Best Perennials for Moist and Wet Soils in New England

Regional Gardening, Best Perennials, New England Gardening

New England, New England garden, Best perennials, perennials for New England, Great perennials, Top perennials, Northeast region, Northeast garden, Best perennials for Northeast, perennials for Northeast, Wet soil perennials,

Perennial flowers are fabulous additions to New England gardens. As opposed to annuals, which live only 1 season, perennials come back year after year, some for more than 10 or 15 years – and even a hundred years like peonies! When carefully selected, wave after wave of colorful blooms will be enjoyed in your Northeast garden from spring to fall. Reliable plants, they come back stronger and bigger when winter turns to spring, ready to start another spectacular show.

Selecting the right perennial can be daunting for New England gardeners. If you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance, and hardy plants that thrive in moist or wet locations, you may want to consider these top performing perennials which will happily carry color through the garden.

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 7
Heat Zones	1 - 3
Plant Type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Showy
Tolerance	Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

Great Perennials for Moist or Wet soils in New England

Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)

Cultivated since the 19th century, award-winner Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) provides a lovely finish to a border or a path edge and blends beautifully with most perennials. This clump-forming perennial forms dense, leafy mounds of scallop-edged, toothed, densely hairy, light green leaves which nicely retain moisture beads after the rain.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Amsonia hubrichtii (Narrowleaf Bluestar)

Amsonia hubrichtii (Narrowleaf Bluestar): An Arkansas native, this clump-forming perennial offers 3 seasons of interest. In spring, it displays starry blue flowers, followed by bright green summer foliage, and charming fall color. Delicate pale blue, star-shaped flowers appear in loose terminal clusters on upright stems in late spring to early summer. Graceful, bright green needle-like leaves transition to bright golden-yellow in fall, making it a superb backdrop for fall-blooming perennials like sedums and garden mums.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’ (Coneflower)

Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’ adds a touch of elegance to the borders with its large, sweet honey-scented, pure white flowers, reflexing away from their coppery-brown, spiky central cone. Blooming from early to late summer, sometimes with additional sporadic bloom until frost, this attractive perennial provides a vibrant floral display in the garden. Perfect for perennial borders, prairies, and cottage gardens.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Eupatorium maculatum (Atropurpureum Group) ‘Gateway’ (Joe-Pye Weed)

Eupatorium maculatum ‘Gateway’ (Joe-Pye Weed) is highly popular among gardeners,. It boasts large clusters of mauve-pink flowers, up to 8 inches wide, atop sturdy reddish-purple stems. The fragrant blossoms attract bees and butterflies. Its lance-shaped, dark green leaves form a handsome whorl of 3-4 leaves. ‘Gateway’ is more compact than the species, with shorter, bushier growth and thicker flower heads. A strong-growing perennial, it adds a wonderful garden presence and works well as a background plant.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)

Filipendula rubra ‘Venusta’ (Queen of the Prairie)

The majestic Queen of the Prairie ‘Venusta’ (Filipendula rubra) is a stunning herbaceous perennial. Its tall stature and large sprays of fragrant deep pink flowers, fading to pale pink, create a captivating display above the bright green, deeply cut leaves. This resilient U.S. native thrives in clay soil, requires minimal care, and is resistant to pests, diseases, and deer. A perfect choice for any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)

With its long, feathery fronds resembling Ostrich plumes, Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) is an elegant and low-maintenance addition to the garden. Its fresh green sterile fronds unfurl in spring and provide a graceful display throughout the growing season. This deciduous fern is perfect for bog gardens and adds a touch of natural beauty to any landscape. Native to North America.

Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern)

Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) features unique cinnamon-brown spore-bearing fronds amidst blue-green sterile fronds, resembling cinnamon sticks. Its vase-like arrangement and chocolate-brown tipped, silvery spring fiddleheads add dramatic flair. Native to the Americas and eastern Asia, this fern is a captivating garden focal point, thriving in moist, shaded areas.

Hardiness	4 - 10
Plant type	Ferns
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm)

Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern)

Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) is renowned for its distinctive form and texture. This tall, robust, deciduous fern forms a large rosette of elegantly divided, bright green fronds that emerge with a pinkish hue in spring. Unique to this species are the rusty-brown, fertile flower spikes at the frond tips. In fall, the foliage shifts to striking red-brown hues, enhancing garden aesthetics. Native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America.

