Beautiful gardens can often be difficult to maintain. Some plants need different soil types, different nutrients, or different climates entirely. But an easy to maintain garden doesn’t have to be just a dream. Especially for gardens in the Northeast, where native ornamental plants are in abundance.

One of the best ways to make a hardy, easy to maintain garden is by adding native plants into your landscape. Native plants do well in their soil and climate, while non-natives may need special care. Here’s a guide to some of the top native plants for Northeast gardens and tips on how to care for them.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Benefits:

• Black-Eyed Susans bloom from June to October with bright, cheerful flowers.
• These plants are fantastic for attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees.
• They’re hardy and resistant to drought once established.

Care Tips:

• Black-Eyed Susans do well in full sun to partial shade.
• Well-draining soil is ideal, but Black-Eyed Susans are adaptable to various soil types.
• Water regularly until established, then water sparingly unless in a drought.