Plant now for fall and next spring! Live shipping will end soon.








Rhode Island Native Plants
Rhode Island is a state with a rich history and beautiful landscape. Planting native plant species in Rhode Island is a great way to support the biodiversity of the state, its wildlife, and its environment. Rhode Island native plants have adapted to the natural conditions of the state and are better equipped to thrive in the local environment than non-native plants.
This makes them a great choice for gardeners and landscapers looking to create a sustainable, healthy environment.
Not sure if these are the right native plants for your garden? Try using our native plant finder by ZIP code. Not in Rhode Island? Then you can shop by state instead!
Orange Butterfly Milkweed Plant Sets (I)
- Regular Price
- from $42.00
- Sale Price
- from $42.00
- Regular Price
-
$42.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Monarch Munchables 6-Plant Collection
- Regular Price
- $68.00
- Sale Price
- $68.00
- Regular Price
-
$68.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Hummingbird Heroes Plant Collections (I)
- Regular Price
- from $68.00
- Sale Price
- from $68.00
- Regular Price
-
$68.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Swamp Milkweed Plant Sets
- Regular Price
- from $42.00
- Sale Price
- from $42.00
- Regular Price
-
$42.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Pollinator Power Plant Collections (I)
- Regular Price
- from $68.00
- Sale Price
- from $68.00
- Regular Price
-
$68.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Spring Bee Buffet 6-Plant Collection
- Regular Price
- $68.00
- Sale Price
- $68.00
- Regular Price
-
$68.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Merry Monarchs Plant Collections (I)
- Regular Price
- from $108.00
- Sale Price
- from $108.00
- Regular Price
-
$108.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Pollinator Picnic Plant Collections (I)
- Regular Price
- from $108.00
- Sale Price
- from $108.00
- Regular Price
-
$108.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Whorled Milkweed Plant Sets
- Regular Price
- from $42.00
- Sale Price
- from $42.00
- Regular Price
-
$42.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Grayleaf Goldenrod Plant Sets
- Regular Price
- from $42.00
- Sale Price
- from $42.00
- Regular Price
-
$42.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Garden For Wildlife E-Gift Card
- Regular Price
- from $35.00
- Sale Price
- from $35.00
- Regular Price
-
- Unit Price
- /per
Little Bluestem Grass Plant Sets
- Regular Price
- from $42.00
- Sale Price
- from $42.00
- Regular Price
-
$42.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Hummingbird Haven Plant Collections (I)
- Regular Price
- from $108.00
- Sale Price
- from $108.00
- Regular Price
-
$108.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Fragrant Power Flowers 6-Plant Collection
- Regular Price
- $68.00
- Sale Price
- $68.00
- Regular Price
-
$68.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Carolina Rose Shrub
- Regular Price
- $69.00
- Sale Price
- $69.00
- Regular Price
-
$69.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Pink Azalea Shrub (Pinxterbloom Azalea)
- Regular Price
- $69.00
- Sale Price
- $69.00
- Regular Price
-
$69.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Rain Garden 12-Plant Collection
- Regular Price
- $108.00
- Sale Price
- $108.00
- Regular Price
-
$108.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Purple Lovegrass Plant Sets
- Regular Price
- from $42.00
- Sale Price
- from $42.00
- Regular Price
-
$42.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Monarch Munchables 18-Plant Collection
- Regular Price
- $148.00
- Sale Price
- $148.00
- Regular Price
-
$148.00
- Unit Price
- /per
Swamp Azalea Shrub
- Regular Price
- $69.00
- Sale Price
- $69.00
- Regular Price
-
$69.00
- Unit Price
- /per








Why should I plant Rhode Island native plants in my garden?
Rhode Island is an incredibly beautiful state with a diverse landscape — from coastal beaches and rolling hills to deep forests, so it’s important to buy native plants for Rhode Island for many reasons. First and foremost, native plants are better suited to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they are more likely to thrive and generally require less maintenance and watering than non-native plants.
