Colorado gardens should include undesirably attractive plants

In the bustling world of nurseries, many native plants may not seem to shine as brightly as their exotic counterparts. This article aims to shed light on why this might be the case and encourage garden enthusiasts to give native plants a chance.

Firstly, the soil texture and composition of nursery potting mixes often differ from the preferences of many native plants. These plants, such as those from the Rockies, High Plains, and Southwest, have only been selectively bred for the past 20 to 40 years, and many are poorly adapted to culture in a pot due to their preference for mineral-dominated soils with little organic matter [1].

In a pot, native plants may exhibit symptoms like yellowing or dropping lower leaves, stunted growth, and reduced air exchange or excessive moisture in the root zone. This is because the restricted root growth and limited soil volume in pots can affect nutrient and water uptake [1].

Nursery cultural practices such as irrigation and pruning, if not precisely tailored for these species, can also negatively impact their container performance despite their hardiness in gardens and natural settings [2]. Moreover, native plants tend to perform better once transplanted into gardens with conditions closer to their natural habitat, where they can fully express their resilience and durability, unlike in the restrictive nursery environment.

Despite their initial appearance, many native plants are worth considering for their long-term benefits. For instance, they are often waterwise, low-maintenance, and beneficial for pollinators, wildlife, and local water supplies. Examples of recently introduced native plants include hyssops (Agastache species), blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), and coral bells (genus Heuchera). Many of the newer introductions of native plants are excellent potted plants [1].

It's essential to remember that the average nursery shopper wants to spend no more than a couple of hours per week on gardening. Given a chance in your garden, most native plants will bounce back within a month or two and require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance [3].

In conclusion, the key reasons why many native and regionally-adapted plants look poorly in nursery pots include restricted root growth and limited soil volume, differences in soil composition and microclimate, nursery cultural practices, and stress from container production conditions [2]. Their poor visual quality in containers does not reflect their true durability and resilience once planted in suitable garden or natural settings.

So, the next time you're shopping for plants, don't write off a plant because it doesn't look "good" on the nursery bench. Look for native and regionally-adapted plants amidst popular exotic plants that may not be suited to life on a shelf. Giving native plants a chance can increase the diversity of plants in your garden and the timing of bud break, foliar growth, bloom, and senescence.

References: [1] "Why Native Plants May Not Look Good in Nurseries." University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/sites/cns/files/310143.pdf [2] "The Native Plant Industry: Challenges and Opportunities." California Native Plant Society. https://www.cnps.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/CNPS-NPI-White-Paper-2019.pdf [3] "Gardening with Native Plants." University of Washington Extension. https://extension.wsu.edu/gardening/gardening-with-native-plants/

Embracing native plants can contribute positively to one's lifestyle, as they are often low-maintenance and offer benefits such as water conservation and support for local wildlife, making them ideal for the home-and-garden enthusiast seeking a sustainable lifestyle.
At events promoting gardening and horticulture, it's crucial to appreciate the unique merits of native species, like their ability to thrive in their natural climate and their contributions to ecosystem health, beyond their initial appearance in pots.
As one learns more about native plants and their growth requirements, it becomes clear that their long-term health and vitality make them an attractive choice for those who wish to cultivate a garden that is both beautiful and beneficial for the environment.