By Ann Lapides
Growing and planting instructions for strong plants, vigorous growth, and profuse blooms.
Local St. Louis, Missouri, native plants naturally thrive here, making them among the easiest and most reliable choices for home gardens. With just a few proven techniques—like planting in the right season, watering deeply but infrequently, and matching each plant to its preferred light and soil—you can help them establish quickly and grow beautifully year after year.
Planting instructions
Many plants we grow in St. Louis need the same things: the correct light, well-draining soil, and adequate moisture and fertilizer. Follow the simple instructions below, and you too can have a garden overflowing with brilliant blossoms.
- Plant in the correct light environment for the specific plant. The plant tag should tell you your plant’s light preference. Full-sun plants need at least 6 hours of sun a day; most shade plants prefer morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled light all day. You can find more light requirements for specific plants on the website www.sugarcreekgardens.com.
- In the ground, amend the soil with compostand add astarter fertilizer. In containers, use a good-quality potting soil.
Fertilizing
Many native plants thrive without fertilizer. Although many plants benefit from a boost of fertilizer.
- Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials benefit from a starter fertilizer. For an abundance of blooms, fertilize flowering plants with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Watering
- Keep plants well-watered while they are establishing.
- For plump, profuse blossoms, keep watering when they are budding up and blooming, and during dry spells.
- Many native plants need little or no supplemental water. Some plants need more water than others. Find water requirements for specific plants on the website http://www.sugarcreekgardens.com
Native Plants for Beginners
Missouri native plants are ideal choices for the novice gardener. These hard-working, well-behaved native plants need little care once established. A few top choices for sun: Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Aster, Milkweed, Blazing Star, Bee Balm, Golden Alexander. A few top choices for part shade to shade: Indian Pink, Wild Ginger, Columbine, Ostrich Fern, Cardinal Flower, Virginia Blue Bell, Turtlehead, Wild Sweet William.
Visit Sugar Creek Gardens plant nursery in Kirkwood to learn more about native plants, or visit their website www.sugarcreekgardens.com.
Sugar Creek Gardens
1011 N Woodlawn
Kirkwood MO 63122
314-965-3070
Native Plant Growing & Care Guide
By Ann Lapides
Growing and planting instructions for strong plants, vigorous growth, and profuse blooms.
Local St. Louis, Missouri, native plants naturally thrive here, making them among the easiest and most reliable choices for home gardens. With just a few proven techniques—like planting in the right season, watering deeply but infrequently, and matching each plant to its preferred light and soil—you can help them establish quickly and grow beautifully year after year.
Planting instructions
Many plants we grow in St. Louis need the same things: the correct light, well-draining soil, and adequate moisture and fertilizer. Follow the simple instructions below, and you too can have a garden overflowing with brilliant blossoms.
- Plant in the correct light environment for the specific plant. The plant tag should tell you your plant’s light preference. Full-sun plants need at least 6 hours of sun a day; most shade plants prefer morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled light all day. You can find more light requirements for specific plants on the website www.sugarcreekgardens.com.
- In the ground, amend the soil with compostand add astarter fertilizer. In containers, use a good-quality potting soil.
Fertilizing
Many native plants thrive without fertilizer. Although many plants benefit from a boost of fertilizer.
- Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials benefit from a starter fertilizer. For an abundance of blooms, fertilize flowering plants with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Watering
- Keep plants well-watered while they are establishing.
- For plump, profuse blossoms, keep watering when they are budding up and blooming, and during dry spells.
- Many native plants need little or no supplemental water. Some plants need more water than others. Find water requirements for specific plants on the website http://www.sugarcreekgardens.com
Native Plants for Beginners
Missouri native plants are ideal choices for the novice gardener. These hard-working, well-behaved native plants need little care once established. A few top choices for sun: Coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Aster, Milkweed, Blazing Star, Bee Balm, Golden Alexander. A few top choices for part shade to shade: Indian Pink, Wild Ginger, Columbine, Ostrich Fern, Cardinal Flower, Virginia Blue Bell, Turtlehead, Wild Sweet William.
Visit Sugar Creek Gardens plant nursery in Kirkwood to learn more about native plants, or visit their website www.sugarcreekgardens.com.
Sugar Creek Gardens
1011 N Woodlawn
Kirkwood MO 63122
314-965-3070