Your Guide to Some of The Best Plants for New Jersey Gardens
Designing a garden in New Jersey means working with a variety of seasonal changes—from humid summers to snowy winters. The key to a thriving, year-round landscape is selecting the right plants. The best plants for New Jersey gardens are hardy, low-maintenance, and suited to our region’s climate and soil conditions.
At Borst Landscape & Design, we specialize in creating stunning Bergen County gardens filled with plants that thrive naturally. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your landscape, here’s how to choose garden favorites that are both practical and beautiful.
Need help planning your garden? Call Borst at (201) 822-9327 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Why Native and Zone-Specific Plants Matter
New Jersey falls primarily within USDA Hardiness Zones 6a and 6b. Plants suited to these zones can handle winter frost, fluctuating spring temperatures, and hot, humid summers. Choosing native or well-adapted plants also reduces the need for chemical treatments and excessive watering.
Best Perennials for New Jersey Gardens
Perennials come back year after year, making them a low-maintenance choice for garden beds, borders, and containers.
1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
- Bright yellow flowers from midsummer to fall
- Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
2. Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Long-blooming, sturdy flowers in pinks and purples
- Thrives in sun and dry soil
- Great for cutting gardens and borders
3. Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Fragrant, colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds
- Resistant to most pests
- Performs well in sun or partial shade
4. Sedum (Autumn Joy)
- Fleshy leaves and clusters of late-season blooms
- Excellent for dry spots or rock gardens
- Adds texture and color into fall
Best Annuals for Seasonal Color
Annuals offer brilliant blooms all season and are great for containers and accents.
5. Marigolds
- Bright, cheerful flowers from spring to frost
- Natural pest deterrent
- Ideal for vegetable garden borders
6. Zinnias
- Easy to grow with vibrant, long-lasting flowers
- Thrive in full sun
- Attract butterflies
7. Impatiens
- Excellent for shaded beds and pots
- Available in soft pastels and bold hues
- Great for filling in around shrubs or edging paths
Best Shrubs for Structure and Year-Round Interest
Shrubs add height, privacy, and structure to your garden—and many offer seasonal color, berries, or blooms.
8. Boxwood
- Evergreen, ideal for hedging or topiary
- Tolerates pruning and shaping
- Low maintenance with year-round appeal
9. Hydrangea (Especially ‘Annabelle’ and ‘Limelight’)
- Large, showy flower heads in summer
- Adaptable to sun and partial shade
- Beautiful for foundation plantings or standalone beds
10. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
- Native deciduous holly with brilliant red berries
- Attracts birds and adds winter color
- Great for naturalized or woodland gardens
Best Trees for New Jersey Landscapes
Trees bring shade, seasonal interest, and long-term value to your yard.
11. Dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Native tree with spring blossoms and fall foliage
- Adds year-round beauty to small or medium yards
- Thrives in partial shade and moist soil
12. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Fast-growing shade tree with brilliant fall color
- Hardy and adaptable to most soil types
- Ideal for larger yards
13. Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
- Multi-season interest: white spring flowers, summer berries, and fall foliage
- Attracts birds and pollinators
- Works well in both formal and naturalized designs
Best Ground Covers for Low-Maintenance Beauty
Ground covers reduce the need for mulching and weeding, while adding texture and color.
14. Pachysandra
- Evergreen option for shade
- Dense foliage keeps weeds out
- Low-growing and easy to maintain
15. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
- Vibrant green or golden leaves
- Perfect for hanging baskets, borders, or between stepping stones
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
Design Tips for Planting Success
To get the most from your New Jersey garden, remember these simple tips:
- Group plants by sunlight and water needs
- Mix bloom times to maintain color from spring through fall
- Use mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Incorporate native species for easier care and better ecosystem support
Our experts will help you develop a planting plan tailored to your property’s microclimate, soil, and layout, so your garden thrives with less effort.
Why Choose Borst for Your Garden Design?
Borst Landscape & Design brings decades of local experience to every garden we create. From selecting the right plants to designing elegant outdoor spaces, our full-service team ensures your garden reflects your style and enhances your home.
What We Offer:
- Custom planting plans and seasonal color design
- Organic lawn and plant care
- Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly options
- Maintenance services to keep your garden flourishing
Whether you’re in Bergen, Morris, or Essex County, we’re your one-stop solution for expert landscaping.
Let’s Design the Garden You’ve Been Dreaming Of
The best plants for New Jersey gardens are the ones that bring you beauty without the burden. Trust Borst to help you choose, plant, and maintain a landscape that looks incredible in every season.
Call Borst at (201) 822-9327 or contact us online to get started today!