Additionally, Rhode Island native plants are an important food source for local wildlife. Many species of birds, insects, and other animals have evolved to rely on native plants for their survival, and the loss of these plants can have a detrimental impact on the local ecosystem. Even a barren lawn, devoid of food and shelter for local pollinators and other wildlife, can harm the local ecosystem. That’s why there’s been a rise in the anti-lawn movement in Rhode Island and across the country.
Growing Rhode Island native plants can also help to preserve the state's natural heritage and biodiversity. Many native plant species are rare or endangered, and by growing them in your garden, you can help to ensure their continued survival.
Finally, growing native plants can provide aesthetic benefits. Rhode Island native plants are well-adapted to the local environment and can add beauty and interest to your pollinator garden. They can also help to create a sense of place and connection to the natural environment.
Native plants and Rhode Island’s rich ecosystem
Rhode Island is a small state in the northeastern United States, but it has a rich and diverse ecosystem. The state is home to an incredible array of Rhode Island native plants, making it an ideal destination for landscaping or gardening enthusiasts.
Rhode Island’s coastal marshes and beaches provide the perfect environment for salt-tolerant species, while Rhode Island’s rolling hills support beautiful red maples and sugar maples that make up lush forests throughout the region.
If you’re looking to buy native plants for Rhode Island, it’s never been easier. Simply browse our collections of Rhode Island native plants for sale above. Alternatively, you can find native plant collections based entirely on your ZIP code.
So whether you’re a Rhode Island native or have moved from out-of-state, adding some of these unique Rhode Island plants to your garden will add beauty and help ensure everyone can continue to experience the state’s incredible ecosystem.
Due to its wide array of flora and fauna, Rhode Island's rich landscape is recognized as one of the most important areas in the country for species conservation. Rhode Island native plants form the basis of this vibrant ecosystem, and so their preservation is a top priority.
Can I pick wild native plants In Rhode Island?
It is never a good idea to collect wild Rhode Island native plants without permission. In fact, it is illegal to dig up or pick any plant that is not on your own property or on a property where you don't have written permission from the landowner.
Not only is it illegal in Rhode Island to collect plants from public or private lands without permission, but it is also detrimental to the local environment. Many Rhode Island native plant species are rare or endangered, and removing them from their natural habitat can harm the overall health of the ecosystem. These endangered plants are illegal to harvest in the wild. Additionally, native plants are an important food source for local wildlife, and removing them can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
It is always best to respect the natural environment and avoid collecting plants from the wild. If you want to include native plants in your garden, simply browse our collections and buy native plants for Rhode Island. This will not only ensure that you are obtaining healthy, viable plants, but it will also support conservation efforts and help to preserve the native plant species of Rhode Island.
Is it easy to maintain a garden in Rhode Island?
Maintaining a garden in Rhode Island can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The state has a diverse climate and geography, with coastal lowlands and rolling hills in the north and west. The average temperature across the state is around 50 degrees, with warm summers and cool winters. However, the state is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which can make gardening difficult.
To make gardening easier, it is important to buy Rhode Island native plants for your garden, as these are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Additionally, it is important to consider the specific conditions of your garden, such as its exposure to sun, wind, and moisture, and choose plants that will thrive in those conditions.
The good news is that Rhode Island is home to an amazing range of native plant species, so it’s never been easier to find Rhode Island native plants for sale that will add that touch of color and life to your garden. Overall, maintaining a garden in Rhode Island requires some knowledge and planning, but with the right plants and proper care, it can be a beautiful and rewarding experience.
Rhode Island native plants FAQs
Rhode Island is located in gardening zone 6a, with an average minimum winter temperature of -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some parts of Rhode Island also touch on being in 5b and 7a. This means that most plants that are hardy to zone 6a will be able to survive the winter in Rhode Island, although some protection may be necessary for particularly sensitive plants.
