Native flowers, shrubs and trees provide low maintenance performance in your garden. The best natives offer eye-catching colors, stunning foliage and reliable resistance to pests and disease. Experts agree that if you want your yard to look it's best, planting natives is an important step.

What Are Natives and Where Can You Find Them?

Native plants are just as the name describes - native to your local area. They grow naturally in the climate and soil conditions, and have developed strong methods of resisting pest attacks and various diseases.

Your local garden center or landscaping professional will carry a wide range of native plants, suitable for shade gardens and sunny perennial beds. Ask about native trees, and invest in those species already proven to grow tall and healthy in your neighborhood.

Are Natives More Expensive?

Costs of native flowers, shrubs and trees cover an expansive range. In some cases these widely available plants come with a lower price tag than rare imports. In others rising demand for natives has driven prices higher.

Do your research before hitting garden centers or talking to your landscaper. Make a wish list of your favorite native plants and watch for younger specimens to hit the market. You can usually grab these babies for a better price, and although you may have to wait a season or two before their beauty shines, it'll be worth the wait.

Planting natives will save you money over time, even if the initial investment is higher. Natives generally need less water and fewer applications of fertilizer. You'll still need to care for native trees and shrubs on a regular basis, but these species should last for years with little pest damage and fungal issues. Natives last longer than imports on average, saving cash on replacements as well.

Planting natives helps to create an attractive, low care landscape while saving you money and time over the years. Talk to your landscaper about native flowers, shrubs and trees suitable for your property and pick your favorites this season.