The Best Flowers to Plant in Pennsylvania: 20 Flowers for a Vibrant Bloom

Ping flowers in the garden called Snapdragon or Antirrhinum majus or Bunny rabbits.
© Nualanong/Shutterstock.com

Written by Heather Hall

Updated: October 15, 2023

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Are you looking to add a splash of color to your Pennsylvania garden? With a wide variety of plants and flowers to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones to plant. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best flowers for vibrant bloom in your state!

1. Chrysanthemum

A close up photo of a bunch of dark pink chrysanthemum flowers with yellow centers and white tips on their petals. Chrysanthemum pattern in flowers park. Cluster of pink purple chrysanthemum flowers.

If you love chrysanthemums, you will be happy to hear they are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania.

©StopperOhana/Shutterstock.com

Chrysanthemums are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania, both for gardens and flower arrangements. To plant chrysanthemums, it is best to do so in the spring. They take around eight weeks to bloom, and you should plant them in a sunny spot. To keep chrysanthemums blooming all season, it is important to deadhead the flowers after they die. Once the season has passed, cut the stems back in order to promote growth in the springtime. While chrysanthemums are not particularly hard to take care of, they do require regular maintenance for best results.

2. Impatiens

bright pink impatiens flowers

Impatiens don’t mind the shade one bit.

©Jeanne Emmel/Shutterstock.com

Impatiens are beautiful and vibrant flowers that add a splash of color to any garden. They are easy to care for and grow best when planted in the early spring. When planted, expect a bloom in the late spring or early summer. For optimal growth, impatiens prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight. They are a great choice for adding a stunning display of color to your garden.

3. Dahlia

Dahlia 'Firepot'

Dahlias originally came from Mexico and South America.

©Wiert nieuman/Shutterstock.com

Dahlias are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania. They come in a wide variety of colors and shapes. Plant them during the spring for a summer bloom. Most dahlias bloom in July. They thrive in full sun, so make sure they get at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Dahlias come in a range of sizes, from 2-inch pompoms to 15-inch dinner plate varieties. To ensure the longest bloom time, deadhead the flowers regularly. When planting, make sure to space them about 18-24 inches apart. With proper care, you can expect blooms from mid-summer until the first frost.

4. Black-Eyed Susan

hand full of black eye susans

One of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania is black-eyed Susans.

©LauraTabor/iStock via Getty Images

Black-eyed Susans are a beautiful and cheerful flower that will brighten up any garden. Plant them in the spring for a vibrant summer bloom. They prefer to be in full sun, and they require well-draining soil. The flowers are bright yellow with a black center, and the leaves are a deep green. When in full bloom, they will attract bees and butterflies to your garden. These hardy flowers are drought tolerant and require little maintenance, making them a great option for busy gardeners. With a little care and attention, you will be rewarded with a colorful display of blooms.

5. Columbine

Close up of blooming Alpine columbine flower.

If you need a flower that doesn’t mind the shade, consider a columbine.

©NOOR RADYA BINTI MD RADZI/Shutterstock.com

Columbines are a stunning flower to add to any garden. With delicate, bell-shaped blooms of blue, purple, white, yellow, and pink, they make a beautiful statement. They are also one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania because they are hardy and long-lasting.

To achieve the best results, plant columbines in the spring after the last frost. They will bloom from late spring until early summer and will re-bloom if the spent blooms are removed. Remember to plant them in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, as they thrive in full sun or partial shade.

6. Zinnia

Companion planting of amethyst zinnia with sun gold cherry tomatoes are a perfect combination. Zinnias deter cucumber beetles and tomato worms. They attract predatory wasps and hover flies.

If you have a vegetable garden, consider zinnias as a companion plant.

©Molly Shannon/Shutterstock.com

Zinnias are a beautiful addition to any garden. They have a variety of vibrant colors and come in various sizes. From bright yellows to deep purples, these flowers will brighten up any garden.

