April is the perfect time to elevate your garden's beauty and biodiversity. Discover how planting native perennials can create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly oasis in your backyard.
Selecting Native Perennials for Your April Garden
Consider the natural beauty and ecological benefits of planting native perennials like Aster plants and Bee Balm Monarda this April. These remarkable flowers not only beautify your garden but also attract crucial pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, creating a thriving ecosystem in your very own backyard.
Native plants adapt beautifully to local climates, ensuring they thrive with minimal maintenance. By choosing the right varieties, you'll find that your garden blooms from early summer all the way through to the fall. Below, explore a selection of seven native perennials that are perfect for planting in April.
1. Asters: Beautiful Fall Blooms
Native Aster plants are a fantastic addition to your garden, known for their abundance of colors, from brilliant whites to rich purples. With easy care and the ability to attract various pollinators—including bees and migrating monarch butterflies—asters thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas.
A fabulous choice is the New England Aster from Nature Hills. Growing up to five feet tall, this stunning flower blooms generously in the late summer months, providing sustenance for pollinators right up until frost. By planting them in April, you allow these beautiful blooms to establish roots in the warm, moist soil.
2. Bee Balm: A Hummingbird Magnet
Bee Balm Monarda is another excellent option for anyone looking to attract hummingbirds to their garden. Its unique tufted flowers, available in various shades of white, pink, and purple, provide delicious nectar for these fascinating birds. Plant Monarda fistulosa ‘Humdinger’ from Burpee for an eye-catching addition to your space. This cultivar can grow up to four feet tall and is known for its fragrant, striking blooms that flourish in sunny, fertile areas.
3. Cardinal Flower: A Splash of Color
Renowned for its tall, straight stems and bright red blooms, the Cardinal Flower is an excellent selection for attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators. These short-lived perennials thrive in consistently moist soil conditions, making them perfect for gardens with humidity or rain gardens. While they may be less enduring, their ability to self-seed ensures that they return every year, bringing stunning visual appeal as well as a vibrant source of nectar. You can find Cardinal Flower plants at Nature Hills, ideal for various hardiness zones.
4. Coreopsis: A Sunny Delight
Another beautiful addition is Coreopsis, known as Tickseed. As Florida’s state wildflower, it’s a hardy perennial that blooms from early summer to the first frosts, with its cheerful daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and pink brightening any garden scene. Opt for Coreopsis Florida wildflower for a low-maintenance choice that thrives in sunny conditions and can be used as ground cover at the front of borders. These plants are drought-resistant, making them perfect for gardeners looking for resilience and beauty.
5. Goldenrod: Nature’s Attention Grabber
Goldenrod produces striking golden flowers that provide a vital resource for pollinators in the fall. With numerous native species to choose from, such as Showy Goldenrod from Nature Hills, gardeners can find options suited for their specific hardiness zones. Planting them in early spring allows these tall perennials to establish themselves, ensuring they create beautiful arches of blooms later in the year. Goldenrods thrive in full sun and can reach heights of two to six feet, depending on the specific variety you choose.
6. Phlox: Colors of the Rainbow
With a wide range of heights and colors, Phlox can suit any garden’s aesthetic. Early spring is the prime time to plant phlox to ensure robust growth. While some varieties prefer full sun, others, like creeping phlox, do well in partial shade, making them adaptable to various landscapes. For eye-catching blooms this summer, consider Phlox 'Uptown Girl' from Burpee, known for its vibrant pink flowers that capture attention in both borders and beds.
7. Red Columbine: Delicate Yet Powerful
Lastly, the Red Columbine is a charming spring perennial that captures the attention of hummingbirds with its distinctive bell-shaped flowers. Suitable for part-shade, these little gems not only bloom beautifully but will self-seed over time, enhancing your garden's lushness. Find a range of Red Columbine plants and seeds at retailers such as Amazon and Walmart to get started.
Nurturing a diverse garden comes with immense benefits. Native plants like these not only add beauty but ensure a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly landscape that supports local flora and fauna throughout the seasons. By selecting native perennials like Aster plants, Bee Balm Monarda, and others highlighted, you can transform your home garden into a vibrant haven for both you and wildlife. Happy planting!