If only there were a magic plant: one that required no care, bloomed always, never died.

Some people think native plants fit that description.

Unfortunately, native species — a wonderful, low-maintenance choice for many gardens — aren’t entirely magic.

“Don’t expect instant miracles or an instant garden,” said Paola Zannini-Craddock, horticulturist for Reflection Riding Arboretum & Botanical Garden in Lookout Valley.

The Riding’s fall and spring plant sales have been famous for years. This weekend, the spring sale offers more species than ever before, including new tabletop pines, mountain ash and Allegheny stonecrop, which is reminiscent of Autumn Joy sedum.

Many a gardener has been swept away by the beauty of early spring wildflowers.

Yet, unlike many foreign plants sold in big-box stores or nurseries, native plants strongly prefer particular places.

If money is tight, you may wish to choose your plants wisely this year.

“People get attracted to woodland plants when they’re in bloom because they’re really pretty and different, but they need a special place,” said Dr. Craddock.

Spring beauties such as Dutchman’s breeches, Jacob’s ladder, bloodroot and Virginia bluebells require rich soils loaded with organic matter, regular moisture and afternoon shade all summer.

They bloom for a week or two, and they disappear. Finally, they often reproduce slowly.

In short, these plants are for experts or those blessed with rich woodland soil.

Unless you have spectacular soil, budget and patience, you may feel more satisfied by avoiding the “special needs” species, Dr. Craddock said.

How to choose?

* Select easy-to-grow plants — columbine, alumroot, wild ginger, celandine poppy, coneflower, penstemons, black-eyed Susans and smooth and aromatic asters. They spare you change by readily adapting to your soil and sun conditions, Ms. Craddock said.

* Choose natives to match your environment — sunny, shady, rocky, sandy, clayey, wet or dry. When a plant feels at home, it thrives and reproduces more quickly and happily.

* Pick plants that spread. A new variety of foamflower offered at the sale this year, for example, spreads more quickly via runners than a clumping variety sold in previous plant sales, Ms. Craddock said. If you’re looking for fast groundcover coverage, ask for this. Other strong spreaders include black-eyed Susans, blue phlox, spring beauties and columbine.

* Consult with volunteers and staff at the sale to find plants that are best for your needs. Have a problem spot? Ask for suggestions.

* After planting, tend your plant for one to two years. A newly transplanted plant, even a native, will need regular watering, perhaps compost and some attention. If it does poorly in one spot, you may want to move it to different conditions.