Where to Buy Native Plants in PEI
Red Earth Restoration supplies native plants from its nursery in the Morell area. Nursery visits and pickup are available by appointment from Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Availability changes, so contact the nursery about what you need before travelling or planning a pickup.
How Can You Tell Whether a Plant Is Native to PEI?
A plant sold on the Island is not necessarily native to Prince Edward Island. Some plants are native elsewhere in Canada or North America, while others were introduced from another part of the world.
Check the scientific name when possible. This is the standardized two-part name used to identify a species, and it is more reliable than a common name that may refer to several different plants.
The PEI Invasive Species Council recommends looking for its native plant tag when shopping. Its horticulture guide also directs Islanders to the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, which maintains provincial records for plants found in PEI.
What Should You Know About the Planting Site?
The conditions on the property matter as much as the plant itself. Before contacting a nursery, take note of:
- How many hours of sun the area receives
- Whether the soil is usually dry, moist or wet
- How much wind reaches the site
- Whether the property is exposed to salt air
- The approximate size of the planting area
- What you want the planting to do
The Government of Prince Edward Island uses the same kinds of details in its tree and shrub selection tool. Its filters include soil type, soil moisture, drainage, drought tolerance, full sun, partial shade and shade.
Do You Need to Know the Plant's Name?
You can make an enquiry without knowing which species you need. Describe the property conditions, the available space and what you want from the planting.
For example, you might be looking for plants suited to a wet area, a windy coastal property, a shaded part of the yard or a pollinator planting. Photos of the area can also help the nursery understand the request.
Plant recommendations and availability still need to be reviewed by the nursery. A photo or short description cannot confirm that a particular plant will suit the property.
Should You Contact the Nursery Before Visiting?
Contact Red Earth before coming to the nursery. Visits and pickup are by appointment only, and sending an enquiry does not reserve plants or confirm availability.
Include the plant name if you know it, an approximate quantity, where it will be planted and when you hope to plant or pick up. If the species is unknown, send the site information instead.
Can Organizations Ask About Plants for a Larger Project?
Watershed groups, community organizations and public institutions can also contact Red Earth about native plants for a project. The first enquiry should include the location, approximate planting area, intended timing and any known quantities.
Red Earth will review the request before confirming what may be available. No minimum quantity, lead time, delivery arrangement or ordering policy should be assumed from the website.
How Do You Ask Red Earth About Native Plants?
Use the nursery enquiry form to describe what you are looking for and where it will be planted. Contacting the nursery in advance gives Brandon and Becky the information they need to review the request before arranging any visit or pickup.
Sources Used for This Article
- Red Earth Restoration discovery material: nursery location, hours, appointment policy, changing availability, project-order audience and enquiry details.
- PEI Invasive Species Council, Horticulture: native plant tags, scientific names and checking whether a plant is native or invasive in PEI.
- Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, Conservation Ranks: provincial species records for Prince Edward Island.
- Government of Prince Edward Island, Search Trees and Shrubs: matching plants with soil, moisture and sunlight conditions.