Gardening in the Pacific Northwest means embracing a lush, ever-changing landscape shaped by abundant rainfall, rich soil, and mild temperatures. Native plants thrive effortlessly, while well-chosen non-natives can add exciting variety with a little extra care. With the right selections, your garden can become a vibrant haven of towering trees, colorful blooms, and hardy ground covers. From misty forests to sun-dappled meadows, the PNW offers endless opportunities to create a thriving, low-maintenance paradise.
1. Sword Fern
These fronds are like the swords of a green army, standing tall and proud in the undergrowth. Sword fern thrives in the Pacific Northwest, gracing forests with its evergreen presence.
It’s a low-maintenance plant that loves the shade and adds an elegant touch to woodland gardens. These ferns play a vital role in the ecosystem, providing shelter and nutrients to woodland creatures.
2. Western Bleeding Heart
With flowers as delicate as a poet’s heart, this plant brings romance to shady corners. Western nleeding heart flourishes in moist, well-drained soils, making it an ideal choice for gardens in the Pacific Northwest.
The charming, heart-shaped flowers add a splash of pink to any garden. This perennial is both appealing and versatile, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any green space.
3. Hostas
Variety is the spice of life, and this greenery is the spice of shady gardens. These perennials come in a wide array of sizes, colors, and leaf patterns.
Hostas thrive in the cool, moist conditions of the Pacific Northwest. While they require some care, such as protection from slugs, their lush foliage makes it all worthwhile.
4. Wild Ginger
Sometimes the best things are hidden beneath the surface, like the roots of this perennial. This plant forms a dense mat of foliage, making it an excellent low-maintenance ground cover.
Wild ginger prefers shady spots and is well-suited to the Pacific Northwest climate. It’s not only functional but also adds an earthy aesthetic to garden spaces.
5. Coral Bells
In a world of green, why not add a pop of color with these tiny bells? These plants are known for their striking foliage, which can range from deep purples to vibrant greens.
They thrive in shady gardens and provide year-round interest. Coral bells are easy to care for and perfect for adding texture and color to your garden.
6. Oregon Grape
Some plants are like superheroes, possessing multiple powers. Oregon Grape is one such plant, with attractive evergreen foliage, bright yellow flowers, and clusters of dark berries.
It’s drought-resistant and perfectly suited to the Pacific Northwest. This plant is not only a feast for the eyes but also beneficial for local wildlife.
7. Red Hot Poker
When life needs a bit of spice, this plant steps in with its fiery blooms. These striking plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in sunny spots.
Their vibrant red and yellow flowers make a bold statement in any garden. Red hot poker is as low-maintenance as it is spectacular, ensuring it’s a garden favorite.
8. Yarrow
Pollinators rejoice! Yarrow is here to support you with its nectar-rich blooms. This hardy perennial is drought-tolerant, making it well-suited to the Pacific Northwest.
Yarrow’s clusters of white flowers are both beautiful and functional, attracting a variety of pollinators. It’s a great choice for adding ecological value to gardens.
9. Blanket Flower
This flower wraps your garden in a cozy, colorful blanket of blooms. Blanket flower is known for its drought resistance, making it a resilient choice for Pacific Northwest gardens.
Its vibrant red and yellow flowers bring warmth and color to any landscape. Compared to other perennials, it’s both durable and delightful.
10. Sedum
In the world of low-maintenance plants, this succulent is a superstar. This water-saving buddy can withstand dry summers and offers a stunning display of fleshy leaves and pink flowers.
Sedum is perfect for rock gardens and sunny spots in the Pacific Northwest. Its resilience and beauty make it a cherished addition to any garden.
11. Rhododendron
Nothing says ‘spring’ like a shrubs in full bloom. Azaleas offer large, colorful flowers that captivate any audience.
Rhododendrons thrive in the Pacific Northwest, where cool, damp conditions suit them perfectly. With proper care, they reward gardeners with a kaleidoscope of color year after year.
12. Pacific Wax Myrtle
Privacy, please! Pacific Wax Myrtle is the perfect choice for those who value their garden sanctuary. This dense, evergreen shrub creates excellent privacy hedges while supporting local wildlife.
It thrives in the Pacific Northwest, where its adaptability to different soil types is a major asset. It’s low-maintenance and a practical choice for any garden.
