The Best Flowers for a Mid-Atlantic Garden

Choosing the right flowers for your climate is a key factor when creating any garden. While some areas of the country experience a steady climate and temperature throughout the year, the mid-Atlantic region can be a bit tricky. For those who live in Hardiness Zones 5 to 7 and Heat Zones 3 to 6, you’ll want to find the right flowers that are suitable for all conditions.  Our four season climate means gardens should be able to withstand the cool spring mornings, summer’s dry and humid heat, and fall’s transition to the unpredictable harsh winter. While the Mid-Atlantic region experiences ample amounts of rainfall, it can also go through a drought phase. 

Another factor to consider is the soil quality within the Mid-Atlantic region which tends to be made up of clay, chalk, loam, and sand. We understand that these are a lot of things to consider, but the Patuxent Nursery’s plant experts are here to help. These top performing perennials are not only beautiful, but also low-maintenance and hardy. Save yourself the hassle, and see what Mid-Atlantic flowers are best for your forever changing outdoor space!

Asclepias tuberosa

This easy care and deer resistant plant is a bushy perennial known for its clumps of bright tangerine and yellow flowers. The late blooming perennial flowers throughout the summer growing season, and features an abundance of narrow oval-shaped foliage. Butterfly Weed is known for attractive green and contrasting orange blooms that is perfect for attracting pollinators to any garden in the mid-Atlantic. 

Aster amellus

Add a pop of color to your garden with Italian Aster. This flowering perennial features periwinkle hued start-shaped flowers and tiny dark green leaves. This low-maintenance plant blooms throughout the fall months, and is a butterfly magnet! This compact plant doesn’t need staking and is mildew resistant. Grow this perennial in your mid-Atlantic garden to add fall interest to your outdoor space.

Echinacea

Known for their hardiness, Echinacea is guaranteed to withstand all seasons! This flowering perennial comes in a range of colors including crisp white and hot pink, and features yellow centers. Enjoy Coneflowers long lasting blooms that attract pollinators including butterflies, bees, birds and more. Echinacea is loved by many and can’t be missed in any mid-Atlantic garden.

Hemerocallis

Daylilies are a showy flowering perennial known for its vibrant blooms that come in a range of colors. This heat tolerant perennial makes it ideal for those who live in drought and humid climates, and grows well in most hardiness zones. This low-maintenance is guaranteed to provide new blooms all summer long.  

Paeonia

Peonies add a classic touch to any outdoor space and look spectacular alongside any garden border. Known for its lush blooms, Peonies have a fragrant aroma, and dazzling blooms and foliage. Once established, Paeonia is low-maintenance and deer resistant, which makes it an excellent choice for any mid-Atlantic garden. 

Dicentra eximia

This mid-Atlantic native garden plant is a beautiful ground cover plant that thrives in shady woodlands and borders. If soil quality is a concern, you’ll be happy to know that Wild Bleeding Heart can tolerate dry soil conditions. It’s magenta and pink heart-shaped flowers bloom in mid-spring and are accompanied by fern-like green foliage. Busy pollinators will love visiting your garden, and deer and rabbits will forget that it’s even there.