Perino’s Guide to Native Gardening
Written By Elina Tons 10.27.24
When it comes to your garden, there are so many options for you to choose from as far as landscaping! One option that’s been growing in popularity is pollinator gardens and native planting. “How do I know what plants are native to my area?” you might ask, and we’re here to help break it down for you! Below is a comprehensive list of native plants for Southern Louisiana (and why you should plant them) that we usually carry at Perino’s Garden Center!
Why should I plant native plants?
With rapid urbanization taking up most of our environment, thriving habitats reduced to sprawling suburbs with concrete slabs, and extensive lawns, it has caused quite the disruption to local ecosystems as a whole. These plants provide food and shelter to different species of insects and animals which then provide food and shelter to other animals up the food chain. For instance, there has been a steep decline in Monarch Butterfly numbers due to the lack of Milkweed (which is native to us!) in the wild. Not only is it a food source for them but it’s also where they safely reproduce, no Milkweed; no Monarchs. Many lawns and exotic plants can either end up being invasive because of how they compete for space and resources with native plants, or they can harbor invasive pests that further damage the environment.
Benefits of native plants:
Low Maintenance! If you want a “set it and forget it” approach to gardening, look no further than native plants! Exotic plants require constant upkeep due to existing out of their element. Native plants evolved in the area that they’re from so they are designed to thrive in that environment.
Wallet Friendly! Remember how we mentioned exotic plants can bring pests? Well, native plants also encourage natural pest control! They also are more adept at thriving in our climate meaning that you won’t have to worry too much about their water requirements. Without exorbitant water bills and pest control to worry about, you’ll have time to actually enjoy your garden, while knowing that it’s a safe place for your pets and family!
Natural Beauty: Have you ever been to a national park and thought, “This is so beautiful, I wish I could take it home!” Well you can! Bring the great outdoors to your front door with your own miniature park! In fact, you can register your yard as a protected sanctuary with the National Wildlife Foundation’s website. So not only will you be an environmental hero, get a front row seat to view Mother Nature work her magic, but also gain bragging rites to your friends that you have a sanctuary in your literal backyard!
List of Native Plants:
Aster- This native perennial blooms in late summer and early fall. These beautiful flowers can add a pop of color to any late summer garden as well as encourage visits from local pollinators. It is also a safe haven plant for Pearl Crescent butterflies to lay their eggs, similar to milkweed for Monarch Butterflies.
Bee Balm- Also known as Bergamot or Horsemint, this fragrant native herb is not just beneficial to local pollinators and ecosystems, but to you as well! You can add Bee Balm to salads or make tea to help with digestive problems.
Black-Eyed Susan- These coneflowers can be found popping up on the side of the road in most southern parts of the US. Similar to Asters, they provide homes and much-needed nutrients to a variety of pollinators. These easy to grow flowers make a great edition to your backyard habitat!
Blazing Star- This unique perennial can add an almost alien aspect to your native landscape. While part of the Asteraceae family, (see Asters, Black-Eyed Susans, Bidens, etc.) they appear very different from their other family members. Instead of petals radiating out of a center point, its blooms are in a compact stock that unfold at the top and radiate down, resembling a rocket or a blazing star shooting upward! These bizarre native beauties are beneficial to pollinators as well as making a fabulous addition to a homegrown bouquet.
Blueberry- This popular edible perennial is not only a Louisiana native, but also deemed a “Louisiana Super Plant” by the LSU Ag Center! While many varieties do well here, Rabbiteye seems to be the most popular amongst gardeners. Not only are the berries delicious and the shrub has beautiful foliage, but it attracts pollinators and birds, making it a great addition to your native garden. The shrubs grow about 6 ft wide and 8 ft tall , which makes for an excellent privacy barrier or even as a native alternative to other hedges such as boxwood.
Bidens- Another member of the Aster family, this warm weather perennial encourages a range of pollinators on top of being edible as well! If you’re looking for something to give your native garden a pop of color, Bidens comin a wide variety of colors and patterns ranging from classic white to fiery red!
Clematis- This beautiful Spring perennial is an amazing addition to any part of your yard, especially if you have an ugly fence that needs to be covered! They attract bees and hummingbirds as well as curious neighbors who might inquire about this strange and beautiful flower.
Color Guard Yucca- While Louisiana is not typically known for its desert atmosphere, Color Guard Yucca is native to the more northern parts of the state where it tends to be drier and more sandy. This gorgeous plant is an excellent option for drought-savvy gardens and will add intrigue to your landscape.
