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Native plants are perfect for Maryland borders because they thrive in local soil and weather, require less water, and support wildlife like birds and pollinators. Here’s a quick look at 10 great options:
- Eastern Redbud: Vase-shaped tree with pink-purple flowers in spring and golden-yellow leaves in fall. Attracts bees and birds.
- Black-eyed Susan: Bright yellow flowers from summer to fall. Loved by pollinators and birds.
- Switchgrass: Tall grass for erosion control, with golden fall foliage and seeds for birds.
- Serviceberry: Small tree with white flowers, edible berries, and vibrant fall leaves. Feeds birds and pollinators.
- Butterfly Weed: Orange flowers in summer, a host for monarch butterflies.
- Wild Columbine: Red-and-yellow flowers in spring, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.
- Virginia Sweetspire: Fragrant white flowers in spring, with stunning burgundy fall leaves.
- Eastern Bluestar: Star-shaped blue flowers in spring and golden fall foliage. Deer-resistant.
- Common Elderberry: Shrub with white flowers and dark berries, great for privacy and wildlife.
- Christmas Fern: Evergreen fronds for year-round greenery and ground cover.
These plants are low-maintenance and enhance biodiversity while creating beautiful, natural borders. Use the table below to compare their features:
| Plant Name | Height | Spread | Light Needs | Bloom Time | Wildlife Benefits | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Redbud | 20-30 ft | 25-35 ft | Full to partial sun | Early spring | Attracts pollinators, feeds birds | Low to Medium |
| Black-eyed Susan | 2-3 ft | 1-2 ft | Full sun | Summer to fall | Attracts butterflies, feeds birds | Low |
| Switchgrass | 3-6 ft | 2-3 ft | Full sun | Late summer | Winter shelter, feeds birds | Low |
| Serviceberry | 15-25 ft | 15-25 ft | Full to partial sun | Early spring | Attracts birds, feeds pollinators | Low |
| Butterfly Weed | 2-3 ft | 1-2 ft | Full sun | Summer | Monarch host, attracts pollinators | Low |
| Wild Columbine | 2-3 ft | 1-1.5 ft | Partial shade | Spring | Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies | Low |
| Virginia Sweetspire | 3-6 ft | 4-6 ft | Full to partial sun | Late spring | Nectar source, shelters birds | Low |
| Eastern Bluestar | 2-3 ft | 2-3 ft | Full to partial sun | Spring | Attracts butterflies, host plant | Low |
| Common Elderberry | 6-12 ft | 6-12 ft | Full to partial sun | Early summer | Feeds birds, attracts pollinators | Medium |
| Christmas Fern | 1-2 ft | 1.5-2 ft | Partial shade | Evergreen | Ground cover, wildlife shelter | Low |
These plants are easy to grow and perfect for Maryland’s climate. Start planning your native plant border today!
10 Best-Performing Native Plants in my Garden
What Makes Native Plants Work in Maryland
Native plants are perfectly suited to Maryland’s diverse soil types – whether it’s clay, sandy loam, or anything in between. They’re built to handle the state’s weather extremes, from hot, humid summers to cold winters, without needing extra soil treatments or special care. Whether your yard gets full sun, partial shade, or deep shade, these plants can thrive.
But there’s more to them than just being low-maintenance. Native plants play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Plus, once they’re established, they require less water. They’re also great for defining property lines, offering easy-to-maintain borders that look great throughout the year.
Now, let’s take a closer look at 10 native plants that are perfect for enhancing your Maryland landscape.
1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The Eastern Redbud is a stunning choice for creating a natural border along property lines, offering year-round beauty and supporting local wildlife.
Height and Growth Habit
This tree typically grows 20–30 feet tall and wide, forming a graceful vase shape with arching, multi-stemmed branches.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
It does best in full sun to partial shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade being ideal. Plant it in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.5–7.5). During the first growing season, water deeply to establish strong roots. Once established, it can handle moderate drought.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Bare branches burst to life with pink-purple flowers (March–April).
- Summer: Heart-shaped green leaves create a lush canopy.
- Fall: Leaves turn a vibrant golden-yellow.
