Picture this: you’re relaxing on your deck with a cup of coffee, surrounded by greenery that thrives without constant watering, fertilizing, or fuss. No dead plants to replace. No mystery pests are eating everything. Just beautiful, vibrant native plants that know exactly how to survive where you live.
That’s the power of going native when it comes to deck landscaping.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to upgrade your current setup, using native plants for deck landscaping is one of the smartest, easiest, and most eco-friendly decisions you can make. They’re built to thrive in your local climate, they don’t need much help, and they attract all the good stuff like butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial bugs, while deterring many of the bad ones.
Let’s break it all down and help you design a space that’s stunning, sustainable, and way less work.
Why Native Plants Are Ideal for Deck Landscaping
If you’ve ever struggled to keep plants alive on your deck, trust us, you’re not alone. Between the sun, wind, and limited soil in containers, it can be a tough environment. But native plants? They’re used to these conditions.
Here’s why native plants just make sense for deck landscaping:
- They’re low-maintenance. Once established, they require little watering or fertilizing.
- They’re resilient. They’ve adapted over time to handle local pests, diseases, and climate shifts.
- They support local ecosystems. Native plants provide food and shelter for local pollinators and birds.
- They’re beautiful. From delicate blooms to striking foliage, there’s no shortage of aesthetic value.
Whether your deck gets full sun, partial shade, or somewhere in between, there’s a native plant that’s right for your setup.
Key Considerations Before Planting
Before you grab your gardening gloves, take a moment to consider a few things:
Sunlight
How much direct sun does your deck get? This will determine which plants will thrive.
- Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
- Part Sun/Shade: 3–6 hours
- Full Shade: Less than 3 hours
Containers vs. Beds
Are your plants going in containers on the deck itself, or are you landscaping around it in beds? This affects drainage, root space, and moisture levels.
Water Access
If you’re using pots, you’ll need to water more frequently unless you pick drought-tolerant natives (which we recommend!).
Best Native Plants for Deck Landscaping
Here’s a list of tried-and-true native plants that are perfect for decks and outdoor living areas. We’ve grouped them by sunlight needs and ease of maintenance.
Full Sun Favorites
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Long-lasting blooms and a magnet for bees and butterflies.
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Bright yellow petals with a dark center, perfect for containers or borders.
- Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A native grass that turns reddish-bronze in fall, super low maintenance.
- Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata): Sunny yellow flowers, very drought tolerant, spreads slowly over time.
Partial Shade Champions
- Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Unique red and yellow blooms that hummingbirds love.
- Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Soft pink or purple flowers with mounded foliage; perfect for edging.
- Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum): Elegant arching stems with bell-shaped flowers and bold leaves.
Shade Tolerant Natives
- Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): A groundcover with delicate flowers and attractive foliage.
- Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica): A spring bloomer with vibrant blue flowers.
- Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides): Evergreen and excellent in containers or in-ground near shady decks.
Pro tip: Mix perennials with native grasses or shrubs for a natural look that feels effortless but looks professionally designed.
Best Native Plant Growers and Nurseries
If you’re going to invest in native plants, it’s worth getting them from quality growers who specialize in them. While we don’t list specific local stores, we can point you to the best types of manufacturers and growers known for their healthy, native selections.
Top Native Plant Growers to Look For
- Prairie Moon Nursery: Great for responsibly sourced native seeds and plants with an educational approach.
- North Creek Nurseries: Focuses on ecological function and sustainability with a wide selection of perennials.
- American Beauties Native Plants: Partner with independent nurseries to distribute quality native selections.
- Native Plant Trust: Offers conservation-focused plant stock and expertise for serious native gardeners.
- Izel Native Plants: Online aggregator that pulls from multiple native nurseries for one-stop shopping.
Our Team Makes Deck Landscaping with Natives Easy
We’ve been transforming outdoor spaces with native plants for years. Our crew understands how to design low-maintenance, sustainable landscapes that look incredible and work for your lifestyle.
It’s not just about planting, it’s about picking the right plants for your unique deck, climate, and preferences. As with anything else in life, getting great results means working with pros who know what they’re doing.
If you’re ready to turn your deck into a gorgeous, native-filled outdoor retreat, contact us at (865) 801-4545. We’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
Deck Landscaping Design Tips with Native Plants
Not sure how to arrange everything? Here are a few design ideas to get you started.
Layer Your Plants
Use taller grasses or shrubs in the back and smaller flowers in front to create visual depth.
Mix Textures and Colors
Combine fine grasses with bold blooms and different shades of green for year-round interest.
Use Large Containers Strategically
Plant taller native grasses in oversized pots for privacy or as focal points.
Add Native Vines
Consider native vines like coral honeysuckle to trail from railings or trellises for vertical interest.
Think Seasonally
Mix early bloomers (like Virginia bluebells) with late-summer stars (like goldenrod) to keep your deck looking great all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do native plants really require less maintenance?
Yes. Native plants are adapted to your region’s conditions, so they require less water, fertilizer, and care compared to non-native species.
Can I grow native plants in containers on my deck?
Absolutely. Many native plants thrive in containers. Just be sure to choose the right size pots and water them accordingly.
How do I choose the best native plants for my deck?
Start by assessing the amount of sunlight your deck gets. Then pick native species that match those light needs.
Are native plants good for pollinators?
Yes! Native flowers are some of the best sources of food for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Will native plants attract pests?
Not usually. Native plants are naturally resistant to most local pests and diseases.
Can I mix native plants with non-native ones?
You can, but for the lowest maintenance and highest environmental benefit, we recommend prioritizing natives.
How long does it take for native plants to get established?
Most take one full growing season to settle in. After that, their maintenance needs drop significantly.
Should I use mulch around my deck plants?
Yes, mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, especially important for in-ground beds near decks.
Final Thoughts: Native Plants Just Make Sense
Creating a beautiful, low-maintenance deck doesn’t have to be hard. With native plants, you’re getting the perfect mix of style, sustainability, and simplicity. No more struggling with plants that “look pretty at the store but die two weeks later.”
You’ll have a vibrant outdoor space that not only looks great year-round but also supports local wildlife, needs less water, and practically takes care of itself.
Ready to make the switch to native plants for your deck landscaping? Let’s get started! Contact us at (865) 801-4545 to start your deck-building project, and we’ll help you turn your outdoor space into something truly special.