Best Trees for Gardeners in New England

Regional Gardening, Best Trees, New England Gardening

New England, New England garden, Best Trees, Trees for New England, Great Trees, Top Trees, Northeast region, Northeast garden, Best Trees for Northeast, Trees for Northeast USDA, season, Region Description

Hardy and exquisite-looking trees are important elements in New England gardens. They are the most permanent and dominant elements in the landscape. There are tremendous possibilities in terms of trees to pick for your yard: evergreen or deciduous trees, spring or summer blooms, fall color interest, leaf shape, exfoliating bark, growth habit, etc.

Selecting the right tree variety might be daunting for New England gardeners. Suppose you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance, and hardy plants that thrive in the New England region. In that case, you may want to consider these top-performing trees, which all won the Cary award, which is a joint effort between the Worcester County Horticultural Society, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the New England Nursery Association, the Massachusetts Nursery, and Landscape Association, and many other organizations across New England. This program aims to promote outstanding plants for New England gardens. Named in honor of plantsman Ed Cary, it identifies superior ornamental landscape plants that meet the region’s growing conditions and have proven their performance. This program selects new plant winners each year in 3 categories: shrubs, vines and groundcovers, and trees.

Below is the list of the prestigious tree winners. As you will note, some have also received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society!

Guide Information

Hardiness	3 - 7
Heat Zones	1 - 3
Plant Type	Trees

Best Trees for Gardeners in New England

Abies koreana (Korean Fir)

Abies koreana, commonly known as Korean fir, is a compact and pyramidal evergreen conifer that is native to the mountainous regions of South Korea. It’s admired for its dense arrangement of glossy, dark green needles, which reveal striking silver undersides. Most notable are its striking, violet-blue cones that contrast beautifully with the foliage, making it an exceptional ornamental tree in landscapes and gardens.

Hardiness	5 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	6' - 12' (180cm - 3.7m)

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)

Renowned for its stunning exfoliating bark and vibrant autumn foliage, Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a prized deciduous tree. Its chestnut-brown bark peels into thin curls, exposing a cinnamon-red inner layer. Even young branches contribute to this appealing effect. The three-lobed leaves are dark green with a frosty blue-green underside in spring and summer, turning brilliant red and orange in fall before winter dormancy.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)

Acer triflorum (Three-Flowered Maple)

Renowned for its captivating peeling bark and vibrant autumn foliage, Acer triflorum (Three-Flowered Maple) is a cherished small deciduous tree. Its pale copper-brown wood is revealed as the light ash-brown bark exfoliates in vertical strips. The trifoliate leaves, green above and gray-green underneath, transform into stunning hues of red and orange in fall. With a dense, upright habit, this slow-growing maple is a remarkable choice for year-round beauty.

Hardiness	5 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	25' - 30' (7.6m - 9.1m)

Betula nigra ‘Little King’ FOX VALLEY (River Birch)

Betula nigra ‘Little King’ or Fox Valley River Birch is a compact and attractive tree valued for its peeling bark. The bark starts as pale salmon and reddish-brown before revealing lighter inner bark. This vigorous, multi-stemmed tree has a broad-pyramidal to broad-rounded shape. Its leathery, diamond-shaped leaves are bright green, turning dark green and then pale yellow in fall. ‘Little King’ tolerates wet and dry soils, making it versatile in various landscape settings.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ (Nootka Cypress)

Exuding majesty, Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ (Nootka Cypress) is a medium-sized evergreen conifer that showcases a striking weeping form with sweeping, pyramidal branches. Its dark gray-green foliage cascades gracefully, creating an enchanting visual display. This fast-growing selection adds considerable height and width each year, making it a captivating specimen conifer for year-round enjoyment.

