Flowers Native to America
Create an all-American flower garden by using only plants that are native to the United States. Many species of flowers are native to this country, allowing a creative gardener to grow a spectacular display of truly homegrown flowers. Native gardens have the extra bonus of being easier to maintain because a native plant has evolved to thrive in its local environment. These flowers are hardier and require less water, which translates into a carefree garden.
Gardeners can find even more flowers that are native to America by consulting their local nursery, county extension, or visiting the American Native Plant Society online.
Black-eyed Susan
There are many varieties of black-eyed Susan, a bright yellow daisy-like flower with a black (or brown) center. It is native to the Southwestern United States and can be planted in zones 3 to 9. Give the black-eyed Susan full sun in dry to medium well-drained soil. The flower is good for areas with hot summers.
- Create an all-American flower garden by using only plants that are native to the United States.
- Many species of flowers are native to this country, allowing a creative gardener to grow a spectacular display of truly homegrown flowers.
California Poppy
The bright orange California Poppy grows wild in the western coastal states, but can also be planted as a cool-weather annual in other portions of the country. It grows well in sandy or poor soil in full sun. Use in zones 6 to 10. The flower blooms late spring to early summer.
Lady's Slipper
The Lady's Slipper is an native orchid with a pouch-like flower. found in the Eastern United States. Varieties come in pink, red, white and even green. Although orchids are usually difficult to grow, a native Lady's Slipper is somewhat easier. The Showy Lady's Slipper is a wetland plant requiring damp soil, while the Pink Lady's Slipper thrives in shady pine forests.
- The bright orange California Poppy grows wild in the western coastal states, but can also be planted as a cool-weather annual in other portions of the country.
- The Lady's Slipper is an native orchid with a pouch-like flower.
Iris
Native Iris flowers are found in 49 states, but not in Hawaii. These beautiful wildflowers have large showy blooms in brilliant colors from pale pink to deepest navy. Iris are bulb plants that are native to wetlands and require well-drained soil and plenty of sun.
Blue Phlox
The Blue Phlox is a native shade-loving wildflower that can be found from the East Coast to New Mexico. The shrubby plant produces mounds of tiny purple-blue flowers from spring to midsummer, depending on the variety. The flower is good for planting under trees in zones 4 to 8.