- Winter: Dark bark and branching structure add visual interest.
Benefits for Wildlife
Its early blooms provide food for native bees, while the branches are excellent for bird nesting. Seed pods that develop later in the year serve as a food source for songbirds throughout fall and winter.
Up next: brighten your landscape with the cheerful blooms of Black-eyed Susan.
2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Height and Growth Habit
Grows between 2–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide. Its sturdy stems hold up numerous flower heads, forming upright, dense clumps.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
Does best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Prefers soil that drains well and can handle dry conditions once established.
Seasonal Highlights
- Summer to Early Fall: Features bright yellow petals with a dark brown center, delivering vibrant color from midsummer through autumn.
Benefits for Wildlife
- Draws in bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its seed heads provide food for songbirds later in the season.
Up next: Explore the elegant beauty of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
3. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
Height and Growth Habit
This tall grass can grow between 4–6 feet high and spread 2–3 feet wide. It forms dense clumps with fibrous roots, making it effective for controlling erosion along borders.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
Switchgrass thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade. It adapts well to various soil types, from sandy to clay. Once established, it resists drought and requires little upkeep.
Seasonal Interest
- Spring: Blue-green foliage begins to emerge.
- Summer: Airy, delicate flower panicles rise above the foliage.
- Fall: The leaves turn golden-yellow with touches of reddish-purple.
- Winter: The grass holds its buff color and upright shape, adding texture to winter landscapes.
Support for Wildlife
- Offers nesting spots for native birds.
- Provides winter shelter for small mammals.
- Produces seeds that sustain birds through colder months.
- Acts as a host plant for butterfly larvae.
Up next: Discover the multi-season charm of Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis).
4. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Height and Growth Habit
Serviceberry typically reaches 15–25 feet in height and spans 10–15 feet in width. It grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with upright, elegant branches, making it a great choice for natural screening without crowding nearby structures.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
This plant does well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. Once established, it thrives with consistent moisture.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Clusters of white flowers
- Summer: Edible berries
- Fall: Bright orange-red leaves
- Winter: Smooth, gray bark adds texture
Benefits for Wildlife
- Early blooms provide food for native bees, while summer berries attract songbirds and small mammals.
- Its dense branches offer excellent nesting spots and shelter for wildlife.
Next: Learn about Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and how it supports monarch butterflies.
5. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Height and Growth Habit
Grows in upright clumps, reaching 1 to 2.5 feet in height and width. Its deep taproots make it drought-resistant but tricky to transplant. The sturdy stems make it a great choice for adding structure to mid-border plantings.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
Prefers full sun and thrives in sandy or gravelly soil that drains well. If you have clay soil, mix in some organic matter to improve drainage.
Seasonal Interest
Bright orange flower clusters, about 2 to 5 inches wide, bloom from June to August. Occasionally, you might see a second bloom in September. Later in the season, seed pods split open, releasing silky seeds that add visual interest.
Biodiversity and Wildlife Support
This plant is a host for monarch caterpillars and provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and other helpful insects. Its sturdy stems also act as perches for small birds hunting nearby insects.
From this lively pollinator favorite, we turn to the graceful Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis).
6. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Wild Columbine adds a pop of early spring color to shaded areas with its red-and-yellow, nodding flowers.
Height and Growth Habit
This perennial grows to about 1-2 feet tall and wide, forming tidy clumps of fernlike foliage.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
It does well in partial to full shade and thrives in rocky or woodland soils with good drainage.
Seasonal Interest
Its spurred flowers bloom from April to June, followed by unique seed pods that linger into the summer.
Wildlife Appeal
Wild Columbine is a favorite for hummingbirds, early pollinators, native bumblebees, and butterflies, offering them a reliable nectar source.
Up next: Learn about the beautiful Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica).
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7. Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Virginia Sweetspire adds vibrant color and a pleasant fragrance to Maryland gardens throughout the year.
Height and Growth Habit
This shrub reaches 3-5 feet in height and spreads 4-6 feet wide, forming thick colonies through underground stems. Its gracefully arching branches make it a natural choice for creating privacy or defining property edges.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
It grows well in both full sun and partial shade, handling Maryland’s clay-heavy soils with ease. While it prefers consistently moist soil, it can handle occasional flooding and dry spells once established.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Cascading clusters of fragrant white flowers steal the show.
