Lawn Boy Landscape Contractors

Articles, Info, & Tips

When Should I Plant in Philly?
Plants, Planting Times, and Why They Excel

Philadelphia, situated in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a/7b, enjoys a climate that supports a wide variety of plants. Below is a look at some flowers, hedges, bushes, and trees that do particularly well in the area.

Flowers | Hedges | Bushes | Trees | Best Times for Planting

Flowers

Azaleas and Rhododendrons

Planting Time: Early spring or fall.
Why They Thrive: These plants prefer acidic soil, which is common in parts of Philadelphia, especially if you're amending with pine needles or other organic matter. They also enjoy the dappled shade that many Philadelphia yards offer.
Determination: The mild spring and fall temperatures in Philadelphia allow root establishment before the heat or cold sets in.

Daylily (Hemerocallis):

Planting Time: Spring or early fall.
Why They Thrive: Daylilies are incredibly hardy, adaptable to Philadelphia's climatic swings, and can tolerate both sunny and partially shaded conditions.
Determination: Their blooming period in mid-summer coincides with Philadelphia's warmest months, making them a vibrant addition when other plants might be flagging.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia):

Planting Time: Late spring to early summer for direct sowing.
Why They Thrive: This native perennial loves the sunny spots typical of many Philadelphia landscapes and is drought-tolerant, which suits the city's variable rainfall.
Determination: They bloom from mid-summer to fall, enhancing gardens when many perennials are past their peak.

Hedges

Boxwood (Buxus):

Planting Time: Spring or fall.
Why They Thrive: Boxwoods are well-suited to Philadelphia's climate, offering evergreen coverage. They prefer well-drained soil and can handle both sun and shade, conditions often found in urban settings.
Determination: Their ability to be pruned into shape makes them ideal for the geometric gardens popular in Philadelphia's historical neighborhoods.

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata):

Planting Time: Fall is preferred for root establishment.
Why They Thrive: This shrub is adaptable to many soil types and can tolerate urban pollution, making it perfect for Philly's cityscapes.
Determination: It grows densely, providing an excellent privacy screen without excessive maintenance, suitable for the city's gardening ethos.

Bushes

Hydrangea:

Planting Time: Early spring or fall.
Why They Thrive: Hydrangeas are a favorite because they thrive in Philadelphia's often acidic soils and can adjust their bloom color based on soil pH, adding diversity to gardens.
Determination: The city's climate supports their growth, with mild winters and summers that aren't overwhelmingly hot, allowing for prolonged blooming periods.

Viburnum:

Planting Time: Fall for most varieties.
Why They Thrive: Viburnums are versatile, growing well in various light conditions. They provide year-round interest with flowers, berries, and foliage changes, fitting Philadelphia's distinct seasons.
Determination: Their robust nature means they can handle Philadelphia's urban environment well, including pollution and salt spray near roads.

Trees

Red Maple (Acer rubrum):

Planting Time: Spring or early fall.
Why They Thrive: Red maples are native, providing spectacular fall color and can adapt to wet or dry conditions, which is beneficial given Philadelphia's variable weather patterns.
Determination: Their early spring flowers and late fall colors are timed perfectly with Philadelphia's seasonal transitions.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis):

Planting Time: Early spring or fall.
Why They Thrive: Known for their early spring magenta blooms, they're well-suited to the area's soil pH and can grow in sun or partial shade.
Determination: Their blooming in early spring makes them a herald of the season, appreciated in Philly's urban gardens.

Dogwood (Cornus florida):

Planting Time: Fall.
Why They Thrive: Dogwoods enjoy the acidic soils and provide multi-season interest with their spring flowers, autumn foliage, and winter berries.
Determination: They fit well in the city's landscape, offering beauty without needing extensive space, a plus for urban dwellers.

Best Times for Planting

Spring is ideal for most plants, allowing them to establish before the summer heat. However, avoid late spring plantings as the weather can turn hot quickly.

Fall is often considered the best time for planting, especially for trees and shrubs. The soil remains warm, encouraging root growth while the plant doesn't need to expend energy on foliage or flowers.

The info on optimal planting times -- ensuring plants not only survive but also thrive in Philadelphia’s environment – is based on a combination of historical climate data, local horticultural advice, and native plant adaptations.

Frost Dates: Philadelphia's last frost date usually falls around late April, and the first frost in late October, guiding the planting window.
Soil Temperature: Warm soil in spring and fall supports root development.
Weather Patterns: Planting when temperatures are moderate helps plants avoid the stress of hot summers or cold winters.

For more information on the flora that thrives in our area:

< Back to Articles, Info & Tips