Cone Flower- With its distinctive spiky center and purple petals, the purple coneflower is not only beautiful but also highly valued for its medicinal properties. It’s a magnet for butterflies and birds, particularly goldfinches, who enjoy its seeds.
Coral Honeysuckle- This native vine can be found in most woodlands, thickets, and along fencerows. It’s signature tubular red to orange flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Typically blooming from late spring to early summer, It can grow up to 15 feet long. This plant thrives in a variety of conditions, including full sun to partial shade, and prefers well-drained soil. Coral honeysuckle is valued for its ability to provide cover for wildlife and its resilience in gardens. Unlike some invasive honeysuckle species, it’s a great choice for sustainable landscaping.
Crimson-Eyed Rose Mallow (Hibiscus)- Also known as hardy hibiscus, features large, showy flowers that bloom in shades of white, pink, and red with a striking dark center. This perennial thrives in wet, marshy areas, making it ideal for rain gardens or along pond edges. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and can reach heights of 3 to 7 feet, providing a stunning focal point in any garden.
Cross Vine- This vigorous, evergreen vine native to the southeastern United States. It produces trumpet-shaped, orange to yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This vine is ideal for covering fences, trellises, or arbors, and its glossy leaves provide year-round interest. Cross vine is adaptable to various soil types and can thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Elderberry- A deciduous shrub known for its clusters of small white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by dark purple berries in the fall. The berries are used in syrups and jams and the flowers are often brewed into tea. Elderberry is beneficial for wildlife, providing food and habitat for birds and pollinators. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can grow in a variety of conditions.
Euphorbia- commonly known as spurge, encompasses a vast genus of plants with varying shapes and sizes, from groundcovers to shrubs. Many species have unique, colorful bracts and milky sap. Some varieties are drought-tolerant, making them great for xeriscaping. However, caution is advised when handling them, as the sap can irritate skin.
Ferns- These ancient plants that thrive in shaded, moist environments. They come in many varieties, from the delicate maidenhair fern to the robust ostrich fern. Ferns are excellent for adding texture and greenery to gardens, especially in shady areas. They require minimal maintenance and help improve soil health by preventing erosion.
Foxglove- a biennial plant known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers, typically in shades of purple, pink, or white, with speckled interiors. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. While beautiful, foxglove contains toxic compounds if ingested, so caution is advised in gardens with children or pets. It attracts bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
Great Blue Lobelia- Great Blue Lobelia is a native perennial known for its striking blue flowers that bloom in late summer. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall, it thrives in moist and shaded areas. This makes it a lovely addition to woodland gardens or along streams. It attracts bees and butterflies and provides valuable nectar in late summer.
Horsetail Reeds- Horsetail reeds are ancient, non-flowering plants with jointed stems and a unique, segmented appearance. They thrive in wet, marshy areas and can spread aggressively, making them ideal for erosion control. Horsetail is used in gardens for its architectural form, but has potential to become invasive.
Juncus Grass- This gorgeous plant has a dense root system to help stabilize soil, preventing erosion along shorelines and waterways as well as providing shelter and food for various bird species, insects, and other wildlife. It helps improve water quality by filtering pollutants and absorbing excess nutrients in wetlands. It’s great for adding texture and visual interest to gardens and landscapes, especially in water features or low spots in your yard. Juncus Grass generally requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for naturalized areas. Some species are resilient in dry conditions, making them versatile in different environments.
Katrina Iris- This stunning iris is a true symbol of Louisiana’s wetlands and our store symbol! It was specifically cultivated by Peter and Buddy Perino in the years following its hurricane namesake. Its large white flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators. The Louisiana iris thrives in wet, boggy conditions and is perfect for rain gardens.
Magnolia Tree- The Southern magnolia is beloved for its large, fragrant white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves. This tree can grow quite tall, making it an impressive specimen in parks and gardens, while also providing excellent shade.
Passion Flower- This unique flower serves as a food source for various insects, including butterflies, especially the Gulf Fritillary, which relies on it for larval development. Traditionally used for its calming properties, passionflower has herbal benefits and the dried flowers make a wonderful tea. Its striking flowers enhance gardens and natural areas and requires minimal care since it’s well-suited to Louisiana’s climate.