- Summer: Lush green leaves offer dense, full coverage.
- Fall: Leaves turn a striking burgundy-red, holding their color well into winter.
- Winter: The shrub’s branch structure adds texture and visual interest to the landscape.
Benefits for Wildlife
The nectar-rich flowers are a favorite of native pollinators. Its dense growth provides safe nesting spots for birds and shelter for small animals. Even in winter, its seeds remain, offering a food source for local wildlife.
Next: Learn about the starry blooms of Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana).
8. Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
Eastern Bluestar adds star-shaped flowers and year-round charm to shaded garden borders. It’s well-suited to Maryland’s soils and requires little upkeep.
Height and Growth Habit
This plant reaches 2-3 feet in height and width, forming thick clumps with upright stems. Its natural mounded shape creates a clean, defined border along property edges.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
Thrives in both full sun and partial shade, handling a variety of soil types from clay to loam. While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, it can withstand short dry periods once established.
Seasonal Features
- Spring: Delicate clusters of light blue, star-shaped flowers bloom in May and June.
- Summer: Blue-green foliage creates a lush, vibrant backdrop.
- Fall: Leaves transition to a golden yellow, adding warm seasonal color.
- Winter: Dried seed heads and stems provide visual interest during the colder months.
Benefits for Wildlife
- Draws native pollinators, including early-season butterflies.
- Offers nectar for hummingbirds in spring.
- Dense foliage serves as shelter for small birds.
- Naturally deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for maintaining garden borders.
Next, we’ll explore Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), a plant that brings multi-season beauty and food for songbirds.
9. Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
The common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a versatile shrub that forms thick, multi-stemmed clusters, perfect for creating privacy screens or informal hedges. It also attracts pollinators and supports songbirds.
Height and Growth Habit
This shrub typically grows between 6–12 feet tall and spreads 8–12 feet wide. Its dense, multi-stemmed growth makes it ideal for forming natural screens.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
- Grows well in full sun to partial shade
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil but can handle a range of soil types and occasional dry conditions
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Bright green leaves quickly fill in, creating a lush border.
- Summer: Flat clusters of white, fragrant flowers bloom, drawing in bees and butterflies.
- Fall: Flowers transition into dark berries, and the foliage turns golden.
- Winter: The bare branches add structure and interest to the garden during dormancy.
Benefits for Wildlife
The dense foliage offers nesting spots for songbirds, while the late-summer berries provide food. The flowers also attract bees and butterflies, helping to boost garden biodiversity.
Plant elderberries 6–10 feet apart. Over time, suckers will grow to fill in gaps, creating a low-maintenance hedge.
Next: Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), a hardy evergreen option for shaded areas.
10. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
Rounding out the list, Christmas Fern is a great choice for shaded property edges, offering low-maintenance greenery that lasts throughout the year.
Height and Growth Habit
This plant reaches 1–2 feet in height and spreads 1.5–2 feet wide, forming clumps of evergreen fronds.
Sunlight and Soil Preferences
Christmas Fern thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It can also handle clay and rocky conditions.
Seasonal Highlights
- Evergreen fronds remain vibrant through winter
- Bright green fronds appear in spring
- Foliage deepens to a darker green in summer
- Keeps its form all year long
Benefits for Wildlife
Its fronds offer shelter for ground-nesting birds and small mammals year-round. Additionally, it helps enrich the soil by collecting leaf litter.
Check out the quick-reference table next to compare all these native border plants side by side.
