This is the fourth blog post in my series on perennial plants that grow well in specific states. Keep reading to check out some of the best perennials for Long Island gardens and how to care for them.
Why perennial plants are a popular choice for Long Island landscapes
Long Island’s growing season is long, making it a popular choice for perennial plants. You can enjoy growing plants from the middle of April to the middle of November. This part of New York state is located in growing zones 7a and 7b. Low-maintenance, hardy perennial flower options will grow well in this part of the state.
Understanding Long Island Growing Conditions
Growing conditions do vary in Nassau County in Long Island. Make sure you know how long your plants need sun and types of soil before planting. The amount of sun each plant needs can vary. Full sun, partial sun, light shade, and full shade can produce the best perennials for Long Island.
Common soil conditions include sandy soil, clay soil, well-drained soil, poor soil, and rich soil. Good drainage can prevent root rot from happening to your plants. Drill holes in pots so that water can drain through if you have a small garden. Adding organic matter to the soil can also keep your perennials healthy and happy.
Long Island has a variety of landscapes between the coastal and inland areas. Do some research on what types of perennials can grow best in your specific area before investing in plants for your garden.
Best Full-Sun Perennials for Long Island
These plants thrive in full sun and prefer soil that drains well.
- Black-eyed Susan These yellow flowers have a dark center with long stems. They have a long bloom period and are hardy plants, perfect for New York gardens.
- Speedwell Also known as Veronica flowers, speedwell bloom spike-like flowers in purple, pink, white, and blue. Their tall stems make them perfect to add to your homemade bouquets.
- Achillea millefolium (Common yarrow) These daisy-like flowers prefer dry conditions with alkaline soil. They are an excellent cut flower and are drought tolerant.
- Carnations Carnation flowers also make great cut flowers with their long stems and fluffy flowers that bloom in a variety of colors. There are many different types to choose from!
- Stonecrop Stonecrop is also known as sedum. Some types grow colorful flowers, while others make great groundcover for those places in your garden where you are not sure what to plant.
Many types of these flowers are ideal for rock gardens, large areas, and perennial beds.
Best Perennials for Partial Shade and Light Shade
Below are some great plants for areas near deciduous trees and tall trees
- Coral bells These perennials are known for their dark green leaves and come in a variety of colors with a woody base.
- Bleeding hearts Heart-shaped flowers hang upside-down on delicate stems on these unique plants. They bloom in the early spring.
Best Shade-Loving Perennials for Full Shade
Below are perennials that thrive in full shade and consistently moist soil. If you have tall trees in your yard, plant these below so they get plenty of shade.
- Wild ginger Wild ginger start underground as rhyzomes. They make excellent ground cover with plenty of green foliage.
- Plaintain Lily Plantain lilies are also know as hostas. The large leaves of this plant will make them stand out in your perennial shade garden.
- Toad lilies Toad lilies are late summer flowers with long-lasting color to enjoy.
Native Perennials That Thrive on Long Island
Native plants are good to start with, since you know that they can grow well in the Long Island climate. Check out these native perennials that are hardy plants with low-maintenance care.
- Joe Pye weed This perennial grows best in moist soil. It produces late summer blooms and is a pollinator favorite.
- Butterfly Milkweed Milkweed comes in a variety of colors and are great to add to a section of your garden where pollinators are welcome.
- Creeping Phlox Creeping phlox is an excellent ground cover for gardeners who want to add vibrant color to their landscape. Choose from a variety of colors from the tiny flowers that emerge from this plant.
Low-Maintenance Perennials for Easy Care
Low-maintenance perennials are ideal for gardeners who want reliable beauty without constant work. A low-maintenance plant thrives with minimal input, needing only basic proper care to stay healthy and attractive year after year. Once established, these plants return reliably each season.
Many hardy perennial flowers perform well with very little attention. They tolerate changing weather, varied soil conditions, and occasional missed watering, making them a practical choice for busy gardeners who still want a polished landscape.
