Alphabetical Plant Listing

Great Shrubs for Dry Soils in New England

Regional Gardening, Best Shrubs, New England Gardening


Hardy shrubs are important elements in New England gardens. They add depth and character to any garden and not only provide lovely blooms, but also attractive berries, showy fall color and food for the birds.

Do not despair if your garden is affected by dry soil conditions. There are plenty of beautiful shrubs for difficult sites like yours.

If your soil is sandy and tends to drain quickly, you may want to add plenty of organic matter to improve its moisture-holding capacity. 

Below is the list of shrub species and cultivars that cope better than most with dry conditions. Remember to provide them with plenty of water after planting them in order to get them well established.

As you will note, some are top performers and have received the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society!

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 3
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
New England Plant Combination Ideas New England Guides

stefanholm / 123RF Banque d'images

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.

Guide Information

Hardiness 3 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 3
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden
New England Plant Combination Ideas New England Guides

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