Native Plants for Xeriscaping in the Southeast U.S.
When you think of Xeriscaping you usually think of cactuses and lots of rocks, but in the South-east United States selecting the right native plants for your landscape will eliminate the need to water even in the hottest summers.
Jessie Munson from Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis, Tennessee says our climate many have wet springs, but in the summer, we can go over a month without rain. This can stress many plants, but native plants are already used to it and can thrive in the heat without water.
Native Xeriscaping Plants for the Southeast
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium): This native plant features spiky, yucca-like foliage topped with spherical blooms that attract bees and butterflies. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in arid conditions make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.): With varieties like Rudbeckia laciniata, this resilient plant often thrives in unexpected and very dry locations, like sidewalk cracks. Its cheerful yellow blooms brighten the landscape while requiring minimal water.
Salvia lyrata: This native salvia boasts purple foliage and blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its adaptability to drought conditions and low maintenance make it a valuable addition to xeriscapes.
Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum): Native to the Mid-South, this semi-succulent plant stores water in its leaves, making it well-suited for drought conditions. Its delicate pink blooms and whimsical seed pods add visual interest to xeriscapes.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.): The only native cactus in the region, prickly pear adds height and texture to xeriscapes with its distinctive pads and vibrant yellow blooms. Edible pads and fruits further enhance its value in sustainable landscapes.
Showy Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa): This native primrose features purple or white blooms that open in the evening, attracting moths and adding charm to xeriscapes. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil make it a resilient choice.
Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana): Also known by whimsical names like "Smoke on a Rope" and "Devil's Hair," this native clematis produces fluffy white flowers that brighten the landscape. This vine’s adaptability to xeriscaping and make it an interesting addition.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): As a drought-resistant native milkweed, butterfly weed provides food for butterflies while thriving in dry conditions. Its vibrant orange blooms add color to xeriscapes without requiring irrigation.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): This grass grows over 5 feet tall and provides shelter, protection and a winter food source for birds. It along with other native grasses can add a different texture and points of interest in the xeriscape.
Soil Preparation and Maintenance
Preparing the soil for xeriscaping involves minimal intervention, Jessie says native plants like the native soil with minimal amendments. Amendments like gravel or sand can improve drainage but are often unnecessary.
Related Videos:
Introduction to Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens
Building a Rain Barrel
Related Resources:
Xeriscaping: Creative Landscaping
Creating a Water-Wise Landscape
Jessie Munson from Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis, Tennessee says our climate many have wet springs, but in the summer, we can go over a month without rain. This can stress many plants, but native plants are already used to it and can thrive in the heat without water.
Native Xeriscaping Plants for the Southeast
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium): This native plant features spiky, yucca-like foliage topped with spherical blooms that attract bees and butterflies. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in arid conditions make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia spp.): With varieties like Rudbeckia laciniata, this resilient plant often thrives in unexpected and very dry locations, like sidewalk cracks. Its cheerful yellow blooms brighten the landscape while requiring minimal water.
Salvia lyrata: This native salvia boasts purple foliage and blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Its adaptability to drought conditions and low maintenance make it a valuable addition to xeriscapes.
Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum): Native to the Mid-South, this semi-succulent plant stores water in its leaves, making it well-suited for drought conditions. Its delicate pink blooms and whimsical seed pods add visual interest to xeriscapes.
Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.): The only native cactus in the region, prickly pear adds height and texture to xeriscapes with its distinctive pads and vibrant yellow blooms. Edible pads and fruits further enhance its value in sustainable landscapes.
Showy Evening Primrose (Oenothera speciosa): This native primrose features purple or white blooms that open in the evening, attracting moths and adding charm to xeriscapes. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil make it a resilient choice.
Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana): Also known by whimsical names like "Smoke on a Rope" and "Devil's Hair," this native clematis produces fluffy white flowers that brighten the landscape. This vine’s adaptability to xeriscaping and make it an interesting addition.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): As a drought-resistant native milkweed, butterfly weed provides food for butterflies while thriving in dry conditions. Its vibrant orange blooms add color to xeriscapes without requiring irrigation.
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): This grass grows over 5 feet tall and provides shelter, protection and a winter food source for birds. It along with other native grasses can add a different texture and points of interest in the xeriscape.
Soil Preparation and Maintenance
Preparing the soil for xeriscaping involves minimal intervention, Jessie says native plants like the native soil with minimal amendments. Amendments like gravel or sand can improve drainage but are often unnecessary.
Related Videos:
Introduction to Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens
Building a Rain Barrel
Related Resources:
Xeriscaping: Creative Landscaping
Creating a Water-Wise Landscape