Hardiness	3 - 10
Plant type	Ferns
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm)

Thalictrum rochebrunianum (Meadow Rue)

Majestic and tall, Thalictrum rochebrunianum (Meadow Rue) showcases lacy, bluish-green foliage and airy clusters of pendulous lavender flowers with soft-yellow centers on sturdy purple stems. Blooming from mid to late summer for up to 6 weeks, it adds elegant vertical lines and rosy-lavender clouds to the garden. As a ‘see-through’ plant, it complements shorter perennials or acts as a delightful foil at the back of borders. Easy to grow, it is also deer and rabbit tolerant, but staking may be necessary.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late),
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead)

Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead) is an erect, clump-forming perennial with showy, dense terminal spikes of two-lipped, white or pink-tinged flowers from late summer into fall. Blooming for 3-4 weeks, the hooded flowers are shaped like turtle heads just emerging from the shell, hence the common name. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, they rise above a bushy mound of dark green foliage that remains handsome all season long. The coarsely-toothed, lance-shaped leaves, 8 in. long (20 cm), are arranged in pairs along the stems. A very pretty Chelone species.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Dicentra eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart)

Dicentra eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart): Native to the eastern United States, this compact perennial boasts ferny, gray-green foliage that persists throughout the season with adequate moisture. Charming clusters of small rose-pink buds open to reveal heart-shaped, nodding blossoms in shades of pale to dark pink. Blooming from early spring to frost, it may pause in the summer heat and resume in late summer or early fall. Resembling the showier Asian Bleeding Heart, it is heat-tolerant if planted in rich, moist soil in shade, making it an excellent choice for southern gardens.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Digitalis grandiflora (Yellow Foxglove)

Regarded as one of the toughest and best performing foxgloves, Digitalis grandiflora (Yellow Foxglove) is a clump-forming perennial boasting showy spikes of tubular, soft creamy-yellow flowers, 2 in. long (5 cm), with brown spotted throats. Blooming in late spring to early summer, they rise on leafy stems from a basal rosette of dark green, finely-toothed, evergreen leaves. They are attractive to hummingbirds, which hover near the tubular blossoms and to birds, which flock to the seedheads in the fall. Fitting into almost any setting, this is a wonderful addition to the herbaceous border.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)

Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) is a resilient evergreen fern with dark green, holly-like fronds and silvery spring fiddleheads. It offers year-round interest in shaded gardens, serving as ground cover or alongside other shade plants. Adaptable and low-maintenance, this fern, native to Eastern North America, thrives in a range of soils.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Ferns
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Primula (Primrose)

Lifting our spirits with their bright colors in the first months of the year, Primulas, also known as Primroses, belong to a huge genus of more than 430 species. Hardy, these cheerful perennials provide a wide range of sizes, shapes and come in almost every color imaginable. They range from tiny rock garden plants to statuesque candelabras.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late),

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Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss)

Resembling Forget-Me-Nots, Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) are perennials boasting heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, blue flowers. With their vibrant blooms and lush foliage, they create a captivating display in spring, adding a cool burst of color to the garden.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Hemerocallis (Daylilies)

Hemerocallis, commonly known as daylilies, are hardy and versatile perennial plants that produce stunning flowers in a wide range of colors and patterns. With their long blooming season, ease of care, and ability to adapt to various growing conditions, daylilies are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm)

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Hosta (Plantain Lily)

Hosta, beloved for its lush foliage, is a versatile and low-maintenance perennial. With a wide range of leaf colors, shapes, and sizes, Hosta adds texture and elegance to shady areas of the garden. From small, compact varieties to large, dramatic specimens, Hosta plants bring beauty and tranquility to any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm)

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Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)

Siberian Irises are exceptional herbaceous perennials that possess numerous desirable traits. They boast stunning appearances, a prolonged flowering season, and are effortless to cultivate. Their exquisite flowers come in a captivating range of blue, purple, red-violet, or yellow hues, including newer cultivars with brown and orange shades. Additionally, their upright, blade-shaped foliage maintains its fresh allure throughout the growing season, enhancing their overall appeal in the garden.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

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Monarda (Bee Balm)

Vibrant and distinctive, Monarda (Bee Balm) is a summer-blooming perennial that adds a splash of color to borders. Whether planted individually or in groups, its eye-catching flower heads create a captivating display, making it a standout plant in any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm)

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Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)

Prized for its vibrant warm hues, Rudbeckia fulgida is a stunning herbaceous perennial that adds a burst of golden yellow to the late summer garden. Adorned with prominent brown or black central cones, its profuse flowers covers the lance-shaped foliage, creating a captivating display atop sturdy stems.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

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Astilbe

Astilbes are highly sought-after plants, perfect for shady and moist environments. With their elegant, vibrant flower plumes that rise above fern-like foliage, these plants remain visually appealing throughout the season. Their long-lasting blooms bring brightness to shade gardens and create a stunning burst of color in any landscape.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late),
Height	6" - 5' (15cm - 150cm)

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Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort, is a versatile perennial prized for its unique foliage that showcases stunning variegation and attractive silver spots. Its early spring blooms, ranging from pink to blue, add a burst of color to the garden and attract pollinators, making it a favorite among gardeners.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Perennials
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late),
Height	8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm)

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Selecting the right perennial can be daunting for New England gardeners. You may want to review the guides below if you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance, and hardy plants that thrive in the New England region. They will assist you in finding the top-performing perennials that are perfectly suited to your garden.

Best Perennials for Full Shade Gardens in New England

Best Perennials for Gardeners in New England

Best Perennials for Full Sun Gardens in New England

Best Perennials for Late Summer and Fall in New England

Best Perennials for Moist and Wet Soils in New England

Best Perennials for Part Shade Gardens in New England

Garden Examples

A Fabulous Plant Combination for Moist Soils and Shady Gardens

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

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Guides with

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.