Hardiness	4 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 35' (6.1m - 10.7m)
Spread	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)

Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree)

The Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a captivating deciduous shrub or small tree. It boasts abundant clouds of fragrant, creamy-white flowers in late spring, followed by dark blue fruit in summer. With golden-yellow fall foliage, it offers year-round beauty and provides food for birds. A true delight for any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)
Spread	12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)

Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’ (Kousa Dogwood)

Renowned for its beauty, Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’ (Kousa Dogwood) is a medium-sized deciduous shrub that delights in every season. In spring, it showcases stunning deep pink bracts surrounding tiny yellowish-green flowers. Summer brings strawberry-like fruits, while fall displays vibrant red foliage. Even in winter, its mottled bark captivates the eye.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)
Spread	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)

Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)

Cornus mas, or Cornelian Cherry, is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree with multiseason interest. In late winter to early spring, bright yellow flowers bloom in rounded clusters on bare branches. These are followed by glossy red cherry-like fruits in midsummer, suitable for culinary uses. The tree has oval dark green leaves that turn purple in fall, showcasing its exfoliating brown bark.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Summer (Mid), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread	12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)

Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’

Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’ is a captivating deciduous tree with showstopping primrose yellow flowers that illuminate the landscape in early to mid-spring. Its large cup-shaped blooms last up to 4 weeks, gradually fading to cream. With glossy green leaves turning golden-yellow in fall, it offers year-round beauty and adds interest to any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)

Magnolia × loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’

Renowned for its resilience to frost, Magnolia x loebneri ‘Leonard Messel’ is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree. Its fragrant, deep pink flowers with white accents bloom abundantly in early to mid-spring. The strap-like petals exhibit a beautiful contrast of purplish pink and white. With its late-blooming nature, this magnolia is less vulnerable to late frosts compared to others.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)

Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’ (Star Magnolia)

Magnolia stellata ‘Centennial’ is an award-winning deciduous shrub or small tree that captivates with its stunning beauty. In late winter or early spring, it produces masses of fragrant, waterlily-shaped flowers with pure white petals. Each flower is packed with 28-33 tepals, creating a starburst-like effect. The medium green foliage adds to its charm, turning yellow and brown in the fall.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ (Crabapple)

Malus ‘Donald Wyman’ is an outstanding flowering crabapple tree with a long season of interest. Fragrant, single, white blossoms emerge from pink buds in mid-spring, followed by abundant clusters of glossy, red fruits that persist into winter. The tree’s toothed, dark green leaves turn golden in fall. Highly disease resistant and attractive to birds, ‘Donald Wyman’ shines in every season.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

Magnificent and awe-inspiring, Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood) is a breathtaking deciduous conifer. With its upright, slender form, vibrant green leaves, and striking fall colors, it adds beauty to any landscape. The bark’s reddish hue on young trees and deeply fissured texture on mature ones further enhance its appeal. This tree’s presence is truly remarkable.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	70' - 80' (21.3m - 24.4m)
Spread	15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum)

Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a remarkable shade tree that stands out in the fall. Its dense, pyramidal shape and glossy dark green leaves make it a stunning addition. In spring, inconspicuous flowers attract bees, followed by small blue fruits enjoyed by wildlife. Come autumn, the foliage transforms into a breathtaking array of scarlet, orange, purple, and gold. The textured bark adds to its allure.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	30' - 50' (9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)

Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’ (Japanese White Pine)

Japanese White Pine (Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’) is a captivating evergreen tree that starts with a dense, conical shape and matures into a wide-spreading form. Its silver-blue needles, arranged in tufts, create a charming effect. The tree’s abundant cones, which open to reveal brownish-red seeds, add visual interest. Growing up to 12 inches per year, this cultivar is a remarkable addition to any landscape and excels as a specimen tree.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	35' - 50' (10.7m - 15.2m)
Spread	35' - 50' (10.7m - 15.2m)

Stewartia pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia)

Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) is a small, deciduous tree valued for its seasonal appeal. Early summer brings delicate white, camellia-like flowers, followed by leaves that turn vibrant red, orange, and burgundy in autumn. Its exfoliating bark reveals a tapestry of gray, orange, and reddish-brown, enhancing winter landscapes. This slow-growing tree with a pyramidal shape is a true highlight in any garden.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	12' - 40' (3.7m - 12.2m)
Spread	8' - 25' (240cm - 7.6m)

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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.