Species and Varieties

Are you wondering what type of flowers and ornamentals to grow? Penn State Extension has extensive resources you can use to help you decide. Here you’ll find information on species and varieties of ornamentals and floriculture. They include poinsettias, violets, hydrangeas, viburnum, marigold, pansy, lilac, mountain ash, irises, lilies, narcissus, impatiens, holly, pothos, hostas, gloxinia, and many more.

How to Choose What Flowers to Plant

There are many different flowers and ornamentals to choose from. Which ones will be best to grow depends on several factors. You can see some of the newest annual and perennial flowers offered in the spring to garden centers and landscape clients at the Penn State Extension Flower Trial Field Day.

If you’re considering growing cut flowers, some bedding plants might be the easiest option. Choose varieties that are specifically bred for cutting and you'll increase your chances of success. Some plants can be poisonous to horses, dogs, and cats, so bear this in mind when choosing plants for your garden. Certain plants are also more prone to disease, which means they have to be monitored on a regular basis. This might not be ideal for people who want low-maintenance plants.

A popular choice for many gardeners is Pennsylvania native herbaceous (nonwoody) perennial plants as they provide year-round interest to any landscape.

The best results will be achieved if you choose plants that thrive best in certain conditions. Here are some examples:

• Sun to part sun/dry to moist soil: Tulip tree, wild plum, sweet-fern, fragrant and staghorn sumac
• Sun to part sun/wet to moist soil: Fringe tree, black gum, buttonbush, swamp azalea
• Shade to part shade/dry to moist soil: Mapleleaf viburnum, wild columbine, northern sea oats, wreath goldenrod
• Heat and drought-tolerant plants: Goldenrain tree, lilac, pot marigold, butterfly weed

Some of the most popular flowers and ornamentals grown in Pennsylvania include:

• Hardy geraniums: There is an ever-increasing array of excellent hardy species and cultivars that perform very well in most locations.
• Hydrangeas: Many species and cultivars of hydrangea flower from mid-July to August in colors ranging from white through to shades of pink and red. Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' is a favorite in the landscape.
• Poinsettias: This popular Christmas gift is very sensitive to cold temperatures and drafts.
• Peony: It’s possible to create an exquisite and long-lasting display by planting different types of peonies.
• Clematis: Also called the ‘queen of vines’, its flowers add grace and elegance to a landscape.
• Orienpet lilies: These lilies combine the best characteristics of Oriental and trumpet lilies.

Choosing Woody, Deciduous, Evergreen, and Other Ornamentals

Shrubs are very popular with home gardeners because they can provide year-round interest to a landscape. Evergreen shrubs and trees, such as rhododendrons and azaleas, grow very well in Pennsylvania. Native evergreen plants include Christmas fern, seersucker sedge, and mountain laurel.

There are, however, some shrubs you should avoid. Certain shrubs may look very attractive and appear harmless but can be detrimental to local ecosystems. Japanese barberry, butterfly bush, privet, and burning bush are all very invasive species.

While it can be very tempting to stick with popular species and varieties, there are always alternatives for those who want to have something a little different. Juniper is a very common sight in landscapes across Pennsylvania, but the Russian cypress is an exciting alternative. Its cold hardiness makes it very suitable for the area. Hesse cotoneaster makes for an interesting alternative ground cover plant. Numerous boxwood varieties and hybrids are now available for those who prefer to stray from the traditional path.

Something to bear in mind when choosing woody, deciduous, evergreen, other ornamentals, and trees and shrubs is the aftercare and maintenance required. Penn State Extension offers online training courses for those working in the landscape industry as well as amateurs who want to increase their working tree knowledge.