Herbaceous (non-woody) perennial plants add year-round interest to any landscape and are popular plants among gardeners.

Though thousands are available, native perennials have a special role in your garden.

A native Pennsylvania plant is one that grew in Pennsylvania before European settlers arrived, as compared to exotic plants which came from other countries after that time.

Because they evolved here, they are well-adapted to the commonwealth’s climate and are generally easy to care for once established.

Many native perennials like less fertile soil and need little or no fertilizer.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to choose native is to preserve Pennsylvania’s biodiversity.

Development is reducing natural areas that shelter native plants. Landscapes that replace natural areas consist mostly of lawns and exotic plants.

Native insects are specialists that feed on three or fewer families of plants.

Insects rely on native plant hosts and cannot eat exotic plants that have become common.

A reduction of native insects means birds have fewer insects to feed their young. That leads to a reduction of bird species.

By planting natives, you can help retain our natural history, beauty and diversity of Penn’s Woods.

Though native plants have home advantage, matching their needs to the growing site is still important.

The soil around many of our homes is not rich topsoil that was there 300 years ago.

Topsoil is often removed prior to home construction and may not be replaced afterwards.

Determine your soil type: heavy clay or silty loam, high or low in organic matter?

Does it tend to dry out quickly after a rainfall or does it hold moisture?

Other factors must also be considered.

Is the site in sun or shade?

How much room does the site allow for perennials to grow to their maximum size without crowding?

Combining plants that grow well in the same habitats will help create healthy, vigorous plantings.

Do your homework and place your plants in the proper environment and you will be rewarded with gardens that thrive with less care.

Spring, early summer and fall are the best times to establish native perennials.

Test your soil before planting and, if needed, amend the nutrients according to the results.

Many natives do not require additional fertilizer and may do poorly in highly-fertilized soil.

Plants that require moist soil high in organic matter will do well if compost is added.

Cultivate the soil to a depth of eight to 10 inches and incorporate soil amendments.

When planting, placing the plant in the hole at the same depth as when it was in the container is important.

If the plant is root-bound, free the root system by gently pulling it apart.

Once the backfill soil is added, water the plant thoroughly.

Additional water may be needed during the growing season until the plant is well established.

If planted in the proper environment, many natives need little or no additional water once established.

In fact, many meadow species may become leggy if the soil is too moist.

A two-inch mulch layer of shredded leaves, shredded bark or compost will help conserve water.

However, be sure to keep the mulch away from the plant stems.

Do not collect plants from the wild.

Collecting plants from the wild causes the depletion of native species and disruption of the ecosystem.

Be sure to purchase plants from a reputable source and purchase only nursery-propagated native plants.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613