Introduction
Are you looking for beautiful perennial flowers for Massachusetts gardens? Great news! Massachusetts offers a diverse climate ideal for many stunning perennial blooms that can thrive year after year.
Here’s a quick list of some top perennial flowers for Massachusetts:
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum)
- Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Catmint (Nepeta)
Perennial flowers are not only visually captivating but also low-maintenance. They adapt well to varying conditions, making them perfect for both busy homeowners and property managers who want to maintain an attractive landscape with minimal effort.
Understanding the local climate and garden conditions is crucial. Massachusetts falls within USDA growing zones 3 to 8, allowing a wide variety of perennials to thrive in the region’s unique climate and soil conditions.
Whether you’re an inexperienced gardener or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate the reliability and year-round beauty that perennial flowers bring to your garden.
Early Spring Perennials
When the snow finally melts and the days start to warm, early spring perennials are the first to bring color back to Massachusetts gardens. These hardy plants thrive in the state’s climate and will brighten your landscape from April to May.
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Daffodils are a classic spring flower, known for their bright yellow blooms. They prefer full sun and average moisture, making them easy to care for. Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall for a cheerful burst of color as winter ends.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Yellow, White
Dwarf Iris (Iris spp.)
Dwarf Irises are small but mighty, offering vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, blue, violet, and white. They thrive in full sun and average moisture conditions. These irises are perfect for borders and rock gardens.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Yellow, Blue, Violet, White
Fairy Wings (Epimedium spp.)
Fairy Wings are delicate, shade-loving perennials with unique heart-shaped leaves and small, colorful flowers. They do well in part to full shade and average moisture, making them ideal for woodland gardens.
- Sunlight: Part to Full Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Red, Yellow, White, Pink
Helleborus (Helleborus spp.)
Helleborus, also known as Lenten Rose, blooms early in the spring, often when snow is still on the ground. These plants prefer part shade and average moisture, and their flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, white, and pink.
- Sunlight: Part Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Yellow, White, Pink
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungwort is a shade-loving perennial with spotted leaves and clusters of flowers that can be red, blue, violet, or pink. It thrives in part shade and average moisture, making it a great choice for shady spots.
- Sunlight: Part Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Red, Blue, Violet, Pink
Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)
Siberian Squill bulbs produce small, bell-shaped blue or white flowers. They are easy to grow and prefer full sun to part shade with average moisture. These plants are excellent for naturalizing in lawns and under trees.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Blue, White
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia spp.)
Virginia Bluebells are a delightful addition to any garden, with their clusters of blue or violet flowers. They prefer part shade and average moisture, making them perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Sunlight: Part Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Blue, Violet
Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Wild Blue Phlox offers lovely blue or violet blooms and prefers full sun with average moisture. This native perennial is great for attracting pollinators and adds a splash of color to early spring gardens.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Blue, Violet
These early spring perennials will help you kick off the gardening season with a burst of color and life. Each of these plants is well-suited to the Massachusetts climate, ensuring they return year after year with minimal fuss.
Next, we’ll explore the vibrant blooms of late spring perennials that will keep your garden looking beautiful as the season progresses.
Late Spring Perennials
As spring progresses, your garden can continue to thrive with a variety of late spring perennials. These plants will ensure that your garden remains colorful and vibrant. Here are some of the best options for Massachusetts gardens:
Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spp.)
Bleeding Heart is known for its heart-shaped flowers that hang delicately from arching stems. They thrive in shaded areas and can add a touch of romance to your garden.
- Sunlight: Part to Full Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Yellow, Violet, White, Pink
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
Columbine flowers have a unique, spurred shape that makes them stand out. They come in a variety of colors and can thrive in both sun and shade, making them versatile for different garden spots.
- Sunlight: Part Shade
- Moisture: Steady Moisture
- Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue, Violet, White, Pink
Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea)
Coral Bells are loved for their delicate, coral-colored flowers and attractive foliage. They are perfect for adding texture and color to your garden beds.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Red, White, Pink
Cornflower (Centaurea montana)
Cornflower, also known as Mountain Bluet, produces striking blue flowers that can add a pop of color to your garden. They are easy to grow and maintain.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Blue, Violet, White, Pink
Cranesbill (Geranium spp.)
Cranesbill geraniums are hardy perennials that produce a profusion of flowers. They are excellent for ground cover and can thrive in various light conditions.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Blue, Violet, White, Pink
Peony (Paeonia spp.)
