8 Best Native Plants for New Orleans, LA
BY CECILIA ACEVEDO | JUNE 27TH, 2019 | LAWN CARE, LOUISIANA, NEW ORLEANS
If you’re a proud resident of New Orleans, you know that this city is full of character and charm, from its vibrant music scene to its delicious cuisine. But did you know the local flora is just as unique and fascinating? By planting Louisiana native plants in your backyard, you can add a touch of flavor to your landscape while reaping various benefits.
If you’re looking to create your very own paradise in your New Orleans backyard, you can’t go wrong with native plants; look at its benefits:
- Native plants provide a crucial habitat for local wildlife.
- Native plants are perfectly adapted to the city’s hot, humid climate, requiring less maintenance than non-native species.
- By planting native species, you can help create a thriving ecosystem in your backyard.
Native plants help promote a healthier Texas ecosystem. Here are 8 native plants to help you create a one-of-a-kind oasis that celebrates the beauty of New Orleans.
In this article, we’ll cover the following:
- 8 Native Plants for Your New Orleans Yard
- How to Choose Native Plants for Your New Orleans Landscape
- FAQ About Native New Orleans Plants
- Where to Find Native Plants in New Orleans
8 Native Plants for Your New Orleans Yard
1. Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Looking to add some color and charm to your backyard? Look no further than Wild blue phlox! This lovely native plant boasts delicate lavender-blue spring flowers that bloom in early spring, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. And the best part? They are perfectly adapted to the climate of New Orleans. It is low-maintenance and easy to grow and a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an eco-friendly choice for your garden.
Wild Blue Phlox is susceptible to spider mites and rabbits, as well as powdery mildew, which can cause reduced vigor and stunted growth. Cutting back stems after flowering helps combat mildew.
Plant type: Herbaceous
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 8
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist soil but well-drained
Duration: Evergreen perennial
Fragrance: Sweet scent
Bloom time: Spring
Water needs: Medium
Mature height: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Potential hazards: None
Maintenance: Medium. Remove spent inflorescences to encourage more flowering. Prevent complete soil dryness. Add compost to enrich the soil as needed
2. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Butterfly weed is a stunning native plant perfect for New Orleans gardens. Its bright orange flowers attract pollinators, and its tuberous roots make it highly drought-tolerant. Butterfly weed is a beautiful addition to any garden. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a host plant for monarch butterflies. By planting this native species in your garden, you can help support the monarch population while enjoying a burst of vibrant color. So why not add some Butterfly weed to your garden and watch it come to life with the fluttering of wings?
Plant type: Herbaceous
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Clay, loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained
Duration: Deciduous perennial
Fragrance: Sweet, vanilla, or candy-like scent
Bloom time: Summer
Water needs: Low. It is drought tolerant
Mature height: 1 – 2.5 feet
Potential hazards: None
Maintenance: Low. If the butterfly weed seed pods are not removed before splitting open, the mature plants may self-seed. Since butterfly weed has a deep taproot, it does not transplant well, and it is best to leave it undisturbed once it is established
3. Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)
The Swamp Azalea is a stunning native plant that is a must-have for any New Orleans garden. With its delicate, fragrant white flowers and vibrant green foliage, it’s sure to make a statement in any landscape. This plant thrives in wet areas. It provides important habitat and food for local wildlife, including birds and insects. The Swamp Azalea is a low-maintenance and rewarding plant that is suitable for both seasoned gardeners and beginners.
While generally disease-resistant, Swamp Azalea can be susceptible to canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, aphids, borers, lace bugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips,and whitefly. Regular monitoring and treatment as needed can help keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Plant type: Shrub
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Sun: It prefers partial shade but tolerates some full sun
Soil: Loam, sand. Acid. Prefer moist but well-drained soils, but it tolerates poor drainage
Duration: Deciduous perennial
Fragrance: Strong clove-like perfume
Bloom time: Summer
Water needs: Medium to wet. It tolerates periodic flooding but will not grow in soils where the roots are submerged in water
Mature height: 2 – 8 feet
Potential hazards: All the parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested
Maintenance: It is best situated in a location protected from strong winter winds. As it has a shallow, fibrous root system, it will benefit from a good mulch for moisture retention, stabilization of soil temperatures, and winter protection.
4. Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens aristosa)
The Tickseed Sunflower is a stunning native plant that will brighten up any New Orleans garden. With its golden-yellow blooms and delicate, fern-like foliage, it’s no wonder this plant is a favorite among gardeners. It looks beautiful in flower beds and rock gardens. Tickseed sunflower is resilient and easy to care for.
It grows and flowers best in full sun but is also adapted to partial shade. Its nectar-rich flowers attract various pollinators, making it an essential part of any healthy ecosystem. So if you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance plant, consider adding Tickseed Sunflower to your garden. You won’t be disappointed with the splash of sunshine it brings!
Plant type: Herbaceous
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 9
Sun: It grows and flowers best in Full sun but is also adapted to partial shade
Soil: Clay, loam, sand. Neutral. Moist but well-drained
Duration: Deciduous annual
Fragrance: Its dried leaves smell like vanilla or honey
Bloom time: Late summer and autumn
Water needs: High. It needs good drainage
Mature height: 2 – 4 feet
Potential hazards: None
Maintenance: Low. It is propagated by seed in spring
5. Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata)
If you’re looking for a stunning native plant to add some flare to your New Orleans garden, look no further than the Crossvine. With its vibrant orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers, this vine will turn heads and bring hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard.
This vine grows easily over a structure such as a trellis, gazebo, or fence. Not only is the Crossvine visually striking, but it’s also incredibly low maintenance and hardy, making it the perfect addition to any garden. Plus, as a native plant, it’s perfectly adapted to Louisiana’s climate and will thrive with minimal effort on your part.
