Massachusetts isn’t exactly the driest state in the U.S. Still, it is nice to have some plants that you know can survive drought conditions.
So, what are some drought tolerant plants for Massachusetts? Drought tolerant plants for Massachusetts include: Amsonia, Bayberry, Daylily, Forsythia, Hellebore, Hosta, Lavender, Lilac, Ninebark, Phlox, Purple Coneflower, Sedum, Smokebush, Spirea, and Yucca. Some of these plants have attractive foliage or flowers to add style to your garden.
Remember that some of these plants like full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade.
In this article, we’ll talk about 15 drought tolerant plants that are perfect for Massachusetts. We’ll also tell you what each plant needs for light, water, and other important growth factors.
(Looking for native plant landscaping in Massachusetts? You can learn more here.)
Let’s get started.
Hey – you can get our weekly gardening newsletter here!
Join 1000+ gardeners to get access to news, tips, and information.
Delivered right to your inbox – once per week.
Drought Tolerant Plants For Massachusetts
There are lots of drought tolerant plants that can grow in Massachusetts, but here is a list of 15 to start:
- Amsonia
- Bayberry
- Daylily
- Forsythia
- Hellebore
- Hosta
- Lavender
- Lilac
- Ninebark
- Phlox
- Purple Coneflower
- Sedum
- Smokebush
- Spirea
- Yucca
Let’s begin with Amsonia.
Amsonia
Amsonia (Amsonia tabernaemontana), also known as Eastern bluestar, is a drought tolerant perennial that produces clusters of small, light-blue, star-like flowers in spring or summer.
Amsonia needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It also needs good drainage if kept in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Amsonia prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.0 to 8.0).
Amsonia can tolerate intense cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 3a (as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or –40 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet, with a width of 2 to 3 feet.
You can propagate Amsonia by division, root cuttings, stem cuttings, or by seed. The seed comes from pods that grow from the light blue flowers mentioned above.
You can learn more about Amsonia from the North Carolina State University Plant Toolbox.
You can find Amsonia from Prairie Moon Nursery.
Bayberry
Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), also known as northern bayberry, is a drought tolerant deciduous shrub that has dense gray-green or dark-green leaves. It produces yellow-green catkin flowers (separate male and female plants) in spring.
Bayberry needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It also needs good drainage if kept in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Bayberry prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers slightly acidic soil, but can tolerate soil up to a pH of 8.0.
Bayberry can tolerate intense cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 3a (as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or –40 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 6 to 8 feet, with a width of 5 to 10 feet.
You can propagate Bayberry stem cuttings or by seed.
You can learn more about Bayberry from the North Carolina State University Plant Toolbox.
You can find Bayberry from Cold Stream Farm.
Daylily
Daylily (Hemerocallis) is a drought tolerant perennial that produces beautiful flowers that last only one day in spring or summer (hence the name!) The flowers can be yellow, orange, pink, purple, red, or white.
Daylily needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It also needs good drainage if kept in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Daylily prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers slightly acidic soil (pH of 6.0 to 6.5).
Daylily can tolerate intense cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 3a (as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or –40 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet, with a width of 1 to 3 feet.
You can propagate Daylily by division in fall or spring.
You can learn more about Daylily from the North Carolina State University Plant Toolbox.
You can find Daylily from Breck’s.
Forsythia
Forsythia is a perennial deciduous shrub that tolerates salt and produces showy yellow flowers in late winter or spring.
Forsythia needs moderate moisture levels, but it will tolerate drought. Too much water will cause root rot and damage the plant.
Forsythia needs full sun. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.1 to 7.8).
Forsythia can tolerate some cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 5a (as cold as -20 degrees Fahrenheit or –29 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 8 to 10 feet, with a width of 10 to 12 feet.
You can propagate Forsythia by layering, stem cuttings, or by stolons and runners.
You can learn more about Forsythia from the National Gardening Association’s Plant Database.
You can find Forsythia from Direct Gardening.
