serviceberries for small flowering trees that bloom in spring. Although crabapples and pears are hardy in the Midwest, they have other issues including concerns about invasive offspring, especially from ornamental pears.
Bald cypresses, cedars, oaks and river birches are additional native tree species that meet a variety of needs in the landscape. And although the scraggly cedars common on roadsides may be undesirable for many yards, cultivated varieties such as Canaert, Manhattan Blue and Taylor have the look of upright arborvitae and junipers (nonnatives).
Native evergreen options for shrubs are lacking, but there are a few cultivated varieties of cedar here too. Look for the cultivars Globosa, Grey Owl and Silver Spreader for small to medium evergreen shrubs.
For other shrubby spaces, a variety of viburnums are native to the Midwest and bring a range of sizes, bloom times, leaf colors and texture to the landscape. Beautyberry, chokeberry, sumac, ninebark, spicebush and witch hazel are additional options. These species are all adaptable to a wide range of soil and light conditions. There is even a native hydrangea that is hardier than the nonnative species. Cultivated varieties of the native hydrangea, Annabelle, Invincibelle Spirit and others, are common in the nursery industry.
When adding perennial flowers to shaded areas in the landscape, look to columbine, penstemon, Solomon’s seal and wild ginger. In sunny locations, use prairie flowers such as bee balm, black-eyed susan, blue sage, milkweed (butterfly and common), coneflower, coreopsis and liatris.
Published in Lawrence Journal-World 3-4-2023
Defining a plants’ native range can sometimes be tricky, but for the most part, look for species that are native to Kansas, Missouri and the Midwest. Prairie grasses and flowers may be the first thing that comes to mind, but native trees, shrubs and woodland plants are also excellent options.
To replace certain species or needs, seek out resources that provide guidance for native species to meet those needs. For example, instead of crabapples and ornamental pears, look to redbuds and serviceberries for small flowering trees that bloom in spring. Although crabapples and pears are hardy in the Midwest, they have other issues including concerns about invasive offspring, especially from ornamental pears.
Bald cypresses, cedars, oaks and river birches are additional native tree species that meet a variety of needs in the landscape. And although the scraggly cedars common on roadsides may be undesirable for many yards, cultivated varieties such as Canaert, Manhattan Blue and Taylor have the look of upright arborvitae and junipers (nonnatives).
Native evergreen options for shrubs are lacking, but there are a few cultivated varieties of cedar here too. Look for the cultivars Globosa, Grey Owl and Silver Spreader for small to medium evergreen shrubs.
For other shrubby spaces, a variety of viburnums are native to the Midwest and bring a range of sizes, bloom times, leaf colors and texture to the landscape. Beautyberry, chokeberry, sumac, ninebark, spicebush and witch hazel are additional options. These species are all adaptable to a wide range of soil and light conditions. There is even a native hydrangea that is hardier than the nonnative species. Cultivated varieties of the native hydrangea, Annabelle, Invincibelle Spirit and others, are common in the nursery industry.
When adding perennial flowers to shaded areas in the landscape, look to columbine, penstemon, Solomon’s seal and wild ginger. In sunny locations, use prairie flowers such as bee balm, black-eyed susan, blue sage, milkweed (butterfly and common), coneflower, coreopsis and liatris.
Published in Lawrence Journal-World 3-4-2023