I am lucky, a big part of my job is chatting with people about their gardens. Admittedly this is an enjoyable occupation. One topic, always challenging, is debunking the myth that natives lack color and excitement. I could write endless pages on the benefits of native plants, but right now I just want to show you some color and excitement.

Check out these easy to find, easy to love, native plants.

Firebush attracts butterflies and will quickly provide a nice privacy buffer.

Crinum lily is usually used as an accent, punctuating a bed of low groundcovers. It also is interesting as a massing under large trees or palms.

Railroad vine is a very fast growing groundcover that thrives in coastal areas.

Geiger trees are medium in size, slow-growing and thrive in warm coastal areas.

Dahoon Holly display beautiful red berries throughout the winter. Dahoon Holly is found in upland plant communities.

Dune Sunflower is a hardy coastal bloomer that tolerates extreme heat, drought and salt.

Magnolia  is a classic, large flowering tree found in upland plant communities throughout the southeastern United States.

For covering fences, nothing is faster than Passion flower. The bloom is one of nature’s most amazing displays.

Jamaica Caper is a solid, thick shrub that yield these amazing blooms.

Milkweed is a great way to add color and attract butterflies.

If you have wet areas, Buttonbush might be a good choice.

Purple Coneflower is a great addition to your wild flower bed. Coneflower prefers well-drained soils.

There are so many more natives with color or interesting texture that we could explore, and I probably will on future posts!

If I may be of any help in planning your next landscape project, please call me –               772-419-0024 or email – landarchmike@gmail.com You can also visit my website at www.MikeFlaughLA.com where you will find more information on design and materials.

Continue scrolling down to see more about sustainable gardening and other landscape topics I have written about on previous posts.