Studies show that of all homeowners adding plants to their landscaping, a whole 92% are choosing plants that are native to their region. And if you live in Northern Virginia , with its fertile soil, distinct seasons, and perfect balance of sunshine and rain, you have plenty of natural flora to choose from.
Not sure where to start? Grab your landscaping ideas and supplies and read on to learn about the best trees, flowers, shrubs and bushes to plant in Gainesville this spring.
Trees
While fall is generally considered the best season to plant trees, spring can be a good time to get started, too. Just keep in mind the importance of watering your new trees regularly as the hot summer months approach.
Japanese Maple A Japanese Maple is an excellent choice for your Northern Virginia yard. Known for their striking appearance, their leaves come in a variety of shapes and colors that range from green to orange, red, and purple. Japanese Maples are also relatively simple to take care of; they don’t require regular pruning, cultivating a naturally beautiful shape on their own. These trees will need mulch to protect their roots from extreme temperatures. Just make sure to keep the mulch several inches away from the tree trunk.
Crape Myrtle Also known as the “lilac of the South,” the Crape Myrtle is known for its showy flowers that vary in color from white to deep red and purple. They can also be grown as single- or multi-trunk trees, adding variety and interest to any yard. Like Japanese Maple trees, Crape Myrtles are also low-maintenance, needing only about 30 to 60 minutes of pruning each year.
Sweetbay Magnolia Magnolias are considered by most people the quintessential trees of the South, and the Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana ) is ideal for any Virginia landscape. These trees boast creamy white flowers with a sweet, citrusy fragrance and silvery leaves that shimmer in the breeze. The identifiable cones are made up of a cluster of pink fruit that burst open when ripe.
Flowers
If you’re trying to choose between annuals and perennials, and you’re looking for something low-maintenance, perennials are typically the way to go. Perennial flowers regrow each year while annuals need to be replanted.
Black-eyed Susan Black-eyed Susans are technically short-lived perennials, but because they self-sow, these flowers tend to come back each spring from seed dispersed the year. With their bright yellow blooms, Black-eyed Susans add stunning color to any late-summer garden. They will thrive in any sunny spot that has well-drained soil.
Tickseed These cheerful flowers are named for their rugged, almost tick-like appearance. Blooms are usually yellow or gold, but one species features rose-pink blossoms. Most species are hardy, tolerating droughts, thriving in any soil, and enjoying a long blooming season.
Shrubs and Bushes
What’s the difference between shrubs and bushes? While many people use these terms interchangeably, they’re actually not the same thing. A bush refers to a woody plant without any central stem; they are usually annual. A shrub is also a woody plant, but it is a perennial and has branches that are lower to the ground.
Virginia Sweetspire With fragrant white flowers in the summer and rich red and gold leaves in the fall, this deciduous shrub is a lovely addition to a Virginia yard any time of the year. The Virginia Sweetspire thrives in hot climates as long as it gets watered regularly. Too much shade will mute the plant’s colors and reduce flower production.
Red Twig Dogwood This is another shrub that provides variety and beauty to a landscape all year round. The Red Twig Dogwood boasts blossoms in the spring, variegated leaves in the summer, berries in the fall, and of course, stunningly bright red twigs in the winter. This shrub will tolerate partial shade, but its signature red color will be brightest in full sun.
You’ve got your landscaping supplies, gorgeous spring weather, and a local guide to the ideal trees, flowers, shrubs and bushes to plant in Northern Virginia. So what are you waiting for? Come down to Gateway Home & Garden Center. We’ll be happy to help you find the perfect landscaping and excavating supplies and plants to beautify your yard.