7 Flowers for Curb Appeal in Pennsylvania

As the weather continues to warm up, homeowners might want to enhance their curb appeal by adding some colorful flowers. Whether they’re thinking of listing their home or just wanting to spruce up its exterior, planting native perennials can be a great way to improve curb appeal. 

Perennials are low-maintenance plants that come back each year, unlike annuals, which die off after each growing season. Additionally, native plants are already adjusted to the soil, climate and rainfall of their region, and they conserve water, tolerate pests better and support wildlife. This makes native perennials ideal for any homeowner looking for easy plants that will still boost the exterior appearance of their home. 

Best planted in the spring or fall, here are seven native perennial flowers to increase curb appeal. 

1. Black-eyed Susans 

These yellow flowers grow up to 3.5 feet tall and have daisy-like heads. They thrive best in sunny, dry sites with well-draining soil. Beware: they can be toxic to cats. 

2. Virginia Bluebells 

Named for its bell-shaped blue flowers, this plant blooms in the spring and typically grows one to two feet tall. Plant Virginia bluebells in shady locations for best results. 

3. Queen of the Prairie 

This plant blooms in spray-like clusters of pink flowers and thrives best in full sun or partial shade. It typically grows four to five feet tall, and its colorful flowers are a fan favorite among pollinators. 

4. Marsh Blazing Star 

Marsh blazing star is a moisture-tolerant plant with large, spiky flowers that bloom a vivid pinkish purple in the summer. It grows three to six feet tall and can tolerate drought once established. 

5. Wild Indigo 

Suitable for most soils, wild indigo produces large flowers in mid-spring. The plant is reliable and long-lived, and its flowers can be deep blue, purple, yellow and white. Beware: wild indigo can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals. 

6. Garden Phlox 

Garden phlox grows best in the sun in moist but well-draining soil. It grows like a small bush and displays large, vibrant flower heads in pink and other colors. 

7. Cardinal Flower 

The cardinal flower can grow in shade or sun but requires moist soil if growing in the sun. It blooms intense red flower spikes at the end of summer or early fall. This plant usually grows three to six feet. Beware: it can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested.