February 22, 2022 — By Marirose Krall  

10 Flowering Plants That Thrive in New Jersey

What better way to spend a dreary winter’s day than planning a garden? To help you realize your dreams of a successful planting season, we’ve rounded up a bevy of blooming beauties that flourish in the Garden State.

(For tips from landscape designers on making the most of your garden, check out Early Spring in the Garden.)

(For tips on herbs that grow well in New Jersey, click here.)

  • 1 | Geranium (annual): These perky blossoms thrive in the sun. They’re drought resistant and prefer well-drained soil.

    Photo by p-o-sitive-negative on Unsplash

  • 2 | Hardy Geranium (perennial): The sturdier sister of the geranium can adapt to full sun or partial/light shade; works well as a ground cover.

    Photo by Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • 3 | Impatiens (annual): Colorful clusters of impatiens enjoy partial or light shade but will also grow in full sun if kept watered.

    Photo by Sabina Bajracharya, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • 4 | Black-Eyed Susan (perennial): These tough buds work well in clay soils and are drought tolerant.

    Photo by Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • 5 | Marigold (annual): Easy-to-grow marigolds prosper in full sun and do well in hot, dry areas. They’re said to repel insects and, because they’re edible, they’re often used as dessert decorations.

    Photo by James Conkis, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • 6 | Primrose (perennial): These early spring blooms prefer cooler weather and light or partial shade.

    Photo by NasserHalaweh, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • 7 | Petunia (annual): These fast-growing flowers like full sun and sandy soil, so they’re great for coastal locales.

    Photo by Indrajit Das, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • 8 | Fragrant Violet (perennial): The aromatic buds of violets enjoy partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

    Photo by V efremova, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • 9 | Sunflower (annual): As the name implies, these fun flowers flourish in the sun. But note, the tallest specimens may require staking.

    Photo by Laslovarga, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • 10 | Foxglove (perennial): These striking, trumpet-like flowers are a mainstay in cottage gardens. They thrive in partial and light shade. However, keep in mind they are toxic so they may be unsuitable for homes with pets.

    Photo: SG2012, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons