Native plants can thrive in any garden, regardless of climate, and Louisiana is no exception. With its warm and humid climate, Louisiana gardeners can cultivate their own garden year-round. However, spring presents an ideal opportunity to grow a variety of native Louisiana flowers that are perfect for the region.
Popular Native Flowers
As LSU assistant extension agent Anna Timmerman explains, the most common native flowers in Louisiana include:
- Swamp mallows
- Louisiana iris
- Coreopsis
- Rudbeckia
- Texas star hibiscus
These flowers are not only easy to grow but also require minimal maintenance, making them perfect for both experienced and entry-level gardeners.
Choosing the Right Native Flowers
Timmerman emphasizes the importance of timing when planting native flowers, especially those from seed. “If you’re gardening natives, especially from the seed, you want to mimic what’s happening in nature, so that’s when the seed heads are drying out in the fall,” she explains. “They’re dropping over the winter, getting cold exposure and then they germinate in the spring, so fall is really the best time to seed a lot of our natives.”
However, transplanting flowers can be done at any time in the spring or fall, as they are not in the early stages of growth. They tend to do well over winter due to their adaptation to the climate.
Low-Maintenance Options for Beginners
If you’re new to gardening, Timmerman recommends starting with low-maintenance native flowers such as tickseed (coreopsis) and coneflowers (rudbeckia). These flowers are perfect for entry-level planters and require minimal effort. “The best native options for beginners include coreopsis, crimson-eyed rose mallow, cardinal flowers, and rudbeckias,” Timmerman says. “These flowers are relatively easy to find in garden centers and require little maintenance. Some are even drought-tolerant.”
Consult a Local Expert
Before planting, consult your local gardening expert about the proper soil type and drainage. Timmerman emphasizes the importance of shopping at small, independent local garden centers, which often have a native plant section. “Always shop small, independent local garden centers, if possible,” Timmerman advises. “Most of them will set aside a native plant section in their nurseries, especially in the New Orleans area.”
Native Flowers and Snow
Louisiana’s rare snowfall in January had a surprisingly positive impact on native flowers. The snow contained atmospheric nitrogen, which provided a natural boost to the plants. “The snow’s insulative qualities allowed native plants to thrive more than tropical plants,” Timmerman explains. “Snow contains a lot of air by volume, so it’s kind of like laying a thick blanket over our gardens and it does contain some atmospheric nitrogen too, so it’s like a little boost in free fertilizer.”
Benefits of Growing Native Species
Incorporating native species into your garden has numerous ecological benefits. According to Timmerman, native flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insect species that help with natural pest control and boost production. “They attract a lot of pollinators and beneficial insect species that help us in our garden, doing some natural pest control and boosting our production,” she says.
Native Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds and Butterflies
If you’re interested in attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard, consider planting coral honeysuckle or Texas star hibiscus. Timmerman recommends these flowers for school gardens. These native flowers can fit into any landscape or garden and integrate well with other plants. By incorporating native species into your garden, you can enjoy the benefits of these beautiful flowers while also supporting the local ecosystem.
