Tough, Local, and Lovely: Native Plants That Beat the Heat (and Everything Else)

Let’s face it, Massachusetts gardening can be a challenge. One minute it’s raining for weeks, the next it’s a scorcher with no relief in sight. That’s why we’re big fans of native plants here at Lakeview Nurseries. These homegrown heroes have adapted to our sometimes stubborn (ha!) New England weather and, once established, they basically look at summer stress and say, “Not today.”

Two of our absolute favorites for late July color are Spigelia marilandica ‘Little Redhead’ and Dotted Horsemint (Monarda punctata). If you haven’t met these natives yet, allow us to introduce you.

Little Redhead is a shade tolerant woodland beauty with bold, tubular red flowers and just enough sass to attract hummingbirds and pollinator paparazzi alike. It blooms in early summer and doesn’t need coddling. And plant geek fact: it’s a native wildflower that looks like it should be starring in a tropical resort garden. But no, it’s perfectly happy here in the Northeast. It thrives in part shade with consistent moisture, and once its roots settle in, it’s remarkably low-maintenance.

On the flip side, Dotted Horsemint is your sun loving, drought tolerant wild child. This pollinator magnet bursts onto the scene with whorls of soft purple and cream flowers, and that speckled coloring? It’s not just stylish, it’s a signal to bees and butterflies that dinner is served. A member of the mint family (but don’t worry, it behaves), it has aromatic foliage and a tough as nails attitude. Seriously, this plant would probably thrive on a traffic island.

So, why natives? They’re naturally adapted to our local soil, rainfall, and climate. That means less watering, fewer pests, and a whole lot more garden joy with less effort. Plus, they support local wildlife and keep your yard buzzing in the best possible way.

Come by the garden center to check out our native selection, including these two standout stars and let us help you plant a yard that feels like home… because it is.