Native plants are taking center stage more frequently in both residential and commercial landscapes. Why is their popularity on the rise?
The difference between native plants and the ornamental varieties often seen in landscaping is that native plants have evolved and developed over many thousands of years in a specific region. Through a completely natural and evolutionary process, they have adapted to thrive among the soil types, rainfall patterns, and seasonal conditions of their native habitat. The eons of long biological relationships between the plants and their environments give them a distinct advantage over plantings introduced from outside the region.
Are native landscaping plants low-maintenance?
Native plants are typically a lower-maintenance landscaping option than their non-native counterparts.
Native trees, shrubs, and flowers have adapted over time to not only survive in their region but also thrive, because they require less human intervention than exotic or ornamental plantings introduced from dissimilar areas. Naturally, plants transferred from tropical regions need much more attention when forced to grow in the Midwest’s constantly changing weather conditions.
Native plants are naturally resistant to those weather fluctuations, drought conditions, and temperature swings that stress non-native plants to the point of disease or death if not tenderly cared for. The natural resilience of native plants means less time spent on upkeep and more money saved because fewer dead plants must be replaced season after season.
There are several varieties of salvia that are native to Missouri and Kansas.
Do native plants require less watering?
As a rule, native plants require less watering because they have adapted to handle drought-like conditions by developing deep root systems and water-efficient growth habits.
Non-native plants often come from regions with more tropical climates, meaning they require more water to mimic the rainfall patterns of their home areas. Native plants, on the other hand, have evolved to find and maintain hydration more effectively. Their root systems are able to reach moisture much further down in the soil, reducing the need for surface-level watering. As a result, landscaping with native plants generally remains lush and healthy without the need for excessive watering.
What types of wildlife benefit from native plant landscaping?
Local wildlife, including pollinators, songbirds, small mammals, and insects, relies heavily on native plants for food, shelter, and other resources crucial to migration and reproduction.
Pollinators like bumblebees and butterflies benefit the most from native plants. In the same way as native plants, pollinators have also evolved to thrive in the local climate, and they rely on these plantings as a primary source of food. Birds depend on the seeds and berries of native plants. Supporting local wildlife is not only good for the larger ecosystem, but it also keeps landscaping healthy and dynamic throughout every season.
Tip: Use a variety of native plants in your landscaping with blooming seasons in spring, summer, and fall to provide pollinators with the most benefits.
Do native plants require fewer pesticides?
Native plants generally require fewer pesticides than their non-native “neighbors” and, in many cases, none at all once they are fully established.
That’s because the processes of evolution over thousands of years have helped native plants develop resistance to local pests. Naturally formed weapons may include tougher leaves or internal structural compounds that repel destructive pests while, at the same time, attracting insects that are beneficial to plant growth and health. As a result, natural plants need few, if any, pesticides to stay lush and healthy. Also, flourishing populations of helpful insects keep the population of those less desirable ones in check.
How do native plants preserve biodiversity?
Native plants are crucial for maintaining balanced, healthy ecosystems, especially in their roles as sources of food and habitat for local wildlife.
Oftentimes, and just in the same way that plants have evolved within a specific region, local insect species have done the same, depending on plants native to their areas for food or reproduction. Including native plants in landscaping supports biodiversity in a very real way by contributing to regional food webs that sustain diversity and ecosystem health.
Landscapes with a variety of native plantings are also more resistant to the spread of non-native, potentially destructive invasive species. Those plants can outcompete native species through faster growth, a lack of natural predators, and the ability to alter soil chemistry. Altogether, these factors can lead to a decline in ecosystem health over time, but more native plants already in place can prevent this imbalance from taking hold and even becoming permanent.
How To Choose the Right Native Plants
There are dozens of native plants to consider when it comes to building a landscape plan. The outdoor living and planting pros at Heinen have made the decision easier than ever for homeowners with their handy online Plant Catalog!
Heinen’s Plant Catalog is a collection of nearly 200 plantings, many of which are native to the Kansas City area. Each listing includes a reference photo and helpful details such as sun or shade preference, blooming season, maturity size, and more. As you browse the catalog, you’ll be able to efficiently plan your next landscape upgrade.
Of course, if you don’t have a green thumb, the Heinen crew is always ready to help! From expert suggestions to thorough professional landscape planning, installation, and maintenance, Heinen Landscape is the Kansas City area’s leading residential and commercial landscaping service provider!
