Delaware Native Plants

Did you know that the tiny state of Delaware spans not one but two different hardiness zones and three subzones? That's right! Most of our state falls under zone 7a, but the northern tip falls under 6B, while some areas in southern Delaware are 7b. It's no wonder Delaware has such a diverse range of plants and ecosystems!

Delaware's hardiness zones present a range of climate and weather patterns that can be difficult for plants to adjust to. A late frost, sudden and random cold spells, and salt spray from winter storms can damage even the most resilient vegetation. Luckily for Delaware gardeners, native plants have adapted to Delaware's climate and soil conditions over millennia.

Delaware gardens bring their own distinct set of challenges. Its two main growing regions, the piedmont and the coastal plain, present different soil types and a wide range of drainage levels. The soils in Delaware can range from rich, loamy soil in areas with low rolling hills to sandy soil with a wide drainage range throughout the coastal plain.

To help Delaware gardeners tackle these obstacles, a growing trend has been to seek Delaware native plants for their gardening projects. These natives are hardier in local conditions and have other advantages, such as fewer water requirements, improved pollinator habitat, and decreased need for fertilizer. Delaware gardeners can now find native plants to enhance their garden's natural beauty more easily than ever.

By buying Delaware native plants, you get the best of both worlds: drought tolerance, fewer maintenance requirements, and a greater potential for success in your Delaware garden. Whether it's flowers, trees, or shrubs that you're looking for, plants native to Delaware are available for sale no matter where your garden is in the state!

Plants native to Delaware are an integral part of the local ecosystem, providing food and shelter for native wildlife and contributing to the environment’s overall health.

However, native plant communities are often threatened by development and the introduction of non-native invasive species. As land is developed for housing and other uses, natural habitats are destroyed, leading to the loss of native plant species in affected areas. Invasive species that are not native to the area can also outcompete native plants for resources and can cause significant damage to local ecosystems.

Many strategies can be used to preserve and restore native plant communities in Delaware. These include maintaining natural habitats through conservation projects and land acquisition, removing non-native invasive species, and replanting native species.

Also, educating the public about the importance of native plants and the threats they face can help build support for conservation efforts. By working to conserve and protect native plant communities, we can help ensure that these essential resources are available for future generations to enjoy.

Native plants are critical in supporting local wildlife, including monarch butterflies and other pollinators. These plants have evolved to flourish in the local climate and provide a reliable source of food and shelter for native species. By including native plants in your landscaping, you can help support the world around you and contribute to the environment’s overall health.

Creating a habitat for local wildlife using native plants can be as simple as incorporating a range of plant species into your garden. This can provide food and shelter for various species, from birds and butterflies to small mammals and insects. Perhaps most importantly, using native plants can help attract and support local pollinators, which are essential for the health of many ecosystems.

You can use some techniques to attract and support local wildlife in your garden. Providing a water source, such as a birdbath or pond, can be a great way to attract birds and other animals. And obviously, planting native flowering plants can also provide food for pollinators and other nectar-loving birds and insects.

Finally, providing nest boxes or other structures can encourage local species to make your pollinator garden their home. By supporting local wildlife, you can help create a healthy and diverse ecosystem in your backyard.

Delaware has many unique native plant species that bring diversity to the state's ecosystems. Unfortunately, some non-native plants, when introduced to Delaware's environment, can become invasive and overtake these native species, leading to the destruction of their habitats. That doesn’t mean all non-natives are bad for your garden, though.

Invasive non-natives can potentially decrease Delaware’s native plant diversity, disturb local animal habitats, and alter Delaware's soil conditions. To prevent this, Delaware has enacted laws and regulations to control invasive non-native plants in Delaware and encourages Delawareans to buy Delaware native plants for sale whenever possible.

By bringing local Delaware native plants into your garden or landscaping, you can help protect Delaware’s biodiversity and ensure it remains a beautiful place full of vibrant ecosystems!

The United States is in an urgent state regarding birds and other wild animals. Nearly 3 billion birds have been lost since 1970 due to human behaviors like urban development and using pesticides. This type of loss can lead to wide-reaching ecological impacts if not properly managed.

