April marks the perfect month to enrich your garden with vibrant native perennials that thrive year after year.
Transform your outdoor space into a flourishing sanctuary for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with carefully selected native plants.
7 Native Perennials to Plant in April
Enhancing your garden with native perennials not only beautifies your landscape but also supports important pollinators. April is an excellent time to plant species that will bloom beautifully while attracting essential wildlife. Here, we’ll discuss seven standout options to consider adding to your green space this spring.
1.
New England Aster
Featured at Nature Hills, the New England Aster boasts striking purple flowers that grow up to five feet tall. This stunning perennial not only adds a burst of color to your garden but is also a key player in supporting fall pollinator populations, particularly monarch butterflies. As a late bloomer, it begins its floral display in late summer and continues into the cooler months, providing much-needed nectar for passing insects. Ideal for sunny locations, planting these in early spring ensures they establish before the flowering season.
2.
Phlox ‘Uptown Girl’
Available from Burpee, Phlox ‘Uptown Girl’ is an eye-catching cultivar showcasing vibrant pink blooms that stand out in any garden. This perennial thrives when planted in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Phlox is known for attracting a variety of pollinators, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your garden's biodiversity. With its long-lasting flowers, it brings beauty not just in spring but throughout the blooming season.
3.
Bee Balm for Hummingbirds
Bee balm, or Monarda, provides a feast for hummingbirds thanks to its tubular flowers that come alive typically in summer. Noted as one of the best pollinator plants, varieties like Monarda fistulosa 'Humdinger' highlighted by Burpee grow to four feet and feature highly fragrant purple blooms. Plant in early spring in fertile, well-draining soil to ensure optimal flowering and enjoy the vibrant activity of hummingbirds in your garden.
4.
Goldenrod Planting Tips
Goldenrod is another eye-catching perennial ideal for fall color and pollinator attraction. With a wide variety of native goldenrod species, this plant produces bright yellow flowers that can stand as tall as six feet and catch the attention of pollinators. Planting this perennial in early spring will set it up for success, allowing it to thrive in sunny areas with well-drained soil. The Showy Goldenrod variety available at Nature Hills lends eye-catching splendor to the back of garden borders with minimal maintenance.
5.
Cardinal Flower
If you're looking for a show-stopper among native perennials, the Cardinal Flower is a must-have. With its bright red, tubular blooms, it attracts hummingbirds like a magnet. This plant thrives in moist conditions, making it perfect for rain gardens or wetter areas of your landscape. Available at various nurseries, including Nature Hills, it grows upright to 2-4 feet, providing a vibrant dash of color while drawing in all sorts of pollinators.
6.
Coreopsis, the Tickseed
Often referred to as Tickseed, Coreopsis offers cheerful blooms from summer until the first frosts. This native plant thrives in sunny spots and blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and pink. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, making them an ideal plant for beginners. Lanceleaf Coreopsis is a compact option that grows only 24 inches tall, great for ground cover or edging in garden borders.
7.
Red Columbine
The Red Columbine stands out for its beautiful bell-shaped flowers, which are tailored to invite hummingbirds into your garden. With red petals that have a yellow interior, they thrive in part-shade settings, making them an excellent choice for cottage or woodland gardens. They are also low-maintenance and can self-seed, ensuring they continue to grace your garden year after year. Look for their seeds and plants at retailers such as Amazon or Walmart.
Embracing these seven native perennials not only enhances your garden's beauty but creates a thriving ecosystem for pollinators. By planting perennials like the New England Aster and Phlox ‘Uptown Girl’ in April, you set the stage for ongoing wildlife activity and enjoyment throughout the year.
### Gardening Tools for Success
To enjoy the benefits of planting these wonderful native species, having the right tools is critical. Consider investing in:
- A high-quality stainless steel digging spade for precision planting.
- A sturdy 12-inch trowel for smaller planting jobs.
- Durable gardening gloves made from full-grain cowhide for protection as you work in your garden.
Elevating your outdoor space with native perennials offers visual delight while nurturing vital pollinator populations. Get started on your journey—bring beauty and balance to your garden this spring!