Gardeners are always on the lookout for plants that not only look stunning but also support the environment. Native plants have surged in popularity in recent years for their ability to do just that—but they often come with wild habits that don’t always fit into tidy landscapes. Enter the nativar: a garden-friendly hybrid that combines the ecological value of native plants with the refined beauty and functionality that home gardeners love.

What Exactly Are Nativars?

Nativars (short for “native cultivars”) are cultivated varieties of native plants that have been bred or selected to enhance specific traits. These might include more compact growth habits for urban or container gardens, bolder or more varied bloom colors, extended bloom times, enhanced disease and pest resistance, or improved performance in nursery production.

Unlike traditional hybrids that often mix two species, nativars are derived from within the same species—making them much closer to their wild relatives.

Why Gardeners Love Nativars

For the modern gardener, nativars hit a sweet spot. They bring the hardiness, adaptability, and pollinator value of native plants, but with refined aesthetics and behavior better suited for ornamental beds and borders. Whether you’re trying to design a pollinator haven in a suburban backyard or want low-maintenance plants that thrive without chemicals, nativars offer an appealing middle ground.

Some reasons gardeners are choosing nativars include tame, manageable growth that fits in small gardens, color and form consistency for more cohesive garden design, availability at nurseries where true natives are often hard to find, and a chance to support native wildlife without sacrificing garden style.

Do Nativars Really Help Pollinators?

The short answer: sometimes—but it depends on the traits that have been altered.

Nativars with unchanged flower structure, scent, and nectar production often retain most of their pollinator value. Those bred for double blooms, unusual colors, or heavy petal modifications may lose their effectiveness. These changes can block access to nectar or reduce pollen output, making them less useful to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

A few research takeaways: butterflies and bees may prefer wild-type natives, especially when it comes to foraging efficiency. Color changes can affect how pollinators see the plant. For example, bees are more attracted to blues and purples and less to reds. Native leaf-eating insects may not recognize foliage on some nativars due to altered chemical or physical traits—affecting the food web beyond just pollinators.

🧠 Master Gardener Tip:
When choosing nativars, look for ones that stay as close to the wild type as possible in flower structure and function. Avoid highly modified “fluffy” or double-bloom cultivars if you’re planting for pollinators.

Favorite Nativars to Try in the Garden

If you’re just getting started with nativars, here are some proven winners that combine beauty with function:

• Echinacea purpurea ‘PowWow Wild Berry’ – Compact and vibrant, it still attracts butterflies like its wild cousin.
• Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’ – Mildew-resistant and beloved by hummingbirds.
• Aster novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ – A shorter version of New England aster, perfect for front-of-border placement.
• Amsonia hubrichtii ‘Storm Cloud’ – Glows in fall and supports native insects while offering a refined look.
• Phlox paniculata ‘Jeana’ – One of the best phlox cultivars for butterflies, especially swallowtails.

Tips for Designing with Nativars

Here’s how to thoughtfully integrate nativars into your garden: mix with true natives to increase biodiversity and ecosystem support, plant in swaths or drifts to make it easier for pollinators to find them, layer with seasonal interest by selecting nativars that bloom in different parts of the season, and include native grasses or sedges as companions to provide structure and shelter for insects and birds.

💡 Remember: The more your garden mimics local plant communities, the more valuable it becomes to native wildlife.

The Nativar Debate: A Quick Look

Some native plant purists argue that nativars dilute biodiversity, especially if they replace true wild types in restoration efforts. However, for residential and ornamental gardens, nativars offer a practical entry point for gardeners who want to reduce their footprint while maintaining beauty and manageability.

You don’t have to choose one or the other—a mixed garden that includes natives, nativars, and well-behaved non-natives can still support a thriving ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

In today’s gardens, nativars are more than a trend—they’re part of a new standard in sustainable, conscious landscaping. They provide a bridge between what nature needs and what gardeners want, making them a smart choice for those seeking a yard that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Whether you’re creating a pollinator pathway, filling a curbside bed, or just looking to reduce water use and maintenance, nativars deserve a place in your garden plan.