The state of Massachusetts falls within USDA hardiness zones 5-7, meaning the first frost typically occurs around mid-November and ends around mid-April.
Massachusetts’s climate makes planting shrubs in early spring ideal. Soil moisture levels, moderate temperatures, and spring rains allow roots to establish themselves before the summer heat, reducing the risk of transplant shock and boosting first-year performance.
Knowing the best shrubs for Massachusetts homeowners to plant in the early spring can help ensure their yards are ready for summer.
Native Shrubs That Thrive in New England Landscapes
In general, native plants should be the top priority when planning and planting. Native shrubs are adapted to the local climate and soil, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance. They are also more resistant to pests and diseases and provide food and habitat to native wildlife.
Some native shrubs in New England we recommend include:
- Inkberry (Ilex glabra) – These evergreen shrubs are salt-tolerant, making them a great choice for coastal landscapes, roadside planting, and areas with de-icing runoff. They also make great alternatives to boxwoods.
- Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – These shrubs are characterized by their colorful stems. Their tolerance for moist soils allows them to thrive in rain gardens and to be used for erosion control.
- Summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia) – Also known as Sweet Pepperbush, this shrub is known for its fragrance, commonly described as a mix of honey, cloves, and vanilla. This shrub is shade-tolerant, making it a great choice for shady, damp spots in your yard.
- New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) – These are compact shrubs, making them great for small spaces. They are pollinator-friendly, attracting bumblebees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinator species.
Low-Maintenance Shrubs for Busy Homeowners
Busy homeowners don’t have to tolerate unappealing yards just because they can’t regularly tend to their plants. Low-maintenance shrubs are drought-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, and require minimal pruning.
Our top picks for low-maintenance shrubs include:
- Spirea (Spiraea japonica) – This hardy shrub doesn’t require much care to get its white, pink, or red blooms in spring and summer.
- Weigela (Weigela florida) – These deciduous shrubs are prized for their late spring trumpet-shaped, colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They’re great to plant around borders.
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) – This is a tough shrub that’s tolerant of many soils and highly disease resistant.
Shrubs That Add Year-Round Appeal
Cold-hardy shrubs and those with multi-season interest help residents connect with nature year-round in Massachusetts, where winters can be harsh and long.
Our suggestions for shrubs with winter color include:
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – These shrubs are known for their late winter blooms, with fragrant, ribbon-like flowers that appear from January through March.
- Holly (Ilex spp.) – A classic winter shrub, this plant boasts evergreen foliage and bright red winter berries that are reminiscent of the holidays.
- Little Lime Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’) – This compact shrub is named for its lime green summer blooms that turn pink in the fall.
- Fothergilla – A four-season deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, white, bottle-brush flowers in spring and multicolored foliage in the fall.
Tips for Planting Shrubs in Early Spring Successfully
Now that you know which shrub species work best for your landscape, the next step is proper planting. Make sure to do the following when planting shrubs in early spring:
- Remove old leaf litter, existing mulch, or frost heave from the plant bed and add soil amendments like compost to enrich the plants.
- When planting, make sure the top of the root ball is even with or slightly above the soil surface. Make sure to space out shrubs because overcrowding leads to competition and fungal problems down the line.
- Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch to help protect the roots and control weeds.
- Water thoroughly and slowly after mulching by directing a low flow of water onto the root ball to sufficiently wet the upper 2-8 inches of soil.
- Wait until after roots establish to fertilize.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Spring Shrub Planting
The season’s freeze-thaw cycles can make planting challenging. Make sure to avoid these common mistakes when planting shrubs in early spring:
- Planting too early, when the ground is still frozen, prevents proper root establishment, risks desiccation, and can make shrubs susceptible to frost heave.
- Overwatering during thaw cycles can drown shrub roots during a time when they are vulnerable to temperature swings.
- Choosing non-hardy or invasive species can damage your yard. Non-hardy plant species won’t survive cold Massachusetts winters, while invasive species outcompete native plants.
- Failing to account for mature size and site conditions will lead to shrub failure.
Spring Shrub Planting in Massachusetts
For early spring planting, March or April is ideal for shrub planting in Massachusetts. During these months, the soil is thawed and dry enough to work.
Yes! Native shrubs boost curb appeal, require less maintenance, and provide food and habitat to local wildlife.
For early spring planting, make sure the area you are planting is clear of leaf litter, debris, and old mulch. Make sure to add organic matter, like compost or biochar, to the soil for a nutrient boost. Hartney Greymont’s soil experts can help make sure your soil is ready for planting.
It’s possible to plant shrubs in light frost or snow, as long as the soil is not frozen.
At Hartney Greymont, we have both ISA- and Massachusetts-certified arborists located in Needham, Concord, Danvers, Cape Cod, and the surrounding areas with the expertise needed to care for shrubs year-round.
HOW TO CARE FOR NEWLY PLANTED SHRUBS