Zinnias are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania because they thrive in hot weather. Plant them in early summer for blooms starting in late summer and into early fall. For optimal growth, make sure your zinnias get at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

7. Marigold

Close up of beautiful Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta, Mexican, Aztec or African marigold) in the garden

The brilliant-colored blooms of marigolds have the added bonus of deterring insects.

©FunFamilyRu/Shutterstock.com

Marigolds are vibrant and colorful flowers that stand out in any garden. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small and dainty to large and showy. Their bright colors make them a fun addition to any garden.

Marigolds are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania, as they can withstand a variety of temperatures and thrive in direct sunlight. Plant them in early spring, and they will bloom in late spring and summer. Make sure to give them plenty of sunlight to keep them blooming all season long.

8. Foxglove

All parts of a foxglove plant are toxic.

©iStock.com/Elmar Langle

Foxglove is a stunning tall flower boasting tall spikes of showy tubular blooms. It comes in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow. It is one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania due to its hardiness and ability to withstand cold temperatures.

For optimal growth, plant foxglove in early spring or fall. The blooms will appear in early summer and last for several weeks. Foxglove requires full sun or partial shade for best growth. Thus, it is a great option for gardeners who want a showy flower but have limited sun exposure.

9. Coneflower

Purple coneflowers growing in the native plant garden

Echinacea, or coneflower, is one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania to attract pollinators.

©Barbara Smits/Shutterstock.com

Coneflowers are an excellent choice for Pennsylvania gardeners. They come in a variety of vibrant colors, with blooms that range from white to pink, purple, and yellow. These flowers have a unique conical center, surrounded by petals that can be either fringed or smooth.

To get the most out of your coneflowers, plant them in early summer when the soil is warm. Be sure to provide them with plenty of sunlight – at least six hours a day – and water them regularly. If you do, you can expect your coneflowers to bloom from mid-summer until the first frost.

Coneflowers are hardy plants that require little maintenance in order to thrive. They’re also great for attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. With their stunning colors and easy care, coneflowers are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania.

10. Coreopsis

Lobed Tickseed (Coreopsis auriculata) blooming in the garden. Coreopsis auriculata is a North American plant species of the sunflower family.

Tickseed is another name for coreopsis.

©tunggadewi/Shutterstock.com

Coreopsis has daisy-like yellow petals and a reddish-brown center. These showy blooms are perfect for any Pennsylvania garden.

The planting season for coreopsis is late spring to early summer. Once planted, these hardy flowers bloom until late summer and require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish.

Coreopsis is an ideal flower for Pennsylvania gardeners. Its hardiness and bright colors make it an excellent choice for landscaping projects. Not only is it easy to maintain, but it is also drought-resistant and provides a long season of flowers.

11. Bellflower

Closeup of a western honey bee or European honey bee (Apis mellifera) feeding nectar of purple bellflower Campanula flowers

If you want to attract honeybees and butterflies, plant bellflowers.

©SanderMeertinsPhotography/Shutterstock.com

Bellflowers are beautiful, bell-shaped flowers with petals that range from light purple to deep blue. They are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania due to their versatility. They can grow in all types of soil, and they thrive in both sun and shade. Plant bellflowers in early to mid-spring, and you can expect to see blooms in late spring or early summer. For optimum growth, bellflowers prefer a location with at least six hours of direct sunlight.

12. Bee Balm

Hummingbird drinking nectar from a bright red bee balm plant flower

Hummingbirds love bee balm, and you will, too. Did you know bee balm makes a delicious tea?

©Cavan-Images/Shutterstock.com

Bee balm is an attractive perennial flower that blooms in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, magenta, and white. It is one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania because it is easy to grow and is also attractive to pollinators. Plant bee balm in the spring after the last frost date and expect to see blooms in mid-summer. Bee balm prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, making it a versatile option.

13. Lupine

many lupine flowers in garden

In a Pennsylvania garden, lupines do best in partial shade.

©Amel PhotographyDz/Shutterstock.com

Lupines are eye-catching flowers with tall stems that arch gracefully, topped with colorful clusters of petals. They come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any garden. Planting lupines in Pennsylvania is especially beneficial due to their ability to thrive in many climates and soil types.