13. Mountain Laurel
Elegance meets resilience in the form of this lovely shrub. It produces clusters of pink and white flowers, adding grace to any garden.
Mountain Laurel thrives in the cool, damp conditions of the Pacific Northwest. A little care goes a long way, ensuring it remains a garden favorite.
14. Japanese Pieris
Year-round beauty is within reach with this evergreen shrub. Japanese pieris boasts colorful new growth and delicate white flowers in early spring.
It adds interest to gardens throughout the year, thriving in the Pacific Northwest’s cool, moist climate. Japanese Pieris is a versatile addition to any garden, offering both elegance and resilience.
15. Oregon Boxwood
Traditional hedges are so last season. Oregon Boxwood offers a native alternative that’s low-maintenance and eco-friendly.
This dense, evergreen shrub is perfect for hedges and thrives in the Pacific Northwest. It’s not only practical but also a stylish addition to any garden.
16. Western Red Cedar
In the land of giants, this towering tree reigns supreme. Western red cedar is an iconic symbol of the Pacific flourishes in the region’s moist forests and plays a crucial role in local ecosystems.
It is both majestic and ecologically significant as it supports local wildlife. It will feel your home feel like a Pacific forest, and who doesn’t want that (sometimes)?
17. Vine Maple
Seasonal beauty is a given with this versatile tree. Vine maple offers multi-season interest, from its vibrant fall foliage to its delicate spring blossoms.
Vine Maple needs the cool, moist conditions of the Pacific Northwest. It’s equally at home in gardens and forests, adding color and character to any setting.
18. Pacific Dogwood
Springtime in the Pacific Northwest isn’t complete without the stunning blooms of flowering trees. This beautiful tree offers large, white flowers in spring and colorful foliage in fall.
Pacific dogwood requires well-drained and sunny spots. With a little care, it becomes a cherished part of any garden.
19. Douglas Fir
In the realm of giants, this iconinc tree stands tall and proud. The Douglas fir is a cornerstone of Pacific Northwest forests, offering habitat and resources for wildlife.
It enjoys the region’s damp conditions and is a popular choice for landscaping and forestry. Douglas fir is both practical and majestic.
20. Bigleaf Maple
When it comes to foliage, bigger can be better, and the this maple proves it. Bigleaf maple is a native tree boasts enormous leaves and vibrant fall colors.
The shade-tolerance and the ability to flourish in moist conditions make sit perfect for PNW. Bigleaf maple adds a touch of grandeur to any landscape, providing shade and beauty.
21. Lupine
For gardeners seeking a win-win, this wildflower offers beauty and ecological benefits. This hardy perennial improves soil health by fixing nitrogen and attracts pollinators with its vibrant flowers.
Lupine thrives in the varied conditions of the Pacific Northwest. It’s a versatile addition, perfect for meadows and borders.
22. Columbine
When whimsy meets wilderness, this charming vine takes center stage. Columbine is perfect for wildflower meadows and shaded gardens.
Columbine’s delicate red and yellow flowers attract pollinators and add a touch of magic to any space. It’s well-suited to the Pacific Northwest, where it flourishes with minimal care.
23. Hellebore
Winter gardens need not be dull, thanks to the charming perennial blossoms of this plant. Hellebore blooms in late winter, offering nodding, pastel-colored flowers when little else is in bloom.
These shrubs love the cool, moist conditions of the Pacific Northwest. They add color and interest to gardens throughout the winter months.
24. Foxglove
In the realm of tall and elegant, this wildflower stands proudly. This biennial offers stunning spires of purple flowers, attracting pollinators to any garden.
While its beauty is undeniable, foxglove is also toxic, so caution is advised. It thrives in the Pacific Northwest, adding grace and height to floral displays.
25. Astilbe
Feathery elegance defines this renowned perennial. Astilbe hrives in damp, shaded areas, offering delicate plumes of color.
They are perfect for adding texture and charm to Pacific Northwest gardens. With minimal maintenance, they provide a stunning addition to any shade garden.
26. Kinnikinnick
Ground cover goals are achieved with this resilient, difficult-to-pronounce native. This native plant forms a dense mat, perfect for erosion control in the Pacific Northwest.
Kinnikinnick’s small, pink flowers add a touch of color to its evergreen foliage. It’s an essential addition to any garden needing reliable ground cover.
