I love including natives into my garden space. Not only for the beauty but also because it is wonderful for the environment. It is a good idea to do your research and find the native plants in your area. Here are 5 herbaceous perennials that are native to south-central Illinois:
Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)
Incorporating native perennials into your garden space
Incorporating native perennials into your garden space is important for a variety of reasons. Native perennials are adapted to the local climate, meaning they require less water and fertilizer to stay healthy. Additionally, native perennials are known to provide important habitat for wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, and can also improve the overall biodiversity of the garden. Lastly, native perennials provide a variety of beautiful, colorful flowers and foliage throughout the growing season.
Growing guide
Wild bergamot (monarda fistulosa)
Growing wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is an easy and rewarding task. The plant is hardy and can grow in a variety of conditions and soils. Wild bergamot is a perennial and prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil and can reach heights of up to three feet. The plant does self-seed, which can be beneficial if you want to establish a grove of wild bergamot. For best results, it's important to monitor the soil's moisture levels and make sure the plant is not overwatered. To encourage blooms throughout the summer, deadheading the flowers is also recommended. Wild bergamot is a beautiful addition to any garden, and with a little care, it will bring you years of enjoyment.
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a beautiful, hardy perennial flower that is relatively easy to grow. It has long-lasting, deep blue flowers that bloom in midsummer and attract pollinators. To grow Great Blue Lobelia, you will need a sunny spot with well-drained, moist soil. The plants should be spaced 12 to 15 inches apart and can be planted in early spring after any danger of frost has passed. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. Deadhead the flowers after they have finished blooming to encourage new flowers and to keep the plant looking neat. If the plants become too large or start to decrease in vigor, divide them in the spring. Great Blue Lobelia is a great choice for adding color to a garden and is sure to bring beauty to any landscape.
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta )
Growing Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a great way to add a splash of color to any garden! Here are some tips for growing this beautiful flower:
Plant your Black-eyed Susan in full sun in well-drained soil. This flower loves plenty of sunshine!
Water your Black-eyed Susan regularly, making sure to keep the soil consistently moist.
Fertilize your plant every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
To encourage more flowers, pinch off the spent blooms as they fade.
In colder climates, mulch the plants in late fall to protect them from harsh winter temperatures.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of your Black-eyed Susan. With some care and dedication, you can enjoy these cheerful flowers for many years to come!
Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
Growing Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) is relatively easy and rewarding. To get started, you'll need a sunny spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Plant your Smooth Aster in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Water your Smooth Aster regularly and make sure to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture. Fertilize your Smooth Aster every few weeks or so with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. To help keep your Smooth Aster looking neat and tidy, deadhead the spent flowers regularly. When the season is over, trim back the stems to the ground and cover with a layer of mulch to protect the roots during the winter. With proper care, you should see plenty of beautiful blooms throughout the season!
Growing guide for Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)
Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis) is a beautiful perennial flower that is native to the United States. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. It is best planted in the spring and can be propagated by division or seed. Wild Petunia will require regular watering for the first few weeks after planting and should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. When cutting off the dead flowers and stems, be sure to leave a few inches of the stem intact. This will help the plant to re-bloom. To keep the plant looking healthy, deadheading the flowers is encouraged. Wild Petunia is a hardy plant that is sure to provide you with a beautiful display of flowers year after year.
Get started growing native plants
These top 5 native perennials are an excellent choice for home gardeners who want to create a beautiful landscape while also helping to conserve the environment. Not only are they hardy and easy to maintain, but they also provide a variety of textures, colors, and shapes that will bring your garden to life. With their low-maintenance nature and year-round beauty, these native perennials are sure to be a great addition to any garden.