Pennsylvania Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a
Annual Rainfall
35-45 inches annually
Frost Window
October-May (varies by elevation)
Water Notes
Generally adequate rainfall; clay soil holds moisture well
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Pennsylvania's unique climate and landscape
Native forest understory plants in naturalized shade garden
Key Features:
- ā¢Native ferns and spring ephemerals
- ā¢Dogwood and redbud trees
- ā¢Moss and woodland groundcovers
- ā¢Natural stone elements
Traditional design mixing ornamental and edible plants
Key Features:
- ā¢White picket fence
- ā¢Mixed flower borders
- ā¢Herb and vegetable garden
- ā¢Fruit trees and berry bushes
Native plant layers supporting birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects
Key Features:
- ā¢Tall canopy trees
- ā¢Native shrub thickets
- ā¢Wildflower meadow areas
- ā¢Water sources and nesting sites
Strategic planting to capture and filter stormwater runoff
Key Features:
- ā¢Moisture-loving native plants
- ā¢Gentle bowl-shaped basin
- ā¢Mulched overflow pathways
- ā¢River rock dry creek beds
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Pennsylvania's climate
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
State flower; pink-white clusters in late spring
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Purple-pink flowers before leaves emerge
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Bright orange flower clusters; monarch host plant
Woodland Phlox
Phlox divaricata
Blue spring flowers; spreads in shade
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
White summer flowers; burgundy fall foliage
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Red berries persist through winter; needs male pollinator
Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Yellow ribbon-like flowers in late fall
Redtwig Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Bright red stems provide winter color
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Yellow daisy flowers; tolerates heavy soil
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Upright native grass; golden fall color
Ironweed
Vernonia noveboracensis
Purple flowers; thrives in moist, heavy soils
Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Pink flowers; handles wet clay better than other milkweeds
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Pennsylvania garden
Divide spring and summer perennials
Plant garlic and spring bulbs
Protect tender plants and drain irrigation
Prune fruit trees and dormant shrubs
Start cool-season vegetables
Mulch beds and apply organic fertilizer
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Pennsylvania
Explore Garden Styles in Pennsylvania
Browse detailed design guides with climate-adapted tips and plant lists for Pennsylvania.
Free Planning Tools
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