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Growing Native Outdoor Perennials Indoors

Care and Maintenance Guide 

Native outdoor perennials bring the beauty and resilience of the natural world into your indoor spaces. While they are accustomed to thriving in outdoor environments, with the proper care, many native perennials can be successfully grown indoors, allowing you to enjoy their beauty year-round.

This comprehensive guide will explore a selection of native outdoor perennials that can be grown indoors and provide detailed instructions on caring for them.

Selecting the right native perennials for indoor cultivation is crucial. Consider plants that naturally thrive in similar conditions to those found indoors.

Some popular options include:

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Known for its attractive flowers and aromatic foliage, wild bergamot is a hardy choice that can adapt well to indoor conditions.

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

With its unique, spurred flowers, columbine adds a touch of elegance to indoor spaces. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)

This vibrant perennial brings a burst of golden-yellow color indoors. It requires plenty of sunlight and can tolerate dry conditions. 

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

A classic choice, purple coneflower's daisy-like blooms can brighten up any indoor environment.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.)

These cheerful flowers with dark centers are relatively easy to grow indoors. They thrive with ample sunlight and moderate watering.

Successful indoor cultivation of native perennials involves replicating outdoor conditions to the best of your ability.

Step-by-Step Care Guide For Growing Perennials Indoors

1. Choosing the Right Location: 

Select a bright spot near a window with adequate sunlight. South or west-facing windows are ideal, as they receive the most sunlight. Rotate the pots occasionally to ensure even light exposure and prevent uneven growth.

2. Soil and Pot Selection: 

Use a well-draining potting mix that resembles the native soil of the chosen perennial's natural habitat. Select pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, promoting healthy root growth.

3. Watering: 

Watering needs vary among perennials, so research the specific requirements of each plant. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a saucer beneath the pot to catch excess water, but ensure the pot is not constantly sitting in standing water.

4. Humidity: 

Many indoor environments can be drier than outdoor habitats, especially during winter when heating systems are in use. Increase humidity levels by placing a water tray near the plants or using a room humidifier.

5. Temperature: 

Native perennials often appreciate cooler nighttime temperatures, mimicking natural conditions. Keep the indoor temperature within the recommended range for each plant. Generally, most native perennials prefer temperatures between 60°F to 75°F.

6. Fertilization: 

Fertilize sparingly, usually during the growing season (spring and summer). Native plants are often adapted to nutrient-poor soils and don't require excessive feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer around once a month at half the recommended strength.

7. Pruning and Deadheading: 

Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to promote overall plant health. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms.

8. Pests and Diseases: 

Keep a vigilant eye for common indoor plant pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. If problems are present, gently wash the plant with water and mild soap or use insecticidal soap. Prevent overwatering to avoid root rot and fungal diseases.

9. Repotting: 

As plants grow, they might outgrow their pots. Repot them into slightly larger containers with fresh potting mix every 2-3 years, preferably in spring.

Bringing the beauty of native outdoor perennials indoors is a rewarding endeavor that requires attention to detail and a willingness to mimic the natural conditions in which these plants thrive. By selecting the right plants and providing adequate light, water, and care, you can grow and enjoy these stunning perennials year-round in your home. Remember that each plant is unique, so take the time to research and cater to the specific needs of your chosen native perennials. With patience and dedication, you'll create a vibrant indoor garden that celebrates the resilience and beauty of native plant species.

Why Grow Native Perennials Indoors

Bringing the wonders of nature indoors through the cultivation of native perennials offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond aesthetic appeal. Adapted to the local ecosystem, these resilient plants can thrive indoors, enriching your living space uniquely.

1. Connection to Nature: 

Indoor native perennials link directly to the natural world, fostering a sense of tranquility and connection. Their presence can soothe the soul and reduce stress, creating a mini sanctuary within your home.

2. Environmental Conservation: 

By growing native perennials indoors, you contribute to conserving local plant species and their ecosystems. Cultivating these plants helps preserve biodiversity and supports native pollinators that rely on them for sustenance.

3. Low Maintenance: 

Native perennials are well-suited to indoor climate conditions, making them inherently low-maintenance choices for indoor cultivation. They often require less water, fertilizer, and intervention than exotic plants, reducing the ecological footprint of your indoor garden.

4. Adaptability: 

Indoor native perennials are more likely to adapt successfully to your home environment due to their natural compatibility with local conditions. They are more resilient to temperature fluctuations and require less adjustment to indoor lighting.

5. Improved Air Quality: 

Plants are natural air purifiers, and native perennials are no exception. They help filter toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality.

