Photo by C VanHeest on Unsplash
Now that Pittsburgh is in the full swing of spring, gardens everywhere are getting ready to burst with beautiful flowers. Native plants have always been of interest to gardeners, and here at Cavacini Garden Center, we always advocate the benefits of buying perennials that are sure to flourish and feel at home in Pittsburgh. These resilient plants are suited to our local climate and soil conditions, provide stunning displays of color, and support our local ecosystems by attracting pollinators and providing habitat for native fauna. Let's delve into a few native perennials that are bound to be an easy fit in any Pittsburgh garden!
With its iconic daisy-like flowers and prominent cone-shaped centers, coneflowers are beloved fixtures in Pittsburgh gardens. These hardy perennials thrive in a variety of soil conditions and are known for their ability to attract butterflies and bees. They boast cheerful blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, orange, and more! Coneflowers are great at self-seeding, meaning they will naturally spread throughout your yard. You can enjoy the flowers late into the summer and even early fall. Place them in a bright, sunny spot for optimal growth and abundant flowering.
This is a classic native perennial. Black-eyed Susans brighten up any Pittsburgh garden with their golden petals and dark brown centers. These low-maintenance plants are excellent for attracting pollinators and their long-lasting blooms make them a favorite choice for adding cheerful color to borders, meadows, and wildflower gardens. Place Rudbeckia in a sunny spot and you’ll enjoy blooms from June to late August.
Also known as bee balm, wild bergamot is another native perennial prized for its showy clusters of pink flowers. Besides its ornamental value, wild bergamot is valued for its aromatic foliage, which is the same bergamot you would find in Earl Grey tea! This hardy plant thrives in sunny to partially shaded areas and is ideal for adding a splash of color to perennial borders and wildlife gardens. Enjoy this perennial in variations of pink and purple flowers. Will typically flower from June to August.
Delicate yet resilient, wild geraniums add a touch of elegance to Pittsburgh gardens with their soft pink or lavender flowers and distinct foliage. These perennials bloom profusely in May and June, carpeting woodland gardens with charming blooms. Apart from their visual appeal, wild geraniums provide valuable nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, making them essential contributors to local ecosystems. You will often find annual geraniums in many garden centers, which is not the same as perennial / wild geranium. Plant in an area where it will receive partial sun.
Graceful and captivating, the blue flag iris is a native perennial that thrives in wetland habitats, making it perfect for areas that retain water. With striking blue-violet flowers, decorated with delicate yellow markings, these iris’ bloom in early spring and summer, adding that pop of color and drama desired by gardeners. Blue flag irises also provide habitat for pollinators and serve as host plants for various butterfly species. Place them in a sunny spot where they will get little shade.
Remember, these are just a few options of many native perennials! At Cavacini Garden Center, you’re sure to find these varieties and many others (Coreopsis, Yarrow, Milkweed, etc.) available for purchase. By incorporating these native perennials into your garden, you not only bring home brilliant blooms but also promote crucial biodiversity and sustainability. By choosing plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, gardeners can create resilient landscapes that require less water, pesticides, and maintenance. Supporting native plant species helps preserve the unique ecology of the Pittsburgh region while providing essential resources for pollinators and wildlife. The simple fact that these perennials bring such timeless and everlasting beauty is the delicious cherry on top of all the benefits that native plants bring to our lives.
December 17, 2024
July 29, 2024