Plant type: Vine
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 – 9
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Chalk, clay, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Moist but well drained
Duration: Evergreen perennial
Fragrance: Mocha scent
Bloom time: Late spring, early summer
Water needs: Medium. It needs good drainage
Mature height: 35 – 50 feet
Potential hazards: None
Maintenance: Medium. The vine can spread both by seed and by root suckers. To prevent it from spreading to unwanted areas, removing the root suckers as soon as they are detected is important
6. Watershield (Brasenia schreberi)
Watershield is an aquatic plant known for its striking appearance. It has large round leaves that float on the water’s surface and delicate purple flowers that bloom in the summer. Water Shield possesses properties that hinder the growth of other nearby plants. As a result, it can dominate and act as a natural means of controlling invasive water weeds. So if you’re looking for a beautiful addition to your garden, consider adding some Watershield to your pond or water feature.
Plant type: Aquatic plant
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 10
Sun: Full sun
Soil: It needs standing water. It does best on the water edge in 8 to 10 inches of water but with the roots planted in the mud of more shallow waters
Duration: Perennial
Fragrance: No fragrance
Bloom time: Summer and autumn
Water needs: High
Mature height: 1 – 3 inches
Potential hazards: None
Maintenance: Average. Remove yellow leaves regularly
7. Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia bracteata)
Cream wild indigo is a tough and versatile native plant well-suited to New Orleans’ hot and humid summers. It adapts to poor soils and occasional droughts. But don’t let its toughness fool you; this plant is also a true beauty, with elegant creamy white racemes of pea-like flowers and green leaves that grace its branches in the late spring and early summer. While Wild indigo is beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike.
Plant type: Herbaceous
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 – 9
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Loam, sand. Acid, neutral. Moist but well-drained
Duration: Perennial
Fragrance: No fragrance
Bloom time: Late spring and early summer
Water needs: Low
Mature height: 2 – 2.5 feet
Potential hazards: It has toxic properties that can be harmful if ingested.
Maintenance: Low. It may need some attention and help when grown in part shade
8. Ashy Sunflower (Helianthus mollis)
The Ashy Sunflower of New Orleans is a stunning wildflower that never fails to impress. One of its most fascinating features is its ability to follow the sun’s path each day, earning it the common name of sunflower. As the day progresses, the flower heads slowly turn to face the sun, following its every move from morning until night. But not just humans are drawn to this beautiful plant; birds can’t resist it either! They love to feast on the seeds directly from the sunflower’s head. It is spread by rhizomes and self-seed, forming beautiful, vibrant colonies that brighten any landscape.
Plant type: Herbaceous
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Sun: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, loam, sand. Acid, alkaline, neutral. Well-drained
Duration: Deciduous perennial
Fragrance: No fragrance
Bloom time: Summer and autumn
Water needs: Dry to medium
Mature height: 2 – 4 feet
Potential hazards: None
Maintenance: Low. Best to site plants in locations sheltered from strong winds. It may need staking, mainly if grown in exposed areas
How to Choose Native Plants for Your New Orleans Yard
If you’re a proud resident of New Orleans and an avid gardener, using native plants in your garden not only ensures that they will be well adapted to the local climate but will also support the local ecosystem.
The climate in New Orleans is classified as humid subtropical, which translates to very hot and humid summers and relatively mild, short winters. The USDA Hardiness Zone is 9, meaning the average minimum temperature is between 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Native plants have evolved to be resilient to the local weather conditions, making them easy to maintain and care for. They can also add a touch of local flair to your garden and attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
FAQ About Native New Orleans Plants
What are five benefits of native plants?
Native gardens offer numerous benefits to your garden and the environment. One benefit is their ability to thrive in the local climate and require less watering, fertilizer, and pesticides. This makes them low maintenance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, native plants have deep roots that can prevent water run-off and soil erosion.
Why is planting native plants sustainable?
Planting native plants is sustainable because they are adapted to the local climate and ecosystem, making them more resilient and resistant to local pests and diseases. They require less maintenance, water, and chemical fertilizers and pesticides than non-native plants.
Why are non-native plants dangerous?
Native plants are better than non-native plants for several reasons. Firstly, they are adapted to the local climate, soil, and other environmental factors, making them more resilient to pests, diseases, and weather fluctuations. This means that they require less water, fertilizer, and pesticide treatments, reducing the need for maintenance and potentially harmful chemicals.
Non-native plants may not provide the same level of support for local wildlife, which can lead to imbalances in the local ecosystem.
Where to Find Native Plants in New Orleans
If you want to plant native trees and plants in your backyard, you should buy them from a local nursery which ensures that you are getting plants that are specific to your region. Local nurseries have knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on the best plants for your garden and how to care for them, which can help you create a thriving and sustainable landscape.
Look at these local nurseries in the New Orleans area suggested by the Native Plant Initiative of Greater New Orleans:
- Chickadee Natives
- Mail order natives
- Wildseed Farm (Seed selling)
- Seed Company (Seed selling)
While adding native plants to a garden is an important step towards creating a more ecologically friendly landscape, it’s important to remember that it’s only one piece of the puzzle. When planning a landscape project, it’s crucial to consider low-maintenance landscape ideas. Additionally, it’s important to check your lawn and ensure it’s healthy, as it plays a major role in your outdoor space’s overall look.
Whenever you are ready to contact a professional to help, let WikiLawn connect you with a local landscaping pro in your area. By adopting a holistic approach to your landscape project, you can create an enduring outdoor space that is not only beautiful but also environmentally sustainable, providing you with years of enjoyment.