Grow a Garden That Belongs Here
Maryland's native plants evolved alongside local pollinators, songbirds, and soil communities for thousands of years. When you plant natives, you're not just gardening — you're restoring habitat. Browse our curated collection of Maryland Native Plants & Seeds and find species suited to every corner of your yard.
Why Plant Native?
Native plants support up to 14× more caterpillar species than ornamental exotics — and caterpillars are the backbone of the food web that feeds nesting birds. Natives also require less water, no fertilizer once established, and zero pesticides when planted in the right conditions. A pollinator garden with even a handful of native species can dramatically increase bee, butterfly, and hummingbird activity on your property.
Shop by Light Condition
☀️ Full Sun (6+ hours direct light)
Open meadows, south- and west-facing borders, and rain gardens. Great for native grasses, coneflowers, milkweeds, and blazing stars that thrive in Maryland's warm summers.
🌤 Part Shade (3–6 hours)
The sweet spot for many Maryland natives. Woodland edges, dappled canopy, and east-facing beds. Coral Honeysuckle, Wild Columbine, and native ferns excel here.
- Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) — A native climbing vine with vivid coral-red tubular flowers that hummingbirds and pollinators can't resist. Zones 4–9. Shop Coral Honeysuckle →
🌑 Shade (under 3 hours direct light)
Dense canopy, north-facing slopes, and shaded courtyards. Native groundcovers and shade perennials fill these challenging spots beautifully.
- Purple Violet (Viola sororia) — A low-growing native perennial with purple-blue spring flowers, perfect for part-shade to full-shade woodland groundcover. Zones 3–8. From $6.00. Shop Purple Violet →
Build a Pollinator Garden
A successful pollinator garden doesn't require a large space — it requires the right plants in sequence. Aim for:
- Bloom succession — choose species that flower from early spring through late fall so there's always a food source available.
- Host plants — include plants that caterpillars eat, not just nectar plants. Violets (Viola spp.) alone host over 30 fritillary butterfly species.
- Structural variety — mix groundcovers, mid-height perennials, and climbing vines to create layered habitat.
- No pesticides — even organic pesticides harm beneficial insects. Let native predators manage pest pressure naturally.