2026-03-28 — 5 min read

Best Plants for Springfield MA Landscaping — Zone 5b–6a Guide

By Its Done Landscaping Springfield MA

Choosing the right plants for your Springfield, MA landscape makes the difference between a garden that struggles and one that thrives. Here’s our guide to the best plants for Zone 5b–6a.

Trees for Springfield Landscapes

TreeHeightFeatures
Eastern Redbud20–30 ftPink spring flowers, heart-shaped leaves
Serviceberry15–25 ftWhite spring blooms, edible berries, fall color
Sugar Maple60–75 ftBrilliant fall color, shade tree
Dogwood15–25 ftSpring flowers, red fall berries
White Oak50–80 ftLong-lived, wildlife value

Shrubs for Year-Round Interest

  • Oakleaf Hydrangea — Summer blooms, fall color, winter bark
  • Panicle Hydrangea — Long-blooming, sun-tolerant
  • Forsythia — Early spring yellow flowers
  • Spirea — Compact, long-blooming
  • Inkberry Holly — Evergreen, native alternative to boxwood

Perennials That Thrive Here

  • Black-eyed Susan — Tough, long-blooming
  • Purple Coneflower — Pollinator favorite
  • Hosta — Best for shade
  • Daylily — Virtually indestructible
  • Sedum — Drought-tolerant, fall interest

Native Plants for Low Maintenance

Native plants are adapted to Massachusetts conditions and require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. Consider incorporating: wild columbine, butterfly weed, blue flag iris, and Christmas fern.

Get a custom planting plan

Not sure what to plant in your Springfield garden? We offer free consultations and custom landscape design.