Trend #1 for 2025, focuses on the use of native plants and nativars. The demand for native plants is skyrocketing as more gardeners recognize their incredible benefits for pollinators, wildlife, and ecosystems. 🌻 But what are ‘nativars,’ and why are they gaining attention? In this video, we explore how plant breeders and growers are meeting the demand with nativars—cultivated native plants designed to thrive in residential gardens.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, discover why nativars are changing the game for residential landscapes!
🌿 Are nativars the same as cultivars? No, nativars and cultivars are not the same. A nativar is a cultivated variety (cultivar) of a native plant, meaning it’s been selectively bred for specific traits like color or size, while a cultivar can refer to any plant (native or non-native) that has been bred for certain characteristics.
🌿 Additional links for more information on this topic:
– Native Species or Cultivars of Native Plants–Does it Matter? — a great article, written by a Master Gardener: https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/native-species-or-cultivars-of-native-plants-does-it-matter/
– From Nursery to Nature: Are native cultivars as valuable to pollinators as native species? — discusses the complex issue of whether herbaceous nativars are good or bad for pollinating insects: https://pollinatorgardens.org/2013/02/08/my-research/
– Are Tropical Milkweeds Good or Bad for Monarchs? — current research in this article from MonarchScience.org: https://www.monarchscience.org/single-post/a-complete-summary-of-the-previous-and-new-science-on-tropical-milkweed-and-monarchs
– Mt. Cuba’s Extensive Trial Research on Natives vs. Cultivars: https://mtcubacenter.org/research/trial-garden/
– Are Native Cultivars Ecologically Beneficial? —An Interview with Doug Tallamy: https://www.ecobeneficial.com/audio/are-native-cultivars-ecologically-beneficial-an-interview-with-dr-doug-tallamy/
– The Nativar Conundrum: New Research on Natives vs. Native Cultivars, with Dr. Doug Tallamy: https://www.ecobeneficial.com/2015/10/the-nativar-conundrum-new-research-on-natives-vs-native-cultivars-with-dr-doug-tallamy/
– Citizen Scientists Help Parse the Native/Nativar Debate — from the Ecological Landscaping Alliance: https://www.ecolandscaping.org/07/designing-ecological-landscapes/native-plants/citizen-scientists-help-parse-the-native-nativar-debate/
🌿 See the full 2025 Trends in Garden Design article: https://www.gardendesign.com/trends/2025.html
🌿 See more from Rebecca Sweet: https://harmonyinthegarden.com/
🌿 Book Rebecca Sweet as a speaker at your next gardening meeting or event: https://www.gardendesign.com/rebecca-sweet/
🌿 Check out Freeland & Sabrina’s Garden Experience, hosted by Rebecca Sweet — a 2-day, in-person learning experience in beautiful Napa, CA
https://www.freelandandsabrina.com/