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 [email protected], we’d love to hear from you!

Golden Rod Plant - TN Nursery

Golden Rod

Golden Rod - Solidago Golden Rod is a perennial wildflower in the Asteraceae family. Its striking clusters of bright yellow, tufted flowers on upright stems contrast against its slender green leaves. This plant is known for attracting pollinators to gardens and meadows. It is a delightful and beneficial plant with several advantages in landscaping projects. Golden Rod Has Sunny Flower Clusters  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. Golden Rod Is A Low Maintenace Perennial  In conclusion, it 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. It 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. This Native Plant Blooms From Summer To Fall The leaves are lance-shaped, alternating along the stem, and possess a rich green hue contrasting the yellow 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. It Is A Nectar-Rich Plant 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. Its 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 yellow splendor continues to captivate and inspire those fortunate to encounter it. What Is it, And Where Does It Grow It has bright yellow flowers and a rather tall stem. It grows in sunny places and is found in meadows, prairies, and roadsides. They bring a vibrant color to landscapes from late summer up to fall. How do I care for it in my garden It is easy to cultivate and grows in well-drained soils with direct sunlight. Upon establishment, it requires minimal watering and can grow in different varieties of soils and, therefore, ideal for beginners in gardening. Do They attract pollinators It is an absolute pollinator hub! It attracts beneficial insects like butterflies who love their flowers, making them suitable when preparing pollinator gardens. Can It be grown in containers They can be grown in large containers so long as they are provided with good drainage and a sufficient amount of sunlight. This makes it ideal for the backyard, patios, balcony, or any other limited outdoor space. When does It bloom Golden Rod usually blooms from late summer till fall. It provides vibrant color when other flowers are fading. Due to its long-lasting flowers, this plant is suitable for autumn gardens.

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Purple Coneflower - TN Nursery

Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower - Echinacea  Purple coneflowers are a favorite in the garden for their beauty, ease of maintenance, and hardiness. They’re perfect for those who enjoy an attractive, pollinator-friendly perennial.  Purple Coneflower Soil Recommendations These plants prefer rich soil and full sun but will also tolerate some shade. Planting these long-living perennials is simple: you make a hole rather than bury the root ball in the soil and water it. Once established, they do not require much maintenance or attention, not even watering when it’s still dry. They are drought-tolerant and pest-resistant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Seasonal Beauty and Blooming Cycle of The Purple Coneflower They are known to bloom throughout the summer and late fall. The purple-pink petals of each bloom cluster around a coppery-orange cone. Winter dries up the flowers, and decorative seed heads appear in winter to attract birds. The bloom season lasts many weeks after summer arrives. Even into late fall, birds and monarchs feast off these plants.  Shape and Longevity Of This Stunning Perennail  Purple Coneflowers are tall, graceful plants growing two to four feet tall. They are striking because of their daisy flowers and their somber green leaves. The perennials are perennial and can endure for decades when cared for appropriately, thus offering an excellent, stable, and durable option for any garden.

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Black Eyed Susan - TN Nursery

Black Eyed Susan

Black-Eyed Susan: Rudbeckia Hirta Black Eyed Susan has vibrant yellow petals and dark, contrasting centers and 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 Plants Attract Pollinators Rudbeckia Hirta is a beautiful and popular flower that blooms each year in North America. With yellow flowers surrounding a dark circular center, this plant serves an aesthetic purpose in any landscape and draws in bees and butterflies. Due to its hardiness and versatility, the plant is suitable for growing in the garden for beginners and professionals.  This perennial is valued for ornamental purposes and contributes to ecosystem maintenance.  Features of the Black-Eyed Susan The perennial has bright yellow petals with a dark brown or black Eye in the middle, making it a vivid plant that would look great in any garden. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial insects, so it should be included in any pollinator garden. It is relatively adaptable. It does well in arid conditions and simple soil types, making it a perfect pick for any low-maintenance garden.  Pollinator Favorites It prefers regions receiving full or partial sun exposure. Its growth habit is 2 to 3 feet tall and similar in width, enhancing the green appearance of areas where it is grown. Once established, this plant does not need much attention and usually grows well.  It is relatively immune to many garden pests and diseases. Growers of this plant can also contribute to habitat and care for one's patch of land by offering food for pollinators and other more valuable insects. Returns Every Warm Season Buy them and add these beautiful flowers to your garden, like our other popular ornamental plants, such as echinacea, shasta daisy, or coneflower plants. Growth Enhancements and Suggestions They do well in regions with full sun exposure. Ensure they are exposed to at least six hours of sunshine daily. They like well-draining soils and will grow in a range of soil types. These perennials symbolize encouragement, motivation, and justice. Their bright yellow color with a dark center is linked with positivism and strength, making them perfect for any garden.  Fertilizing Isn't Necessary, But Here are Recommendations They are native plants that do not require fertilizer, but you can use a slow-release fertilizer if you prefer it. Use it sparingly as they grow because these plants are not heavy feeders.  Maturity Height and Bloom Cycle  Depending on their type, they are perennials that can reach 1 to 3 feet. They provide great accents to borders and garden landscapes. Black-eyed Susan plants can take from 60 to 90 days to bloom after germination from seeds. The plants return year after year, blooming mid to late summer and continuing into early fall.

