Choosing the best plants for your Maryland property can ensure that they thrive while your property looks visually stunning all year long.
Creating a beautiful and healthy landscape starts with one key step—choosing the right plants for a Maryland property. From the coastal plains to the Appalachian foothills, Maryland’s diverse climate and soil types require careful selection to ensure long-term growth, color, and sustainability. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, selecting native and well-adapted plants will help your landscape thrive year-round with less maintenance and fewer pests.
Understanding Maryland’s Climate and Soil
Maryland lies in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 8, with humid summers, mild winters near the coast, and colder conditions inland. The state’s soils range from sandy loam along the Eastern Shore to clay and rocky mixtures in central and western regions. Because of this variety, the best landscape design considers both microclimate and soil type. Native species generally handle these conditions best—they’re naturally adapted to local weather patterns and support pollinators and wildlife.
Best Plants for Spring
Spring in Maryland brings new growth and mild temperatures—ideal for planting perennials, shrubs, and flowering trees.
- Perennials: Black-eyed Susan (Maryland’s state flower), columbine, and creeping phlox add early-season color.
- Shrubs: Azaleas and mountain laurel perform beautifully in Maryland’s acidic soils and partial shade.
- Trees: Dogwood and redbud trees are beloved for their vibrant blossoms and ability to tolerate Maryland’s spring rainfall.
Best Plants for Summer
Hot and humid summers mean plants must handle heat and periods of dryness.
- Perennials: Coneflowers, coreopsis, and daylilies are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies.
- Shrubs: Hydrangeas, butterfly bush, and inkberry holly add lush structure and thrive in the heat.
- Grasses: Switchgrass and little bluestem are native ornamental options that tolerate poor soils and bring movement to the landscape.
Best Plants for Fall
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy rich colors and plant for next year’s success.
- Perennials: Asters and goldenrod provide late-season blooms that feed pollinators.
- Shrubs: Viburnums and burning bush show stunning autumn foliage while producing berries for birds.
- Trees: Maple and sweetgum trees create a vibrant fall canopy with shades of red, orange, and gold.
Best Plants for Winter
Even in the colder months, Maryland landscapes can maintain texture and color.
- Evergreens: Boxwood, American holly, and Eastern red cedar retain green foliage year-round.
- Ornamental Trees: River birch and paperbark maple provide visual interest through distinctive bark.
- Winter-Interest Plants: Hellebores (“Lenten roses”) bloom in late winter, offering color before spring arrives.
Native Plant Benefits
Choosing native species is a good low-maintenance strategy. Native plants naturally resist local pests and diseases, reduce the need for fertilizers and irrigation, and create essential habitats for pollinators like bees and butterflies. They’re also better equipped to handle Maryland’s rainfall fluctuations and temperature extremes.
Designing a Sustainable Maryland Landscape
Whether you’re installing a new landscape or refreshing existing garden beds, choosing the right plants for a Maryland property ensures long-term beauty, health, and value. Pair native plants with quality soil preparation, mulching, and seasonal care, and your property will remain vibrant year after year. For the best results, consult a local landscaping professional familiar with Maryland’s regional conditions—they can help you design a landscape that thrives in every season.
Choose Edward’s Lawn & Landscaping
Since 2007, Edward’s Lawn and Landscaping has been offering premier residential and commercial services to improve your property all year. The options are endless, from a new patio to a backyard fire pit, let the winners of Angie’s List Super Service Aware serve you! If you’re interested in finding out more about our services or getting a quote, you can contact us online or give us a call at 443-341-6539. For more information about our services or DIY tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Houzz.