Buzz
Photo: LITTLE DINOSAUR/Getty Images“Gardeners often express concern about plants that spread,” says Des Moines-based garden designer and horticulturist Kelly D. Norris, author of New Naturalism and the upcoming Your Natural Garden. “There’s a common fear that plants might grow beyond our control, as if their thriving somehow diminishes our efforts.”
Norris and other gardening experts encourage embracing self-seeding plants: They thrive in their chosen spots, fill empty spaces in your garden, and can naturally suppress unwanted weeds. Plus, these plants come at no extra cost.
Self-sown plants are ideal for meadow-style or naturalistic gardens, like those Norris designs, or traditional English cottage gardens, where self-seeding annuals are a key feature of their charm. Below are eight self-seeding plants favored by garden designers and how they incorporate them into their landscapes.
1. Foxglove Beardtongue
Kelly D. NorrisFoxglove beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) is a favorite among garden designers for good reason. “This classic wildflower thrives in the transition from spring to summer on the tallgrass prairie,” notes Norris. “I often mix cultivars with plants grown from wild seeds, creating a dynamic blend of pink and white blooms that evolve over time.” Additionally, it’s known for being resistant to deer and rabbits.
2. Golden Ragwort
Golden ragwort, or Packera aurea, is a self-seeding perennial that thrives in the understory of Eastern North America. Norris highlights its ability to fill gaps between taller plants. “Although it spreads widely, its growth rarely overshadows perennials that bloom later in the season,” he explains.
3. Black-Eyed Susan
Kelly D. Norris“I once considered black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) too ordinary for my liking,” admits Norris. “However, during the pandemic, a few sprouted naturally in our front yard meadow, and my perspective shifted. I now appreciate them as hardy, dependable plants that bring joy to the garden.” A note of caution: Some types are annuals, while others act like biennials, so understanding what you’re planting is key.
4. Prairie Petunia
NNehring/getty imagesThomas Rainer and Claudia West, founders of Phyto Studio, an ecological landscape design firm in Arlington, VA, advocate for self-seeding native plants often dismissed as “weeds.” “These plants efficiently fill bare spots in your garden and help suppress invasive species,” explains Rainer. One of their recommended self-seeders is prairie petunia (Ruellia humilis), a sun-loving plant native to the Plains and Southern regions.
5. Columbine ‘Pink Lanterns’
Ekaterina Utorova/Getty ImagesAshley Lloyd, a Hudson Valley-based landscape designer, praises columbines, particularly the 'Pink Lantern' variety, for their delicate appearance and striking blue-green foliage that remains attractive even after blooming. “Pink Lanterns boast elegant soft pink ombré flowers, offering a touch of refined charm. This variety is longer blooming and taller than the species, making it perfect for planting behind low shrubs or interspersed with shorter grasses,” Lloyd explains.
6. Eastern Red Columbine
Ali Majdfar/Getty ImagesRainer and West also admire the wild Eastern red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), which Rainer notes flourishes in shaded areas. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, this woodland wildflower features “striking, bell-shaped flowers with uniquely backward-facing tubes,” resembling cultivated columbines.
7. Stinking Hellebore
MarjanCermelj/Getty ImagesStinking hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) is a unique, deer-resistant plant that grows in a shrub-like form and prefers well-drained soil in partial shade to partial sun. “Its striking, finely-divided dark evergreen leaves pair beautifully with yellow-green flowers that bloom from winter onward, maintaining their appeal for months,” says Lloyd, who adds that they are excellent for floral arrangements.
8. White Corydalis
Michel VIARD/Getty Images“White corydalis (Corydalis ochroleuca) features delicate, fern-like leaves and an abundance of charming white flowers with a hint of yellow,” says Lloyd, noting its reliable blooming period from May to November in the Lower Hudson Valley. “It’s ideal for stone borders, container bases, and front edges, as it adds a softening touch to hard lines.” Additionally, its blue-green foliage remains semi-evergreen, making it a cherished addition to Lloyd’s gardens.