27. Salal
Beauty meets function in the form of this native ground cover. Salal offers glossy evergreen leaves and delicate white flowers.
This lovely plant requires the shaded, moist conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Its edible berries and attractive foliage make it a valuable addition to any garden.
28. Creeping Jenny
When it comes to brightening up wet areas, this robust ground cover is the star. Creeping Jenny offers vibrant green leaves that spread quickly.
Give this dense mat the damp conditions of the Pacific Northwest, where it requires minimal maintenance, and you’ll get everything you’ve asked for and more. It’s perfect for adding color and coverage to wet gardens.
29. Sweet Woodruff
For a touch of fragrance and charm, this forest ground cover is a must-have. Sweet woodruff is a soil-covering plant that thrives in shady, moist gardens, offering fragrant, star-shaped flowers.
It spreads easily, creating a lush carpet of green. It’s both beautiful and practical, making it a popular choice for gardeners.
30. Corsican Mint
Minty fresh and fabulous, this plant adds scent and style to any garden. This fragrant ground cover thrives in the Pacific Northwest’s moist conditions and offers tiny purple flowers.
It’s both edible and aromatic, making it a delightful addition to garden paths and borders. Corsican Mint is as versatile as it is charming.
31. Bee Balm
In a world of muted tones, monardas alm stands out with its bright colors and pollinator appeal. This perennial attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its vibrant red flowers.
Bee balm thrives in the Pacific Northwest, offering a burst of color to any garden. It’s both beautiful and beneficial, supporting local pollinators.
32. Lavender
In the realm of relaxation, this aromatic herb reigns supreme. Lavender offers purple flower spikes and thrives in sunny, well-drained spots.
This herb is perfect for Pacific Northwest gardens, where it adds aroma and elegance. It’s versatile, with uses ranging from culinary to decorative, making it a beloved garden staple.
33. Pacific Ninebark
Textural interest meets ecological value in the form of this native shrub. Pacific ninebark in wet conditions and offers peeling bark and clusters of white flowers.
It supports biodiversity and is a valuable addition to Pacific Northwest gardens. It’s both beautiful and beneficial, making it a gardener’s favorite.
34. Milkweed
Butterflies rejoice at the sight of this perennial, a crucial host for monarch caterpillars. Milkweed thrives in the Pacific Northwest and offers tall stems with clusters of pink flowers.
Milkweed is essential for supporting monarch populations and adds beauty to gardens. It’s a must-have for conservation-minded gardeners.
35. Coneflower
For resilience and beauty, look no further than this wildflower. Coneflower is sturdy perennial that offers purple petals and a prominent central cone, attracting pollinators.
It loves the Pacific Northwest and is both drought-tolerant and easy to grow. It’s a reliable choice for adding color and ecological value to gardens.
36. Blueberries
In the world of edible delights, these berries are a sweet favorite. These shrubs thrive in the acidic soils of the Pacific Northwest, offering delicious fruits.
Blueberries are perfect for home gardens, where they provide both beauty and bounty. With proper care, they reward gardeners with a plentiful harvest.
37. Raspberries
Berry enthusiasts, rejoice! Raspberries offer juicy delights throughout the summer months. These canes thrive in the cool, damp climate of the Pacific Northwest, providing a bountiful harvest.
With seasonal care, including pruning and mulching, raspberries continue to produce year after year, making them a garden treasure.
38. Apples
In the realm of fruit trees, this fruit hold their own with a variety of flavors and uses. Pacific Northwest gardens are ideal for growing apples, with many disease-resistant varieties available.
These trees offer both beauty and bounty, with delicious fruit for pies, cider, and more. With proper care, apple trees provide a plentiful harvest.
39. Kale
When it comes to versatility and nutrition, cruciferous vegetables takes the crown. This robust leafy green thrives in the cool, damp climate of the Pacific Northwest.
Kale is a perfect cool-season crop, offering year-round harvests with proper care. It’s a staple for health-conscious gardeners, providing a nutritious addition to meals.
40. Rhubarb
For those who love tangy flavors, leafy greens are a must-have. This perennial thrives in the Pacific Northwest’s cool, moist climate, offering edible stalks for pies and jams.
With proper planting and maintenance, Rhubarb provides consistent harvests year after year. It’s a delicious and reliable addition to any garden.