Best Plants for Long Island Landscaping: A Seasonal Guide
Long Island's climate — USDA Hardiness Zones 6b–7b — supports a wide range of plants, but choosing the right species for your specific conditions makes the difference between a landscape that thrives and one that struggles. Here's what our horticulture team recommends.
Understanding Long Island's Growing Conditions
Long Island's sandy, well-draining soil is ideal for many plants but requires more frequent irrigation and fertilization than clay-heavy soils. The coastal influence moderates temperatures — winters are milder than inland New York, and summers benefit from sea breezes. Salt spray is a consideration for properties within a mile of the water.
Best Trees for Long Island
| Tree | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crape Myrtle | Specimen / patio tree | Stunning summer blooms, tolerates heat and drought |
| Japanese Maple | Focal point / shade | Spectacular fall color, partial shade preferred |
| Serviceberry (Amelanchier) | Multi-season interest | Native, white spring blooms, edible berries |
| Sweetbay Magnolia | Privacy / screening | Semi-evergreen, fragrant white flowers |
| Eastern Red Cedar | Privacy hedge / windbreak | Native, salt-tolerant, low maintenance |
| Weeping Cherry | Ornamental specimen | Dramatic spring display, good for smaller yards |
Best Shrubs for Long Island
Shrubs form the backbone of any Long Island landscape. These perform reliably in our climate:
| Shrub | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boxwood | Year-round | Classic formal hedge, many deer-resistant varieties |
| Inkberry Holly | Year-round | Native, salt-tolerant, great for wet areas |
| Knock Out Rose | Summer–Fall | Disease-resistant, continuous blooms, easy care |
| Endless Summer Hydrangea | Summer | Reblooming, blue or pink flowers, very popular |
| Arborvitae (Emerald Green) | Year-round | Columnar privacy screen, deer-resistant options |
| Spirea | Spring–Summer | Low maintenance, great for mass plantings |
Best Perennials for Long Island
Perennials come back year after year, making them excellent value for Long Island landscapes. Our favorites include Black-Eyed Susan (native, drought-tolerant, pollinators love it), Coneflower (Echinacea) (native, long-blooming, deer-resistant), Russian Sage (drought-tolerant, silvery foliage, lavender blooms), Ornamental Grasses (Karl Foerster and Miscanthus add movement and winter interest), and Daylilies (extremely tough, wide color range, minimal care).
Coastal Properties: Salt-Tolerant Plants
For properties in the Hamptons, Fire Island, or anywhere within a mile of the water, salt tolerance is critical. Top performers include Beach Plum, Bayberry, Sea Holly (Eryngium), Rugosa Rose, and American Beach Grass. These plants are native to Long Island's coastal environment and require minimal maintenance once established.
A Note on Deer
Deer pressure is significant across Long Island, particularly in wooded areas of the North Shore and North Fork. While no plant is completely deer-proof, choosing deer-resistant species — boxwood, ornamental grasses, Russian sage, lavender, coneflower, and most ornamental grasses — dramatically reduces damage. Our plant health care program includes deer deterrent treatments that protect vulnerable plantings.
Professional Landscape Design & Installation
Our horticulture team selects the right plants for your specific soil, sun, and style. Serving all of Long Island.