Is Lavender native to Pennsylvania? Unfortunately, no. Lavender, with its calming scent and lovely blooms, comes from the Mediterranean, not the Keystone State. But don't worry—there are perfect native alternatives that will thrive in your garden and still offer beauty and fragrance!
We are going to explore the benefits of using native plants for PA landscaping and suggest some fantastic substitutes for Lavender. Your garden will look stunning, support local wildlife, and be easier to maintain!
Key Takeaways
Pennsylvania native plants are well-adapted to local conditions, conserving water, thriving in various soil types, and supporting pollinators.
While Lavender is not native to Pennsylvania, this plant blooms when given proper care, such as full sun and well-drained soil.
Native species like Bee balm and Eastern Columbine bloom from late spring to early fall, offering color and fragrance while promoting a sustainable landscape.
Lavender's Popularity and Suitability in Pennsylvania Gardens
We understand why you might want to plant Lavender in your garden. It is a garden favorite for many for its stunning fragrant flowers, soothing scent, and versatile uses—everything from essential oils to decorative accents!
While it's not one of Pennsylvania's native plants, you can still grow Lavender with a little extra care. Since it prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, it's important to choose a spot with full sun and ensure good drainage.
If your soil tends to stay wet, consider adding soil amendments to avoid moist soils, which lavender dislikes. With the right maintenance, Lavender can thrive as a non-native beauty in your Pennsylvania garden.
For those looking for easier options, we'll cover some wonderful native perennials and herbaceous perennials later that bring the same aesthetic appeal while being perfectly suited to your local ecosystem.
Planting with Native Species is Better
Using Pennsylvania native plants in your garden is not just eco-friendly; it's smart! Native species are well-adapted to local conditions, which means they require less water, tolerate wet soils, and thrive with fewer pesticides.
When you plant native perennials, you'll help support local wildlife, including beneficial insects, local birds, and pollinators like monarch butterflies. These plants also help maintain biodiversity and prevent non-native plants from taking over.
Plus, many native species, like the wild blue phlox and cardinal flower, bloom beautifully from early spring to late summer, providing a visual feast while preserving the local ecosystem.
Filling your space with native plants lets you create a healthier and more sustainable garden that will conserve water, enrich the soil, and support local biodiversity—truly a win-win for you and the environment!
Pennsylvania Native Plants: Alternatives to Lavender
If Lavender isn't the best fit for your Pennsylvania garden, other wonderful native plants offer similar benefits in terms of beauty, fragrance, and ease of care. Here are great alternatives:
Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
Its vibrant flowers resemble Lavender's bold color display, and they give off a delightful fragrance. Plus, it thrives in moist soil and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Although it has bright orange blooms instead of purple, its drought-tolerant nature and ability to attract monarchs make it an excellent substitute. It flowers in early summer, similar to Lavender.
Wild blue phlox (Phlox divaricata)
This fragrant flower mimics Lavender's soft coloring with its delicate blue or lavender-hued blooms. It thrives in woodland settings and does well in part shade.
Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum)
While it may not be as showy as Lavender, the small white flowers and minty scent of the Mountain mint provide a similar aromatic experience. It grows in clump-forming clusters, offering a neat, structured look in part sun or full sun.
Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Like Lavender, this native blooms in late spring with clusters of blue flowers. It's ideal for shaded, moist areas.
Eastern columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Its distinctive red and yellow flowers offer both visual appeal and support for beneficial insects. Though different in color, its graceful appearance can complement any garden space.
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Milkweed's tall spikes and inconspicuous flowers aren't as fragrant as Lavender, but their ability to attract pollinators, especially butterflies, makes them a valuable addition to any garden.
How to Create a Thriving Native Plant Garden
Creating a native plant garden in Pennsylvania starts with choosing the right native plants based on your garden's soil, light, and climate. Here's how to get started:
Assess soil and light conditions.
For wet soils or wet areas, choose species like Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) or Virginia bluebells.
In dry soils with full sun, drought-tolerant species like Butterfly milkweed and Sedum ternatum thrive.
For part shade, plants like Wild blue phlox or Black cohosh are ideal.
Select plants based on seasonal appeal.
Choose plants that bloom in various seasons for year-round interest.
For early spring, try Eastern Columbine or Wild Blue Phlox. Mid-spring to late summer options include the Bee balm, while fall is graced by Black cohosh and Lobelia cardinalis.
(Find a list of native plants here: Plants Indigenous to Pennsylvania and vines here: Native Vines Pennsylvania Is Known For).
Add shrubs and trees for structure.
Incorporate native trees like Red maple (Acer rubrum) and Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) for height and shrubs like Virginia sweetspire or Red osier dogwood for structure and texture.
See Top Pennsylvania Flowering Shrubs for Stunning Landscapes for a list of other shrubs that thrive in PA's soil.
Focus on ecological benefits
Plant selections such as Butterfly weed and Common milkweed offer a valuable nectar source for pollinators, while native plants help to conserve water and promote soil health.
Use responsible landscaping techniques
Opt for native species that require minimal care and are well-suited to your soil type to minimize the need for soil amendments. This supports local wildlife, reduces water consumption, and prevents the spread of non-native species.
In doing the steps above, you'll create a balanced garden that not only looks beautiful year-round but also supports the local ecosystem and requires less maintenance.
If the steps above seem too much for you to do alone, professional landscapers will be able to help you with any or all of the project phases at a reasonable cost. Please read Affordable Garden Design Services to gain some insights into this.
Responsible Garden Maintenance
Maintaining a native plant garden in Pennsylvania is easy, but it requires careful attention to sustainable practices. Here's what you can do:
Select herbaceous perennials and other natives that are well-suited to your garden's specific soil types and climate. This way, you'll reduce the need for excessive fertilizers and watering. Also, avoid invasive species and focus on plants that naturally support fewer species of pests.
Mulch around your plants to help them retain moisture in wet soil or during the hot months of early summer while also protecting roots from erosion. Regularly assess the health of your garden, removing non-native species or weak plants that may attract unwanted pests.
Following these responsible landscaping techniques will give you a healthy, low-maintenance garden that thrives year-round with minimal intervention. This method supports other local pollinators, improves soil quality, and ensures a resilient, beautiful landscape!
Conclusion
Prioritizing native plants in your garden supports environmental sustainability. These plants thrive in local conditions, conserve water, and promote biodiversity by supporting pollinators.
While native species should be the backbone of your garden, you can still mix in non-native plants like Lavender to enhance its beauty and diversity and give you the best of both worlds—a visually appealing and eco-friendly space.
For more ideas on the best landscaping plants, check out our blog, Best Landscaping Plants for Pennsylvania in State College, PA.
Craft Your Perfect Outdoor Escape
Landscape II specializes in designing gardens that blend the best of both native and non-native plants. Envisioning a landscape bursting with colorful blooms in early summer or a lush garden to attract butterflies? No problem. We'll help you craft a personalized, sustainable outdoor space that thrives in Pennsylvania's climate.
Let's create something truly special together—book a FREE consultation with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pennsylvania's native plant?
Pennsylvania has many native plants, including Wild Blue Phlox, Eastern Columbine, Common Milkweed, and Cardinal Flower, all of which thrive in the state's climate and support local ecosystems.
Does Lavender grow in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Lavender can grow in Pennsylvania, but it is not a native plant. With proper care, such as well-drained soil and full sun, Lavender can thrive.
Where is Lavender native to?
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region.
Are lilacs native to PA?
No, lilacs are not native to Pennsylvania. However, they can still grow well in the state.
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