You love local food, music, business, and art — so while you’re planning your garden this spring, why not choose local plants, too?
Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate, provide sustenance to native wildlife, and save water by thriving on normal rainfall. Plus, they’re more visually diverse than, say, lawn grass.
Consider planting some Kentucky flora this spring. We’ll get you started.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Water needs: Moist, Dry
Light needs: Sun
Bloom time: March-November
Growing tips: Black-eyed Susans can become aggressive without competition, so consider planting it alongside other plants on this list.
Attracts: Birds, butterflies (Bordered Patch + Gorgone Checkerspot)
Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Water needs: Dry
Light needs: Sun, part-shade
Bloom time: April-September
Growing tips: Yarrow’s soil-enriching properties, medicinal benefits, and attractiveness to beneficial insects makes it an ideal companion plant.
Attracts: Butterflies, moths, bees, predatory wasps
Purple Coneflower
Echinacea purpurea
Water needs: Dry
Light needs: Sun, part-shade
Bloom time: April-September
Growing tips: Suited to northeast Texas, purple coneflower thrives in lean soil with ~six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, butterflies
Trumpet Honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens
Water needs: Moist
Light needs: Sun, part-shade
Bloom time: March-June
Growing tips: Rich soil and structural assistance will help this vine climb to its full potential — up to 20 feet.
Attracts: Quail, purple finch, goldfinch, hermit thrush, and American robin
Wild Red Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
Water needs: Moist, dry
Light needs: Shade, part-shade
Bloom time: February-July
Growing tips: Plant columbine in thin, well-drained soil to ensure a long lifespan. This flower struggles in heat, so plant in the shade before temperatures climb in spring.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, hawk moths, finches, and buntings
