As gardeners, we’re often drawn to the exotic and the unusual, but sometimes the most fascinating plants are those that grow right in our own backyards. In this episode of our podcast, we’re shining the spotlight on some of the most super cool native plants that are waiting to be discovered. Joining us are two experts from two of the country’s most renowned botanical gardens, Mt. Cuba Center and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, who share their favorite underappreciated native species that are sure to captivate and inspire.
Expert Insights
Our guests are Melissa Starkey, marketing and communications manager and instructor at Mt. Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware, and Amy Galloway Medley, lead horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and we’re thrilled to have them share their expertise with us.
Native Plants 101
But before we dive into the super cool native plants, let’s take a step back and talk about why native plants are so important. Native plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife over thousands of years, making them incredibly resilient and low-maintenance. They also provide a vital source of food and shelter for local wildlife, which is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By choosing native plants, we can help preserve biodiversity and create a more sustainable garden.
Super Cool Native Plants to Grow
Melissa’s Picks
Joining us from Mt. Cuba Center is Melissa Starkey, who shares her favorite underappreciated native plant species. First up is Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans, Zones 3-8). This perennial flower produces a cascade of blue, pink, or white blooms in late spring, making it a stunning addition to any garden. Jacob’s ladder is also a great choice for attracting pollinators and providing a source of nectar for hummingbirds.
Next up is Wild bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia, Zones 3-9), a delicate and charming perennial that produces heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. This plant is a great choice for shady areas and can tolerate a range of soil types. It’s also a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a must-have for any garden.
Another of Melissa’s favorites is Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens, Zones 4-9), a vigorous and adaptable climber that produces bright red, orange, or yellow blooms in late spring. This plant is a great choice for trellises, arbors, or other supports, and can thrive in a range of soil types.
Finally, Melissa recommends ‘Fireworks’ wrinkle leaf goldenrod (Solidago rugosa ‘Fireworks’, Zones 4-8), a perennial that produces bright yellow, orange, or red blooms in late summer. This plant is a great choice for attracting pollinators and providing a source of nectar for hummingbirds, and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Amy’s Picks
Joining us from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is Amy Galloway Medley, who shares her favorite underappreciated native plant species. First up is Frostweed (Verbesina virginica, Zones 6-9), a perennial that produces clusters of small, white blooms in late spring. This plant is a great choice for attracting pollinators and providing a source of nectar for hummingbirds, and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Next up is Plains fleabane (Erigeron modestus, Zones 5-9), a delicate and charming perennial that produces white or pink blooms in late spring. This plant is a great choice for shady areas and can tolerate a range of soil types. It’s also a favorite of butterflies and bees, making it a must-have for any garden.
Another of Amy’s favorites is Agarita (Mahonia trifoliata, Zones 7-9), a shrub that produces clusters of small, yellow blooms in late spring. This plant is a great choice for attracting pollinators and providing a source of nectar for hummingbirds, and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Finally, Amy recommends Heartleaf skullcap (Scutellaria ovata, Zones 4-8), a perennial that produces blue or purple blooms in late spring. This plant is a great choice for attracting pollinators and providing a source of nectar for hummingbirds, and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Grow Your Own Super Cool Native Plants
So, how can you grow your own super cool native plants? The first step is to choose the right plants for your climate and soil type. Consider factors like sun exposure, soil pH, and moisture levels when selecting plants for your garden. Once you’ve chosen the right plants, make sure to provide the right conditions for them to thrive. This includes giving them enough space to grow, providing the right amount of sunlight and water, and using techniques like companion planting and soil amendments to support their growth.
Another important consideration is the role that native plants play in supporting local wildlife. By choosing native plants, you can help preserve biodiversity and create a more sustainable garden. Consider incorporating native plants into your garden’s design, and think about how you can create habitats for local wildlife, such as bee hotels or birdhouses.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this episode of our podcast, we hope you’ve been inspired to explore the world of super cool native plants. From Melissa’s picks at Mt. Cuba Center to Amy’s favorites at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, there are countless options to choose from. By incorporating native plants into your garden, you can help preserve biodiversity, create a more sustainable garden, and attract pollinators and other wildlife. Thanks for joining us on this journey, and we’ll see you in the next episode!
