The Northeast area is classified by the USDA hardiness zones as being the states of DC, Delaware, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine and Maryland. Also Illinois, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Michigan, NY, NJ, and Ohio are listed. Finally the last states listed are Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Rhode Island. Those states make up the zones of 2a to 7b, a hard winter area with the northern states and a moderate summer area in the southern states. Flowering plants for the Northeast are those that thrive in these zones.
Comfrey
Symphytum officinale, what is commonly called comfrey, is from the borage family and good in USDA hardiness zones of 3 through 9 (zone 2 of the NE will have trouble). It is a perennial that grows 5 feet high and wide. The leaves are 10 inches long and hairy. Its flowers are pink or violet and in clusters. Plant a comfrey in full sun or partial shade in rich moist soil. Propagation should be from seed, division, or by cuttings.
St. John’s Wort
Hypericum perforatum, what is commonly called St. John’s wort, is from the St. John’s wort family and good in USDA hardiness zones of 3 through 8 (zone 2 of the NE may have issues). It is a perennial that grows 2 to 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. The leaves are oval and 1 inch long. Its star-like flowers are 1 inch wide and yellow. Plant a St. John’s wort in full sun or partial shade with regular watering. Propagation should be from seed or division.
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis, what is commonly called cardinal flower, is from the bellflower family and good in USDA hardiness zones of 3 through 10 (NE zone 2 will have trouble) It is a perennial that grows 1 to 3 feet high and 1 foot wide. Purplish leaves are 5 to 7 inches long. Its tubular red flowers are 1 to 2 inches long. Plant a cardinal flower in full sun or partial shade in moist soil. Propagation should be by seed or offshoots.
Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana, what is commonly called obedient plant, is from the mint family and good in USDA hardiness zones of 3 through 9 (zone 2 may have difficulty). It is a perennial that grows 2 to 4 feet tall. The dark green leaves are 2 to 6 inches long and narrow. Its tubular flowers 1 inch wide and colors vary by cultivar. Blooms will show from summer through fall. Plant an obedient plant in sun or shade in moist soil. Propagation should be from seed or division.
Larkspur
Consolida ajacis, what is commonly called larkspur, is from the buttercup family and good in USDA hardiness zones of 3 through 11 (zone 2 may have issues). It is an annual that grows 2 to 3 feet high. The bright green leaves are feather-like. Its flowers are on spikes in varying colors. Plant a larkspur in full sun with supplemental watering. Propagation should be from seed.
The Northeastern part of the United States incorporates a large area and the USDA hardiness zones reflect that. Choosing flowering plants for this area should reflect individual style and taste and be hardy in the zone the resident lives in.
For More Info:
USDA Hardiness Zone: Northeast
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
