Creating a thriving, sustainable landscape requires careful plant selection. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand the differences between native plants, cultivars, nativars, and invasive species. Each type has unique characteristics that can impact your garden’s health, appearance, and environmental footprint.
Let’s break down what these terms mean and help you decide which plants are best for your yard.
What Are Native Plants?
Native plants are species that have evolved naturally in a specific region over thousands of years. They are perfectly adapted to local climate, soil, and wildlife, making them a top choice for eco-friendly landscaping.
Benefits of Native Plants:
- Require less water and maintenance once established.
- Support local pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
- Naturally resistant to pests and diseases.
- Help prevent soil erosion and improve biodiversity.
Examples of Native Plants:
- In the Midwest: Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta).
- In the Northeast: Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae).
- In the Southeast: Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora).
When to Choose Natives:
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, sustainable landscape that thrives with minimal intervention, native plants are the way to go.
What Are Cultivars?
Cultivars (short for “cultivated varieties”) are plants that have been selectively bred by humans to enhance specific traits such as flower color, size, or disease resistance. They may originate from native species but have been modified to improve aesthetics or performance.
Benefits of Cultivars:
- Offer a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes to fit any landscape design.
- Can be bred for improved resilience and adaptability to various conditions.
- Often have longer blooming periods compared to their native counterparts.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Some cultivars may lack the genetic diversity of wild native plants, making them less adaptable to environmental changes.
- They may not provide the same level of support for local pollinators and wildlife.
Examples of Cultivars:
- ‘Goldsturm’ Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’) – a popular cultivar with a compact growth habit.
- ‘Endless Summer’ Hydrangea – bred for continuous blooming throughout the season.
When to Choose Cultivars:
If you want to add unique colors or controlled growth habits to your garden without sacrificing too much resilience, cultivars are a great option.
What Are Nativars?
A blend of native plants and cultivars, nativars are cultivated varieties of native plants. They offer the aesthetic appeal of cultivars while retaining some of the ecological benefits of native species.
Benefits of Nativars:
- Provide a balance between beauty and ecological function.
- Maintain regional adaptability while offering improved characteristics like pest resistance or compact growth.
- Blend well with purely native plants for a cohesive and eco-friendly garden.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Some nativars may not attract as much wildlife as true native species.
- Overbreeding could potentially lead to weaker genetic diversity over time.
Examples of Nativars:
- ‘Little Joe’ Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium dubium ‘Little Joe’) – a smaller, tidier version of the native plant.
- ‘Autumn Brilliance’ Serviceberry (Amelanchier × grandiflora) – bred for brighter fall foliage and better disease resistance.
When to Choose Nativars:
If you want a mix of native plant benefits with added visual appeal and garden-friendly traits, nativars can be an excellent choice.
What Are Invasive Plants?
Invasive plants are non-native species that spread aggressively, outcompeting native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. They often grow rapidly and lack natural predators or controls, making them difficult to manage.
Why You Should Avoid Invasive Plants:
- They can take over landscapes, choking out beneficial native species.
- Many invasives provide little to no support for local wildlife.
- They require extensive effort to control and remove.
Common Invasive Plants to Avoid:
- Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) – spreads rapidly and suffocates native shrubs.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix) – climbs and strangles trees, damaging natural habitats.
- Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) – crowds out native wetland plants.
What to Do if You Have Invasive Plants:
If you discover invasives in your yard, it’s best to remove them promptly and replace them with native or well-behaved plant options that support your local ecosystem.
Which Plants Should You Choose?
The best plants for your landscape will depend on your goals:
- For a low-maintenance, eco-friendly garden: Prioritize native plants.
- For unique colors and textures: Cultivars offer exciting options.
- For a balance of both: Nativars can provide the perfect mix.
- To protect the environment: Avoid invasive species at all costs.
By understanding the differences between native plants, cultivars, nativars, and invasive species, you can create a landscape that is not only visually stunning but also beneficial to your local environment. Working with a professional landscape designer can help you create a harmonious outdoor space that blends aesthetics with sustainability.
Let Berns Landscaping Help You Make the Right Plant Choices
At Berns Landscaping, we specialize in creating beautiful, environmentally friendly landscapes using a blend of native plants, cultivars, and nativars that enhance your outdoor space while supporting local wildlife. Our team can help you select the right plants to suit your style, climate, and maintenance preferences.
Ready to transform your landscape? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on a sustainable, thriving garden!