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All-Star Native Plants for Sun and Shade
Great for Boulevards, Pollinator Gardens and Rain Gardens!

We recommend these guidelines for boulevard gardens:
When choosing plants for harsh streetside conditions, look for...
  • drought /salt tolerance: deep roots; narrow leaves, silvery and/or hairy leaves
  • species under 1 meter in height; no thorns or sharp leaves
  • native species indigenous to your local area
  • species that are pollen- and nectar-rich to benefit pollinators
  • species that are larval hosts for butterflies, moths and other beneficial insects
  • species adapted to thrive in existing soil (clay/loam/sand)​ and pH (acidic, alkaline)

Native plant species vary in their light preferences. It is important to select plants best adapted to available light conditions:

  • Full sun – plants require at least 6 hours of direct, late-morning/afternoon sun

  • Partial shade – plants need 3 to 6 hours of morning or afternoon sun, but should be shaded from the hot, midday sun.

  • Full shade – plants can thrive with less than 3 hours of sun. 

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Species below are coded by recommended habitat:

A - BEST FOR BOULEVARDS (low height, drought- and salt-tolerant, infertile soil)

B - BEST FOR SUNNY AREAS (various heights, dry-average soil moisture)

C - BEST FOR SUN/PART SHADE AREAS (various heights, dry-average soil moisture) 

D - BEST FOR SHADE/WOODLAND GARDENS (average-moist rich organic soil)

E - BEST FOR SUNNY DAMP AREAS AND RAIN GARDENS (moist-wet soil)

Blooming Boulevards​ uses locally-sourced seeds of native perennials for our boulevard pollinator gardens whenever possible. Most withstand drought and salt.

 

The wide variety of plant species we grow may vary slightly from year to year, but all are included in those listed below. 

PLANTS ARE LISTED IN ORDER OF BLOOM TIME, SPRING TO FALL.

Please hover and click on image to see species name, info and helpful link.

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