Fuss-Free Native Plants

Native plants are great to have in the landscape because they often do not require watering, fertilization, or maintenance. They grow naturally in the region and are adapted to the overall climate and soil conditions. Native plants also provide food and shelter for wildlife and pollinators! 

There are several native flowers that perform well in Mississippi and add beauty to the landscape. Consider including some of these native plants in your yard:

1. Coneflower – Coneflowers look like daises. Native bees and butterflies are attracted to these flowers for their nectar and pollen. If the seed heads are left intact, birds can enjoy them all winter!
2. Coreopsis – Coreopsis is a great perennial to add a pop of sunshine to your landscape. These yellow flowers are hardy in north Mississippi and are easy to grow by seed. It’s actually the state wildflower of Mississippi!!
3. Blue Phlox – Don’t let the name fool you! These late blooming flowers aren’t always blue in color. The flower color ranges from blue to lavender and pink.
4. Native Azalea – Native azaleas are a common plant in Mississippi. When in bloom, they resemble honeysuckle and look like small trees. They are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the winter.
5. Cinnamon Fern – Cinnamon ferns are tall, almost tropical looking, ferns. They have a strong vertical structure with fronds that resemble cinnamon sticks, hence the name. They love moist soil, so they would be great around ponds, lakes, streams, or even water gardens in your landscape.
6. Butterfly Weed – Better known as milkweed, butterfly weed is a low maintenance plant that is deer resistant and attracts monarch butterflies. It can grow up to three feet tall and two feet wide and has deep orange flowers.  
7. Blue Flag Iris – Blue flag iris thrives in wet areas, and can be found along ponds, lakes, and marshes. They have light violet-blue flowers with hints of yellow at the base of the petals and can grow up to six feet tall!

For even more native trees and plants to consider, check out Publication 2330, “Native Trees for Mississippi Landscapes,” and Publication 2334, “Native Shrubs for Mississippi!”