Washington's unique blend of climates, from its temperate coastal regions to its sunnier eastern valleys, offers a canvas for some truly remarkable floral displays. Whether you have a seasoned green thumb or you are just beginning to cultivate your love for gardening, these carefully chosen flowers are sure to thrive and decorate your home with nature's finest colors and fragrances.
Join us as we explore the best flowers for homes in Washington, and get ready to transform your living space into a haven of natural beauty!
Pacific bleeding hearts (Dicentra formosa) are a captivating addition to any garden, known for their distinctive appearance and relatively simple gardening requirements. These perennials feature fern-like, finely divided leaves that provide an elegant backdrop to their pendulous, heart-shaped flowers. The blossoms dangle gracefully from arching stems, creating a dripping or “bleeding” appearance (hence the name).
To cultivate these woodland wonders successfully, provide them with partial to full shade, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture. They thrive in cool, temperate climates like the Pacific Northwest, making them a perfect choice for gardens in Washington state.
Dahlias (Dahlia pinnata) are renowned for their stunning and diverse appearance, making them a beloved choice among gardeners and flower enthusiasts. These show-stopping perennials produce large, intricate blooms that come in an array of vibrant colors, shapes, and sizes. From petite, pom-pom-like varieties to dinner-plate-sized blossoms, dahlias offer a visual feast for the eyes. Their leaves are lush and green, serving as an attractive backdrop to their radiant flowers.
To cultivate dahlias successfully, they require full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering. In regions with mild winters, dahlias can be left in the ground, while in areas with harsher winters, they are often dug up and stored during the cold months. With proper care, these beautiful blooms will reward gardeners with a stunning display throughout the summer and into the fall.
Tulips (Tulipa spp.) are one of the most iconic and easily recognizable spring flowers, known for their elegant appearance and vibrant colors. These bulbous perennials boast slender, lance-shaped leaves that emerge from the ground, forming a striking contrast with their upright, sturdy stems. Tulip blooms come in a wide spectrum of hues, including shades of red, yellow, pink, purple, and white, often with intricate patterns and variations. Their classic cup-shaped flowers add a touch of sophistication to any garden or landscape.
Plant tulip bulbs in the fall, in well-draining soil, and in a location with full to partial sunlight. Adequate spacing and proper depth are crucial for healthy growth. After the bloom period, allow the foliage to wither naturally before cutting it back. With minimal care, tulips can thrive and brighten up gardens in Washington and other regions during the early spring, making them a perennial favorite among garden enthusiasts.
Shasta Daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are a classic and cheerful addition to gardens across Washington and beyond. These perennial beauties are characterized by their pristine white petals surrounding a vibrant yellow center, creating a timeless daisy-like appearance. Their charming flowers stand atop long, sturdy stems, making them excellent for cutting and creating lovely floral arrangements.
Shasta daisies are known for their resilience and adaptability, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. With moderate watering and occasional deadheading (removing spent blooms), they can bloom profusely throughout the summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Their long-lasting, pure white blooms add a touch of elegance and purity to gardens.
The Pacific rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is a striking evergreen shrub that graces the woodlands and gardens of the Pacific Northwest, including Washington state. This native beauty boasts large, leathery, dark green leaves that remain verdant throughout the year, providing an attractive backdrop for its stunning clusters of showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. The blossoms come in various shades of pink, lavender, and white, often with distinctive blotches and patterns.
Pacific rhododendrons thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and dappled to partial shade, mimicking their natural woodland habitat. Regular moisture is essential for their health, especially during dry spells. These hardy shrubs are a cherished emblem of the region's natural beauty, offering a riot of color and vibrancy in the early spring, making them a beloved and iconic addition to gardens in Washington state.
Common camas (Camassia quamash) is a native perennial plant that adds both beauty and historical significance to gardens and natural landscapes in Washington state. These lovely wildflowers produce slender, upright stems adorned with star-like, violet-blue to purple flowers that form dense spikes. Common camas typically bloom in the spring, carpeting meadows and moist woodlands with its vibrant display. Its narrow, grass-like foliage complements the striking flowers perfectly.
These flowers thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun to light shade. These plants are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Common Camas holds cultural significance as a traditional food source for Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Gardening with common camas adds natural beauty to your landscape and connects you to the rich heritage of the region.
Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia spp.) are delightful perennials known for their striking appearance and resilience, making them a popular choice for gardens in Washington and beyond. These cheerful flowers feature daisy-like blooms with vibrant red, yellow, or orange petals and a prominent central disk in various shades of red, brown, or green. Their colors and patterns are reminiscent of a warm, Southwestern-style blanket, hence their name.
Blanket flowers are ideal for sunny spots with well-drained soil, as they thrive in full sunlight. They are drought-tolerant once established, making them a reliable choice for water-wise gardening. Their long-lasting blooms attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding both color and wildlife appeal to garden beds and borders. Blanket Flowers are a breeze to grow, making them a fantastic addition to gardens seeking a burst of vibrant and low-maintenance color throughout the summer and into the fall.
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are beloved wildflowers that have found a special place in gardens across Washington state. These charming perennials are characterized by their golden-yellow to orange petals, each adorned with a distinctive dark brown to black central cone, which gives them their characteristic "black-eyed" appearance. The blooms closely resemble cheerful daisies and are a vibrant presence in summer gardens.
These flowers are well-suited to a variety of soil types and can thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them adaptable to many garden conditions. They are drought-tolerant once established, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. Their cheerful, long-lasting flowers are beautiful and low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for both experienced and novice gardeners looking to add a burst of color and wildlife activity to their landscape.
