Top Perennials in Pennsylvania for a Stunning, Low-Maintenance Garden in Boalsburg, PA

In Boalsburg’s Zone 6a–6b, thoughtful landscape design with perennials in Pennsylvania delivers a garden that stays polished through the seasons with minimal fuss.

Here’s a clear, research-led guide to reliable picks for sun, shade, and tricky corners, plus deer-smart options grounded in Mid-Atlantic trials.

Key Takeaways

• Perennials in Pennsylvania thrive when matched to your local sun, soil, and hardiness zone—doing so means less maintenance and more lasting beauty.

• Mixing native plants for sun and shade creates year-round texture, color, and support for pollinators and birds.

• Deer-smart design—diverse, aromatic, and textured—helps keep your garden thriving without constant replanting.

What “Low-Maintenance” Means Here

Low-maintenance plants are those that match our climate and your site. In Boalsburg and much of Centre County, we’re in USDA Zone 6a–6b, which means average winter lows of −10 to −5°F (6a) and −5 to 0°F (6b).

Pick perennials and shrubs rated for those zones, then match them to your sun, soil, and moisture: full sun beds, a shade garden or partial shade border, well-drained slopes, or consistently damp spots. The closer the fit, the less you’ll be watering, staking, or replacing plants.

The quick checklist

• Hardiness first: confirm Zone 6a/6b tolerance on tags or plant lists.

• Right light: group full sun lovers together; keep ground cover and evergreen foliage options for shaded, dry shade corners.

• Soil match: note drainage; add compost only if tests suggest it, then mulch to hold moisture and suppress weeds.

• Wildlife reality: prefer deer-resistant or “less browsed” choices where pressure is high.

Why natives cut the workload

Planting native plants (Pennsylvania native plants that evolved here) usually means less pampering once established. State and university guidance highlight practical wins: better support for pollinators and birds, improved biodiversity, soil protection, and conserving water, which often translates to fewer inputs and less replanting over time.

You still choose the right native plant species for shade, full sun, wet or dry sites, but when the match is right, maintenance drops.

Sprinkled through the picks ahead, you’ll see easy native perennials for sun and shade (including options with white flowers, purple, yellow, and pink), tidy ground covers for a shady corner, and sturdy forms with interesting foliage—all chosen to thrive with minimal care in Zone 6a–6b.

Top-Performing, Low-Maintenance Perennials for Full Sun

These are reliable, PA-friendly workhorses. You’ll see quick notes on size, bloom window, and why they’re easy to live with.

Black-eyed Susan, ‘American Gold Rush’ (Rudbeckia x ‘American Gold Rush’)

• 24–27" tall, 30–40" wide; blooms July–September (often to frost).

• Bred for strong resistance to Septoria leaf spot, so the foliage stays clean when other black-eyed Susans fade. Forms a tidy, domed mound that keeps borders looking sharp with minimal upkeep. An excellent pollinator resource and widely recognized for garden performance.

Mountain mints (Pycnanthemum spp., esp. P. muticum)

• 2–3' tall; silvery bracts and tiny blooms mid-summer into early fall.

• A magnet for beneficial insects (bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies pile in), yet the plants stay sturdy, fragrant, and drought‐tolerant once established. In PA trials, clustered mountain mint drew the highest number and diversity of pollinators. Give it some elbow room and let it go to work.

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea and top-rated cultivars)

• 2–3' tall; peak bloom late June–July with long color carry.

• Tough, clump-forming, and generous with nectar and seeds (hello, goldfinches). Mt. Cuba’s multi-year trials highlighted several standout cultivars for both garden performance and pollinator value, which is proof that coneflowers earn their keep in sunny Pennsylvania beds.

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

• 18–24" tall; vivid orange in June–July.

• Drought-tolerant once established, thanks to a deep taproot; supports monarch caterpillars and feeds a crowd of nectar seekers. Keep it in full sun and lean soil for best results.

Hubricht’s bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii)

• ~3' tall and wide; soft blue starry flowers in late spring, then coppery-gold fall color.

• Low-input, long-lived, and beautifully textured—great massed or as a calm foil to louder summer bloomers. Penn State and regional public gardens both call it a dependable, low-maintenance choice.

Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis)

• 3–4' tall; indigo flower spikes in late spring, then handsome seed pods.

• A “plant it and forget it” anchor: deep roots, no staking, and decades of service once established. Mt. Cuba’s trial notes underline its durability and garden value across the Mid-Atlantic.

Shade and Part-Shade Winners

Shade isn’t a downgrade—it’s a chance to lean into texture and quiet bloom.

Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum)

• Height: 1–4'+ · Bloom: dangling white bells in May–June · Where it shines: part shade to shade with average, humus-rich soil

• Arching stems and clean, variegated leaves (on select forms) bring elegance to woodland edges. It’s adaptable from moist to fairly dry once established, and deer typically pass it by—perfect under trees or along a shady path.

Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans)

• Height: 10–16" · Bloom: soft blue to lavender in April–May · Where it shines: dappled shade, consistently moist, well-drained soil

• A tidy clumper with ladder-like foliage that reads as refined texture all season. Those early spring blooms add gentle color before larger shrubs leaf out, and it’s right at home on woodland edges or beside paths where you can see the flowers up close.

Native sedges (Carex spp.)

• Height: most 6–12" (species vary) · Role: durable, neat ground cover

• Sedges are easy, tidy, and versatile. The Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) spreads by rhizomes, thrives in dry to moist shade, and stays trim without much fuss. Use it under trees, between stepping stones, or to knit together a mix of spring ephemerals.

