When it comes to landscaping your custom home, choosing the right plants can enhance your property’s natural beauty, support local ecosystems, and simplify maintenance. One of the best ways to achieve a vibrant, sustainable landscape is by incorporating native plants—species that have naturally adapted to Virginia’s climate, soil, and wildlife over thousands of years.

At Perkinson Homes, we believe that your outdoor space should be just as thoughtfully designed as your indoor living areas. Using native plants in your landscaping not only creates a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment but also ensures long-term health and beauty for your yard.

Why Native Plants Matter

Native plants are more than just aesthetically pleasing—they’re an essential part of maintaining ecological balance. Because they’ve evolved to thrive in Virginia’s specific conditions, they offer several advantages over non-native species.

Low Maintenance and Resilient

Native plants are well-adapted to Virginia’s natural weather patterns, including our hot, humid summers and cold winters. Once established, they typically require less watering, fertilizing, and pest control, making them a practical and eco-friendly choice for homeowners who want a beautiful yard without the constant upkeep.

Support for Pollinators and Wildlife

Native plants provide vital habitat and food sources for birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Many non-native plants fail to support these species, which are essential to a healthy, functioning ecosystem. By planting native, you’re actively supporting biodiversity and helping to maintain the natural rhythms of your local environment.

Prevention of Invasive Species

Invasive, non-native plants can outcompete native species, disrupt natural habitats, and even damage soil health. Choosing native plants helps preserve Virginia’s natural beauty and prevent the spread of aggressive invaders that can harm your landscape and surrounding areas.

Native Plants and Shrubs to Consider in Virginia

Virginia is home to a diverse range of native plant species, from colorful wildflowers to hardy shrubs. Whether you’re creating a formal garden, a woodland retreat, or a pollinator-friendly backyard, there’s a native plant that fits your vision.

Flowering Perennials and Wildflowers

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Known for its cheerful yellow petals and dark center, this hardy wildflower blooms from summer to fall and thrives in full sun.
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A favorite of butterflies and bees, this vibrant perennial adds a pop of color and is drought-tolerant once established.
• Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica): These early bloomers offer a splash of blue in the spring and are perfect for partially shaded areas.

Grasses and Groundcovers

• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): A beautiful ornamental grass that turns a striking reddish bronze in fall and provides cover for birds.
• Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): Ideal for groundcover or borders, this native produces vibrant blooms in early spring and helps prevent soil erosion.

Native Shrubs

• Inkberry (Ilex glabra): A low-maintenance evergreen shrub with dark green foliage, perfect for hedges or foundation plantings.
• Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica): This deciduous shrub offers fragrant white flowers in spring and fiery red foliage in fall.
• Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia): A four-season standout with spring flowers, summer berries, and brilliant red fall color.

Trees with a Local Legacy

• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): This small tree is beloved for its pink spring blossoms and heart-shaped leaves.
• Dogwood (Cornus florida): As Virginia’s state tree and flower, dogwoods are iconic in local landscapes, offering beauty and cultural significance.

Designing with Nature in Mind

Incorporating native plants doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With the right design approach, native landscaping can look polished, purposeful, and tailored to your home’s architecture. Our team at Perkinson Homes works with skilled landscape professionals who understand how to combine native plantings with custom hardscaping, lighting, and outdoor living features to create an outdoor space that’s both functional and beautiful.

Whether you want a backyard oasis buzzing with pollinators or a front garden that blooms year after year with minimal effort, native plants offer a perfect solution that balances aesthetics with sustainability.

Rooted in Beauty, Designed to Last

Native landscaping isn’t just a trend—it’s a thoughtful choice that benefits your home, your community, and the environment. By choosing plants that naturally belong in Virginia, you’re creating a landscape that’s not only beautiful but built to thrive.

At Perkinson Homes, we’re passionate about creating homes that feel connected to their surroundings. From the architecture to the outdoor design, every detail is crafted with intention. If you’re dreaming of a home that blends custom luxury with natural beauty, we’re here to make it a reality.