Friends of the Rouge recommends native species for rain gardens and ornamental landscapes.
- Native plants tend to perform best in rain gardens, and have been tested extensively.
- Many native plants look great in traditional gardens, and are available at most garden centers (press here to find nearby nurseries that sell rain garden plants).
- Birds and butterflies depend on native plants. Most caterpillars only eat specific plants, like monarchs depend on milkweeds. Songbirds depend on insects to feed nestlings, and many insects similarly depend on native plants.
However, some traditional ornamental species do survive in rain gardens. Below you’ll find suggestions for both native and non-native species. Ready to buy? Find local sources here.
Where to buy plants
Visit our Rain Garden Professionals and Service Providers page to find local sources for native plants.