Spring has arrived in Salt Lake County, Utah, and you are ready to transform your garden into a colorful oasis of native plants. Where should you start? Look no further than this playful guide to the top 10 native plants for your spring garden, complete with tips on why native plants are a fantastic choice, how to prepare your garden for their arrival, and how to care for them once they’ve taken root.

Why Choose Native Plants for Your Spring Garden

Native plants are more than just a trendy garden choice; they’re a smart and sustainable way to nourish your yard and the surrounding ecosystem. Below, we dig into the benefits of native plants, including their hardy nature, ability to support local wildlife, and their knack for low-maintenance gardening.

Benefits of Native Plants

Native plants are perfectly adapted to their surroundings, thanks to thousands of years of evolution. As a result, they require less water, fertilizer, and overall care, which translates to time and money savings for you. Plus, native plants are highly resistant to pests and diseases that afflict non-native species, reducing or eliminating the need for harsh chemicals in your garden.

Supporting Local Ecosystems

Along with their low-maintenance charm, native plants play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, providing food and shelter for birds, butterflies, bees, and other vital pollinators. Planting a native garden not only brings vibrant colors and fragrances to your yard but helps create a healthy, thriving ecosystem that benefits your entire community.

Low-Maintenance Gardening

Lastly, growing native plants in your Salt Lake County garden keeps maintenance to a minimum. These plants have learned to thrive in Utah’s unique climate and soil type, which means you’ll spend less time fretting over their wellbeing and more time enjoying the colorful fruits of their growth. Now that’s a gardening win-win!

Preparing Your Garden for Native Plants

So you’re convinced that native plants are the way to go, but how do you prepare your garden for their arrival? Fear not, green-thumbed friend! We’ve compiled a list of essential steps to pave the way towards your dream native garden.

Assessing Your Garden’s Conditions

First, take a good look at your garden’s current setup. Observe sunlight patterns, moisture levels, and soil composition. Native plants have specific requirements, so ensuring that your garden provides the right type of environment will set the stage for a healthy, flourishing landscape.

Choosing the Right Soil

Utah’s native plants thrive in various soil types, so it’s important to match your garden’s soil to the plants you plan to grow. Some may prefer rocky, well-drained soil, while others flourish in rich, moist environments. Do your research or consult with a local expert to ensure your garden’s soil meets the needs of your selected plants.

Proper Plant Spacing and Arrangement

Lastly, consider the spacing and placement of your native plants. Many of these species require room to grow and spread, so providing ample space between plants encourages healthy growth patterns. Also, aim for a natural, visually appealing arrangement to create a stunning garden display that both you and your local pollinators will adore.

Top 10 Native Plants for Your Salt Lake County Spring Garden

Without further ado, let’s explore the top 10 native plants perfect for your Salt Lake County spring garden. These tried-and-true favorites are sure to dazzle in your Utah landscape, offering a gorgeous mix of colors, textures, and growth habits.

#1 Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus)

Rocky Mountain Penstemon is a perennial plant that is native to the Rocky Mountains, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has spikes of bright blue flowers in the early summer that attract bees and hummingbirds.

Tips for Planting

When planting Rocky Mountain Penstemon, make sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ideal light: Rocky Mountain Penstemon prefers full sun to partial shade.

Ideal soil: Rocky Mountain Penstemon prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soils.

Ideal watering conditions: Water Rocky Mountain Penstemon regularly during the growing season, but make sure not to overwater. The plant can tolerate some drought, but it will do best with consistent moisture.

Learn more about Rocky Mountain Penstemon here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEST3

#2 Utah Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)

Utah Serviceberry is a deciduous shrub that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 20 feet tall and has clusters of white flowers in the early spring that give way to edible berries in the summer.

Tips for Planting

When planting Utah Serviceberry, make sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ideal light: Utah Serviceberry prefers full sun to partial shade.

Ideal soil: Utah Serviceberry prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soils.

Ideal watering conditions: Water Utah Serviceberry regularly during the growing season, but make sure not to overwater. The plant can tolerate some drought, but it will do best with consistent moisture.

Learn more about Utah Serviceberry here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AMUT2

#3 Yellow Columbine (Aquilegia flavescens)

Yellow Columbine is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has yellow and red flowers in the late spring and early summer that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Tips for Planting

When planting Yellow Columbine, make sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Plant the root ball just below the soil surface and water thoroughly after planting.

Ideal light: Yellow Columbine prefers partial to full shade.

Ideal soil: Yellow Columbine prefers well-drained, moist soil that is rich in organic matter.

Ideal watering conditions: Water Yellow Columbine regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Learn more about Yellow Columbine here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AQFL

#4 Utah Yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis)

Utah Yarrow is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 2 feet tall and has clusters of small white or pink flowers in the early summer that attract bees and butterflies.

Tips for Planting

When planting Utah Yarrow, make sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ideal light: Utah Yarrow prefers full sun.

Ideal soil: Utah Yarrow prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soils.