Deer-Smart Choices (Because… Pennsylvania)

Deer pressure is real, so the goal is to diversify your plantings, lean on textures and aromatics, and protect what’s young or tender. Penn State Extension frames it as integrated management: combine smarter plant choices with barriers and, when needed, repellents. Aromatic foliage and rough/hairy textures are often less browsed, but no plant is bulletproof.

Practical guardrails

• Mix it up. A diverse border is less likely to be mowed down in one go, and you’ll notice what holds up on your site. PSU also stresses that deer preferences shift with season and food availability—stay observant.

• Protect new growth. Use netting, tall fencing, or individual guards on fresh installs and spring flushes; consistency matters far more than any single product.

Foliage to use

• Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) – Aromatic foliage; widely noted as deer-resistant and a magnet for pollinators. A strong pick in sunny spots.

• Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Fantastic for birds and insects, but browsing is variable; buds and new leaves can be nipped. In high-pressure areas, protect plants until they’re established.

• Yarrow (Achillea spp.) – PSU lists it among plants rarely damaged by deer; heat-tolerant with long summer color.

• Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – Another PSU “rarely damaged” aromatic; airy texture and extended bloom in full sun.

Treat “deer resistant” as “deer less interested.” Start with textures and aromatics, protect the newbies, and adjust as you see which plants in your landscape truly hold their ground.

Designing for Four Seasons With Almost No Extra Work

The best gardens don’t peak once but move gracefully through the year. With the right layering and a few smart plant choices, your beds can deliver color, texture, and wildlife value from early spring to the heart of winter without constant attention.

Start by combining heights. Taller anchors like purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan in back, mid-level bloomers such as bluestar or Jacob’s ladder in the middle, and nice ground cover options like native sedges up front. This layering naturally shades soil, keeps weeds down, and reduces watering needs—less time maintaining, more time enjoying.

For continuous bloom, overlap the season-long stars. Early spring brings blue and white flowers from Jacob’s ladder, summer is filled with the golds and purples of Rudbeckia and Echinacea, and fall finishes with mountain mint and golden tones from bluestar.

Different heights and varieties create visual rhythm and habitat diversity, something that attracts butterflies and other pollinators long after the initial bloom fades.

Resist the urge to cut everything down when frost hits. Coneflower and black-eyed Susan seedheads feed birds through winter, while their stems add sculptural beauty and catch morning frost like artwork. Leaving a few plants standing also shelters overwintering insects, giving your garden a head start on next year’s life cycle.

Buy native plants with staggered bloom times and sturdy forms, group them for structure, and let nature handle much of the work. The result is a great plant palette that stays green, graceful, and dynamic in every season.

Small Spaces, Big Impact

Even the tiniest garden can feel complete with a smart mix of color, texture, and structure. You don’t need endless square footage, but just the right trio of plants working together. These simple, balanced groupings bring lasting beauty and make maintenance easy for busy gardeners.

Sunny trio: mountain mint + coneflower + a compact black-eyed Susan

This blend stays lively from early summer through fall. Mountain mint adds a silvery shimmer and fragrance that keeps pollinators busy, while purple coneflower provides bold, upright blooms in shades of pink and purple.

A shorter black-eyed Susan ties it all together with cheerful gold, which is an excellent choice for containers, borders, or small sunny corners. You’ll get layers of color, wildlife activity, and structure without the need for extra fertilizer or fuss.

Dappled shade trio: Solomon’s seal + Jacob’s ladder + native Carex

This mix thrives where other plants often struggle. Solomon’s seal arches elegantly with soft white flowers in spring, Jacob’s ladder brings fresh green foliage and clusters of soft blue blooms, and native Carex fills gaps as a nice ground cover that stays neat year-round. The effect is calm, woodland charm.

When space is limited, think of contrast: tall beside low, fine foliage beside broad, many different colors and textures rather than sheer quantity. These pocket gardens prove that even in small areas, you can create a layered landscape that feels complete.

Perennials That Behave: Craft a Pennsylvania-Ready Plan With Us

Landscape II has designed and installed landscapes in Centre County since 1970, working from Boalsburg just outside Penn State.

Our award-winning team handles design, installation, plant installation, and ongoing maintenance, with experienced, educated staff guiding every step. If a low-maintenance, deer-savvy perennial plan sounds right for your space, we’re here to map it out with you.

P.S. We’ve been recognized locally as “Best Landscaper.” Book a no-pressure consultation when you’re ready.

Conclusion

A Pennsylvania garden can be easy, resilient, and beautiful when plants match your site and seasons. Start with a small area, layer for bloom and structure, and let your best performers lead the way. The result: less upkeep, more time to enjoy the view.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pennsylvania native plants, and how do native perennials make upkeep easier?

Plants that evolved here are adapted to local weather, soils, and wildlife. As native perennials, they come back each year, usually need less watering and fertilizer after the first season, and support pollinators and birds.

Are native plants automatically deer resistant?

No. Some natives are less appetizing to deer, but nothing is deer-proof. Use aromatic or rough-textured species, protect young plants, and expect browsing to vary with season and food availability.

How do I know if a plant labeled “Pennsylvania native” will fit my yard?

Match it to your site: sun (full, part shade, shade), moisture (dry to wet), and hardiness (Zone 6a/6b locally). Read the tag for height/spread, and group plants with similar needs for smoother maintenance.

Where can I get reliable advice on Pennsylvania native plants? Does Penn State Extension help?

Yes. Penn State Extension offers practical lists and how-tos on site selection, deer pressure, and care. Use their guidance to shortlist plants, then tailor choices to your conditions.