6. Education and Awareness: 

Growing native perennials indoors can serve as an educational tool, helping you and your loved ones learn about local flora and its importance. This knowledge can contribute to a greater understanding of environmental issues and the need for native plant conservation.

7. Year-Round Beauty: 

Indoor native perennials allow you to enjoy the beauty of these plants throughout the year, regardless of the weather outside. Their blooms, foliage, and even seedpods can provide visual interest and natural decoration to your indoor spaces.

8. Personalized Design: 

Incorporating native perennials into your indoor decor offers a chance to create a unique and personal space. You can choose plants that resonate with you culturally, aesthetically, or symbolically, adding a deeper layer of meaning to your indoor garden.

9. Sustainable Gardening: 

Cultivating native perennials indoors aligns with sustainable gardening practices. Opting for plants that naturally thrive in your region reduces the need for excessive resources, such as water and fertilizers, while promoting a healthier ecosystem.

10. Joy of Nurturing: 

Caring for plants brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. Watching your indoor native perennials grow and flourish under your care can provide a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Growing native perennials indoors offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, environmental consciousness, and personal well-being. These plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your indoor space but also contribute to broader ecological efforts. By embracing the benefits of indoor native gardening, you create a positive impact that extends far beyond the walls of your home.

Other popular perennial flowers:

California Bluebell
Daffodil
Dutchman's Breeches
Lily Of The Valley

Shop Our Perennials

Visit our online shop for a wide selection of plants and trees, or come say hi at our store location in Tennessee!

We offer fast shipping nationwide so you can start transforming your garden today!

If you have any questions about native indoor perennials or if you have any other plant needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at customerservice@tennesseewholesalenursery.com, we’d love to hear from you!

Golden Rod - TN Nursery

Golden Rod

Goldenrod is a perennial wildflower, with striking clusters of bright yellow, tufted flowers on upright stems, contrasting against its slender green leaves, and is known for attracting pollinators to gardens and meadows. It is a delightful and beneficial plant with several advantages in landscaping projects. This perennial is in the Asteraceae family and is well-regarded for its vibrant yellow flowers and ornamental qualities. Goldenrod produces long, arching spikes of small yellow flowers, creating a burst of color in the garden. The bright and sunny blooms add a touch of warmth and joy to outdoor spaces. This plant is beautiful to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The nectar-rich flowers serve as a valuable food source for these beneficial insects, supporting pollination in the garden and contributing to the health and diversity of the ecosystem. By planting it in the landscape, gardeners can actively promote biodiversity and contribute to the conservation of pollinators. Moreover, it is well-suited for naturalistic or wildflower gardens. Its tall and airy growth habit allows it to blend seamlessly with other native plants and wildflowers, creating a natural and harmonious landscape. When planted in groups, it makes an eye-catching display that mimics the beauty of a meadow, attracting attention and admiration from garden visitors. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, making it practical for landscape designs that require less care. Once established, the plant is generally drought-tolerant and can withstand dry periods, reducing the need for frequent watering. Additionally, it is usually resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments and promoting a more eco-friendly and sustainable landscaping approach. In conclusion, golden rod offers several benefits when landscaping projects. Its vibrant appearance, attractiveness to pollinators, suitability for naturalistic gardens, and low-maintenance requirements make it a valuable addition to parks and outdoor spaces. By incorporating it into landscape designs, enthusiasts can create visually enchanting and ecologically friendly landscapes that support pollinators and contribute to the overall beauty and health of the environment. Get your Goldenrod at TN Nursery today! Goldenrod, or Solidago, is a rich and captivating wildflower that graces the landscapes of North America, Europe, and Asia with its striking presence. This perennial herbaceous plant, often found in meadows, fields, and along roadsides, stands tall and proud, adding a touch of sunshine to its surroundings. With its slender stems reaching up to five feet, it boasts an elegant appearance that immediately catches the eye. Goldenrod Is Stunning In A Garden The leaves are lance-shaped, alternating along the stem, and possess a rich green hue contrasting the golden blooms. The blossoms typically emerge in late summer and early autumn and are the true showstoppers. Each plant bears clusters of bright, yellow, composite flowers that form plume-like inflorescences at the top of the stem. These striking blooms are composed of numerous tiny florets that create a stunning and intricate display of color, enticing pollinators such as butterflies and even hummingbirds. Its charm extends beyond its visual appeal. A gentle breeze often carries a sweet, honey-like fragrance from its flowers, filling the air with a delightful scent. This scent and the mesmerizing sight of bees buzzing busily among the blooms symbolize mid to late summer and early fall in many regions. Goldenrod Is A Long Bloomer In addition to its aesthetic and olfactory pleasures, it is vital in supporting local ecosystems. As a nectar-rich plant, it nourishes a wide variety of pollinators, contributing to the health of local bee populations and aiding in pollinating other plants. Moreover, its dense foliage offers shelter and habitat for numerous insects and small animals. Goldenrod's ability to thrive in diverse environments, from open fields to woodlands, adds to its allure, making it a resilient and enduring symbol of beauty in the natural world. Whether observed in a wild meadow or cultivated in a garden, its golden splendor continues to captivate and inspire those fortunate to encounter it.

