Native plants like red flowering currant are a great food source for native pollinators and bees.
Fall is a great time to plant hardy native plants and shrubs. These additions to your landscape will not only enhance your garden’s beauty, but also thrive over the coming months. Not only do native plants look nice, they provide valuable habitat for native wildlife, they provide food for our bees and native birds and pollinators, and they conserve water (and time)! Consider planting some now!
Why Plant in the Fall?
Fall planting offers several good incentives:
- The soil is still fairly warm, promoting root growth before winter sets in.
- Cool temperatures reduce stress on new plants.
- Autumn (and winter) rains means less watering is needed.
- Planting in the fall allows shrubs to establish strong roots, leading to vigorous growth in the spring!
Tips for Fall Planting
- Ensure your soil is well-drained and add compost if needed to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent the plant from getting over wet.
- Water your newly plants thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Be sure to water regularly when the weather warms in spring and summer until the plants are fully established.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of your plant, keeping it away from the stem or trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Don’t add fertilizer! Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that may not harden off before winter. Wait until spring to fertilize if needed.
Camas bulbs can be planted now. They add colorful beauty and provide a valuable nectar source for pollinators.
Which native plants are right for your property?
The following guides provide excellent information on trees, shrubs, and ground cover for native plants that will not only thrive here in the Pacific Northwest, but will also provide valuable habitat for our native wildlife, including pollinators.
Native Plants for Pacific Northwest Gardens
Landscaping with Pacific Northwest Native Plants
Native Plants Gardening in the Pacific Northwest
Learn More!
Are you familiar with the Backyard Habitat Certification Program? The District provides critical support to this program to bring their services to people who live in urban Clackamas County. Participants are eligible for member-only plant sales, discount coupons, one-on-one guidance, and nifty signage for your property!
But that’s not all! Check some of the links below for native plant information that can help you choose the right native plants for you!