Hellebore
Hellebore is a perennial ground cover herb that produces small (1 to 2 inch) pink or purple flowers in late winter or early spring.
Hellebore needs moderate moisture levels. Too much water will cause root rot and damage the plant.
Hellebore can tolerate partial or full shade, although it can survive in full sun as well. It prefers acidic soil (pH of 5.5 to 6.5).
Hellebore can tolerate some cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 6a (as cold as -10 degrees Fahrenheit or –23 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 1 foot, with a width of 2 feet.
You can propagate Hellebore by division.
You can learn more about Hellebore from the National Gardening Association’s Plant Database.
You can find Hellebore from Wayside Gardens.
Hosta
Hosta is a drought tolerant perennial ground cover herb that can be kept as a houseplant. It produces fragrant white flowers in summer or early fall.
Hosta needs moderate moisture. It needs good drainage in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Hosta prefers partial shade. It prefers neutral soil (pH of 6.5 to 7.5).
Hosta can tolerate extreme cold. It is hardy to Zone 3 (as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or -40 degrees Celsius).
This plant can grow to a height of 10 to 18 inches, with a width of 36 to 48 inches.
You can propagate Hosta by division, but it will not grow true from seed.
You can learn more about Hosta from the National Gardening Association’s Plant Database.
You can find Hosta from Spring Hill Nursery.
Lavender
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a perennial (annual in humid climates) that produces showy and fragrant flowers that are often purple but can also be lavender, mauve, blue, or white (in late spring, summer, or early fall). It is a good addition to a windbreak or hedge.
English Lavender needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It needs good drainage in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
English Lavender prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.6 to 7.8).
English Lavender can tolerate extreme cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 5a (as cold as -20 degrees Fahrenheit or –29 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 18 to 24 inches, with a width of 24 to 48 inches.
You can propagate English Lavender by division, stem cuttings, or by seeds.
You can learn more about English Lavender from the National Gardening Association’s Plant Database.
You can find English Lavender from Direct Gardening.
Lilac
Downy Lilac (Syringa pubescens) or hairy lilac is a drought tolerant, woody, perennial shrub that produces fragrant and showy pink, purple, or lavender flowers in spring.
Lilac needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It also needs good drainage if kept in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Lilac prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.0 to 8.0), but it can tolerate soil pH of over 8.0.
Lilac can tolerate intense cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 3a (as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or –40 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 4 to 8 feet, with a width of 6 to 10 feet.
You can propagate layering, stem cuttings, or by seed.
You can learn more about Lilac from the North Carolina State University Plant Toolbox.
You can find lilacs from Fast Growing Trees.
Ninebark
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), also known as Atlantic Ninebark, is a drought tolerant perennial that produces clusters of pink or white flowers in spring or summer.
Ninebark needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It also needs good drainage if kept in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Ninebark prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.0 to 8.0).
Ninebark can tolerate extreme cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 2a (as cold as -50 degrees Fahrenheit or –46 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 5 to 8 feet, with a width of 6 to 10 feet.
You can propagate Ninebark by root cuttings, stem cuttings, or by seed.
You can learn more about Ninebark from the North Carolina State University Plant Toolbox.
You can find Ninebark from Great Garden Plants.
Phlox
Phlox (Phlox divaricata), also known as Eastern Blue Phlox, is a drought tolerant perennial wildflower that produces clusters of small, blue, purple, or lavender flowers in spring.
Phlox needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It also needs good drainage if kept in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Phlox prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial or deep shade. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.0 to 8.0), but it can tolerate soil pH below 6.0.
Phlox can tolerate intense cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 3a (as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or –40 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches, with a width of 10 to 20 inches.
You can propagate phlox by division, layering, stem cuttings, or by seed.
You can learn more about Phlox from the North Carolina State University Plant Toolbox.
You can find Phlox from Great Garden Plants.
Purple Coneflower
Purple Coneflower (Echinacia purpurea) is a drought tolerant perennial that produces showy and fragrant 2 to 3 inch pink, purple, or white flowers in late spring, summer, or early fall.
