Gardening trends constantly evolve, but one timeless trend is using native plants in the landscape. Not only do native plants need no maintenance, but they also support local ecosystems, attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds. This year, gardeners are turning to native pink flowers to add color to their gardens while staying eco-friendly. Pink flowers evoke feelings of romance, serenity, and joy, and when native plants are chosen, they offer a sustainable way to add these colors to any garden. Below, we explore some of the top native pink flowers stealing the spotlight in 2024 and how to care for them to make your garden thrive.
Pink Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Known for its groups of soft pink flowers, Pink Swamp Milkweed is a native perennial that acts as a vital host plant for monarch butterflies. With milkweed species declining, gardeners are encouraged to plant more of this beautiful flower to support monarch populations.
Why It's Trending: Besides its ecological benefits, Pink Swamp Milkweed is a striking garden plant that blooms from mid-summer to early fall. It thrives in moist soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or low-lying areas.
Care Tips:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
Water: Water regularly, especially in drier periods
Maintenance: Little maintenance is required once established; cut back in early spring before new growth appears
Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Another native beauty is Eastern Red Columbine, which produces delicate pinkish-red flowers with yellow centers. This plant attracts hummingbirds and bees, making it a pollinator. It is the favorite of pollinators. Trending: Columbine's unique flower shape adds architectural interest to the garden. It's ideal for woodland gardens or shady spots, providing beauty and wildlife support.
Care Tips:
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich soil
Water: Moderate water needs
Maintenance: Deadhead old flowers to encourage more flowers and allow seeds to disperse naturally for more plants in the future
Wild Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)
Wild Bleeding Heart is a woodland native with graceful, heart-shaped pink flowers hanging from arching stems. It blooms in late spring and early summer, bringing a whimsical and romantic feel to shaded areas.
Why It's Trending: Bleeding Heart is perfect for cottage gardens, shade gardens, or as part of a naturalized woodland setting. It's highly adaptable and works well in various garden designs, from traditional to modern.
Care Tips:
Light: Full shade to part shade
Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
Water: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot summers
Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, though dividing plants every few years can help maintain health
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Despite its name, Purple Coneflower often exhibits a range of shades from light purple to bright pink. This versatile native flower is hardy and drought-tolerant and attracts many pollinators.
Why It's Trending: Coneflower's long bloom period from summer to fall makes it a garden staple, and its adaptability to different soil conditions is appealing to gardeners looking for low-maintenance beauty.
Care Tips:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Drought-tolerant but appreciates occasional watering during prolonged dry periods
Maintenance: Deadheading encourages continuous blooms, though leaving seed heads in place provides winter food for birds
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)
This native perennial produces soft pink to lavender bloom clusters in spring and summer. Wild Geranium is ideal for woodland gardens and attracts a variety of pollinators, making it a tremendous ecological choice.
Why It's Trending: Wild Geranium's compact size and extended bloom period make it an excellent choice for borders, containers, or wildflower gardens. Its ability to thrive in partial shade distinguishes it from other pink bloomers.
Care Tips:
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil
Water: Water regularly, particularly during dry spells
Maintenance: This low-maintenance plant only requires occasional deadheading and can be divided every few years to rejuvenate
Pink Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)
A unique addition to any garden, Pink Turtlehead gets its name from the shape of its flowers, which resemble a turtle's head. This native plant thrives in moist areas and is a late-summer to fall bloomer, offering a much-needed burst of pink during cooler months.
Why It's Trending: Pink Turtlehead's bold flowers add color to rain gardens, woodland edges, or borders. It's also deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardeners facing deer pressure.
Care Tips:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Prefers moist, rich soil
Water: Regular watering, especially in dry periods
Maintenance: Cut back in the fall to prepare for winter dormancy
Meadow Phlox (Phlox maculata)
Meadow Phlox is a tall, showy perennial that blooms in shades of pink and attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This native plant prefers moist environments and works well in meadows or naturalized gardens.
Why It's Trending: With the increasing interest in pollinator gardens, Meadow Phlox has grown in popularity. Its tall stature also makes it a perfect back-border plant or meadow centerpiece.
Care Tips:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Water: Water regularly, especially in hot and dry conditions
Maintenance: Deadhead to encourage new blooms; cut back to the ground in late fall
Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
The Rose Mallow is a showstopper with its large, hibiscus-like flowers in shades of pink. It's native to wetlands and thrives in consistently moist soils, making it a perfect addition to rain gardens or areas with poor drainage.
Why It's Trending: Rose Mallow's blooms' dramatic size and color bring a tropical feel to temperate gardens. Its ability to thrive in wet conditions has also made it popular as more gardeners embrace water-conscious planting.
Care Tips:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained to poorly drained soil
Water: Keep soil consistently moist
Designing a Native Pink Flower Garden
The key to designing a pink flower garden with native plants is to select species that complement your local conditions. By focusing on native plants, you create a stunning garden and contribute to preserving local wildlife, providing essential food and habitat for pollinators.
Native pink flowers offer a perfect blend of beauty and sustainability. Whether creating a pollinator-friendly or rain garden or adding vibrant color to your landscape, native pink blooms provide endless possibilities. As you plan your garden for the coming year, consider the ecological benefits of these stunning natives and watch your garden flourish with color and life.
