Native Landscaping in Raleigh, NC
Raleigh Rainwater Rewards offers up to 90% of project costs for stormwater management, including rain gardens, cisterns, permeable pavement, and green roofs. Some residents qualify for 100% through the Rainwater Rewards Subsidy Program. A free consultation is required before applying. Rain gardens with native plants are a common choice.
Up to 90% of project costs (100% for some)
Available Rebate Programs in Raleigh
Raleigh Rainwater Rewards
Up to 90% of project costsRebates for stormwater management projects including rain gardens, cisterns, permeable pavement, green roofs, and constructed wetlands.
See full program details and applyRebate programs change regularly. Always confirm details directly with the program provider before applying. View all North Carolina programs.
Recommended Native Plants for Raleigh
These native plants are well-adapted to the Piedmont ecoregion and have growth habits that work well in HOA-conscious front yard designs.
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Small native tree with magenta spring blooms. Fits Raleigh lots.
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Reliable summer bloomer. Tolerates Piedmont clay and heat.
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Upright grass for rain garden edges. Handles wet and dry periods.
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Red flowers attract hummingbirds. Thrives in moist rain garden soil.
Joe Pye Weed
Eutrochium fistulosum
Tall native with pink flower clusters. Back of rain garden.
Blue Flag Iris
Iris versicolor
Native iris for wet zones. Handles periodic inundation.
Explore the full native plant library in the Pollinator Patch app, filtered by your specific ecoregion.
HOA Landscaping in Raleigh
Raleigh has many HOA communities, especially in North Raleigh, Cary, and newer developments. Rain gardens and native plantings with a neat design typically satisfy associations. The city consultation and project approval provide documentation.
HOA-Conscious Design Tips
- Start with clean edges and defined bed shapes. Structure signals care more than plant choice.
- Place shorter plants near the street and taller ones near the house for a tidy layered look.
- Use mulch between plants to signal intentional planting and reduce bare-soil concerns.
- Repeat 2–3 plant species for a cohesive, planned appearance rather than a random mix.
Local Tips for Raleigh
- Free consultation required before applying. Contact Raleigh Stormwater Management to schedule.
- Project must reduce stormwater runoff. Rain gardens are a common qualifying project.
- One of the most generous stormwater programs in the Southeast. Apply early; funding can be competitive.
- Apply at raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/apply-raleigh-rainwater-rewards.
Plan Your Raleigh Native Yard
Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for Raleigh's Piedmont ecoregion, design an HOA-conscious layout, and generate documentation for rebate applications.