The Perfect Pennsylvania Plants for Your Garden
The Keystone State has an inspiring amount of floral diversity. Many different types of native plants can thrive in Pennsylvania's unique climate. For experienced or newbie gardeners looking to create a garden of PA gems, it’s vital to know which native plants will flourish.
With the proper knowledge and resources, your Pennsylvania garden can become a beautiful haven for wildlife and showcase the state's natural beauty.
Gardening Conditions
Pennsylvania experiences four distinct seasons: hot summers, cold winters, and plenty of rainfall. The state has a humid continental climate, meaning it’s well-suited for a wide range of plants that can handle seasonal changes.
Native plants in the Keystone State have adapted to the climate conditions over hundreds of years. Local perennial plants are ideal for local gardens, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. They also support local wildlife, such as bees, butterflies, and birds, making them a win-win.
Monarda didyma (Beebalm)
Gardening Tips
Selecting the right plants also means looking at factors like how much sunlight you get in your garden, plant water needs, and bloom times.
Gardeners should consider selecting a mix of plants that bloom at different times of the year to satisfy pollinators. They should also consider their own limitations in terms of time and maintenance capabilities.
Soil
Soil plays a significant role in the health of garden plants. Most native PA plants prefer well-draining but highly fertile soil, like loamy soil. High-quality soil is essential.
For those starting a garden from scratch or looking to revitalize it, procuring the best soil is a must. Try searching “garden soil near me” to find the best options in the area.
Test the soil before planting to ensure sufficient pH and nutrient content. Most Pennsylvania soil tends to be slightly acidic, which works well for different types of native plants. If the soil needs to be adjusted, consider compost or mulch to improve its structure and fertility.
Goldenrod
Watering
Native Pennsylvania plants are drought-tolerant once they have been established. However, newly planted flowers, shrubs, and trees require regular watering until their root systems fully develop.
Watering new plants deeply and less frequently encourages profound root growth—just be careful not to overwater and get stuck with root rot.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce the number of weeds in a garden. It also slowly breaks down and adds organic material to the soil.
Weeding
Nobody likes weeds in their garden, yet weeds can be a persistent challenge in any climate or location.
Regular weeding is vital to keeping a pristine garden while ensuring invasive plants don’t outcompete native flowers for water and nutrients.
Hand-pulling weeds is usually the most effective method of removing them, especially in smaller garden beds.
Above: Featuring masses of flowers in dazzling gold, Rudbeckia hirta - these yellow black-eyed beauties - will be the jewel in the crown of your herbaceous borders, from August all the way through to October.
Best Native Pennsylvania Plants for Your Garden
These perennials add beauty to your landscape and attract important pollinators and wildlife.
Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)
Jacob’s Ladder has delicate foliage that resembles ferns. Its blue flowers bloom in spring. Polemonium caeruleum is perfect for shaded areas.
Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
The bright Columbine flowers come in red, yellow, and orange shades. Aquilegia canadensis is excellent in part-shade and attracts hummingbirds.
Wild Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)
This stunning plant is low-maintenance and deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens. Dicentra eximia flowers are lovely, heart-shaped pink or white.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Virginia Bluebells bloom in spring and thrive in moist, shaded areas. They are known for their bell-shaped, highly pigmented blue flowers.
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
As the name indicates, butterfly weed attracts butterflies, especially monarchs. Its flowers are bright orange, and the plants thrive in sunlight.
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
Sneezeweed may sound unpleasant, but this late summer bloom adds gorgeous color to any Pennsylvania garden. Helenium autumnale flowers are bright yellow or orange and broadly resemble daisies.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
This fragrant plant boasts bright red or purple flowers. As its common name suggests, Monarda didyma attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
The black-eyed Susan is iconic, not only for its recognizable appearance but also for its drought-tolerant properties and mid-summer to fall bloom.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Many blame Goldenrod for causing allergies, but the plant is a critical pollinator and the perfect option for adding seasonal color to a garden. Its bright yellow (or “golden”) flowers bloom in late summer and fall.
Conclusion
A Pennsylvania garden can thrive year after year, especially if gardeners choose the right native plants, maintain good soil health, and tend to the garden with proper care. Native plants in the region reflect the state’s natural beauty and support the local wildlife—supporting the overall ecosystem.
From a gorgeous Bleeding Heart to the butterfly bringing Butterfly Weed, there are plenty of options for advanced gardeners, beginners, and all different types of gardens. Happy gardening to those in the Keystone State, the region in general, or anywhere in the United States!
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about plants. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