Purple Coneflower needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It needs good drainage in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Purple Coneflower prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH of 6.5 to 7.2).
Purple Coneflower can tolerate extreme cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 2a (as cold as -50 degrees Fahrenheit or –46 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 12 to 36 inches, with a width of 12 to 36 inches.
You can propagate Purple Coneflower by division or seeds.
You can learn more about Purple Coneflower from the National Gardening Association’s Plant Database.
You can find Purple Coneflower from Prairie Nursery.
Sedum
Carpet Sedum (Sedum lineare) is a perennial ground cover succulent that produces tiny (less than 1 inch) yellow flowers from late spring to summer.
Carpet Sedum needs dry to moderate moisture levels, but resists drought. It needs good drainage in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Carpet Sedum likes full sun, but tolerates partial shade. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.0 to 8.0).
Carpet Sedum can tolerate cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 6 or colder (as cold as -10 degrees Fahrenheit or –23 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 3 to 9 inches, with a width of 6 to 12 inches.
You can propagate Carpet Sedum by layering, division, stem cuttings, or tip cuttings.
You can learn more about Carpet Sedum from the National Gardening Association’s Plant Database.
You can find Carpet Sedum from Mountain Crest Gardens.
Smokebush
Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria), also known as Smoketree, is a drought tolerant deciduous shrub that produces smoky pink flowers in spring or summer.
Smokebush needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It also needs good drainage if kept in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Smokebush needs full sun. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.0 to 8.0), but it can tolerate soil pH outside of this range too.
Smokebush can tolerate severe cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 4a (as cold as -30 degrees Fahrenheit or –34 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet, with a width of 10 to 15 feet.
You can propagate Smokebush by stem cuttings or by seed.
You can learn more about Smokebush from the North Carolina State University Plant Toolbox.
You can find Smokebush from Great Garden Plants.
Spirea
Spirea (Spirea prunifolia), also known as Bridal Wreath (and also spelled Spiraea), is a drought tolerant deciduous shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in spring.
Spirea needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It also needs good drainage if kept in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Spirea prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH of 6.0 to 8.0), but it can tolerate soil pH of less than 6.0.
Spirea can tolerate some cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 5a (as cold as -20 degrees Fahrenheit or –29 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 4 to 8 feet, with a width of 4 to 8 feet.
You can propagate Spirea by stem cuttings or by seed.
You can learn more about Spirea from the North Carolina State University Plant Toolbox.
You can find Spirea from Pixie’s Gardens.
Yucca
Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) is a perennial evergreen cactus that produces showy flowers in summer or fall. It is a good addition to a windbreak or hedge.
Red Yucca needs moderate to dry moisture levels. It needs good drainage in a container. Too much water will cause root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Red Yucca prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It prefers neutral soil (pH of 6.6 to 7.3).
Red Yucca can tolerate severe cold. As an outdoor plant, it is hardy to Zone 5b (as cold as -15 degrees Fahrenheit or –26 degrees Celsius).
This plant grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet, with a width of up to 6 feet.
You can propagate Red Yucca by division, offsets, or seeds.
You can learn more about Red Yucca from the National Gardening Association’s Plant Database.
You can find Red Yucca from High Country Gardens.
Conclusion
Now you have 15 drought tolerant plants for Massachusetts to choose from. You also know about how to care for them and where to put them (sun or shade).
I hope you found this article helpful. If so, please share it with someone who can use the information.
You can learn more about how to garden without water in this article.
You might also want to check out my article on drought tolerant annuals or my article on drought tolerant perennials.
To find books, courses, seeds, gardening supplies, and more, check out The Shop at Greenupside!
Hey – you can get our weekly gardening newsletter here!
Join 1000+ gardeners to get access to news, tips, and information.
Delivered right to your inbox – once per week.
If you want to read some of my most popular posts, check out the “Best of GreenUpSide” page here. Enjoy!
~Jonathon