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Daffodil Plant - TN Nursery

Daffodil Plant

Daffodil Plant: Narcissus The Daffodil Plant is a Spring-blooming, trumpet-shaped flower characterized by its vibrant yellow or white petals and central trumpet-like corona. It adds a burst of color to gardens and landscapes. The flower's vibrant colors, from sunny yellows to pastel lemon, create striking visual displays that brighten any outdoor area. They are famous for being yellow, but they come in all kinds of other colors, 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. 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 flower does the same for many years throughout its life cycle. They'll anchor your garden through spring and summer as long-lasting blooms, drawing people's gaze to their grace and beauty. The Blooming Trumpet The Daffodil 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 entire light spectrum when covered in morning dew. Not everyone forms a trumpet, however. They form two kinds of cups:  charming double blooms and what's known as the jonquil, which is a beautiful two-toned bloom. Generally, there are two kinds of jonquils: one with primarily 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. Care and Growth Info They can grow almost to 3 feet tall and a foot wide. Their mature leaves are tall and straight and only sag 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 the garden and the whole property. Companion Perennial Plants The bright yellow flowers pair very well with other garden residents, including the Northern Blue Star with its deep blue and indigo blooms and the vibrant red of roses or dahlias. When considering them fresh, the color palette is nearly endless and fabulously flexible. Where do they grow best? They love soil with good drainage and full to partial sun. Choose an area of your yard with proper airflow to reduce the chances of fungal diseases.  How frequently should I water them? Watering them in the growing season but avoiding excess watering is recommended to prevent the bulbs from rotting.  How do I Propagate them?  They can be multiplied by dividing clumps of bulbs every three to four years. They can also be grown from seeds, though this process takes longer than bulb division. Harvest seeds when the flowers have withered, sow them in a planting medium and wait for flowers to come up.  When Should I Plant Them Timing is essential. Plant your bulbs in autumn, before the soil freezes, so they have enough time to develop and bloom in spring.  What are some companion Plants for Them? Daffodils enjoy the company of other flowers and more. Grow them with tulips to get a truly floral marriage made in a floral paradise, or grow them with perennials to create a marvelous garden outlook.  

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Dutchmans Breeches - TN Nursery

Dutchman's Breeches

Dutchman's Breeches - Dicentra cucullaria Dutchman's Breeches is a spring wildflower with distinctive gray-green, finely divided leaves and unique, drooping clusters of white, pantaloon-shaped flowers resembling miniature hanging pants. It is a captivating and delicate spring ephemeral plant that offers several benefits when incorporated into the landscaping. Native to North America, it is a member of the poppy family and can be found growing in rich, moist woodlands, making it an ideal addition to woodland-themed gardens or naturalized landscapes. 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 native to eastern North America. It also grows naturally in the Pacific Northwest. Dicentra cucullaria is often found in the eastern and Pacific Northwestern woodlands of the United States. The flower grows naturally in the wild 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 fall to the ground to make way for summer flowers. Dutchman's Breeches Appearance They 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, changing color from gray-green to pale yellow before disappearing for the rest of the year.  Stunning In Landscapes  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 shaded by mature trees. Its beautiful flowers, with their delicate and cheeky blossoms, will surely draw attention to your spring greenery. 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. Pollinators love Dicentra Cucullaria It 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. Which is the best location for them? It can be planted in part shade and well-drained soils. It's perfect for an organic look in shade gardens or wooded areas.  What do they look like?   It is fern-like with grey-green leaves, producing heads of white pants-shaped flowers in early spring. Its unique booms are striking in any garden.  How to grow them?  Once established, it requires little care. Water the plant when wet and put mulch on top of the soil to keep the moisture in.  Will they work in wildlife gardens?  Yes! It has many early spring pollinators, including bees. It flowers in early spring and will nectar in cold weather when other plants won't.  Can they be cultivated in pots?  Plant Dutchman's Breeches plants in pots, but place it where there is a combination of partial to whole shade and moist but well-drained soil. That means it's suitable for little gardens.

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Lily Of The Valley - TN Nursery

Lily Of The Valley

Lily Of The Valley: Convallaria majalis Lily Of The Valley is a delicate perennial plant with nodding, bell-shaped white flowers and fragrant, sword-shaped leaves. It creates a charming ground cover in shaded garden areas and offers 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. It is a classic. It is associated with purity, virtue, humility, and compassion. The proper scientific name is Convallaria majalishe, and the plant is related to good fortune, joy, hopefulness, happiness, prosperity, and blessings. The herbaceous perennials begin to bloom in mid-May and continue to maintain a delightfully fragrant display until summer officially arrives in mid-June. With its exquisitely tiny bell-shaped, ornamental flowers, the shrub 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 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 symbolize a beautiful awakening after a long winter of darkness and hardship. The airy little flowers refresh the weary soul and promise a return to happiness and new hope. When the pretty white bells burst into view, they remind us that warm summers always follow dark winters with their alluring fragrance. Lily Of The Valley Is Used In Perfumes  When the alluring fragrance of them was converted to perfume and cologne in 1954, it inspired a line of products. Then, in 1956, Dior marketed it under the name Diorissimo. It was an instant hit for men and women alike.  It 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.  It grows in partially shaded to shaded areas in well-drained soil. They prefer a cool, moist area, which makes it suitable for woodland gardens or shaded borders.  Lily of the Valley has a unique fragrance; it is sweet and fresh with some hint of citrus. This is commonly used in perfumes and is well appreciated for its relaxing and mood-boosting features.

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