Best Native Plants for Monmouth County Gardens

Best Native Plants for Monmouth County Gardens (And Why They’re Worth It)

If you want a garden that looks great and works with nature—not against it—native plants are the way to go. They’re low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and adapted to New Jersey’s unique soil and climate.

At Plush Landscaping NJ, we love incorporating native species into our Monmouth County designs because they’re tough, beautiful, and support the local ecosystem.

Whether you're planning a pollinator garden, redoing your front yard, or just want to stop replacing dead plants every summer, here are some of the best native plants for New Jersey landscapes.

🌼 Why Choose Native Plants?

Native plants have evolved to thrive in our environment. That means:

• They require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance

• They're more resistant to local pests and diseases

• They support native pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects

• They’re ideal for sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping

Bonus: Many native species are also deer-resistant—a big plus in wooded areas of Monmouth County like Colts Neck or Holmdel.

🌿 Best Native Perennials for Monmouth County Gardens

1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall

• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and birds

• Why We Love It: Bright purple flowers that hold up well to heat and drought.

2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall

• Attracts: Pollinators + goldfinches

• Notes: Low-maintenance and pairs well with ornamental grasses.

3. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

• AKA: Bee balm

• Great for: Butterfly + hummingbird gardens

• Color: Lavender-pink flowers with a minty scent

4. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

• Color: Vivid purple and pink tones

• Adds a splash of color when other plants are fading.

🌳 Native Shrubs for Structure + Privacy

5. Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

• Evergreen with black berries in winter

• Excellent alternative to boxwoods (and more disease-resistant)

• Great for borders or privacy screens

6. Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

• White, fragrant flowers in late spring

• Gorgeous red fall foliage

• Works well in both sun and partial shade

7. Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

• Striking red stems in winter

• White flowers in spring, berries in summer

• Provides multi-season interest

🌾 Native Grasses + Groundcovers

8. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

• Drought-tolerant ornamental grass

• Turns coppery-orange in the fall

• Great for adding motion and height to borders

9. Pussytoes (Antennaria plantaginifolia)

• Low, spreading groundcover

• Silvery leaves with soft, white “paw-like” blooms

• Perfect for dry, sunny spots

🌟 How We Use Native Plants in Landscape Design

At Plush Landscaping NJ, we:

• Mix native and ornamental plants for year-round color

• Use native shrubs as natural privacy solutions

• Design pollinator gardens with native perennials and grasses

• Recommend low-maintenance, drought-friendly options for busy homeowners

Whether you're in coastal Long Branch or wooded areas of Colts Neck, we’ll choose plants that work for your property, your goals, and your lifestyle.

📞 Want a Yard That Works With Nature?

Let’s build a landscape that’s not just beautiful—but smart, sustainable, and built for life in Monmouth County. Whether you want a full native garden or just want to incorporate eco-friendly elements, we’ve got you covered.

👉 Schedule your design consultation or call (848) 207-9648 to start planning.