March 16th, 2020

Top 5 Flowering Natives

By Mike

Craving long summer blooms and doubt our native species are up to the task? Look no further! Here's the ultimate top 5 list of long blooming, floriferous natives to satisfy even the most discerning gardener.

1. Phlox Paniculata 'Jeana'

A long summer stunner, Phlox 'Jeana' electrifies a stagnant backyard. Ours even grows under our giant backyard Black Walnut, whose juglone chemicals kill most other would-be plants. Reaching around 5 feet tall, this particular Phlox attracts a multitude of butterflies and hummingbirds and is generally free of mildew found in other cultivars.

2. Oakleaf Hydrangea 'Gatsby Moon'

Tired of limelight hydrangeas that plague your neighborhood? Look to our North American native beauty. With -- you guessed it -- oak shaped leaves that have interest in every season, from lush green to gorgeous burgundy. They thrive in the shade (at least in our yard!) and produce giant white doubled florets atop their thick stems.

3. Helenium Autumnale aka Sneezeweed (No, it doesn't make you sneeze!)

Who knows why Sneezeweed isn't more popular! The bees certainly love it. It has a long bloom time -- lasting through the fall in our own garden -- and is extremely floriferous. So much so that it is advised to cut down to 12 inches in late spring so that the plant branches and doesn't get too tall. Let's make Sneezeweed the plant of 2020!

4. Beebalm / Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline'

A member of the mint family, Beebalm is the relative you actually want at the table. Exotic red flowers climb the six-foot stems, creating an irresistible snack for local pollinators and birds. Easy to find at your neighborhood nursery, Jacob Cline is loved for its powdery-mildew resistance.

5. Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice' / Summersweet

Want a plant that smells as good as it looks? Follow your nose to Clethra Alnifolia 'Ruby Spice'! Boasting small pink flowers on long cinnamon bark-like stems, this is a native plant you'll have to see -- or smell -- to believe. Tolerant of full-shade and wet conditions, the butterflies adore the late summer blooms.