Native Plants / United Kingdom
United Kingdom
United Kingdom Native Plants
A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers, and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.
Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow)
Achillea millefolium (White Yarrow) is a graceful perennial wildflower that produces an abundance of huge, flat clusters, 5 in. across (12 cm), packed with 20-25 creamy-white flowers.
Alisma plantago-aquatica (European Water Plantain)
Alisma plantago-aquatica (European Water Plantain) is a robust aquatic perennial forming rosettes of long-stalked, lance-shaped, gray-green leaves to 12 in. in length (30 cm), often splashed with purple. In late spring and throughout the summer, very fragrant, forked, white to very pale pink flowers with rounded tips and smooth or jagged edges, are borne in tall panicles. There are arranged in whorls that form large conical-shaped clouds of white or pink. The long-lasting flowers provide a focal point that gives the pond depth and interest.
Allium ursinum (Wild Garlic)
More tolerant of part shade conditions than most Alliums, Allium ursinum (Wild Garlic) is a vigorous, bulbous perennial with loose umbels, 2 in. across (5 cm), counting up to 20 star-shaped white flowers. The blossoms are borne on erect, leafless stems and rise above pairs of elliptic, linear, deep green basal leaves. If bruised or crushed, the foliage exudes a strong onion or garlic aroma.
Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine)
Native to Europe, Aquilegia Vulgaris, known as Columbine has escaped gardens and naturalized in parts of North America. Bushy and clump-forming, this attractive perennial has delicate blossoms in shades of blue, violet, pink, or white with spreading sepals and short-hooked spurs. They rise with natural grace in a mound of thin, leafy stems in late spring to early summer.
Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)
Noted for its remarkable flowers, fruit, leaves, and bark, Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) is a charming, broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree with four-season ornamental interest. From fall to midwinter, a profusion of drooping clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers hang at the tip of the branches. Pollinated by bees, the round, 1 in. fruits (2.5 cm) appear in winter and gradually ripen to yellow to red in twelve months. They are often in color when the new attractive flowers begin to bloom in fall.
Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift)
Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) is a compact, evergreen perennial boasting round clusters of pink to lavender (or sometimes white) flowers borne atop slender stalks that rise well above the foliage. Blooming profusely in mid to late spring, sporadic additional flowering may occur throughout the summer.
Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger)
Asarum europaeum (European Wild Ginger) is a slowly spreading ground cover that is primarily grown for its glossy, leathery, heart-shaped, dark green leaves (to 3 in across - 7 cm) which remain evergreen in mild winters. Small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer but are usually unnoticed since covered by the dense foliage.
Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
Betula pendula, commonly called silver birch or European white birch, is a graceful medium-sized tree with slender pendulous branches and attractive bark. Golden brown on twigs and young branches, the bark matures to silvery white with black clefts.
Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush)
Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush) is a rush-like perennial with erect or floating, very long, grassy leaves, up to 3 ft. (90 cm) or more. In summer, large umbels of fragrant, rosy-pink flowers, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm), are borne on stiff stems. The delicate blossoms are pollinated by bees, flies, and lepidopterans. They are followed by beaked fruits which split at maturity to release the seeds.
Buxus microphylla 'Faulkner' (Small-Leaved Boxwood)
Award-winning Buxus microphylla 'Faulkner' (Small-Leaved Boxwood) is a dense, compact, evergreen shrub with a lush foliage of small, rounded, dark bluish green, glossy leaves. The foliage retains its rich color most of the year, becoming bronze-tinged in cold winter weather.
Calamintha nepeta (Lesser Calamint)
Noted for its clouds of delicate flowers, Calamintha nepeta (Lesser Calaminth) is a compact, bushy, rhizomatous perennial with loose clusters of tiny, tubular, two-lipped white or pale lilac flowers. Flowering from late summer until frost, the luminous blossoms are borne on upright stems clad with aromatic, semi-evergreen, ovate gray-green leaves.
Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Torch' (Heather)
Named after the glimmering color of its new spring growth, Calluna vulgaris 'Spring Torch' (Heather) will offer you a fabulous color show all year round. First, its bright, mid-green spring leaves are profusely tipped with yellow, pink, and dark red. They will gradually deepen to rich, dark green in early summer before being covered in late summer and early fall (Aug-Oct) by masses of mauve flower spikes.
Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold)
Awakening the pond in spring, Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial prized for its clusters of brilliant yellow flowers, up to 2 in. (5 cm), resembling buttercups.
Calystegia soldanella (Beach Morning Glory)
Noted for its showy flowers and interesting foliage, Calystegia soldanella (Beach Morning Glory) is a trailing perennial vine with upward-facing, trumpet-shaped, delicate pink to bright lavender flowers. Blooming from mid-spring to fall, the flowers are large, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), and adorned with 5 white stripes and a golden center. Attractive to bees, butterflies and moths, they are insect-pollinated.
Campanula glomerata 'Caroline' (Clustered Bellflower)
Award-winner Campanula glomerata 'Caroline' (Clustered Bellflower) is a spreading perennial with upward facing, bell-shaped, shell pink to lavender flowers held in dense clusters, 5 in. across (12 cm). Blooming mostly from late spring to early summer, the flowers are borne atop sturdy leafy stems above a slowly spreading rosette of heart-shaped soft green leaves.