Taking action by buying plants native to Delaware is one way locals can make a meaningful difference in the well-being of Delaware’s unique environment. Support from Delawareans makes it much easier to create stronger natural habitats for native plants and animals for generations to come.

For example, after the spotted lanternfly - an invasive insect from Southeast Asia - threw Delaware and Pennsylvania into chaos in recent years, Delawareans have gone above and beyond in planting native species for sale to compensate for this new fast-spreading species. While foreign, non-native plants may be attractive, some non-native species can become invasive, crowding out existing native species.

Delaware is known for its lush, picture-perfect lawns, but having an all-grass landscape can be detrimental to Delaware’s ecosystems. Turf grass roots lack the depth of hardier plant varieties and can’t store as much carbon or help retain as much rainwater. To make matters worse, Delaware lawns are often untouched by the native plants that will attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Don't worry! Delaware residents need not sacrifice the lawn aesthetic! Delaware native plants for landscaping can be just as beautiful and far more eco-friendly than grassy lawns. With a promising selection ranging from flowers to shrubs to trees, Delawareans don’t have to look too far to find sturdy plants native to Delaware that thrive in the local environment while boosting sustainability.

Reducing our carbon footprint and creating a hospitable habitat for biodiversity can start in our backyards. Delaware homeowners can begin to adopt sustainable gardening practices by replacing sprawling lawns with gardens filled with native plants, creating a space that is alive with nature's beauty.

We’re big supporters of the anti-lawn movement because its message is too important to ignore. Delaware has many native plants that can be used for landscaping, allowing you to spend less time mowing and more time appreciating your surroundings. As soon as you introduce Delaware native plants into a meadow-like garden, birds will come, guaranteed!

The more native plants you bring to your garden, the more wildlife you’ll have. We believe this trend is the way forward and an essential part of keeping our environment healthy.

Delaware native plants are an important part of Delaware’s history, traditions, and ecology. These plants are adapted to Delaware’s ecosystems allowing them to thrive in our soils and withstand Delaware weather conditions. Plants native to Delaware provide food, shelter, and habitat for wildlife and make excellent additions to any garden or landscaping project.

Whether you’re looking for pollinator-friendly flowers, evergreen native shrubs, or flowering trees, Delaware has plenty of native options to meet your needs. If you want a landscape that is not just beautiful but also ecologically beneficial, then Delaware native plants are an ideal choice.

Delaware native plants provide various benefits when planted in your landscaping. They will make your yard look lush and attractive, and plants native to Delaware are an easy way to make a positive environmental impact.

These plants are hardy, requiring little upkeep and allowing you to reduce the amount of water and maintenance chemicals you would normally need. Additionally, Delaware native plants offer food and shelter for many local species of plants and animals, increasing biodiversity by providing necessary habitat for our local wildlife.

They also help to improve air and water quality by reducing soil erosion and helping filter out pollutants from water runoff. If you want to add color, texture, warmth, and sustainability to your yard this season, plants native to Delaware are a perfect choice!

Yes, we offer various plants that are well-suited to different regions of Delaware. Delaware is home to a rich variety of native plants uniquely suited for successful landscaping projects. Here at Garden for Wildlife, we offer Delaware native plants for landscaping, so you can ensure your garden is full of plants that are adapted to Delaware's climate and topography.

Our easy-to-use ZIP code native plant finder will help you select the perfect Delaware plants for your project! With our selection of plants native to Delaware and our knowledgeable staff, you'll be proud of the results in no time!

Delaware's Bethany Beach firefly is a marvel and one of Delaware's few protected species. In Delaware, it is found primarily in the rare wetland habitats between Delaware dunes along 20 miles of the Delaware coastline — but only in 15 sites. The future of this incredible insect is sadly uncertain due to human-led development and activities, sea level rise, and pesticides.

Sadly, many firefly species across the U.S. are facing alarming declines. However, we can all help give these creatures a fighting chance with action right in Delaware by creating firefly habitats in our gardens, yards, and on porches with plants native to Delaware. Incorporating Delaware native plants into landscaping will attract the fireflies and create nourishing, thriving conditions that help combat the severest threats they face. It is an effortless way to contribute to sustaining Delaware's biodiversity.