Peonies are beloved for their large, fragrant blooms and long lifespan. They can be the showstopper of any garden and are relatively easy to care for.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average
- Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Violet, White, Pink
Viola (Viola spp.)
Violas are small, charming flowers that can add a splash of color to your garden. They are perfect for borders and containers and can thrive in shaded areas.
- Sunlight: Part Shade
- Moisture: Steady Moisture
- Colors: Yellow, Blue, Violet, White
These late spring perennials will keep your garden looking beautiful as the season progresses. Each of these plants is well-suited to the Massachusetts climate, ensuring they return year after year with minimal fuss.
Next, we’ll dive into the vibrant blooms of summer perennials that will keep your garden alive with color and activity.
Summer Perennials
Summer is the season when gardens burst with vibrant colors and lively blooms. Here are some of the best perennial flowers for Massachusetts that will keep your garden looking stunning all summer long.
Astilbe
Astilbe plants have tall flower plumes and lacy foliage. They bloom from mid-spring to summer and stay attractive for weeks, even as they dry.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Steady Moisture
- Colors: White, Pink, Purple
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm is known for its vibrant clusters of flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It thrives in moist soil and adds a splash of color to your garden.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Red, Violet, White, Pink
Bellflower (Campanula)
Bellflowers produce beautiful, bell-shaped blooms that can brighten up any garden. They are versatile and can grow in various light conditions.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Red, Blue, Violet, White, Pink
Blazing Star (Liatris)
Blazing Star features tall spikes of flowers that are excellent for cutting. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Steady Moisture
- Colors: Violet, White, Pink
Blue Star (Amsonia)
Blue Star plants are known for their star-shaped flowers and attractive foliage. They are hardy and can grow in various soil types.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Blue
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are popular for their daisy-like petals and medicinal properties. They attract beneficial pollinators and are easy to grow.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Violet, Pink
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are reliable and versatile perennials that come in various colors and patterns. They can withstand a range of soil conditions.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Violet, White, Pink
False Sunflower (Heliopsis)
False Sunflowers are hardy plants that produce cheerful yellow flowers. They are perfect for adding a sunny touch to your garden.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Yellow
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxgloves have tall spikes of tubular flowers that are a favorite among bees. They prefer well-drained soil and can grow in partial shade.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Yellow, Violet, White, Pink
Iris
Irises are known for their striking, sword-like foliage and beautiful blooms. They are perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Indigo, Violet, White, Pink
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla)
Lady’s Mantle is a low-growing perennial with soft, velvety leaves and delicate flowers. It thrives in various light conditions.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Yellow, Green
Landscape Rose (Rosa)
Landscape Roses are hardy and low-maintenance, producing a profusion of blooms throughout the summer. They are perfect for borders and hedges.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Violet, White, Pink
Lily (Lilium)
Lilies are elegant perennials that produce large, fragrant blooms. They are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your garden.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Steady Moisture
- Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Violet, White, Pink
Ornamental Onion (Allium)
Ornamental Onions produce globe-shaped flower heads that are excellent for cutting. They are drought-tolerant and thrive in full sun.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Blue, Indigo, Violet, White, Pink
Perennial Sage (Salvia)
Perennial Sage produces dense spikes of vibrant flowers that attract pollinators. They are drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Blue, Indigo, Violet, Pink
Daisy (Leucanthemum)
Daisies are classic perennials with cheerful, white petals and golden centers. They are perfect for adding a timeless touch to your garden.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Yellow, White
Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Tickseed produces bright, cheerful flowers that attract butterflies. They are low-maintenance and perfect for sunny spots.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Orange, Yellow, Violet, White, Pink
Yarrow (Achillea)
Yarrow is a hardy perennial that is pest-resistant and quick to spread. It’s excellent for ground cover and filling large spaces.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Violet, White, Pink
These summer perennials will keep your garden alive with color and activity throughout the season. Each of these plants is well-suited to the Massachusetts climate, ensuring they return year after year with minimal fuss.
Next, we’ll dive into the vibrant blooms of late summer and fall perennials that will keep your garden alive with color and activity.
Late Summer & Fall Perennials
As summer winds down, you can still keep your garden vibrant with late summer and fall perennials. These hardy plants are perfect for Massachusetts gardens, providing color and beauty even as the temperatures begin to drop. Let’s explore some of the best options.
