In this article, you’ll find details on the best timing for planting shrubs in the Northeast.
The harsh climatic and environmental conditions of the northeastern United States make growing highly adaptable plants necessary.
We’re talking about high humidity, hot summers, and severe winters here. Plus, soils aren’t deep enough for certain plants to thrive.
Our focus is more on the climatic conditions and how they affect when to grow these shrubs.
Specific periods are considered more ideal than others because they offer favorable conditions that allow these plants to thrive.
Shrubs that Thrive in the Northeast
Before we detail the best time for growing shrubs in the northeast, we must first consider what these shrubs are.
Some popular in this region include viburnum, azaleas, buttercup winter hazel, slender deutzia, ninebark, bog laurel, and highbush cranberry.
More shrubs that thrive in the northeastern region of the U.S include Labrador tea, wintergreen, northern spicebush, and bayberry. So, what are the requirements for each of these?
Let’s find out.
i. Best Times to Plant Viburnum Shrub in Northeast
As mentioned earlier, the viburnum shrub is suitable for the northeastern climate. This shrub is best grown around spring or fall.
Viburnums thrive in full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety you grow. They prefer moist-retaining soils. However, such soils should drain well.
You’ll do well to wait until the summer heat fades before planting viburnums. The growth rate of viburnums is determined by the species you grow.
The viburnum tinus species is considered a fast-growing shrub. It achieves a growth rate of around 15.5 to 23.5 inches each year.
ii. Best Times to Plant Azaleas in Northeast
Do you find azaleas attractive?
These shrubs are also adaptable to the northeastern climate and environment. While this is true, the suitable window period for growing this shrub is between late spring and early fall.
Growing these shrubs and tending to them results in vigorous plants.
Outside of the northeast, other areas with mild climatic conditions can support the year-round planting of azaleas. These shrubs most prefer full to partial sunny conditions.
iii. Best Times to Plant Buttercup Winter Hazel in Northeast
To survive in the northeast, buttercup winter hazel shrubs need to be planted in spring or fall.
This shrub species thrives best in hardiness zones 6 through 8 and will do well under full sun to partial shade conditions. What more? Before planting this shrub, look for acidic and well-draining soil.
The buttercup winter hazel doesn’t require a lot of water, especially after the first growing season. Only medium moisture conditions will do.
iv. Best Times to Plant Slender Deutzia Shrub
One of the reasons why timing is essential for growing slender deutzia is root development.
For the slender deutzia shrub to properly develop, it must be planted in fall before the winter season sets in. This allows for sufficient for before renewed growth occurs in spring.
Under controlled conditions, the slender deutzia shrub can be grown outside the ideal period (fall).
However, these must be planted in pots for better control, as you’ll need to keep them safe from sub-zero temperatures and hot weather.
v. Best Times to Plant Ninebark Shrubs
Early spring is the ideal time to grow nine-bark shrubs as the plant is dormant mainly around this time of year. The growth rate achieved in a single season depends on your preferred planting strategy.
There are potted nursery types, as well as ball-and-burlap types.
This deciduous shrub is highly suitable for cold-climate gardening. Its extreme hardiness makes it easily adaptable to the harsh weather conditions of the northeast.
vi. Best Times to Plant Bog Laurel Shrubs
The bog laurel shrub is another that can be planted in the northeast.
The months of January through March are ideal times to grow this shrub. Here, the quicker it establishes its root system in the soil, the faster it is to show its growth.
Planting this shrub as soon as its leaves begin to fall allows the plant to develop in time before harsh weather conditions set in.
vii. Best Times to Plant Highbush Cranberry
The highbush cranberry plant is a rounded shrub that reaches about 15 ft. at maturity.
Early spring is the best time to transplant cranberries. This shrub will do well in full sun or partial shade conditions and tend to be winter hardy while also tolerant of frost.
During planting, it’s essential to understand what this bush is tolerant of. Highbush cranberry shrubs don’t do too well when competing with weeds.
Based on this reality, you’ll need to take measures to ensure weed growth is limited.
viii. Best Times to Plant Labrador Tea
The Labrador tea shrub is another plant well adapted to the northeastern climatic and environmental conditions.
It’s best to plant this shrub during the dormant season, usually around late fall through early spring. Slightly acidic soils are most suitable for growing these shrubs.
ix. Best Times to Plant Wintergreen Shrub
Wintergreen shrubs are also quickly grown in the northeast. The ideal growing time for this plant is in early spring. Growing zones 3 through 8 support the wintergreen shrub.
Other favorable conditions for proper growth include well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
x. Best Times to Plant Northern Spicebush Shrub
The ideal times for planting northern spicebush shrubs depend on the climatic factors within your area. For hotter regions, fall tends to be the most suitable.
Regarding the soil conditions required, northern spicebush shrubs tolerate various soil types.
xi. Best Times to Plant Bayberry
Transplanting the bayberry shrub is best done in early spring. Also, fall isn’t too late to grow this shrub as they get to develop within a short period.
In discussing the best time to plant shrubs in the Northeastern United States, we’ve looked at the different shrub species for this region.
Our discussion has also looked closely at the best times to plant these shrub species.