New England charm and breathtaking landscapes are synonymous with Massachusetts, and at Wolf Hill, we're all about helping you create the perfect garden oasis. With a diverse climate that offers a beautiful backdrop for a wide range of plants, there are endless possibilities for your Massachusetts landscape.
To help you get started, we've curated a list of the top 10 must-have plants that thrive in our region, adding color, texture, and interest to your outdoor space. Let's dive in!
1. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
A quintessential New England tree, the Sugar Maple is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, displaying a stunning array of red, orange, and yellow hues. This native tree is a must-have for any Massachusetts landscape, providing shade and visual interest year-round.
2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
With its striking clusters of pink or lavender flowers that bloom in early spring, the Eastern Redbud is a showstopper. This small to medium-sized tree adds a pop of color to your landscape, attracting pollinators and providing a lovely contrast against the backdrop of evergreens.
3. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Hydrangeas are a garden classic, and for a good reason. These versatile shrubs produce large, showy flowers that come in various colors, such as blue, pink, purple, and white. They thrive in Massachusetts, making them an ideal choice for borders, hedges, or as standalone focal points. There are lots of varieties that can tolerate different sunlight - not all hydrangeas require part sun!
4. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Rhododendrons are beloved for their large, vibrant blooms in shades of purple, pink, red, and white. These evergreen shrubs are perfect for adding year-round color and structure to your garden, and they perform exceptionally well in partial shade Massachusetts landscapes.
5. Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers are a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any garden. These native perennials boast daisy-like flowers in various colors, including purple, pink, yellow, and white. They are also a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and birds to your landscape. These perennials bloom all summer long and are great for cutting!
6. Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Hostas are a garden staple for their lush, attractive foliage that thrives in shady areas. With a wide variety of sizes, colors, and leaf shapes, hostas can provide interesting texture and contrast to your garden beds, borders, or as ground cover.
7. Ornamental Grasses (Various species)
Ornamental grasses are a fantastic choice for adding texture, movement, and visual interest to your Massachusetts landscape. They are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and available in a variety of heights, colors, and forms. Popular choices include Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora). They provide a ‘beachy’ feel, and are perfect for our coastal towns.
8. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Daylilies are hardy, easy-to-grow perennials that produce an abundance of trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors, from yellow and orange to pink and purple. They are perfect for borders, mass plantings, or mixed perennial beds, providing a burst of color throughout the summer.
9. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
Known for their feathery, plume-like flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, Astilbes are a great addition to any Massachusetts garden. These shade-loving perennials add a touch of elegance and softness to your landscape, thriving in moist, well-drained soil and providing a beautiful contrast to bolder, more substantial plants.
10. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral Bells are prized for their stunning, colorful foliage in shades of green, purple, bronze, and even silver. These versatile, low-growing perennials are perfect for edging, rock gardens, or ground cover in shady areas. They also produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Personalized Landscape
Creating a stunning Massachusetts landscape is easier than ever with these top 10 must-have plants. From majestic trees and vibrant shrubs to hardy perennials and eye-catching ornamental grasses, these plants will bring beauty and interest to your outdoor space throughout the seasons.
Visit Wolf Hill Garden Center to find these plants and many more, along with expert advice and guidance from our knowledgeable staff. With our help, you can create a breathtaking, personalized landscape that celebrates the natural beauty of Massachusetts. Happy gardening!