Plant Features Quick Reference Table
Here’s a handy table to compare native border plants at a glance. Use it to quickly review the details and choose the best options for your landscape:
| Plant Name | Height | Spread | Light Needs | Bloom Time | Wildlife Benefits | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Redbud | 20-30 ft | 25-35 ft | Full to partial sun | Early spring | Attracts pollinators, feeds birds | Low to Medium |
| Black-eyed Susan | 2-3 ft | 1-2 ft | Full sun | Summer to fall | Attracts butterflies, feeds birds | Low |
| Switchgrass | 3-6 ft | 2-3 ft | Full sun | Late summer | Winter shelter, feeds birds | Low |
| Serviceberry | 15-25 ft | 15-25 ft | Full to partial sun | Early spring | Attracts birds, feeds pollinators | Low |
| Butterfly Weed | 2-3 ft | 1-2 ft | Full sun | Summer | Monarch host, attracts pollinators | Low |
| Wild Columbine | 2-3 ft | 1-1.5 ft | Partial shade | Spring | Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies | Low |
| Virginia Sweetspire | 3-6 ft | 4-6 ft | Full to partial sun | Late spring | Nectar source, shelters birds | Low |
| Eastern Bluestar | 2-3 ft | 2-3 ft | Full to partial sun | Spring | Attracts butterflies, host plant | Low |
| Common Elderberry | 6-12 ft | 6-12 ft | Full to partial sun | Early summer | Feeds birds, attracts pollinators | Medium |
| Christmas Fern | 1-2 ft | 1.5-2 ft | Partial shade | Evergreen | Ground cover, wildlife shelter | Low |
With this table, you can easily plan a border that’s both easy to care for and welcoming to wildlife – all while thriving in Maryland’s climate. Looking for professional help? Pro Landscapes MD offers expert planting and care to transform your outdoor space.
Professional Planting Services by Pro Landscapes MD
After selecting the best native plants, ensuring they thrive requires expert care. Pro Landscapes MD specializes in creating and installing borders with native species that suit Maryland’s climate and benefit local wildlife.
Here’s what their native planting services offer:
- Free on-site consultations to assess your space and needs
- Custom designs featuring Maryland-native plants
- Professional installation, including soil preparation and proper spacing
- Ongoing maintenance support and care tips
Pro Landscapes MD serves Howard, Montgomery, Carroll, Frederick, Prince George’s, and Baltimore counties, handling every step from design to installation [1]. Book a free consultation today to bring your native plant border to life.
Next Steps
Once you’ve got your shortlist from the reference table, here’s how to plan and set up your border:
Plan Your Border
- Map out your border area and track how much sunlight it gets.
- Assess your soil’s texture and drainage capabilities.
- Finalize your list of plants.
- Calculate how many plants you’ll need based on their mature sizes.
Want professional help? Pro Landscapes MD can design and install your native border. Schedule a free consultation today to get started!
FAQs
What are the ideal growing conditions for native plants in Maryland?
Native plants in Maryland thrive when grown in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats. Most native species prefer well-drained soil, adequate sunlight, and proper spacing to ensure healthy growth. However, specific requirements can vary depending on the plant.
For example, sun-loving plants like black-eyed Susans and butterfly weed need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, while shade-tolerant plants such as ferns and wild ginger do well in partial to full shade. Additionally, consistent watering during the establishment phase and mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
By selecting plants suited to your property’s unique conditions – such as soil type, sunlight exposure, and drainage – you can create a thriving and low-maintenance border that enhances your outdoor space.
What are the benefits of using native plants in Maryland landscapes?
Native plants offer numerous benefits to Maryland landscapes. They support local wildlife by providing food and shelter for birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These plants are also well-adapted to Maryland’s climate and soil, making them more resilient and requiring less maintenance, water, and fertilizers compared to non-native species.
By choosing native plants, you can create a beautiful, sustainable border for your property while contributing to the health of the local ecosystem. Incorporating native species not only enhances biodiversity but also helps preserve Maryland’s natural heritage.
Can I combine different native plants in my Maryland border, and how far apart should I plant them?
Yes, you can absolutely mix different native plants to create a diverse and visually appealing border in Maryland. Combining plants with varying heights, textures, and bloom times not only enhances the aesthetic but also supports local wildlife and pollinators.
When spacing plants, consider their mature size to ensure they have enough room to grow without overcrowding. As a general rule, leave 12 to 36 inches between plants, depending on their growth habits. For more precise guidance, consulting a professional landscaper, like Pro Landscapes MD, can help you design a balanced and thriving border tailored to your space.
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