Persimmon- This fruit is a vital food source for various birds, deer, and other wildlife, especially in the fall when other food sources are scarce. Attracting bees and other pollinators, it supports biodiversity in local ecosystems and its extensive root system helps stabilize soil. Persimmons are a staple in Southern cuisine and culture, mostly used in desserts and preserves. As a deciduous tree, it provides shade in summer and beautiful fall foliage, enhancing landscapes. Persimmon trees are hardy and require little care once established, making them suitable for naturalized areas and gardens.
Okra- If you live in the south, especially Louisiana, there’s a good chance you have an opinion on okra and how it’s best prepared. Whether you like it baked, fried, sauteed, pickled, or just thrown in gumbo, this versatile vegetable is a crowd pleaser. Okra is rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, making it a healthy addition to meals. Once established, it’s relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for warmer climates and less water-intensive gardening. Okra is less susceptible to pests and diseases which reduces the need for chemical treatments. On top of that, the attractive flowers and unique seed pods are beautiful in gardens.
Strawberry- This native fruit is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, promoting overall health. Fresh strawberries are perfect for eating raw, baking, or adding to smoothies and salads. Plants can produce a substantial harvest, especially with proper care, providing fruit throughout the growing season. Their vibrant fruit and delicate flowers enhance garden beauty, making them attractive in landscapes. The dense root system helps prevent soil erosion in garden beds and the flowers attract pollinators. With proper site selection and care, strawberry plants can be relatively low-maintenance once established.
Swamp Milkweed- Swamp milkweed attracts a variety of pollinators, especially monarch butterflies, providing essential resources for their life cycles. Serving as a host for caterpillars, it provides nectar for various insects and its deep root system helps stabilize soil by improving water retention. With beautiful pink flowers and lush foliage, swamp milkweed adds a pop of color to gardens and natural areas. It thrives in conditions that are challenging for other plants, making it suitable for rain gardens or naturalized settings. It filters water and improves water quality by absorbing nutrients and pollutants.
Tabasco pepper- This native pepper provides a distinct heat and flavor, making them a favorite for hot sauces and spicy dishes. These plants produce a significant number of peppers, allowing for easy harvesting and use in salsas, marinades, and pickling. The plants are gorgeous, with vibrant green foliage and bright red peppers, making them a lovely addition to gardens. Growing your own peppers can be a rewarding hobby, offering satisfaction from planting, nurturing, and harvesting your crops.
Trumpet Vine- The vibrant orange and red flowers are a striking visual element in gardens and landscapes. These blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, supporting local pollinator populations. Trumpet vine is a vigorous grower, quickly covering trellises, fences, and arbors, effectively creating privacy or shade. Once established, trumpet vine requires minimal care and is drought-tolerant, thriving in a variety of conditions. Its strong root system helps stabilize soil, making it useful for preventing erosion on slopes and banks. From cottage gardens to formal landscapes, this beautiful vine can add character and charm to a variety of settings.
Viburnum- This gorgeous shrub is well-suited to our warm, humid climate. They can thrive in a variety of conditions, including partial shade and full sun. Viburnum offers beautiful flowers in spring, attractive foliage throughout the year, and vibrant fall colors. Many Viburnum species produce berries that attract birds and other wildlife, providing food and habitat. Once established, it’s low-maintenance, generally resilient, and tolerates drought conditions, making them a good option for less frequent watering. There are numerous Viburnum species and cultivars, offering a range of sizes and growth habits to fit different landscaping needs.
Yarrow- Historically, yarrow has been used for its medicinal properties, often aiding to heal wounds, fevers, and digestive issues and well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities. While it prefers well-drained soil and full sun, it can tolerate poor soil and drought conditions. Yarrow attracts beneficial insects, including pollinators and predatory insects that can help control pest populations in the garden. With its versatility, long bloom period, and drought tolerance make it a popular choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Yellow Jasmine- This aromatic vine thrives in our warm, humid climate, making it perfect for our region. Featuring fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer, adding vibrant color to gardens and landscapes. Yellow jasmine is a vigorous grower, quickly creating lush, green backdrops in a relatively short time. The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and boosting your garden’s biodiversity. Once established, it’s low-maintenance, tolerating a variety of soil types and is fairly drought-tolerant, though it appreciates some moisture.
Savannah holly- Well-suited to the warm, humid climate of Louisiana, Savannah hollies thrive in our environment. As an evergreen, it provides year-round greenery, maintaining visual interest throughout the seasons. This holly’s bright red berries add a pop of color to the landscape while attracting wildlife. Once established, Savannah holly is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and thrives in various soil types, making it easy to care for. It’s use in various landscape designs and resistance to common pests and diseases makes it a reliable choice for gardeners.