Autumn Stonecrop (Sedum)
Autumn Stonecrop, also known as Sedum, is a fantastic choice for late-season color. This succulent produces clusters of pink, red, or white flowers that bloom from late summer into fall. It’s not only beautiful but also drought-resistant and low-maintenance, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Pink, Red, White
Fall Aster (Aster spp.)
Fall Asters are a must-have for your autumn garden. These perennials burst into bloom with vibrant purple, blue, or pink flowers, attracting bees and butterflies. They thrive in full sun and average moisture, making them a reliable choice for Massachusetts gardens.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Purple, Blue, Pink
False Sunflower (Heliopsis sp.)
False Sunflowers bring a cheerful touch to your garden with their bright yellow blooms. These hardy perennials are perfect for full sun and can handle average moisture levels. They are also known for their long blooming period, lasting from late summer into fall.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Yellow
Japanese Anemone (Anemone spp.)
Japanese Anemones add a touch of elegance with their delicate white or pink flowers. These perennials thrive in full sun to part shade and prefer steady moisture. They are perfect for adding a soft, romantic feel to your garden as summer transitions into fall.
- Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Moisture: Steady Moisture
- Colors: White, Pink
Garden Mum (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Garden Mums are a fall favorite, known for their vibrant colors and abundant blooms. They thrive in full sun and average moisture, making them a staple in Massachusetts gardens. With colors ranging from red to yellow to purple, they offer endless possibilities for brightening up your garden.
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Moisture: Average Moisture
- Colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Purple, White, Pink
These late summer and fall perennials will ensure your garden remains a colorful oasis even as the seasons change. Each plant is well-suited to the Massachusetts climate, providing beauty and interest with minimal maintenance.
Next, we’ll explore the top 10 best-selling perennials for Massachusetts, ensuring you have the best options for a stunning, year-round garden.
Top 10 Best-Selling Perennials for Massachusetts
When choosing perennial flowers for Massachusetts, it’s important to consider plants that are not only beautiful but also easy to grow and maintain. Here are the top 10 best-selling perennials that thrive in Massachusetts gardens, offering year-round charm and minimal upkeep.
1. Vinca Minor Bowles
Also known as Periwinkle, Vinca Minor Bowles is one of the best ground covers for shaded areas. It grows quickly, forming a dense carpet of glossy dark green leaves and blue-purple flowers.
- Height: Low-growing
- Sunlight: Partial to full shade
- Moisture: Moist, well-drained soil
- Features: Deer resistant, fast-growing
2. Nepeta Walker’s Low
Despite its name, Nepeta Walker’s Low can reach up to 30 inches in height. This variety of catmint loves the sun and is drought-resistant. It blooms all summer long and attracts pollinators while being deer and rabbit resistant.
- Height: Up to 30 inches
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Moisture: Drought-tolerant
- Features: Deer and rabbit resistant
3. Geranium Rozanne
Geranium Rozanne, also known as Cranesbill, has deep blue flowers that bloom from late spring into fall. This hardy perennial attracts pollinators and its foliage turns red in the fall.
- Height: Up to 20 inches
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture: Average moisture
- Features: Deer resistant, attracts pollinators
4. Salvia May Night
Salvia May Night features spikes of deep blue flowers that start blooming in mid-May and continue throughout the summer. This plant is perfect for full sun areas and is both deer and rabbit resistant.
- Height: 18-24 inches
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Moisture: Average moisture
- Features: Deer and rabbit resistant, attracts pollinators
5. Liriope Muscari Big Blu
Also known as Lilyturf, Liriope Muscari Big Blu has blue flower spikes that emerge from grass-like leaves. It can grow in a wide range of conditions, from dry shade to full sun.
- Height: Up to 14 inches
- Sunlight: Full sun to shade
- Moisture: Average moisture
- Features: Deer resistant, versatile growing conditions
6. Hemerocallis Happy Returns and Stella D’Oro
These varieties of daylily, Happy Returns and Stella D’Oro, bloom all summer long with yellow flowers. They are low-maintenance, heat, and drought-tolerant.
- Height: Varies, Stella D’Oro is more compact
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture: Drought-tolerant
- Features: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, rabbit resistant
7. Lavandula Hidcote
Lavandula Hidcote is a compact English lavender that grows 18 to 24 inches tall. Its fragrant purple-blue blooms attract many pollinators and it thrives in full sun.
- Height: 18-24 inches
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Moisture: Drought-tolerant
- Features: Deer and rabbit resistant, extremely fragrant
8. Rudbeckia Goldsturm
Rudbeckia Goldsturm, or Black-eyed Susan, has yellow daisy-like petals with a brown-black center. It blooms from mid-summer through fall and provides food for seed-eating songbirds.
