Native Flowers & Shrubs for a Thriving Seattle Garden
Hey neighbors, Mr. Lee here! If you’re looking to add low-maintenance, native plants to your yard, you’re in the right place. Native plants don’t just look beautiful—they also attract wildlife, support local ecosystems, and are naturally adapted to Seattle’s climate.
Here are a few highlights:
- Western Columbine & Red Flowering Currant – Bring in hummingbirds and songbirds.
- Oregon Grape & Salmonberry – Offer edible berries for both wildlife and you!
- Pacific Rhododendron – Our Washington State Flower, a showstopper in any garden.
- Most bloom in spring to early summer, keeping your yard colorful during the best months of the year.
- Low-maintenance options make them great for sustainable landscaping.
Native Plant Comparison Guide
| Plant Name | Type | Description | Blooming Season | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Columbine | Perennial | Nodding red and yellow flowers, attracts hummingbirds. | Spring to Early Summer | Height: 1-3 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 3-5 years |
| Red Flowering Currant | Shrub | Clusters of red flowers, great for birds and pollinators. | Early Spring | Height: 3-9 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 10-15 years |
| Douglas Aster | Perennial | Daisy-like purple-blue flowers, thrives in wet areas. | Summer to Fall | Height: 1-3 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 3-5 years |
| Oregon Grape | Shrub | Evergreen with yellow flowers and blue berries. | Spring | Height: 2-6 ft, Maintenance: Medium, Lifespan: 20-40 years |
| Pacific Bleeding Heart | Perennial | Pink heart-shaped flowers on fern-like foliage. | Spring to Early Summer | Height: 1-2 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 2-3 years |
| Fireweed | Perennial | Tall with pink-purple flowers, grows in disturbed areas. | Summer to Early Fall | Height: 3-8 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 2-5 years |
| Nootka Rose | Shrub | Fragrant pink flowers with red rose hips. | Spring to Early Summer | Height: 3-6 ft, Maintenance: Medium, Lifespan: 10-20 years |
| Broadleaf Lupine | Perennial | Blue-purple spikes, enriches soil with nitrogen. | Late Spring to Early Summer | Height: 2-5 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 2-4 years |
| Western Trillium | Perennial | White flowers turn pink with age. | Early Spring | Height: 1-2 ft, Maintenance: Medium, Lifespan: 7-15 years |
| Coast Penstemon | Perennial | Tall lavender flowers, drought-tolerant. | Late Spring to Summer | Height: 2-3 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 2-5 years |
| Salmonberry | Shrub | Pink flowers and edible orange-red berries. | Spring | Height: 3-15 ft, Maintenance: Medium, Lifespan: 20-30 years |
| Bigleaf Maple | Tree | Showy yellow-green flowers, large fall foliage. | Spring | Height: 50-100 ft, Maintenance: High, Lifespan: 100-200 years |
| Western Pasque Flower | Perennial | Silky purple flowers, fluffy seed heads. | Early Spring | Height: 1-2 ft, Maintenance: Medium, Lifespan: 5-10 years |
| Streambank Lupine | Perennial | Blue to purple spikes, thrives in sandy riverbanks. | Late Spring to Summer | Height: 2-4 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 2-4 years |
| Pacific Rhododendron | Shrub | Large pink blooms, Washington’s state flower. | Spring to Early Summer | Height: 5-25 ft, Maintenance: Medium, Lifespan: 20-40 years |
| Skunk Cabbage | Perennial | Large yellow flowers, thrives in wetlands. | Early Spring | Height: 1-2 ft, Maintenance: Medium, Lifespan: 5-10 years |
| Oceanspray | Shrub | Creamy white flower clusters, attracts pollinators. | Late Spring to Early Summer | Height: 3-15 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 20-30 years |
| Common Camas | Perennial | Blue star-shaped flowers, used as food by Native Americans. | Late Spring to Early Summer | Height: 1-2 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 3-5 years |
| Fire Lily | Perennial | Bright orange-red flowers, found in open forests. | Summer | Height: 1-3 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 3-5 years |
| Vanilla Leaf | Perennial | White flowers with fragrant vanilla-scented leaves. | Spring | Height: 1-2 ft, Maintenance: Low, Lifespan: 5-7 years |
Why Choose Native Plants for Your Yard?
- They thrive in Seattle’s climate – No need for excessive watering or fertilizers.
- Support local wildlife – Birds, bees, and butterflies love them.
- Low-maintenance landscaping – Perfect for busy homeowners who want a beautiful yard without the hassle.
If you’re ready to add native plants to your landscape, I’d love to help! Whether you need planting, design, or regular maintenance, my team is here to make your yard look great and stay easy to care for.
Give me a call, and let’s bring some natural beauty to your outdoor space!
See you in the yard!
— Mr. Lee
