Welcome to the whimsical world of New England gardening! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a newbie just dipping your toes into the rich soil, planting perennials is the secret sauce to creating a breathtaking garden that blooms year after year. Imagine stepping into your garden and being greeted by a riot of colors, the sweet scent of flowers, and the buzz of happy pollinators. Sounds dreamy, right?
In the diverse climate of New England, selecting the right perennial plants is key. From the snowy winters to the balmy summer days, these resilient beauties are designed to thrive in every season. So, if you’re ready to turn your garden into a vibrant oasis, let’s dive into the best perennials for New England that will have your garden looking Insta-worthy all year round!
Best Perennials for New England
1. Bee Balm
Bee Balm, a superstar in the garden world, is perfect for adding a splash of vibrant color and attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This perennial, known for its aromatic foliage and beautiful red, pink, or purple flowers, thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s an absolute favorite among New England gardens due to its ability to withstand cold temperatures and its minimal care requirements.
Why does Bee Balm grow so well in New England? It’s all about resilience! Bee Balm is a native plant that loves the rich, moist soil common in this region. Plus, it’s highly resistant to pests and diseases.
A fun tidbit: Bee Balm leaves can be used to make a refreshing herbal tea, adding a delightful touch to your garden and kitchen alike. For the best results, plant Bee Balm in late spring to early summer and enjoy its blooming period from mid-summer to late summer.
2. Coneflower
Coneflower, or Echinacea, is another fantastic perennial that brings a burst of color to New England gardens. These daisy-like flowers are known for their stunning pink and purple hues, making them a favorite for gardeners looking to create a bold, vibrant landscape. Coneflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, making them perfect for the variable New England climate.
These hardy plants are not just beautiful but also incredibly tough. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand poor soil conditions, which means less fuss and more blooms.
Fun fact: Coneflowers are also used in herbal remedies to boost the immune system. Plant them in early spring for a bloom period that extends from midsummer to early fall, attracting pollinators and adding long-lasting beauty to your garden.
3. Bergamot
Bergamot, also known as Wild Bergamot or Monarda, is a showstopper with its bold, bee-attracting flowers and fine-textured foliage. This perennial thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils, making it a versatile choice for New England gardens. The unique, spiky flowers come in shades of pink, red, and purple, adding a whimsical touch to any garden bed.
Why does Bergamot flourish in New England? Its adaptability to different soil types and its love for cooler climates make it an excellent choice.
A fun tidbit: The flowers and leaves of Bergamot are edible and can be used to flavor teas and desserts. Plant Bergamot in late spring, and enjoy its vibrant blooms throughout the summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.
4. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed, or Asclepias tuberosa, is a native perennial that’s perfect for adding a pop of bright orange to your garden. As its name suggests, it’s a magnet for butterflies, especially monarchs. Butterfly Weed thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a drought-tolerant superstar for New England gardens.
This plant is not just about good looks; it’s also incredibly low maintenance. Butterfly Weed can handle poor soil conditions and still put on a spectacular show.
Fun fact: The roots of Butterfly Weed were once used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. Plant it in early spring, and by late spring to early summer, your garden will be bursting with vibrant blooms that attract beneficial insects.
5. Blanket Flower
Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia, is a sun-loving perennial known for its bright, daisy-like flowers that come in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. These plants are perfect for adding a burst of color to your New England garden and are incredibly easy to care for. Blanket Flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a great choice for hot, dry summers.
What makes Blanket Flowers so special for New England? Their drought tolerance and long blooming period from early summer to late fall make them a reliable and showy addition to any garden. Fun tidbit: Blanket Flowers are named for their resemblance to the bright patterns of Native American blankets. These low-maintenance perennials attract bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden.
6. Stonecrop
Stonecrop, or Sedum, is a hardy perennial that’s perfect for New England gardens. Known for its succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers, Stonecrop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant is drought-tolerant and can withstand poor soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardening.
Stonecrop’s ability to store water in its leaves allows it to survive dry spells, a useful trait for unpredictable New England weather.
A fun fact: Stonecrop is also known for its ability to grow in rocky, shallow soils, hence the name. Plant Stonecrop in the spring, and enjoy its vibrant blooms from late summer to fall, attracting pollinators and adding texture to your garden.
7. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a robust perennial known for its striking yellow flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a perfect fit for New England gardens. Goldenrod is not only beautiful but also beneficial, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden.
Why is Goldenrod a great choice for New England? Its adaptability to different soil conditions and its ability to thrive in the region’s climate make it a top pick.
Fun tidbit: Contrary to popular belief, Goldenrod is not a major cause of allergies; its pollen is too heavy to be windborne. Plant Goldenrod in early spring, and enjoy its vibrant display and pollinator-friendly blooms through the fall.
8. Shasta Daisies
Shasta Daisies are a classic addition to any garden, known for their cheerful white flowers with bright yellow centers. These perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for New England’s varying climate. Shasta Daisies are low maintenance and have a long blooming period from early summer to early fall.
Why do Shasta Daisies grow so well in New England? Their tolerance to cold temperatures and ability to thrive in average soil conditions make them a perfect fit.
A fun fact: Shasta Daisies are named after Mount Shasta in California. Plant these daisies in the spring, and enjoy their classic beauty and pollinator-friendly blooms throughout the summer.
9. Russian Sage
Russian Sage is a hardy perennial known for its tall, airy spikes of purple flowers and aromatic foliage. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great choice for New England gardens. Russian Sage is drought-tolerant and can withstand poor soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for any garden.
What makes Russian Sage ideal for New England? Its resilience to cold temperatures and its ability to thrive in various soil types make it a standout choice.
Fun tidbit: Despite its name, Russian Sage is not a true sage but is related to the mint family. Plant Russian Sage in the spring, and enjoy its long-lasting blooms from midsummer to fall, adding a touch of elegance and attracting pollinators to your garden.
Conclusion
Creating a vibrant, colorful garden in New England is easier than you think, especially with these hardy perennials. From the fiery hues of Butterfly Weed to the elegant spikes of Russian Sage, each plant brings its unique charm and resilience to your garden. By choosing the right perennials, you can ensure your garden thrives through every season, attracting pollinators and bringing joy year after year.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and get ready to transform your New England garden into a blooming paradise. With a little planning and these top perennial picks, you’ll have a stunning landscape that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
