The Best Plants For Zone 6A | Expert Recommendations

Tulips are one of the easiest bulbs to grow, which is why I like them. Plant this fall in full sun or part shade with well-drained soil for amazing color this spring!

These low-maintenance bulbs are frequently planted in large numbers to give borders a river effect. Tulips’ garnishes blooms look good against their serene color scheme. These low- maintenance little bulbs grow readily in any garden soil with good drainage. Excellent for planting in containers or along walkways.

Butterfly bushes are well-known for their colorful blossoms, which can attract butterflies and other pollinators to your yard. They are resilient in zone 6a and adaptable to various soil types.

Salvia, a plant related to mint, has a lengthy blooming period. This colorful bloom emerges as a soft spike from blue/green foliage and is available in a variety of hues, including blue, purple, white, red, and pink. Depending on the variety, this perennial grows well in partial to full sun and can reach heights of 3 to 8 feet. Hummingbirds are attracted to the blossoms, which are a favorite among pollinators. This fragrant shrub can withstand droughts and is resistant to deer.

The coneflower plant has different species that belong to the daisy family. The plants thrive in open-wooded areas which can be warm and dry. The plants clump together hence require a well-calculated spacing.

Tiger flowers are a delicate perennial that grows well in Zone 6a. It is planted as a bulb and produces a distinctive and lovely flower. The flowers have three huge petals that extend beyond the cup. It has a height range of 12 to 24 inches and a selection of colors. It’s simple to maintain and hydrate the soil. It prefers filtered sunshine and primarily blooms in the summer. It is a drought-tolerant plant, and its lovely blossoms draw hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The foliage is quite distinctive and is associated with pleated foliage. Both sandy soil and acidic soil will support its growth. For healthy blooms, use diluted liquid fertilizers.

Despite its name, anise hyssop is not related to anise or hyssop. Similar to other mints, it belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Its blossoms, which might smell like licorice or basil, can be used to make salads or jellies. Anise hyssop can grow in large colonies that disseminate their seeds and new plants by sending out new roots. From June through September, hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees can be seen enjoying the nectar of its blooming, nearly foot-long spikes. The dried flowers can be used in potpourris, and the fresh ones can be used in bouquets.

The stunning clusters of white flowers that Aruncus, a member of the rose family, produces are sure to impress. While the name Aruncus dioicus suggests otherwise, this species is not dioecious (having separate male and female plants). On the contrary, some plants will produce perfect flowers that are functionally identical in both sexes. In addition to spreading via seed, these plants can multiply by dividing their underground rhizomes each spring.

Over a hundred species of Asclepius are found in the Americas; however, the most well-known is Butterfly weed (Asclepius tuberose), which serves as a critical food source for monarch butterfly caterpillars. In the wild, adult monarch butterflies will eat any species of the genus Asclepius. Milkweeds can withstand dry conditions and have deep taproots, but their roots don’t fare well in transplants; thus, starting them from seed is recommended.

Early in the spring, columbine develops dainty flowers on delicate stems that are a welcome food source for pollinators still waiting for summer’s full bloom. Their lengthy flowering season is accompanied by a rainbow of hues, from powdery blues to deep chocolates. A few of them are even two-toned. However, columbines are not ideal for transplanting due to their deep taproots, their ability to self-seed in unusual locations more than makes up for their short lifespan.

Late-season blooming New England asters are a favorite of gardeners and butterflies because their nectar is still useful long after most other flowers have stopped generating it. Their daisy-like flowers come in various colors, from purple to white, and rest on tall stalks that rarely need staking but droop as the weather cools down. They can rapidly multiply with minimal maintenance.

This plant is a North American native that thrives in woodland areas. If you imagine a cluster of fireworks in your garden then you are definitely picturing the bee balm. Its flowers appear in shades of pink, purple, red and white. Due to these bright colours, this plant attracts bees and butterflies and hummingbirds also love them. This plant is highly preferable for zone 6a due to its low maintenance and drought-tolerant property. It grows in moist, nutrient-rich soil and sunny locations. You can also use these edible, fragrant flowers in herbal medication. Though it attracts birds it’s deer resistant.

Lavender is an ideal plant to grow in zone 6a. These aromatic flowers can tolerate cold temperatures up to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Even with a sunny disposition, their survivability in zone 6a is high as they are considered perennials during the winter season. Lavender, in terms of purpose as a flower, can serve the purpose of freshening a room with its aroma or work as a beautiful display. And the best ones are French Hybrid Lavender.