
Plants for the Formal Garden Patio
Do you prefer a formal look? Native doesn't need to mean naturalistic. This room showcases native substitutes for exotic species typically found in formal landscapes. Instead of Big Leaf Hydrangea, Boxwood and Pachysandra, consider Smooth Hydrangea, Inkberry Holly and Allegheny Spurge. These native plants provide food and habitat for birds in addition to formal structure and year-round beauty.
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Note that the Plant List below is accurate, but the Black and White flower is a placeholder while images on the site are updated.
​Trees



Green Hawthorn
Crataegus viridis 'Winter King'
Ecological Benefits: Nest Site for Birds, Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer, Food for Birds, Food for Caterpillars
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Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana 'Moonglow'
Ecological Benefits: Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer







Shrubs
Smoothleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens 'Haas Halo'
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife, Nest Site for Birds, Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer
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Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Gem Box'
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife, Nest Site for Birds, Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer, Food for Winter Birds
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Smooth Witherod Viburnum
Viburnum nudum 'Brandywine'
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife, Nest Side for Birds, Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer, Food for Winter Birds, Food for Breeding Birds, Food for Spring Migrant Birds, Food for Caterpillars
Smooth Witherod Viburnam
Viburnum nudum 'Winterthur'
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife, Nest Side for Birds, Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer, Food for Winter Birds, Food for Breeding Birds, Food for Spring Migrant Birds, Food for Caterpillars
Perennials









Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Ecological Benefits: Not Applicable
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Coral Bells
Heuchera villosa "Autumn Bride"
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife
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Dwarf crested Iris
Iris cristata "Alba"
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife
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Bluebells
Mertensia virginica
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife, Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer
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Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia "Brandywine"
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife, Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer
Grasses & Groundcovers



Bunny Blue Sedge
Carex laxiculmis "Hobb"
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife, Nest Site for Birds, Food for Winter Birds, Food for Caterpillars
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Allegheny Spurge
Pachysandra procumbens
Ecological Benefits: Cover for Wildlife, Pollen Producer, Nectar Producer
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