- Height: Varies
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Moisture: Drought-tolerant
- Features: Deer and rabbit resistant, attracts pollinators
9. Sedum Autumn Fire
Sedum Autumn Fire is a highly textural plant with large heads of tiny bright pink flowers that deepen to brick red in late summer. The flower heads can be left for winter interest.
- Height: 18-24 inches
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture: Drought-tolerant
- Features: Deer and rabbit resistant, attracts pollinators
These top 10 best-selling perennials are perfect for Massachusetts gardens. Each one offers unique beauty, ease of growth, and the ability to thrive in the local climate. Next, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about perennial flowers for Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Perennial Flowers for Massachusetts
When to plant perennials in Massachusetts?
Spring Planting: The best time to plant perennials in Massachusetts is in the spring, after the last frost. This gives the plants time to establish their roots before the hot summer months. Typically, late April to early May is ideal.
Fall Planting: Fall is also a good time for planting. Aim for late August to early October. This allows plants to settle in before winter. Just make sure to plant at least six weeks before the first hard frost.
Temperature Guidelines: For both spring and fall planting, soil temperatures should be between 50°F and 65°F. This ensures optimal root growth.
What are the easiest flowers to grow in New England?
Low-Maintenance Options: If you’re looking for low-maintenance flowers that thrive in New England, consider the following:
- Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower: This hardy perennial blooms from spring to fall. It’s drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis): These are often called the “perfect perennial” because they can survive fluctuating temperatures and irregular watering.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Known for their vibrant yellow petals, these flowers are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators.
Are there any perennial flowers that bloom all summer?
Yes, several perennial flowers can provide continuous color throughout the summer:
- Firefly Yarrow: This variety offers bright yellow flowers that bloom from early summer to fall.
- Stand By Me Bush Clematis: Blooms from late spring to early fall, offering a long-lasting display.
- Tuscan Perennial Sunflower: Provides bold yellow blooms from summer to fall.
- Pyromania® Red Hot Poker: These torch-like flowers bloom from late spring to summer, with some varieties reblooming until frost.
- Sweet Romance® Lavender: Aromatic flowers that bloom from late spring to fall.
- Amazing Daisies® Shasta Daisy: Classic white flowers that bloom all summer long.
- ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ and ‘Cat’s Meow’ (Nepeta): These varieties of catmint offer extended blooming periods from late spring to fall.
- ‘Cloudburst’ Tall Cushion Phlox: Blooms from early summer to fall, providing vibrant color.
- Opening Act Hybrid Phlox: Known for blooming all summer long.
- Luminary® Series: Offers continuous blooms throughout the summer.
- Profusion Perennial Salvia Series: Provides colorful flowers that attract pollinators from late spring to fall.
These perennials are excellent choices for Massachusetts gardens, ensuring vibrant and long-lasting displays of color.
Next, we’ll dive into more detailed planting and maintenance tips for your Massachusetts garden.
Conclusion
Creating a beautiful and enduring garden in Massachusetts is a rewarding experience, especially when you choose the right perennial flowers. At Lawn Care Plus Inc., we understand the unique climate and soil conditions of our region, and we are here to help you make the best choices for your garden.
Massachusetts gardening offers year-round beauty with the right selection of perennial flowers. From the vibrant colors of Black-eyed Susan and Coneflower to the elegant blooms of Shasta Daisy and Bee Balm, the options are plentiful. These perennials not only brighten your garden but also attract beneficial pollinators, ensuring a lively and healthy ecosystem.
Here’s a quick recap of some of the top perennials for Massachusetts gardens:
- Early Spring: Daffodil, Dwarf Iris, Fairy Wings
- Late Spring: Bleeding Heart, Columbine, Coral Bells
- Summer: Astilbe, Bee Balm, Bellflower
- Late Summer & Fall: Autumn Stonecrop, Fall Aster, Japanese Anemone
By incorporating these perennials, you can enjoy continuous color and interest in your garden from early spring to late fall.
At Lawn Care Plus Inc., we are committed to helping you achieve a lush and vibrant garden. Whether you need advice on plant selection, planting techniques, or maintenance tips, we are here to support you every step of the way.
For more detailed information and expert tips, visit our blog and explore our articles on gardening and landscaping. Let’s work together to create a stunning garden that you can enjoy all year round.