Disease resistance is another hallmark of easy-care perennials. Varieties with natural resistance to common problems like powdery mildew require fewer treatments and less monitoring, helping keep the garden healthy with minimal effort.
A long bloom period makes these plants even more appealing. Many dependable perennials flower from late spring through early fall, offering steady color and interest without the need for frequent replanting or maintenance.
These qualities make low-maintenance perennials especially well suited to New York gardens, where time and weather can be unpredictable. With smart plant choices and simple proper care, gardeners can enjoy lasting beauty without a demanding routine.
Using Perennials in Long Island Garden Design
There are a variety of ways to use the best perennials for Long Island garden designs. Mix herbaceous perennials with shrub roses and knockout roses.
Use ground cover for large areas of your yard that you want to cover up with plants. Combine anual plans and annual flowers for seasonal color. There are also various plants you can use to design butterfly gardens and cut flower beds. The options are endless!
Planting and Care Tips for Best Results
Planting at the right time helps set perennials up for the best results. Early spring and late spring are ideal for most plants, while early summer can work with consistent watering. In milder climates, late winter planting allows roots to establish before active growth begins.
Good soil preparation is essential for long-term success. Amending the planting area with organic matter improves structure, supports root development, and promotes good drainage, which is critical for preventing rot and stress in perennial plants.
Watering practices should focus on consistency rather than frequency. Using soaker hoses encourages deep root growth and keeps the soil evenly moist without oversaturation. While newly planted perennials need moist soil, established plants often tolerate drier conditions once settled with proper care.
Managing flower stems also supports healthy growth. Removing spent blooms helps direct energy back into the plant, encouraging fresh foliage and new leaves. This simple maintenance step improves appearance and supports stronger growth throughout the season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t ignore soil conditions and sun requirements for each plant. While many perennials need similar requirements, some are unique and take note of this when planning to grow the best perennials for Long Island gardens.
Overwatering in sandy soil can be overwhelming to plants and lead to root rot. Do not plant shade-loving plants in sunny locations. Make sure you have plenty of shade in your garden before planting. Do not treat perennials like annual flowers. If you care for your perennials as you should, they can last many years.
Best Perennials for Long Island FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions you may have about the best perennials for Long Island gardens. Keep these in mind when planning your garden!
What are the best perennials for Long Island?
The best perennials for Long Island include Black-eyed Susans, milkweed, toad lily, Joe Pye weed, as well as others mentioned above. These plants thrive in Long Island’s coastal climate, humid summers, and well-drained soils, returning reliably each year with minimal maintenance.
When to plant perennials in Long Island?
Plant perennials in the spring in New York to avoid frost damage. Spring planting gives roots time to establish before the heat of summer arrives, helping plants grow stronger and more resilient.
On Long Island, late April through early June is generally ideal, once the danger of hard frost has passed and the soil has warmed. This timing allows new perennials to settle in comfortably and develop healthy root systems.
Fall planting can also work, typically from early September through mid-October, as long as plants have several weeks to establish before the ground freezes. With proper watering and care, both seasons can produce strong, long-lasting garden results.
What is the 3 year rule for perennials?
Perennials go through three stages of growth. These are sleep, creep, and leap. Year one is considered the sleep year, when the plant is focused on establishing its roots for a healthy foundation to grow from.
Year two is the creep year, where the plant focuses on growing plenty of foliage. Year three is the leap year, when the plant reaches full maturity.
What is the 70 30 rule in gardening?
The 70 30 rule in gardening is a guide that many gardeners follow when planning their garden. 70% of their garden includes reliable, native plants, while the other 30% include experimental plants or plants that are seasonal. This is not a hard rule, but it can be a fun one to try!
Best Perennials for Long Island Conclusion
Long Island is ideal for hardy perennial plants due to its changing landscape and weather. Make sure to choose the right plants for your soil and sun exposure. What are the best perennials for Long Island in your yard? You can find out by getting started on your own perennial garden this year!
