Welcome to the lush and vibrant world of Pennsylvania gardening! If you’re eager to turn your outdoor space into a perennial paradise, you’ve hit the jackpot. Perennial plants are the backbone of any garden, and in Pennsylvania, you have a rich palette of native plants to choose from. These perennials not only thrive in our climate but also bring an explosion of color and life to your landscape.
Imagine stepping into your garden and being greeted by a riot of flower and foliage colors, from the deep blues of Virginia bluebells to the fiery oranges of butterfly weed. This beautifully illustrated guide will walk you through the best perennials for Pennsylvania gardens, offering commonsense advice and detailed accounts of each plant’s needs and quirks. Get ready to transform your yard into a perennial wonderland that blooms from spring through fall!
Best Perennials for Pennsylvania
1. Blue False Indigo
Blue False Indigo, also known as Baptisia australis, is a standout in any garden with its stunning blue flowers that bloom in late spring. This perennial is a native plant that brings both beauty and structure to Pennsylvania gardens.
Why it grows best in Pennsylvania: This plant thrives in the well-drained soil and full sun conditions typical of Pennsylvania. It’s a resilient plant that can handle different growing conditions, making it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced plant growers.
General tips to follow: Plant it in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It’s a low-maintenance perennial that doesn’t require much water once established. Just give it a little room to spread, and it will reward you with its striking blooms year after year.
Scientific fact: It is a member of the legume family, which means it helps improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen, making it a fantastic companion for other plants.
Fun tidbit: Historically, Native Americans used the plant’s deep blue dye to color fabrics. Talk about a plant with some serious style credentials!
2. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a dazzling addition to any garden, known for its bright orange flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. It’s a native plant that’s a must-have for creating a wildlife-friendly garden.
Why it grows best in Pennsylvania: It is perfectly suited to Pennsylvania’s climate, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for the sometimes unpredictable Pennsylvania weather.
General tips to follow: Plant it in a sunny spot and avoid overwatering. It prefers dry to medium soil moisture and doesn’t like to be fussed over. This hardy plant will spread and fill your garden with color if given the right conditions.
Scientific fact: This plant is a member of the milkweed family, essential for the lifecycle of monarch butterflies. It provides a critical food source for monarch caterpillars.
Fun tidbit: Despite its name, Butterfly Weed is deer resistant, so you won’t have to worry about these beautiful blooms becoming deer snacks.
3. Smooth Penstemon
Smooth Penstemon, or Penstemon digitalis, is a versatile perennial with tall, white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It’s a favorite among Pennsylvania plant lovers for its striking appearance and easy care.
Why it grows best in Pennsylvania: This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and can handle Pennsylvania’s varied soil conditions, from dry to moist soil. Its adaptability makes it a fantastic choice for different areas of your garden.
General tips to follow: Plant it in well-drained soil and give it some space to spread. Regular watering during the first growing season will help establish its roots, but once it’s settled, it requires minimal care.
Scientific fact: Penstemon digitalis is part of the figwort family, known for their tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees.
Fun tidbit: It is also known as “Foxglove Beardtongue” due to its fuzzy, tongue-like stamens that peek out from the flower.
4. Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a showstopper with its vibrant red blooms that appear in mid to late summer. This native perennial is perfect for adding a splash of color to moist areas of your garden.
Why it grows best in Pennsylvania: It thrives in the wet, rich soil often found in Pennsylvania’s low-lying areas and along streams. It’s an excellent choice for rain gardens or areas with consistently moist soil.
General tips to follow: Plant it in a spot with partial shade to full sun. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, to ensure continuous blooming.
Scientific fact: It gets its name from the vivid red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. The color is so intense it seems to glow in the garden!
Fun tidbit: Cardinal Flower is a magnet for hummingbirds, so expect some buzzing visitors when these flowers are in bloom.
5. Dense Blazing Star
Dense Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) is a perennial favorite with its tall, spiky blooms that bring a touch of the wild to any garden. Its vibrant purple flowers bloom from top to bottom, making it a unique and eye-catching addition.
Why it grows best in Pennsylvania: This native plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, perfectly matching Pennsylvania’s summer conditions. Its tolerance to drought and poor soil makes it a resilient choice for many gardens.
General tips to follow: Plant Dense Blazing Star in a sunny spot and avoid heavy, clay soils. Water it regularly during the first season to establish strong roots, then sit back and watch it thrive with minimal maintenance.
Scientific fact: It is part of the aster family, which includes many other late-blooming perennials that provide valuable nectar for pollinators.
Fun tidbit: The flower spikes of Dense Blazing Star make excellent cut flowers, adding a touch of wild beauty to indoor arrangements.
6. Blue Mistflower
Blue Mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is a charming perennial with clusters of fluffy, blue flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. This plant is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.
Why it grows best in Pennsylvania: It thrives in the moist, fertile soil and partial shade found in many Pennsylvania gardens. Its preference for wetter conditions makes it an excellent choice for rain gardens and damp areas.
General tips to follow: Plant Blue Mistflower in a spot with partial shade and moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep it blooming beautifully.
Scientific fact: Conoclinium coelestinum is part of the Asteraceae family, known for its composite flowers that attract a variety of pollinators.
Fun tidbit: Blue Mistflower is often called “Wild Ageratum” because its fluffy flowers resemble the cultivated Ageratum.
7. Wild Ginger
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) is a delightful ground cover with heart-shaped leaves and hidden, bell-shaped flowers. This shade-loving perennialis perfect for adding texture and color to shady spots in your garden.
Why it grows best in Pennsylvania: Wild Ginger thrives in the rich, moist soil and shaded environments commonly found in Pennsylvania’s forests and woodland gardens.
General tips to follow: Plant it in a shady spot with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, to ensure healthy growth.
Scientific fact: Asarum canadense contains compounds that were historically used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, particularly as a poultice for wounds.
Fun tidbit: Its unique flowers are often hidden beneath its leaves, making them a fun discovery for curious gardeners.
Conclusion
Creating a stunning perennial garden in Pennsylvania is a joy when you know which plants to choose. From the bold blooms of Blue False Indigo to the delicate charm of Wild Ginger, there’s a perfect perennial for every garden style and condition. These native plants not only bring grace to your landscape but also support local wildlife and contribute to a healthy environment.
So, get out there and start planting! With these best perennials for Pennsylvania, you’ll have a garden that’s not only beautiful but also resilient and full of life. Happy gardening, and may your Pennsylvania garden flourish with color and joy!