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Coneflower Plant - TN Nursery

Coneflower Plant

Coneflower perennial is known for its distinctive daisy-like, purple flowers with a prominent cone-shaped center, attracting pollinators and adding color to gardens. Take Advantage of The Coneflower Plant Prolonged Blooming Period Coneflowers, which resemble daisies, typically bloom in the middle to end of summer. Certain types may begin blooming earlier or continue into the autumn. They are available in a rainbow of hues, from yellow to deep pink, and with both single and double blooms that are extremely vibrant. Magnus Superior variants bloom from the end of spring until the end of summer with rosy-violet rays that can reach a diameter of seven inches. These plants respond exceptionally well to deadheading. Enjoy a Naturalizing Effect With a Coneflower Plant They spread gracefully, like a wildflower, thanks to their abundant seed production and self-sowing capabilities. Their delicate branches and colorful flowers make them perfect for gardens, where they provide visual interest without drawing attention to themselves. Not only does this naturalizing effect make the plant look better, but it also works well for filling in gaps between flower beds. Add Diversity to Your Garden With The Coneflower Plant They are a great way to add variety to your landscape because of their unusual shape and composition. Their unique cone shapes also make them eye-catching accents among other garden plants. They provide textural variety to a garden by growing erect, which contrasts wonderfully with trailing or mounding plants. In expansion, they can adjust to a broad range of soil types and light levels, so you have more alternatives for planting them. Invite Pollinators to Your Yard with Coneflower Plant Since they produce both nectar and pollen, many pollinators rely on these flowers for sustenance. Each of the 250 to 500 blooms that make up it's black, cone-shaped flower head serves as a little cup of nectar for the pollinators. Bees, and hummingbirds are just a few of the pollinators that love it. This variant can grow up to three feet tall and typically blooms between the middle of summer and the beginning of September each year. Because they produce seeds, they are a popular nectar source for birds as well.

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Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Black Eyed Susan

Black Eyed Susan has vibrant yellow petals and dark, contrasting centers, is a popular and delightful addition to any landscaping project. This native North American wildflower offers a host of pleasing attributes that make it a sought-after choice for gardens and outdoor spaces. From its adaptability to its visual appeal and ecological benefits, it stands out as a versatile and attractive plant. Black eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a type of long-flowering Rudbeckia in the aster family Asteraceae. It's also called "brown Betty," and "gloriosa daisy." This upright, fast-growing plant is native to eastern and central North America, with angustifolia, Florida, hirta, and pulcherrima varieties growing in separate regions of the continental United States. Their yellow and gold blossoms tend to bloom from June until after the first frost. Black eyed Susans: Cultivation If you're looking for a flower that's versatile enough to grow well in everything from containers to flower beds to more naturalistic landscapes, they are the perfect choice. Their bright, cheery, and prolific blooms are attractive in garden borders, butterfly and wildflower gardens, and meadow plantings. They also make beautiful cut flowers with a vase life of up to ten days. Black eyed Susans: Size, Shape, and Color Most varieties grow 1'–3¼' tall and 1'–1½' wide. Their long, bristly leaves grow near the base of the plant, while their daisy-like flowers rise high above the foliage. Each 2"–4" wide blossom features eight to thirty yellow-gold florets that radiate from a dark brown, black, or greenish-colored cone-shaped seed dome. Black eyed Susans: Pollinators and Birds To attract pollinators like butterflies and bees throughout the summer, be sure to include black eyed Susans in your landscaping plan. These flowers are also loved by mosquito-eating dragonflies and birds. Pollinators enjoy the flowers' nectar as they move from plant to plant, causing them to grow seeds that birds eat in winter. When left alone, their seed pods usually dry out and disperse nearby, which may open areas and roadsides with new flowers the following year. Black eyed Susans: Longevity Some varieties will start to flower the same year, in June, while others bloom later. Removing faded flowers, also called "deadheading," can prolong the blooming season. However you select and maintain your plants, you're sure to love the way they brighten your garden.