For best results, plant lupines in late fall or early winter, and you can expect them to bloom in late May. They prefer partial sun but can also do well in partial shade.

14. Gaillardia

Gaillardia arizonica, yellow red flower

For a hot and sunny garden, plant gaillardia.

©Oleksandr Pantielieiev/Shutterstock.com

Gaillardia is a beautiful flower that blooms throughout the summer. Its petals are bright and vibrant, with colors ranging from red and yellow to orange and maroon. With its low maintenance and drought-resistant qualities, it is one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania. Plant gaillardia seeds 8 weeks before your last spring frost date for optimal blooming, as they require plenty of sunlight. You can expect to see blooms in early to mid-summer, lasting until early fall. When planting gaillardia, make sure to give them at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

15. Shasta Daisy

Leucanthemum x superbum 'Becky' Shasta Daisy Flower White

Nothing screams summer more than a Shasta daisy!

©Terra Gardens/Shutterstock.com

Shasta daisies are a popular choice for flower gardens in Pennsylvania due to their vibrant white petals and bright yellow centers. They are easy to maintain and can last throughout the summer season. For optimal growth, plant potted Shastas in early spring and seeds in early winter. They are also very tolerant of different sunlight levels, making them a great choice for any garden. For best results, provide them with at least six hours of sunlight per day.

16. Phlox

creeping phlox

There are dozens of different types of phlox to choose from.

©speakingtomato/Shutterstock.com

Phlox is a beautiful flower with delicate blooms ranging in colors such as pink, white, and purple. This flower is a great choice to plant in Pennsylvania due to its hardiness in the cold climate and its ability to grow in full sun or partial shade. Plant phlox in late spring or early fall, and you can expect blooms from July through September. To ensure optimal growth, make sure to provide phlox with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day.

17. Aster

Background with pink asters. Pink daisies. Aster alpinus, perennial. Floral background

For fall color, asters are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania.

©Klever_ok/Shutterstock.com

Asters are vibrant, star-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors, from white and yellow to purple and pink. They are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania, as they are hardy and tolerant of both sunny and partially shady conditions. Planting asters in the early spring will result in blooms in late summer or early fall. They should be planted in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day but can tolerate some afternoon shade.

18. Daylily

Daylily is brown-yellow in a flowerbed against foliage. Hemerocallis fulva

Lilies and daylilies are very toxic (deadly) to cats.

©Oksana Akhtanina/Shutterstock.com

Daylilies are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania due to their vibrant colors and varying sizes. They feature trumpet-shaped blooms with petals in colors of orange, yellow, pink, and red. Daylilies are hardy and easy to grow in any soil. Plant them in spring for summer blooms, and they prefer full sun or partial shade. They are also resistant to common garden pests, making them an ideal choice for gardeners in Pennsylvania.

19. Hydrangea

A closeup of hydrangea blue deckle flowers

The giant flowers of hydrangea look amazing in a vase!

©Light and Vision/Shutterstock.com

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering shrubs with round clusters of pink, blue, or white blooms. They are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania because they thrive in the humid climate and can bloom for up to six weeks during the summer months. Plant hydrangeas in late spring after the danger of frost is over. Expect blooms to appear in the early summer or fall, depending on the type. For best results, ensure your hydrangeas receive at least four hours of direct sunlight every day.

20. Snapdragon

Pink snapdragon field

The vibrant snapdragon is a flower that means love and adoration.

©271 EAK MOTO/Shutterstock.com

Snapdragons are beautiful flowers that many gardeners love. They come in a variety of colors, ranging from pinks and purples to yellows and oranges. Their tall stalks add a unique element to garden beds and landscapes.

Snapdragons are one of the best flowers to plant in Pennsylvania due to their tall flowers that look awesome in a vase. They can tolerate light frosts, making them ideal for the local climate. Planting should occur in the early spring when the weather begins to warm up. Blooms typically appear in mid-spring and can last through late fall.


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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

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