Native New Hampshire Shrubs & Perennials for Beautiful, Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

One of our favorite things to talk about in the summer are plants that are Native to New Hampshire and the benefits of utilizing these in your yards and gardens!

Native shrubs and perennials are an excellent way to create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape while supporting New Hampshire's local ecosystems. Shrubs such as Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata), and Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) provide year-round interest with colorful foliage, fragrant blooms, and berries that attract birds and other wildlife.

Native perennials (see list below!) add vibrant color throughout the growing season while providing nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Planting native species offers many benefits beyond their natural beauty. Because these plants evolved in New Hampshire's climate and soils, they generally require less watering, fertilizing, and pest control once established. Their deep root systems help improve soil health, reduce erosion, and increase the landscape's ability to absorb rainfall. Native plants also provide critical habitat and food sources for pollinators, songbirds, and beneficial insects that have coexisted with these species for generations, helping to strengthen local biodiversity.

One of the greatest advantages of planting native New Hampshire shrubs and perennials is the vital habitat they provide for birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife. Native flowering plants produce the nectar and pollen that native bee species depend on throughout the growing season, while shrubs like Highbush Blueberry and Winterberry Holly offer nesting sites, protective cover, and nutrient-rich berries for songbirds during the summer, fall, and winter. Unlike many ornamental plants, native species have evolved alongside local wildlife, making them an essential part of the food web. By filling your yard with native plants, you're helping sustain pollinator populations, supporting healthy bird communities, and creating a vibrant garden that's alive with color, movement, and the sounds of nature.

Whether you're designing a new garden bed or updating an existing landscape, incorporating native shrubs and perennials is a rewarding investment for both your property and the environment. Mixing flowering perennials with native shrubs creates layers of texture, color, and seasonal interest while reducing long-term maintenance. By choosing plants that naturally thrive in New Hampshire, homeowners can enjoy healthier gardens, support local wildlife, and create outdoor spaces that remain beautiful and resilient for years to come.

Native perennials (full sun):

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

• Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

• Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Lavender pom-pom flowers loved by bees.

• Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa): Bright orange flowers that feed monarchs.

  Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Golden yellow petals with dark centers.

Part Shade Perennials:

• White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata): Delicate white clusters for dry shade.

• Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): Low-profile white spires with patterned leaves.

• Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Red and yellow spring tubes that attract hummingbirds. 

• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Striking spikes of deep red.

• Ferns such as Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomeum), Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina) and Marginal Wood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis)

  
  

Utilize the resources from UNH's Coop Extension to see a full list of Native NH shrubs and Native NH trees.