A plant is considered established when its roots have fully integrated into the soil and its stems, leaves, or trunk are strong enough to handle normal weather conditions like wind and rain. This process typically takes about a year. During that first year, plants may need extra water during dry spells and, in some cases, staking for support.
Once established, native plants become low-maintenance powerhouses, thriving in the right conditions with minimal care—relying on natural rainfall and requiring little, if any, extra watering.
Getting a plant established is the key to long-term success in your garden. Perennials, shrubs, and trees need time to adjust to their new home before they can thrive on their own. During that first year, they need a little extra care to ensure strong roots below ground and healthy growth above. In this article, we’ll break down what it means for a plant to be “established” and what you can do to help.
Why do plants need help to get established?
Plants don’t like to move
Unlike animals, plants don’t naturally relocate—they’re designed to stay in one place for years, even centuries. When we move them from a greenhouse or nursery into our gardens, it’s a major adjustment.
Just think about it:
- Many nursery-bought plants start their life in a carefully controlled environment, with ideal light, water, and soil conditions.
- Then, we take it out of its pot, dig a hole, and place it in completely new soil with different light and moisture levels.
- Sometimes the move damages roots or snaps a few branches along the way.
That’s a lot of change! No wonder plants need extra support during that first year.
What happens if a plant doesn’t get established?
When a plant struggles to adjust, it focuses all its energy on survival rather than growth. That means:
❌ It might not bloom.
❌ It might not come back the following year.
❌ In the worst cases, it may not survive at all.
By helping a plant get established, you’re setting it up for years of healthy, low-maintenance growth.
How to get a native plant established
Establishing a plant comes down to two key steps:
1. Watering: The #1 factor for success
Regular watering is essential in the first year, especially during dry spells. Without strong roots, the plant can’t pull up enough moisture on its own.
We made a simple watering guide to help:
💧 For the first 2 weeks
Water every other day
(unless it rains)
💧 For the first 3 months
Water once or twice a week
(unless it rains)
💧 First year
Water during droughts and dry spells
(no rain for 1-2 weeks)
How to water
I bet you’re scrolling past this quickly with an eye-roll—but hear me out! Here are a few pointers to help keep your plants healthy and not waste water:
- Water deeply: you’re trying to reach the roots.
- Water in the morning, if possible: this helps the water not evaporate in the daytime sun, and helps keep away mold that can come from evening watering.
Once established, most native plants thrive on rainfall alone.
2. Staking (only if needed)
Most native plants don’t need staking—but some exceptions exist. If a plant is top-heavy or in an exposed area (windy, open spots), staking prevents it from bending or breaking while its roots anchor.
How to stake properly:
✔ Use soft ties to gently secure the stem—don’t strangle it!
✔ Keep stakes loose enough to allow some movement (this helps strengthen the stem).
✔ Remove stakes after a year—once the plant stands strong on its own.
Bonus tips for strong, healthy plants
Want to give your plants the best possible start? Keep these in mind:
🌱 Right plant, right place: Match your plant’s needs to your garden’s soil, sun, and moisture.
🌱 Mulch wisely: A light layer (1-2 inches) around the base helps retain moisture—but keep it away from stems.
🌱 Skip the pesticides & herbicides: Let nature do the work. Native plants rely on beneficial insects and birds to keep things in balance—skip the chemicals, and you’ll get healthier plants, more butterflies, and more birds in your garden.
🌱 Hold off on fertilizer: Most native plants don’t need it—too much can actually weaken them!
Final takeaway: A little extra care for years of reward
The first year after planting is the most important for a plant’s long-term success. Once established, native perennials, shrubs, and trees will return stronger every year—thriving with little to no extra effort.
So give them a little help at the start, and then enjoy a healthy, vibrant native garden for years to come. Want some inspiration on what to plant? Explore our regional guides below, or visit popular favorites like our Beginner’s Guide to Native Coneflowers or our Beginner’s Guide to Native Magnolias. Happy planting!
