The state of Virginia, nicknamed ‘Old Dominion,’ is one of those places that boasts fantastic weather in the spring and summer, but the winters can get pretty tough sometimes. However, that doesn’t keep Virginians from growing gorgeous flowers in their yards.
That leads us to our question: what flowers grow well in Virginia?
Thankfully, there’s a lot to choose from since most flowers will bloom for an impressively significant time due to the state’s prolonged summer weather. Most of these plants are hardy, easy to care for, and produce vibrant blooms that last the entire summer.
To help you get started, we rounded up some common options. So, take a look at our selection and pick out your favorites.
7 Gorgeous Flowers That Grow Well in Virginia
Curating your own garden isn’t an easy project to take on. Beginners sometimes find the idea of providing their plants with full-time care a bit overwhelming. Yet, once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize that it’s really not that difficult.
All plants need is some love and attention. Do that, and they’ll repay you with a stunning view that turns your home into a calm and relaxed space. It makes for the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle.
So, read on and find the flowers that speak to you the most to create a masterfully crafted oil painting come to life.
Tickseed
Want something that works with pretty much any type of soil? Then, these bright yellow Tickseeds will make a terrific addition to your garden.
They offer a striking yellow streak, contrasting with other flowers that are more on the mellow color spectrum.
These robust flowers can withstand almost any kind of climate, withstand droughts, and bloom for an impressive time. Provided that you give them enough sun, their bloom can range from the end of spring until the start of fall.
Tickseeds come with some benefits since they’re low-maintenance. This gives you more time to enjoy them or focus on other flowers that require more attention.
A birdwatcher’s friend, these flowers are a must-have since they attract hummingbirds and butterflies that come for their nectar. Birds in the area will also come to snack on their seeds!
Mountain Laurel
Another low-maintenance flower, this delicate, show-stopping, bell-shaped pink flower is sure to be a conversation piece with your guests.
Mountain Laurels are a type of shrub that produces pale-pink flower clusters. These vibrant flowers bloom to reveal deep red and rose-colored spots on the inside.
Thankfully the plant doesn’t need full sunlight and can be easily planted in partly shaded areas. In addition, Mountain Laurels can survive in freezing temperatures as they wait to bloom again once the warm weather rolls around.
This is a perfect time to mention that, despite their breathtaking beauty, the entire plant is toxic to humans and animals. So, make sure children and pets stay away from it at all times.
The good news is that wild animals and pests are better at recognizing the plant’s toxicity. So, you can use this to your advantage and plant it near entryways around your yard to deter curious creatures like deers and rabbits.
Virginia Bluebells
We talked about pink and yellow flowers. Now, It’s time to move on to some graceful purplish-blue blooms: the Virginia Bluebells!
These fabulous flowers offer a more relaxed shade compared to the previous blooms on this list. They start as soft pink buds and open into beautiful bluish trumpet-shaped flowers.
They start blooming from early spring to early summer before tucking away as they ready themselves for winter.
If you have areas in your garden that get partial shade, these flowers will fit right in. They’re also hardy and can withstand the cold Virginia winters.
If you prefer, you can plant some in indoor pots during the cold months. Just make sure you keep the soil nice and moist.
Their trumpet shape also attracts some of the best pollinators. Expect to see bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds nestle around to enjoy their nectar.
Northern Blue Flag
Moving onto another eye-catching blue flower, we bring you the Northern Blue Flag. This is a definite must-have, thanks to its beautiful sword-shaped leaves and tri-colored flower.
Purple-blue flowers veined by yellow and white patches make these flowers truly unique to the eye, blending perfectly in any garden.
The one distinction is that the Northern Blue Flag has only a short window to bloom. It starts in May and can typically last up until the end of July.
Another thing to consider when it comes to these flowers is their love of water. Ideally, you should plant them where water can collect and then drain easily to prevent root fungus while providing them with the moisture they crave.
Turk’s-Cap Lily
Turk’s-Cap lilies are a unique-looking flower that got its name from resembling turbans worn by Ottoman sultans. These elegant blooms offer a different and unique addition to your garden.
One interesting feature is that the flower’s petals are curved outward. So, when they’ve fully bloomed, they form a bulb-like shape that’s pretty exceptional to look at.
Another great thing about these spectacular plants is that they come in a variety of color variations, including pink, red, yellow, and orange. Having more choices means you can customize and color-coordinate your garden however you like.
Like the Northern Blue Flag, these flowers love water and full sun. So, make sure you plant them accordingly to keep them happy and thriving.
Pearly Everlasting
Offering a white overlay to the rest of your colorful garden, the Pearly Everlasting makes a great addition to any landscape.
These shrubs are capable of handling numerous harsh conditions, including poor soil and dry conditions. Thus, they’re ideal for beginners.
The Pearly Everlasting has long-lasting button-like flowers with yellow disks in the middle surrounded by white papery scales that resemble petals.
They bloom during the second half of the year, from mid-summer to fall. Then, they wilt and die in the winter, only resurrecting in the spring to prepare for a new growing season.
Since they can withstand almost any weather condition, you can plant these beauties anywhere. Thus, they’re considered versatile and perfect for novice gardeners.
Like several flowers on this list, the bright colors and sweet nectar of the Pearly Everlasting flowers attract bees and butterflies.
This is something to think about when choosing a spot to plant them. For example, it might be wise to keep them at a safe distance from walkways, windows, and doors.
Flowering Dogwood
The Flowering Dogwood isn’t a flower per se; it’s actually a flowering tree. Still, it makes for a lovely addition if you have a big enough yard or garden.
The Flowering Dogwood can grow up to 15 to 30 feet tall, blooming white, red, or pink flowers in early spring,
If you have limited space in your yard, you can still plant one of these beautiful trees. It won’t take up a lot of space on the ground. Yet, it’s sure to stand out, thanks to its flowing blooms.
One of its unique features is its bark has a unique crocodile-skin look to it as the tree matures. Plus, it’s the official state flower and tree of Virginia, making it a favorite of many Virginian gardeners.
Final Thoughts
The great state of Virginia is known for its lush greenery and abundant wildlife. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there are so many beautiful and vibrant flowering plants to choose from.
Once you’ve identified what flowers grow well in Virginia, the next thing to do is to learn about the growing conditions for each plant. This will help you decide on which ones best fit your gardening needs. It’ll also help ensure that they’re happy and healthy.
This way, you can enjoy having a lush garden to show for all your hard work. Plus, the view won’t be so bad either.
Happy gardening!
Back to Petals And Hedges home page
Read more from our wedding flowers ideas category