12 Great Shrubs Well-Suited for New England’s Climate

Shrubs can really change how your New England garden looks and feels. They add color and shape, and can even help with privacy. But in a region with tough winters and changing seasons, choosing the right shrubs is key. You don’t want plants that can’t handle the cold or need too much care.

The good news is that many hardy, low-maintenance shrubs thrive in New England’s climate. You can find options that look great year-round, have pretty flowers, or just add some green to your yard.

We’ve put together a list of 12 shrubs that work well in New England gardens, helping you create a beautiful outdoor space that can stand up to the local weather.

Rhododendron

Rhododendron
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Often loved for their springtime blossoms, rhododendrons grow best when planted in cooler months, usually late fall to early spring, in somewhat shaded settings. Because of their fibrous and shallow root systems, they require well-draining yet moist soil conditions in order to avoid waterlogging. A dependable option for many gardeners, ‘Nova Zembla’ is well-liked among the variations and is renowned for its enormous red blossoms and resistance to common plant diseases.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea
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Hydrangeas are renowned for their exquisite seasonal color variations; depending on the pH of the soil, flowers might appear in pink, blue, or white hues. The flowers are most noticeable in the spring and summer, but some species’ foliage may change in the fall. Because deer and rabbits do not naturally ward off these creatures, you may need to take precautions if these herbivores are frequent visitors to your garden. Choosing cultivars renowned for their vigorous development might aid in preserving their verdant aspect.

Azaleas

Azaleas
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Shades of pink, red, white, and purple are among the striking displays of hues that azaleas are known for during seasonal transitions. They can tolerate a wide range of climates because they grow well in US hardiness zones 6 through 9, though they do prefer somewhat shaded areas with well-drained soil. When it comes to planting, azaleas do best in the spring or fall when the weather is softer and their root systems have had time to establish before being exposed to harsh weather.

Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel
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Because it grows well in US Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, mountain laurel is a good option for a variety of climates. Because of its strong resilience to disease, it only needs little care to stay healthy as long as it is planted in well-drained soil. Its great appeal can be attributed to a number of well-known cultivars, like “Elf” with its more compact growth and “Sarah” with its pink blossoms, which provide gardeners alternatives suitable for varying landscapes and preferences.

Winterberry

Winterberry
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Since winterberry grows well in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, it can be used in a range of weather conditions. This deciduous holly is distinguished by its seasonal color shift. Its rich green foliage changes to shades of gold or maroon in the fall, and its vivid red berries persist throughout the winter. Winterberry is a preferred option for gardens susceptible to deer browsing, as it possesses a degree of resilience against them, which may be of concern to wildlife enthusiasts.

Boxwood

Boxwood
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Due to its dense foliage and slow growth rate, boxwood is a popular choice for hedges because it is easy to shape and manage. It grows well in US Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, and it can adapt well to a wide range of soil types and temperatures. ‘Green Velvet’ is a widely used variety recognized for its compact form and tight leaf structure, which makes it suitable for formal settings. Its resistance to deer decreases the likelihood of damage in manicured areas, which is another noteworthy attribute.

Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel
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Because of its reputation for disease resistance, witch hazel is a dependable option for landscapers searching for a hardy shrub. Planting it in the fall allows its roots to take hold before the growing season starts, which is when it thrives the most. Witch hazel grows well in zones 3 through 9, which encompass a big chunk of the US, according to the US Hardiness Zones. It is a useful addition to many settings because to its versatility and resistance to disease.

Juniper

Juniper
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Junipers are incredibly climate-adaptable, as seen by their success in a variety of US Hardiness Zones. Different types of conifers develop at different rates; some grow slowly, while others grow more quickly and eventually reach large heights. Notably, junipers are a popular choice for gardens vulnerable to animal nibbling because of their resistance to deer and rabbits. Because of their durability, they are better suited for a variety of landscape applications without requiring regular upkeep.

Holly

Holly
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Holly trees grow well in zones 5 through 9, demonstrating their flexibility to different US Hardiness Zones. They go through seasonal changes, showing off their evergreen foliage all year long. Several types bear red berries in the winter. Popular varieties include the Japanese Holly, which is smaller in stature and has thick foliage, and the American Holly, which develops slowly to a notable height. Both are frequently chosen because of their remarkable disease resistance and capacity to tolerate common tree illnesses.

Lilac

Lilac
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Although they can be found in many different places, lilac bushes grow best when planted in the early spring or fall. They are a dependable option for gardeners due to their durability, which allows them to withstand the majority of frequent pests and illnesses. ‘Charles Joly’ is renowned for its rich purple blossoms, while ‘Sensation’ is a popular variety with eye-catching bicolor blooms. These cultivars’ unique blooms and hardy dispositions provide gardens variety and charm.

Fothergilla

Fothergilla
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Fothergilla, a member of the charming and versatile plant family, exhibits remarkable seasonal variations, with its foliage changing to yellow, orange, and red in the fall. It is suited for a variety of climates because it grows well in several US Hardiness Zones, particularly Zones 4 through 8. ‘Mount Airy,’ a notable variety with compact growth and characteristic white blossoms, offers dependable performance in appropriate climates and diversity in garden design.

Spirea

Spirea
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Spirea grows best in full light and well-drained soil, and it is simple to plant in the early spring or fall. With a moderate growth rate, it matures in a few years and, depending on the type, can reach a height of 3 to 8 feet. ‘Goldflame,’ a popular cultivar, is prized for its golden-yellow foliage, while ‘Little Princess’ stays small with clusters of pink flowers. When given the right care, spirea plants can have long lifespans and offer a variety of floral patterns and seasonal appeal.

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