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California Bluebell - TN Nursery

California Bluebell

Phacelia minor, also known as California Bluebell, is a Boraginaceae (Forget-me-not) family species. It is highly valued for its abundance of blooms, with each plant producing a dozen or more open blue-purple blooms. California Bluebell California Bluebells grow in the Mojave Desert in California as well as in less arid conditions elsewhere. Like most annuals, they lend their beauty to the garden over a longer period of time throughout the year, only disappearing as the first frost nips at the ground. California Bluebell A Blue and Purple Majesty Despite the fact that this plant only grows to a height of 28 inches or so, the sepals and petals lend a brilliant royal hue to any garden. Their purple and blue shine with radiant authority, and each plant compliments other flowers in nearby clumps and rows. This is especially true of the Northern Blue Flag, which is late in its bloom cycle and turns indigo and violet. As perennials cease to flower in the late summer, the plants will "pick up the torch" and keep the garden both delightful and enticing throughout the fall. Hyacinth is another pretty blue flower that grows well in tandem with plants. The Cute, Textured Leaves Of California Bluebell In addition to the striking blooms, they have leaves that are up to 5 inches long. They're crinkly and oval, almost as if the plant is "wrinkling its brow" while contemplating the mysteries of, if not the universe, then at least the garden. On petioles, the leaves frame the wondrous blooms and create an eye-pleasing contrast. California Bluebell Smell Good They smell as good as they look. Their scent combines sweetness with the zing of black pepper to create a sensation tantalizing effect throughout the entire garden. This combination of smells also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to collect nectar and pollen and not only feed themselves but contribute to the environmental health of any garden and its environs. California Bluebell can be combined with not only Northern Blue Flags and hyacinths but also with bigger plants that have blue flowers, such as hydrangea. By combining these flowers, it's possible to create a veritable "sky along the ground," a garden carpet of different shades of blue that mix together to form a breathtaking vista within any garden. The undulating field of gorgeous blue can also be quite soothing to the mind and spirit.

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Daffodil Plant - TN Nursery

Daffodil Plant

The Daffodil Plant is a Spring-blooming, trumpet-shaped flower characterized by its vibrant yellow or white petals and central trumpet-like corona, adding a burst of color to gardens and landscapes. Their vibrant colors, from sunny yellows to pastel lemon, create striking visual displays that brighten any outdoor area. Daffodil Plant Daffodils are famous for being yellow, but there are all kinds of other colors, as well, including white, orange, and even pink. They also feature varieties with more than one of these colors. Therefore, they can form a splendid and colorful swash throughout any garden. The Daffodil Plant are an Ancient Flower They have adorned gardens for thousands of years. Indeed, the Greek name is Narcissus. Currently, it's the national flower of Wales. They've been harbingers of the coming of spring throughout their existence, and because they're perennials, each individual plant does the same for many years throughout its life cycle. As long-lasting blooms, they'll anchor your garden all the way through spring and into the summer, drawing people's gaze to their grace and beauty. Daffodil Plant The Blooming Trumpet Before they bloom, the trumpet of the mature bloom is covered in a waxy shell called a spathe. The spathe is delicate and reflects the full spectrum of light when covered in morning dew. Not every daffodil forms a trumpet, however. They form two kinds of cups: charming double blooms and what's known as the jonquil, which is a wonderful two-toned bloom. Generally, there are two kinds of jonquils: one with mostly white petals and yellow accents and one that's the opposite. Such flowers that sport two exquisite colors can act as a transition between sections of the garden. Other Characteristics Of The Daffodil Plant They can grow almost to 3 feet tall and a foot wide. Their mature leaves are tall and straight and only droop toward the end of the growing season at the beginning of August. They last more than a month through the heart of the summer, lending their multicolored cheek to any garden. Because they thrive in containers as much as in the open, they're a terrific accent for window sills, porches, patios, and decks, bringing their polychromatic cheeriness to every part of not just the garden but also the whole property. Partners for Daffodil Plant The bright yellow of the plant pairs very well with other denizens of the garden, including the Northern Blue Star with its deep blue and indigo blooms and the vibrant red of roses or dahlias. The color palette is nearly endless when considering them fresh, with fabulous flexibility.

