Best Plant Selection in New Jersey

How to choose the right plants—and make your landscape bloom all season.

Plant Selection in NJ Is About Strategy, Not Just Plants

New Jersey landscapes don’t fail because of bad plants. They fail because of bad combinations.

Most people choose plants one at a time:

• One tree they like

• One shrub they saw online

• One flowering plant for spring

That approach creates gaps, clutter, and short-lived interest.

Good plant selection looks at the entire system.

Step One: Choose Plants That Can Handle NJ Reality

Before bloom color or size, plants must tolerate:

• Wet springs

• Dry late summers

• Freeze–thaw winters

• Imperfect soil

• Variable sun exposure

Plants that only perform under ideal conditions don’t last here.

Examples of adaptable NJ performers:

• Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

• Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)

• Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)

• Hydrangea paniculata varieties

These plants forgive mistakes and recover well.

Step Two: Build a Bloom Timeline (Not a Moment)

One of the biggest missed opportunities in NJ landscapes is bloom sequencing.

Most landscapes explode in spring… then go flat.

A better approach is layering bloom times.

Early Spring

• Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier)

Mid to Late Spring

• Lilac (Syringa)

• Redbud (Cercis)

Early Summer

• Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Late Summer

• Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)

• Clethra (Clethra alnifolia)

When plants are selected intentionally, something is always happening.

Step Three: Mix Flowering Plants With Structure

Bloom alone doesn’t carry a landscape.

Flowering plants should be supported by:

• Evergreen shrubs

• Structural trees

• Reliable foliage plants

This keeps the landscape grounded when flowers are gone.

Strong supporting plants include:

• Boxwood (Buxus)

• Skip Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

• Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)

• Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

Flowers come and go. Structure stays.

Step Four: Choose Plants That Work Together

Plants should share:

• Similar water needs

• Similar light requirements

• Compatible growth habits

Problems start when fast growers are mixed with slow growers, or sun plants are mixed with shade plants.

This is where most DIY landscapes break down.

Where Maple Leaf Farms Fits In

Once you understand what you’re looking for, plant quality matters.

Many of the trees and shrubs that perform well in New Jersey can be found at Maple Leaf Farms in Manalapan, NJ. They offer:

• A large selection of NJ-appropriate plants

• Quality-grown material

• Competitive pricing

• Availability across multiple sizes

• 
  

Maple Leaf Farms📍 525 US-9, Manalapan, NJ 07726

🕒 Open March through December

How Horticulture Specialists Helps You Get It Right

Plant selection doesn’t need to be overwhelming.

Through Horticulture Specialists, we help:

• Choose the right plants for your property

• Build bloom timelines for year-round interest

• Create plant combinations that actually work together

• Design realistic planting layouts

• Prevent expensive mistakes before planting

Whether you’re starting fresh or correcting an existing landscape, guidance early saves money later.

Final Thought

The best plant selection in New Jersey isn’t about finding the best plant.

It’s about choosing the right mix, plants that tolerate NJ conditions, bloom at different times, and support each other long-term.

That’s how landscapes stop feeling random and start feeling intentional.

Questions People Ask

How do I choose the right plants for New Jersey?

Focus on adaptability, bloom timing, and how plants work together—not just appearance.

How can I make my landscape bloom all season?

By layering plants with early, mid, and late bloom times supported by evergreen structure.

Where can I buy quality plants in New Jersey?

Maple Leaf Farms in Manalapan, NJ offers a wide selection of NJ-appropriate trees and shrubs.

Can someone help me choose the right plant combinations?

Yes. Horticulture Specialists provides plant consulting and design to help build successful, long-lasting landscapes.