It is important to consider the specific microclimate of your garden when you buy native plants for Rhode Island. For example, gardens in sheltered areas near the coast may have a slightly milder climate than inland gardens, and this can affect the types of plants that will thrive. It is always best to choose plants that are well-suited to the local conditions to ensure their success.
You should also consider how much sunlight your garden gets every day, as the relationship between plants and sunlight is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to maintaining a healthy garden.
Yes, growing native plants in Rhode Island can help to conserve water as they are better suited to the local growing conditions. Rhode Island native plants are adapted to the state's humid climate and require less water to thrive than non-native plants. This means that they are less likely to need frequent watering, which can help to conserve water.
In addition to requiring less watering, native plants are often more drought-tolerant than non-native plants. This means that they can survive for longer periods without water, which can help to conserve water during times of drought. Your Rhode Island native plants can also help to improve the overall health of the soil, which can help to retain moisture and reduce the need for watering.
Many pollinator species in Rhode Island, including bees and butterflies, benefit from the presence of native plants in a garden. Native plants are an important food source for these pollinators, providing them with the nectar and pollen they need to survive. In turn, pollinators play a crucial role in the health of the ecosystem, as they help to pollinate flowering plants and support the reproduction of many species of plants.
Some of the most important native plant species for pollinators in Rhode Island include flowering shrubs like the Pink Azalea or the always magnificent Grayleaf Goldenrod. These plants produce abundant nectar and pollen, which can attract a wide variety of pollinators to your garden.
Another important Rhode Island native plant for pollinators is milkweed, which we’ll be looking at in more depth next. The important thing to remember is that by including these plants in your garden, you can help to support the local pollinator population and contribute to the health of the ecosystem.
Monarch butterflies are an important pollinator species in Rhode Island, and they rely on native plants for their survival. Monarch butterflies and milkweed go hand in hand, as the butterflies feed on the nectar and pollen of milkweed. So this is one Rhode Island native plant that you should prioritize having in your garden.
Unfortunately, monarch butterflies are in steep decline due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss, the use of pesticides, and the continuing popularity of bland lawns. By growing native plants in your garden, you can provide important food and habitat for monarch butterflies and help to support their population.
Buying native plants from Garden for Wildlife is the best way to ensure that you are getting healthy, viable plants that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. By purchasing our Rhode Island native plants and plant collections, you can support conservation efforts and contribute to the preservation of the state's natural heritage.
When planting Rhode Island native plants, it is important to follow proper planting and care instructions. This will include choosing the right location for the plant and providing the plant with adequate water and sunlight. It is also important to consider the mature size of the plant and its specific growing requirements in the state.
According to the Invasive Species Act of 1996, invasive non-native plants are species that are not native to an area and can cause harm to the local ecosystem. In Rhode Island, Japanese barberry is one of the most common non-native invasive plant species. Japanese barberry is native to Asia, but it has been introduced to many areas of the United States, including Rhode Island, where it has become invasive.
Japanese barberry is a shrub that can grow up to six feet tall and spreads rapidly, forming dense thickets that can crowd out native plants and reduce biodiversity. The shrub is also highly resistant to pests and diseases, which allows it to outcompete Rhode Island native plants for resources.
Invasive non-native plant species like Japanese barberry can have a significant impact on the local ecosystem, reducing habitat for native species and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. While not all non-natives are bad for Rhode Island’s environment, 42% of threatened or endangered native species are at risk due to non-native invasive species.
Unfortunately, Rhode Island is the only state in New England that doesn’t have a dedicated list of banned or identified land-based non-native invasive species (it does have a list of aquatic invasive species, however). This means that it is important for gardeners to be aware of the potential impacts of non-native invasive plants and to avoid planting them in their gardens. Instead, gardeners should consider growing Rhode Island native plants, which are better suited to the local ecosystem and can help to support biodiversity.
You Also Viewed
Find out what's blooming.
Sign up for updates on new releases, sales, plant care tips, and more.