Rhode Island Native Plants

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.