Landscaping is a valuable investment that can significantly enhance a property’s curb appeal and increase its market value by up to 15%. A well-designed landscape not only makes a home more attractive but also provides functional outdoor spaces, improving the overall livability and appeal to potential buyers.
Planting native plants in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) supports local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for native pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects. Additionally, native plants are adapted to the region’s soil, climate, and rainfall patterns, making them more resilient and easier to maintain than non-native species.
1. Red-Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)
This deciduous shrub is a favorite for its vibrant pink to red blooms in early spring, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators alike. It grows best in well-drained soil and can reach up to 10 feet in height, though it’s easily managed to fit garden spaces. Red-flowering currant is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance addition that brings bold color and lively wildlife activity to any PNW landscape.
•Ideal Location: Part sun to full sun
•Water Needs: Low to moderate
•Seasonal Interest: Spring blossoms, summer berries, and autumn foliage
•Planting Time: Plant in early fall to allow roots to establish before winter, or in early spring.
•Care: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Water sparingly once established, as the plant is drought-resistant.
2. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub with spiky, holly-like leaves that deepen from green to burgundy in winter. Bright yellow flowers appear in early spring, followed by clusters of edible, blue-purple berries. These berries are perfect for attracting birds and can also be used to make jams. Oregon grape thrives in shaded, dry areas, and is a hardy choice for creating privacy hedges or as a beautiful ground cover.
•Ideal Location: Full shade to part shade
•Water Needs: Low, drought-resistant
•Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage, yellow flowers, blue berries
•Planting Time: Plant in early fall or spring for best results.
•Care: Minimal pruning is needed, but occasional shaping and deadheading can encourage healthy growth. Water occasionally during dry spells in the first year, then reduce watering once the plant is established.
3. Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
Also known as Bearberry, Kinnikinnick is a low-growing, spreading ground cover with leathery, evergreen leaves and small pinkish-white flowers in spring. Red berries appear in the fall, providing food for wildlife through winter. This plant is especially useful in rock gardens, along borders, and for erosion control, as it forms dense mats. It’s exceptionally low-maintenance and grows best in sandy, well-drained soils.
•Ideal Location: Full sun to light shade
•Water Needs: Low, drought-tolerant once established
•Seasonal Interest: Evergreen leaves, spring flowers, autumn berries
•Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall to help establish strong roots.
•Care: Water during dry spells for the first year, but once established, it needs very little additional water. Prune any dead or diseased areas in early spring to maintain health.
4. Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)
Sword ferns are a lush, evergreen staple in PNW landscaping, growing up to four feet in height and bringing a timeless woodland aesthetic to shady spots. Their arching fronds add texture and depth to garden spaces, and they’re well-suited to moist, forest-like settings. Sword ferns are highly resilient, needing minimal care once established, and they’re perfect for creating a lush, natural look in both modern and traditional gardens.
•Ideal Location: Full shade to part shade
•Water Needs: Moderate to low once established
•Seasonal Interest: Evergreen fronds year-round
•Planting Time: Plant in spring or early fall.
•Care: Keep soil moist, especially in the first year, and add mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Prune dead fronds in late winter or early spring to allow room for new growth.
5. Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum)
This iconic flowering shrub is the state flower of Washington and a show-stopper in PNW landscapes. With large, leathery leaves and stunning clusters of pink to lavender flowers in late spring, the Pacific rhododendron is perfect for adding a pop of color to shaded garden spaces. This shrub grows well in acidic soils and is a great choice for naturalizing wooded areas or as an ornamental feature.
•Ideal Location: Part shade to full shade
•Water Needs: Moderate; mulch to retain moisture
•Seasonal Interest: Spring blooms and evergreen foliage
•Planting Time: Plant in early spring or fall, when the soil is moist but not frozen.
•Care: Water regularly, especially in dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or weak branches, and consider adding an acidic mulch to help maintain soil pH.