Ideal watering conditions: Water Utah Yarrow regularly during the growing season, but make sure not to overwater. The plant can tolerate some drought, but it will do best with consistent moisture.

Learn more about Utah Yarrow here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACMI4

#5 Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)

Firecracker Penstemon is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 2 feet tall and has bright red tubular flowers in the early summer that attract hummingbirds.

Tips for Planting

When planting Firecracker Penstemon, make sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ideal light: Firecracker Penstemon prefers full sun.

Ideal soil: Firecracker Penstemon prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soils.

Ideal watering conditions: Water Firecracker Penstemon regularly during the growing season, but make sure not to overwater. The plant can tolerate some drought, but it will do best with consistent moisture.

Learn more about Firecracker Penstemon here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PEEA

#6 Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata)

Scarlet Gilia is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has bright red trumpet-shaped flowers in the early summer that attract hummingbirds.

Tips for Planting

When planting Scarlet Gilia, make sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Ideal light: Scarlet Gilia prefers full sun.

Ideal soil: Scarlet Gilia prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soils.

Ideal watering conditions: Water Scarlet Gilia regularly during the growing season, but make sure not to overwater. The plant can tolerate some drought, but it will do best with consistent moisture.

Learn more about Scarlet Gilia here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=IPAG

#7 Sand Verbena (Abronia fragrans)

Sand Verbena is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 1 foot tall and has clusters of pink or lavender flowers in the early summer that attract butterflies.

Tips for Planting

When planting Sand Verbena, make sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Plant the root ball just below the soil surface and water thoroughly after planting.

Ideal light: Sand Verbena prefers full sun.

Ideal soil: Sand Verbena prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soils.

Ideal watering conditions: Water Sand Verbena regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Learn more about Sand Verbena here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ABFR

#8 Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

Blue Flax is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 2 feet tall and has blue flowers in the early summer that attract bees and butterflies.

Tips for Planting

When planting Blue Flax, make sure to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Plant the root ball just below the soil surface and water thoroughly after planting.

Ideal light: Blue Flax prefers full sun.

Ideal soil: Blue Flax prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soils.

Ideal watering conditions: Water Blue Flax regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Learn more about Blue Flax here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LILE2 

#9 Utah Agave (Agave utahensis)

Utah Agave is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 2 feet tall and has blue-green leaves that form a rosette. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is suitable for xeriscaping.

Tips for Planting

When planting Utah Agave, make sure to dig a hole that is at least as wide as the root ball. Add sand or gravel to the soil to improve drainage, as Utah Agave prefers dry soil. Water thoroughly after planting and do not water again until the soil is dry.

Ideal light: Utah Agave prefers full sun.

Ideal soil: Utah Agave prefers well-drained soil that is low in organic matter.

Ideal watering conditions: Utah Agave is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. Water only when the soil is dry.

Learn more about Utah Agave here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=AGUT 

#10 Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

Big Sagebrush is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States, including Salt Lake County, Utah. It grows up to 8 feet tall and has gray-green leaves that are aromatic. It is a drought-tolerant plant that is suitable for xeriscaping.

Tips for Planting

When planting Big Sagebrush, make sure to dig a hole that is at least as wide as the root ball. Add sand or gravel to the soil to improve drainage, as Big Sagebrush prefers dry soil. Water thoroughly after planting and do not water again until the soil is dry.

Ideal light: Big Sagebrush prefers full sun.

Ideal soil: Big Sagebrush prefers well-drained soil that is low in organic matter.

Ideal watering conditions: Big Sagebrush is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering. Water only when the soil is dry.

Learn more about Big Sagebrush here: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ARTR 

Caring for Your Native Plants

Now that your garden is brimming with gorgeous native plants, how do you keep them healthy and happy? Let’s dive into some essential care tips, including watering requirements, pruning suggestions, and pest control strategies.

Watering Requirements

Each native plant has unique watering needs based on its natural habitat. Generally, highly adapted desert plants like Four O’Clock and Penstemon will require minimal watering once established, while others may need a more consistent moisture source. To ensure proper care, familiarize yourself with each plant’s preferences and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Pruning and Maintenance Tips

Pruning is an essential step to maintaining the health, beauty, and longevity of your native plants. Regularly remove dead or damaged branches, shape plants to encourage proper growth, and promote flowering by cutting back spent blooms. It’s also essential to manage weeds and other invasive species, as they can compete with your native plants for resources.

Pest Control and Disease Prevention

When it comes to managing pests and diseases, remember that prevention is key. Choose disease-resistant varieties, avoid overcrowding plants (which can promote fungal growth), and keep an eye out for signs of infestation. Knowing the natural predators and remedies for common pests can help you address small issues before they become a full-scale problem.

With this playful guide to native plants, you’re now equipped to create a lush and vibrant spring garden that incorporates the best of Salt Lake County’s native flora. Not only will your green haven provide a sanctuary for local wildlife, but it will delight the senses with its colorful blooms, fragrant blossoms, and low-maintenance appeal. Happy gardening!