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Dutchmas Breeches - TN Nursery

Dutchmas Breeches

Dutchman's Breeches is a spring wildflower, have distinctive gray-green, finely divided leaves and unique, drooping clusters of white, pantaloon-shaped flowers that resemble miniature hanging pants. It is a captivating and delicate spring ephemeral plant that offers several benefits when incorporated into landscaping. Native to North America, they are a member of the poppy family and can be found growing in rich, moist woodlands, making them an ideal addition to woodland-themed gardens or naturalized landscapes. Dutchman's Breeches Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), also known as "Little Blue Staggers," is a white woodland flower that blooms from March to April. This spring ephemeral is also a perennial that is native to eastern North America. It also grows naturally in the Pacific Northwest. Dutchman's Breeches Natural Habitat In the United States, Dicentra cucullaria is often found in eastern and Pacific Northwestern woodlands. In the wild, the flower grows naturally on forest floors under dappled sunlight, on moist rocky slopes, and along stream banks. After their blooming cycle ends, the flowers go dormant, and their leaves and stems will fall to the ground to make way for summer flowers. Dutchman's Breeches Appearance The plants range from 6" to 12" tall and bloom for about two weeks. Their creamy white or pinkish flowers resemble pairs of old-fashioned Dutch pantaloons hanging upside-down from a clothesline. Each blossom's outer petals form a puffy 'V' shape that converges in a yellow-tipped base. The plant's feathery compound leaves look like fern fronds, and they change color from gray-green to pale yellow before disappearing for the rest of the year. Dutchman's Breeches in Gardens Little Blue Staggers makes an attractive addition to many landscapes. The plant is especially well-suited to wildflower and woodland gardens and works well in areas that are shaded by mature trees. Its wonderful flowers are sure to draw attention to your spring greenery with their delicate and cheeky blossoms. They should be planted in the fall. They grow from bulb-like underground plant structures called corms, which can multiply underground. Mature corms can be divided and transplanted to propagate new plants. Dicentra cucullaria offers nectar to bumblebees, cuckoo bees, and other bees that feed through the plant's perforations as they pollinate the flowers. Ants also help propagate the plant by carrying its seeds into new territory. If you want to add beauty and a touch of humor to your garden, consider planting a few near your trees. These flowers are a sure way to welcome the first flush of spring.

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Lily Of The Valley - TN Nursery

Lily Of The Valley

Lily Of The Valley is a delicate perennial plant with nodding, bell-shaped white flowers and fragrant, sword-shaped leaves, creating a charming ground cover in shaded garden areas. It is a delicate and enchanting perennial, offering various benefits when integrated into landscaping designs. Its graceful appearance, sweet fragrance, adaptability, and contributions to outdoor spaces' visual and sensory aspects make it a prized addition to gardens. Lily Of The Valley is a classic. They are associated with attributes like purity, virtue, humility, and compassion. With the proper scientific name Convallaria majalishe, the plant is associated with good fortune, joy, hopefulness, happiness, prosperity, and blessings. The herbaceous perennials begin to bloom in mid-May, and they continue to maintain a delightfully fragrant display until summer officially arrives in mid-June. The Understated Elegance Of Lily Of The Valley The shrub, with its exquisitely tiny bell-shaped, ornamental flowers, has a low-key and understated beauty. Rather than a profuse explosion of showy blossoms, these plants have a quietly powerful presence. They can grow almost anywhere, whether they're in a valley or not. Slim curving stems give expression to glossy, deep green leaves that gently cradle sweet clusters of delicate, refined flowers. Each bell-shaped blossom hangs from a stem like a precious ornament, while the captivating scent delights the senses. The Symbolic Significance Of Lily Of The Valley They are associated with May Day. They symbolizes a beautiful awakening after a long winter of darkness and hardship. The airy little flowers refresh the weary soul. They promise a return to happiness and new hope. When the pretty white bells burst into view, they remind us that dark winters are always followed by warm summers. The Captivating Aroma Of Lily Of The Valley When the alluring fragrance of them was converted to perfume and cologne in 1954, it inspired a line of products. Then, in 1956, it was marketed by Dior under the name Diorissimo. It was an instant hit for men and women alike. The lily was Dior's favorite flower and his lucky charm. The Unique Attributes Of Lily Of The Valley They can produce a thick carpet of ground cover while filling the air with a captivating scent. The deep green leaves make fabulous bouquets and cut flowers. With their curving stems, the plants can produce up to 12 tiny flowers with up to six tiny petals. The clusters are often included in bridal bouquets. Some bouquets consist entirely of them. The engaging blooms make a lovely statement when used to adorn wrapped gifts for weddings and showers.

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