Vancouver Island Native Plant Guide: A Complete Resource for Local Gardens

Create a beautiful, sustainable, and low-maintenance landscape with Vancouver Island's native plants. This comprehensive guide from Ascent Yard Care will help you select and maintain the perfect native species for your property.

Why Choose Native Plants?

Native plants offer numerous benefits for Vancouver Island properties:

• Naturally adapted to local climate and soil conditions
• Require less water once established
• Support local wildlife and pollinators
• Reduce maintenance needs
• Create authentic West Coast landscapes
• Help prevent invasive species spread

Trees

Garry Oak (Quercus garryana)

• Height: 15-25m
• Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
• Features: Distinctive bark, drought-tolerant
• Wildlife: Supports over 100 species
• Maintenance: Minimal once established

Arbutus/Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii)

• Height: 15-30m
• Conditions: Full sun, rocky or well-drained sites
• Features: Distinctive red bark, evergreen
• Wildlife: Berries attract birds
• Maintenance: Requires excellent drainage

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)

• Height: 30-60m
• Conditions: Partial to full sun, moisture-retentive soil
• Features: Aromatic, excellent screening
• Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds
• Maintenance: Regular water in dry periods

Shrubs

Red-Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)

• Height: 1-3m
• Conditions: Sun to partial shade
• Features: Pink-red flowers in spring
• Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds
• Maintenance: Light pruning after flowering

Salal (Gaultheria shallon)

• Height: 0.3-5m
• Conditions: Shade to partial sun
• Features: Evergreen, glossy leaves
• Wildlife: Berries attract birds
• Maintenance: Spreads readily, may need containment

Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)

• Height: 1-2m
• Conditions: Shade to full sun
• Features: Yellow flowers, blue berries
• Wildlife: Important early nectar source
• Maintenance: Prune to control spread

Ground Covers

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

• Height: 0.15-0.3m
• Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
• Features: Evergreen, red berries
• Wildlife: Attracts pollinators
• Maintenance: Excellent slope stabilizer

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)

• Height: 0.1-0.15m
• Conditions: Sun to partial shade
• Features: White flowers, edible berries
• Wildlife: Attracts beneficial insects
• Maintenance: Controls soil erosion

Perennials

Common Camas (Camassia quamash)

• Height: 0.3-0.6m
• Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil
• Features: Blue-purple flowers in spring
• Wildlife: Attracts pollinators
• Maintenance: Let foliage die back naturally

Douglas Aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum)

• Height: 0.3-0.9m
• Conditions: Full sun to partial shade
• Features: Purple flowers late summer
• Wildlife: Important butterfly plant
• Maintenance: May need staking

Ferns

Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum)

• Height: 0.6-1.5m
• Conditions: Shade to partial sun
• Features: Evergreen, architectural
• Wildlife: Provides cover
• Maintenance: Remove old fronds

Deer Fern (Blechnum spicant)

• Height: 0.3-0.6m
• Conditions: Shade to partial shade
• Features: Distinct fertile/sterile fronds
• Wildlife: Ground cover for forest wildlife
• Maintenance: Keep soil consistently moist

Growing Conditions on Vancouver Island

Soil Types

• Clay-based soils common in Victoria area
• Rocky, well-drained conditions in higher elevations
• Rich organic soil in forested areas
• Sandy soils near coastal areas

Climate Considerations

• Mediterranean climate pattern
• Winter rain and summer drought
• Microclimate variations
• Coastal influence on temperature
• Rain shadow effect

Plant Communities

Garry Oak Meadow

Combining:

• Garry Oak
• Blue Wild Rye
• Common Camas
• Woolly Sunflower
• Spring Gold

Coastal Forest

Combining:

• Western Red Cedar
• Sword Fern
• Salal
• Oregon Grape
• Red Huckleberry

Rocky Outcrop

Combining:

• Arbutus
• Kinnikinnick
• Broad-leaved Stonecrop
• Sea Blush
• Oregon Grape

Maintenance Tips

Establishment

• Plant in fall or spring
• Water regularly first year
• Mulch to retain moisture
• Protect from deer if necessary
• Allow room for growth

Ongoing Care

• Reduce water once established
• Prune selectively as needed
• Remove competing invasives
• Monitor for health issues
• Maintain natural form

Native Plant Sources

Local Native Plant Nurseries

• Support local specialists
• Ensure local genetics
• Get expert advice
• Find rare species
• Verify plant origins

Sustainable Collection

• Never collect from wild
• Use reputable sources
• Support propagation
• Preserve populations
• Share responsibly

Professional Support

Ascent Yard Care offers expert guidance for incorporating native plants into your landscape:

• Site assessment
• Plant selection
• Installation
• Maintenance plans
• Invasive species management

Contact us for professional assistance with your native plant landscaping project.

Request a Consultation

• Expert assessment
• Custom planting plans
• Installation services
• Maintenance support
• Local knowledge

Ascent Yard Care: Professional Landscape Services in Greater Victoria | WCB Compliant | $5M Liability Insurance | Serving Central Saanich and Greater Victoria Area