The state of Washington has an interesting weather system. It reaches the extremes in both hot and cold climates throughout the seasons, with temperatures averaging 72°F in peak summer and 37°F in peak winter.
Given the drastic contrast, it’s worth asking what flowers grow well in Washington?
This guide is here to help you choose the flowers that will fit perfectly in any garden in Washington state. From Dahlias, Blanket Flowers, and Pacific Rhododendron to Shooting Stars and Bleeding Hearts, there’s definitely something for everybody.
The Evergreen State is named that for a reason, making it the perfect place to curate your own garden. This article will help you make the flowering choices you need to create a green masterpiece, so read on and find out which flora works best for you.
7 Flowers That Grow Well in Washington You Need To Check Out
Finding and picking the perfect flowers that fit within your garden can be overwhelming. However, that shouldn’t be the case as the state’s varied weather should help provide you with an abundant selection.
This guide is here to help you narrow down the ones that’ll have your guests’ heads turn, thanks to their beauty and dazzling colors. So check out the seven options we have, and pick the ones that will have you go: “I need to get me some of those!”
1. Pacific Rhododendron
Washington’s state flower had to be on the list, and for good reason. Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but many consider them to be the perfect centerpiece for any garden.
You can’t really miss them since they’re large shrubs. These shrubs produce a flurry of beautifully pink or purple bell-shaped flowers that will bloom throughout spring and summer.
While you can plant the Pacific Rhododendron in the sun, it does better when in part shade, making it perfect as a border plant. Unfortunately, it does need a bit of pest control since bugs like to visit it often.
Another thing to consider when planting your own is to avoid eating any part of the plant, as it’s toxic to humans and animals. That said, try and keep your pets away from it too. If ingested, seek medical help.
2. Dahlia
A darling to florists and gardeners alike and when seen in person, you’ll understand why! These breathtaking flowers have several variations, each with their own look, but all beautiful in their individual way.
The Cactus Dahlia is known for its spiky-looking white-edged pink petals that make it look like a cactus. On the other hand, the Andrea Lawson ones look like white puffy balls with a hint of purple at their center.
Experts recommend that when planting Andrea Lawsons, have a few more next to it to get the best visual when they’re at full bloom. However, whichever type of dahlia you decide to go with, they tend to need water and care.
One of the things that you need to remember is that they have long tubular stems making them vulnerable to winds, so try to plant them in sunny areas protected from the wind.
Like the Rhododendron, please be careful if you have pets since the flowers are toxic to both dogs and cats. So keep away from your pets, if you have any, and if they eat any of it, seek veterinarian help immediately.
3. Blanket Flower
These flowers are named after how they can blanket an area, due to growing quickly and in large numbers. These daisy-like flowers are calming to look at, and are a perfect addition to any garden.
The Blanket Flower is a hardy one too! That’s because Blanket Flowers can grow in poor soil and bloom several times a year. That said, most people will likely see them blooming from early summer through fall.
At full bloom, they have brown centers, out of which spread yellow-tipped orange petals, creating orange spots contrasting your green bushes and plants. They’re low-maintenance flowers too; just make sure to plant them in the sun in well-drained soil.
Ladybugs and butterflies will be their regular visitors, as well as small birds! As for toxicity, it’s slightly toxic to humans, so don’t eat them.
4. Pacific Bleeding Heart
Named after its dangling heart-shaped flowers like a drop, they’re adored by gardeners thanks to their romantic name and look.
What’s not to love? The Pacific Bleeding Hearts are gorgeous, they have a catchy name, and they’ll pop wherever you decide to plant them. However, experts recommend them as border plants like Rhododendrons since they thrive in part shade, and have large foliage.
Those heart-shaped crimson flowers start blooming in late spring but continue throughout summer and early fall. The only pests that you’ll need to keep an eye out for are snails and slugs, which you can easily find during the early hours of the morning or at night.
Unfortunately, like several of the flowers on the list, these are also toxic to animals and humans, so keep that in mind.
5. Lady’s Leek
A summer flowering bulb, the Lady’s Leek is an easy addition to your garden. Not only does it look unique with its bulbs that have even tinier pinkish-purple flowers, but it has so many of them with each stem making up to 30 flowers.
Luckily, they’re low-maintenance flowers since they can be grown in dry to medium moisture soils, with low water needs, making them drought-resistant too. That said, you’ll need to plant them either in full sun or part shade, to thrive.
They’re perfect for planting as beds throughout your garden, inviting butterflies, and hummingbirds to it for their nectar.
Thankfully, deer tend to avoid them so rest easy, as you don’t have to worry about losing the flowers to them.
6. Western Columbine
Native to the west coast, the Western Columbine has bright red flowers that look like hats hovering over straight spurs and golden stamens. They look different than what you’ll most likely have in your garden, making them the perfect addition.
Like the Lady’s Leek before it, it’s a godsend to birdwatchers, as hummingbirds and butterflies will visit often to drink from its nectar.
You don’t have to worry about these flowers too much either, because they’re also resistant to both rabbits and deer.
The only downside to the Western Columbine is its short blooming period which stretches from late spring to early summer.
If you’re intending to plant it in your garden, make sure to do it in sunny areas and on average moisture soil.
7. Sea Thrift
The perfect flower to plant as an edging to your garden. These evergreen perennials work well for the Evergreen State, as it bursts with clusters of pink flowers.
Almost no maintenance is required for these plants! That’s thanks to them being able to grow in dry and sometimes infertile soils, with little to no water. All you need to do is plant them in well-drained soil and in an area with lots of sun.
Unfortunately, you can’t have everything, as Sea Thrift’s flowers tend to only bloom mid to late spring, with some experts stating they can sometimes bloom in the summer.
The flowers also attract butterflies and bees, which can be a problem for some. So gardeners recommend that you plant them in a place where nobody can get accidentally stung.
Final Thoughts On What Flowers Grow Well in Washington
The selection process of any addition to your garden is a tiresome one, but after looking at the previous offerings you should have an idea of what to look out for.
Before starting on this hefty project, try and look at these plants in person to see if they will match what you have planned for your garden.
Another thing to consider is to research your garden’s soil, know the water capabilities to figure out which flowers will grow best, and review your budget, as it might dictate what you can get.
Remember that gardening is all about care, love, attention, and patience. At the end of the day, once you have your garden figured out; be sure to enjoy the view.
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