Here at Let’s Argue About Plants we’re big fans of native plants. Our gardens are filled with them and for good reason: native plants are essential to the preservation and health of the local ecology. Aside from their benefits to the environment, many native plants are built to thrive in the conditions where you live, too. Today, we’re talking about native alternatives to certain less-desirable plants. These undesirables might be invasive, or spread obnoxiously, or perhaps they are just prone to certain insects and diseases. Instead, we’ll give you a native plant that is a far superior option. And, don’t be fooled by our Connecticut location, we feature plants suitable for locales outside of the Northeast.
Expert testimony: Ulrich Lorimer is the director of horticulture for the Native Plant Trust in Framingham, MA.
Danielle’s Plants
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Eastern thimbleberry (Rubus odoratus, Zones 3-8)
In place of: Butterbur (Petasites japonicus, Zones 5-9)
Trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens, 4-9)
In place of: Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans, Zones 4-9)
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Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Zones 2-6)
In place of: Rock cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis, Zones 4-7)
Carol’s Plants
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‘Amethyst Falls’ American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’, Zones 5-9)
In place of: Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis, Zones 5-8) or Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda, Zones 4-9)
Ginger Wine® ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘SMNPOBLR’, Zones 3-7)
In place of: Burning bush (Euonymus alatus, Zones 4-9)
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Undaunted® ruby muhly grass (Muhlenbergia reverchonii ‘PUND01S’, Zones 5-9)
In place of: Crimson fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus syn. Pennisetum setaceum, Zones 9-11) or similar seedy, non-native species
Expert’s Plants
Ulrich Lorimer is the director of horticulture for the Native Plant Trust in Framingham, MA.
Mapleleaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium, Zones 4-8)
In place of: Burning bush (Euonymus alatus, Zones 4-8)
Downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea, Zones 4-9)
In place of: Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana, Zones 5-9)
Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii, Zones 4-9)
In place of: Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis, Zones 4-9)