Overlooked Flowering Shrubs for New England Gardens

Regional Gardening, Best Shrubs, New England Gardening

New England, New England garden, Best shrubs, shrubs for New England, Great shrubs, Top Shrubs, Northeast region, Northeast garden, Best shrubs for Northeast, shrubs for dry soil

Flowering shrubs are important elements in New England gardens. They add depth and character to the garden and provide lovely blooms, attractive berries, showy fall colors, and food for the birds.

Most gardeners plant Forsythia, Potentilla, Lilacs, and Rhododendrons. They overlook a wide range of exciting flowering shrubs with fragrant flowers, ornamental fruits, and colorful foliage in the fall.

Below is the list of shrub species and cultivars that could add sparkles and bring the ‘wow’ factor to your garden.

As you will note, some are top performers and have received prestigious awards.

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
Height
Spread
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
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

Interesting Flowering Shrubs for New England

Calycanthus floridus ‘Michael Lindsey’ (Carolina Allspice)

Known for its delightful fragrance, Calycanthus floridus ‘Michael Lindsey’ (Carolina Allspice) is a compact, well-branched deciduous shrub. Its reddish-brown, magnolia-like flowers emit a sweet and spicy scent in late spring to early summer. The lustrous, dark green foliage turns a beautiful golden-yellow in the fall. This cultivar is highly regarded for its abundant blooms and attractive foliage.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Plant type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Kinshiden’ (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Kinshiden’ (Flowering Quince) is a spreading, deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of double, pale lemony-white flowers. Borne on thorny, tangled branches, they bloom in profusion for 4-6 weeks in early spring and give way to small, aromatic, greenish yellow fruits, 2 in. across (5 cm), which ripen in early fall.

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Moerloosei’ (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Moerloosei’ (Flowering Quince) is a spreading medium-sized deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of apple blossom pink and white blooms, up to 1.5 in. across (3-4 cm). Borne on thorny, tangled branches before the glossy, dark green leaves appear, they bloom in profusion for a few weeks in early spring and give way to small, fragrant, apple-shaped, greenish-yellow fruits, 2 in. across (5 cm), which ripen in early fall. This shrub has a strong, upright habit and is a good choice for wall training.

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Nivalis’ (Flowering Quince)

Highly desirable, Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Nivalis’ (Flowering Quince) is a spreading, deciduous shrub with abundant clusters of pure white flowers, up to 1.5 in. across (3-4 cm). Borne on thorny, tangled branches, they bloom in profusion for a few weeks in early spring and give way to small, fragrant, greenish yellow fruits, 2 in. across (5 cm), which ripen in early fall. This ornamental quince is one of the earliest to flower.

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Summersweet)

This compact and beautiful shrub features bright pink, fragrant flower spikes that last for up to six weeks in mid-late summer. With lustrous dark green leaves that turn a glowing yellow in fall, it provides great fall color. Plant it near a patio to fully enjoy its extremely fragrant blooms, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Plant type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ (Daphne)

Prized for its brilliant variegated foliage, Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ (Daphne) is a small, rounded, semi-evergreen shrub with delightfully fragrant clusters of pale pink flowers in late spring. Persisting well into winter, the foliage of oblong, gray-green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm), is adorned by striking, golden margins that mature to creamy-white. Fluttering above the foliage, the blossoms give way to tiny red fruits in fall. A compact and highly ornamental flowering shrub that is perfect for small gardens.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Plant type	Shrubs
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late),
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea)

Beloved by gardeners, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea) is an exceptional flowering shrub. Its large, rounded flower clusters, up to 12 in. across (30 cm), bring vibrant beauty to shady areas. Blooming for months, the flowers change from lime-green to brilliant white, then pale green, and finally tan in fall. Resistant to insects and diseases, Annabelle is ideal for mixed borders and stunning cut arrangements.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Plant type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, is a stunning evergreen shrub. It showcases abundant clusters of pale pink bell-shaped flowers that open from deeper pink buds, creating a captivating display in late spring and early summer. The glossy, oval leaves provide year-round interest, transitioning from light green to dark green to purple. Native to Eastern North America, this beautiful shrub is a popular choice for ornamental gardens.

Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’ (Japanese Kerria)

Renowned for its vibrant green winter stems and charming yellow spring flowers, Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’ (Japanese Kerria) is a vigorous deciduous shrub of exceptional beauty. Its slender, arching stems bear clusters of pom-pom-like, bright yellow flowers resembling miniature roses. The foliage consists of narrow, light green leaves with prominent veins that transition to yellow in the fall. The attractive bright green winter stems add visual interest year-round to this popular and resilient flowering shrub.

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

Philadelphus ‘Avalanche’ (Mock Orange)

Regarded as one of the most fragrant of all Mock Oranges, Philadelphus ‘Avalanche’ is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub of great beauty when in bloom. In late spring to early summer, its pleasantly arching branches bear clusters of cup-shaped, 4-petaled, white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), at their tips. The blossoms stand out against the foliage of oval, dark green leaves. Introduced in 1896, ‘Avalanche’ is a lovely flowering shrub that deserves a spot where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

Pieris japonica ‘Red Head’ (Japanese Andromeda)

Eye-catching, Pieris japonica ‘Red Head’ (Japanese Andromeda) is a bushy, rounded, evergreen shrub that provides desirable winter interest, abundant spring blooms and a striking foliage which emerges bright red before turning glossy, dark green. In early spring, large, clusters of pink buds open to fragrant, urn-shaped, pendulous, creamy-white flowers. Resembling Lily-of-the-Valley blossoms, the flowers contrast nicely with the shiny, dark green foliage.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Plant type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Prunus tomentosa (Nanking Cherry)

Prunus tomentosa, or Nanking Cherry, is a robust deciduous shrub valued for its spring flowers, tasty fruits, and appealing bark. Fragrant white blossoms emerge from pink buds, set against bright red stalks. These are followed by plentiful, edible scarlet fruits, ripening in early summer. The leaves are dark green with a soft underside, and the mature shrub’s reddish-brown bark exfoliates attractively. This hardy plant excels in various climates, enduring cold, heat, and drought with grace.

Hardiness	2 - 7
Plant type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Summer (Early, Mid),
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	12' - 15' (3.7m - 4.6m)

Viburnum carlesii (Koreanspice Viburnum)

Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) is a stunning deciduous shrub that offers beauty throughout the seasons. It showcases fragrant, blushing pink snowball flowers in spring, followed by oval, bright red fruits in summer. The foliage transitions from copper-colored to dark green and turns either wine-red or burgundy in the fall.

Hardiness	4 - 7
Plant type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)

Viburnum trilobum Redwing™ (American Cranberrybush)

Viburnum trilobum Redwing (American Cranberrybush) offers year-round appeal in the garden. In spring, this deciduous shrub showcases showy white flowers in flat cymes, held above red-blushed leaves. In late summer, drooping clusters of bright red berries appear, persisting through early winter. The three-lobed, dark green foliage turns a brilliant red in fall.

Hardiness	2 - 7
Plant type	Shrubs
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

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

Award-Winning Shrubs for Gardeners in New England Read More

Great Shrubs for Dry Soils in New England Read More

Great Shrubs for Shady Gardens in New England Read More

Great Shrubs for Sunny Slopes in New England Gardens Read More

Great Shrubs with Berries for Winter Interest for New England Read More

Great Shrubs with Brilliant Fall Color for New England Gardens Read More

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

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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.