Are you ready to transform your Pennsylvania garden into a stunning landscape that thrives year-round? Look no further than the world of perennials. These remarkable plants bring endless beauty and resilience to your outdoor space, making them the must-haves for any Pennsylvania gardener.
In this article, we will delve into the top-performing perennials that are sure to flourish in Pennsylvania’s unique climate. From striking flowers to captivating foliage, we will explore the best perennial plants that will bring life and color to your gardens for years to come.
So, join us on this exciting journey and discover the best perennials for Pennsylvania gardens. Let’s make your garden a haven of natural beauty, with perennial flowers and plants that will captivate your senses and transform your outdoor space into a paradise.
Climate Conditions for Gardening in Pennsylvania
Garden zones in Pennsylvania range from 5 to 7, depending on where you live in the state. I live in Berks County and depending on the year we can be either a 6b or a 7a, in my area. Those living in the mountain ranges in PA can see a significant impact on the garden zone as the higher elevation can create much colder temperatures than where I’m located.
Another element of Pennsylvania climate is that winters and early spring are wet and dreary. Gray skies cloak winter in a dull and seemingly never ending period of cold dampness. Followed by spring which, luckily, sprinkles in pretty, sunny, blue skies but also significant rainfall. April showers, bring May flowers, a common chant by all as we continue to wait and hope for nicer weather. And then, FINALLY, it comes; the consistently sunny skies, warmer weather and our favorite gardening conditions. As spring shifts into summer, we must prepare for any and all conditions. Some summers are mostly mild, others are hot and dry and angry. Some years, you may need to water your garden just about every day and others you might get away with barely watering at all. In mid to late summer, we can often find ourselves hit by gnarly storms. Thunder and lightening may fill the sky and while not comparable to the mid west, we can still be hit by strong winds. I’ve had sunflowers grow as big as small trees, in just a year that are knocked over by wind, taking out several other plants with them.
This is all to say, gardening conditions throughout Pennsylvania can vary dramatically based on location but also just from year to year. Learn more about your local climate before diving in, buying and planting your perennial garden.
Top 5 Perennials for PA Gardens
Bulbs
From Crocus to daffodil to tulips and more, spring blooming bulbs are some of my favorite perennials to grow in a Pennsylvania garden. These cheery blooms begin to pop at the earliest sign of spring and come in an array of shapes, sizes and colors.
Spring blooming bulbs should be planted in the fall prior and will slowly multiply over the years. As long as you allow the greenery of a bulb to die back naturally throughout the warmer seasons, after blooming has ended, these bulbs will continue to pop up year over year. The foliage of the plant helps to recharge the bulbs for it dormant seasons. After all, it takes a lot of energy to push out from several inches beneath the ground surface each spring.
Peony
Peonies are beloved flowering perennials renowned for their stunning blooms. These elegant plants feature large, lush flowers that come in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, and coral. With their robust growth habit, peonies make striking focal points in gardens and bouquets alike. Their foliage provides an attractive backdrop even when not in bloom. Peonies typically bloom in late spring to early summer, offering a brief but spectacular display of beauty.
Peonies thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade, making them versatile additions to gardens across various climates, especially those in Pennsylvania. With proper care, peonies can grace your garden with their timeless charm for generations to come.
Black-Eyes Susan
Black-eyed Susan, also known as Rudbeckia, are cheerful and resilient perennials that add a burst of vibrant color to gardens and landscapes. These native North American wildflowers most often feature golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown or black center, resembling a “black eye,” hence their name. Over the years, these plants have been bred to produce flowers in a range of colors from red to yellow to orange. Black-eyed Susans bloom profusely from mid-summer to early fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to their nectar-rich flowers. With their upright growth habit and sturdy stems, they make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
Black-eyed Susans thrive in full sun to partial shade and are adaptable to various soil types, making them easy to grow and maintain. Whether planted en masse in meadow gardens or nestled among other perennials in mixed borders, these resilient beauties add a touch of charm and natural elegance to any outdoor space.
Echinacea
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflowers, are iconic and hardy perennials cherished for their striking beauty and medicinal properties. Native to North America, these resilient flowers boast daisy-like blooms with prominent, raised centers that resemble cones, hence their name. Echinacea flowers come in an array of colors, including shades of pink, purple, white, and orange, making them a versatile choice for gardeners seeking vibrant displays or pops of color. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies while adding a splash of color to garden beds and borders. Beyond their ornamental value, echinacea is also valued for its immune-boosting properties, often used in herbal remedies and teas.
Easy to grow and low-maintenance, echinacea thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for many gardens. Whether incorporated into perennial gardens or wildflower meadows, echinacea adds a touch of natural beauty and wellness to any landscape.
Hosta
For my friends working on a shade garden, hostas are the way to go for you. These beloved perennial plants prized for their lush foliage and versatility are known for their attractive, broad leaves that come in a variety of shades, including green, blue, yellow, and variegated patterns. Hostas are valued for their ability to thrive in shaded areas, making them perfect for adding texture and color to garden beds, borders, and woodland settings where other plants may struggle. In addition to their foliage, hostas also produce delicate spikes of flowers in summer, though it’s often the leaves that steal the show. With a range of sizes available, from small miniatures to large, dramatic varieties, there’s a hosta suitable for every garden space.
These low-maintenance plants require consistent moisture and well-drained soil to thrive but are otherwise easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. Whether used as ground covers, accent plants, or container specimens, hostas bring a touch of elegance and charm to any shady corner of your garden.
Additional Considerations for your Perennial Garden
Soil conditions play a vital role in the health and growth of perennials. Assess the quality of your soil, including its composition, pH level, and drainage capacity. Different perennials have specific soil requirements, so it’s important to choose plants that are suited to your soil conditions. Additionally, providing adequate nutrients through organic fertilization and compost is essential for the long-term success of your perennials. Understanding the nutrient needs of different plants will help you establish a nutrient-rich environment for your garden.
Maintaining Perennial Gardens in Pennsylvania
Maintaining thriving perennials in your Pennsylvania garden requires proper care and attention. By following these maintenance tips, you can help your perennials thrive and create a beautiful and vibrant garden.
Regular seasonal pruning is essential for the success of your perennials. During the spring, remove any dead or damaged foliage to encourage new growth. In the summer, deadhead old blooms to stimulate continuous flowering. As fall approaches, trim back any overgrown or unruly plants to help maintain their shape. Proper care, such as fertilizing and mulching, is also crucial to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Conclusion
As you wrap up your journey into the world of Pennsylvania perennial gardening, it’s important to remember a few key takeaways. Firstly, understanding Pennsylvania’s climate is crucial in selecting the right perennials for your garden. With four distinct seasons, you’ll need plants that can withstand both hot humid summers and chilly winters.
Next, don’t forget to plan for each season. By carefully choosing perennials that bloom at different times of the year, you can ensure your garden remains vibrant and colorful throughout the seasons. From early spring blooms to long-lasting summer flowers and stunning fall foliage, there’s no shortage of options to create a visually captivating garden all year round.
Lastly, consider the importance of supporting native ecosystems in your perennial paradise. Native perennials not only provide food and shelter for local pollinators and birds but also contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. By choosing these plants, you can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the beauty they bring to your garden.
