If your planting lacks flair in certain seasons, try taking some inspiration from our list of favorites from this exceptional New England garden.
‘Goldtau’ tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’)
Zones: 3–8
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average to moist, well-drained soil
Native Range: Temperate zones of North America, Europe, and Asia
One of the few ornamental grasses that can take some shade, ‘Goldtau’ looks especially striking when its mature seed heads are backlit in fall.
Black Beauty® elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Gerda’)
Zones: 4–7
Size: 10 to 15 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; medium to wet, well-drained soil
Native Range: Europe, southwestern Asia, North Africa
This useful shrub shrouds itself in blackish purple foliage that is studded with pretty pink umbels in early summer.
Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
Zones: 3–9
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average to moist, well-drained soil
Native Range: Southeastern United States
From the time its first stems emerge in spring until its willowy leaves turn yellow in fall, this beloved native plant is sensational.
’Bronze Form’ rodgersia (Rodgersia podophylla ‘Bronze Form’)
Zones: 4–9
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist, humus-rich soil
Native Range: Japan, Korea
The perfect plant to bring bold texture to a moist, shady spot, this foliage powerhouse takes on a warm bronze tint in spring and fall.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Zones: 3–8
Size: 50 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun; average to moist, well-drained soil
Native Range: Southeast Asia
The look of this living fossil never gets old, especially when its unique, fan-shaped leaves take on their show-stopping autumn hue.
’Silver Column’ white willow (Salix alba var. sericea ‘Silver Column’)
Zones: 3–8
Size: 30 to 40 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average to wet soil
Native Range: Europe, North Africa, Central Asia
Silver is a refreshing addition to almost any color combination, and with its upswept form, ‘Silver Column’ is especially dramatic.
August lily hosta (Hosta plantaginea)
Zones: 3–9
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide
Conditions: Partial to full shade; moderately moist, well-drained soil
Native Range: China
Excellent foliage would be reason enough to grow this hosta, but its fragrant, white, late-summer blooms seal the deal.
‘Glutball’ Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum ‘Glutball’)
Zones: 3–8
Size: 6 to 7 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; average to moist soil
Native Range: Southern Canada, northern United States
This German selection of our native species has especially large, rounded flower heads and sturdy, dark red stems.
Carol Collins is the associate editor. Special thanks to Bill Noble and Susan Howard for their extensive contributions to this article.
