Plants for a Japanese & Zen Garden in New York: Trees, Shrubs & Flowers Selection

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“Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden | TCLF”

  • Coniferous trees like pines and cypress are ideal for creating structure and year-round greenery.

  • Evergreen and deciduous trees each offer unique beauty and can thrive in New York’s varied seasons.

  • Incorporate flowering trees such as cherry blossoms for an authentic Japanese garden experience.

Embracing New York’s Climate for Japanese Garden Authenticity

When we think of Japanese Zen gardens, we often picture tranquil spaces that evoke a sense of harmony and balance. However, creating such a garden in New York requires a keen understanding of the local climate and the plants that can thrive within it. It’s all about choosing the right plants that not only align with the aesthetics of a Japanese garden but also withstand the city’s unique weather conditions. This is crucial to know because it will guide you in selecting plants that are resilient enough to survive the winter chill and the summer heat.

Disclaimer: The plant list and variety descriptions included in this article are based on recommendations from Yoko Kawaguchi as found in ‘Authentic Japanese Gardens’ book. This article serves as a reference guide and does not intend to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of the author or publisher. 

List of Plants for Japanese Gardens in New York

1) Coniferous Trees

Coniferous trees are the backbone of many Japanese gardens, providing year-round greenery and structure. They are known for their needle-like leaves and often conical shapes. Varieties such as pines and cypress trees are traditional choices.

Pine Varieties

Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca’

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimension in Feet

Pine Varieties

Pinus densiflora (Japanese Red Pine)

Zones 5-9

Native to Japan, red-brown bark, long needles in clusters of two

20-40 feet tall by 20-35 feet wide

Pinus parviflora (Japanese White Pine)

Zones 5-8

Elegant, slow-growing tree with blue-green needles in bundles of five

20-50 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide

Pinus thunbergii (Japanese Black Pine)

Zones 5-9

Coastal native, dark green needles, rugged appearance

20-60 feet tall by 15-35 feet wide

Juniperus Varieties

Hollywood Juniper

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimension in Feet

Juniperus Varieties

Juniperus chinensis (Hollywood Juniper)

Zones 4-9

Unique, irregularly shaped juniper with twisted branches and blue-green foliage

6-15 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide

Juniperus conferta (Shore Juniper)

Zones 6-9

Dense evergreen shrub found along sand dunes and rocky seashores in Japan

1-2 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide

Cedar and Cypress Varieties

Cryptomeria japonica ‘Sekkan-sugi .

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimension in Feet

Cedar and Cypress Varieties

Chamaecyparis obtusa var. breviramea (Chabo-hiba/Kamakura-hiba)

Zones 4-8

Dwarf form of Japanese hinoki cypress, compact and slow-growing

3 feet tall by 2 feet wide

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Plumosa’ (Nikko-hiba/Shinobu-hiba)

Zones 4-8

Dwarf garden cultivar of Japanese sawara cypress, tolerant of hard pruning, used for topiary and hedges

6-10 feet tall by 4-6 feet wide

Cryptomeria japonica (Sugi)

Zones 5-9

Tall, conical evergreen tree with reddish-brown bark and scale-like leaves

50-70 feet tall by 20-30 feet wide

Exotic Conifers

Japanese Torreya (Torreya nucifera)

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimension in Feet

Exotic Conifers

Sciadopitys verticillata (Umbrella Pine)

Zones 5-7

Unique umbrella-like appearance, dark green needles in whorls

30-50 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide

Taxus cuspidata (Japanese Yew)

Zones 4b-7a

Dark green foliage, red berries, tolerant of shade and pruning

10-20 feet tall by the same width

Thujopsis dolobrata (Hiba-arborvitae)

Zones 5b-7a

Conical shape, aromatic foliage, reddish-brown bark

30-50 feet tall by the same width

Torreya Nucifera (Japanese Nutmeg Yew)

Zones 6-9

Slow-growing evergreen tree with dark green needles and fleshy red fruits

30-40 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide

2) Evergreen Trees

Apart from conifers, other evergreens can provide year-round interest in your garden. Evergreen trees maintain their foliage throughout the year, offering continuous color and texture. Their consistent presence symbolizes the ongoing present moment, a fundamental principle in Zen philosophy. For more information on ‘Evergreen Trees in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.

Japanese box (Buxus microphylla)

Scientific & Common Name

Description

USDA Hardiness Zone

Size

Care Tips

Buxus microphylla var. japonica (Japanese box; tsuge)

Evergreen shrub native to Japan, used for hedges and topiaries, wood used for making combs

6 through 9

Up to 5 m (16 ft 3 in)

Very slow growth; care needed in transplanting; prefers half-shade; likes lime; mulch to prevent shallow roots from drying out

Ilex crenata (box-leaved holly/Japanese holly; inu-tsuge)

Small, round, glossy leaves, important for topiary in Japan, slow-growing but vigorous

6 through 9

5 x 4 m (16 ft 3 in x 13 ft)

Prefers partial shade and moist conditions; avoid winter wind; if soil is alkaline, give an annual feed of acid fertilizer

Ilex crenata (Japanese holly)

Scientific & Common Name

Description

USDA Hardiness Zone

Size

Care Tips

Ilex pedunculosa (long-stalk holly; soyogo)

Upright habit with both male and female plants needed for red autumn berries

5

Up to 6m (20ft)

Prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade; tolerant of air pollution and some sea-air

Ilex rotunda (kurogane holly/round-leaf holly; kurogane-mochi)

Slow-growing evergreen, female plants produce red berries in winter, popular for bonsai

6 through 9

9 to 15m (30 to 50ft)

Prune lightly Nov-Dec, then hard late spring; tolerates partial shade

3) Leafy & Deciduous Trees: Japanese Maples

Japanese maples trees bring a dynamic element to the garden, with their seasonal changes in foliage. In the spring, their new leaves symbolize renewal, while the colors of their autumn leaves paint the landscape with fiery colors before they fall, revealing the stark beauty of their branches against the winter sky. For more information on ‘Japanese Maples Trees in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.

Planting A Japanese Maple Tree”

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimensions (feet)

Acer buergerianum (Trident Maple/Three-toothed Maple)

5-8

Known for tri-lobed leaves, glossy green above, turning red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Small greenish-yellow flowers and samaras. Bark is gray-brown with orange, exfoliating. Drought resistant.

Height: 20-45, Spread: 25

Acer capillipes (Snake-bark Maple)

5-8

Distinctive striped bark resembling a snake’s skin. Green leaves turning yellow or red in fall.

Height: 20-30, Spread: 20-30

Acer cissifolium (Ivy-leaved Maple/Ash-leaved Maple)

5-7

Compound leaves resembling ash or ivy, good yellow to red fall color.

Height: 20-30, Spread: 15-25

Acer japonicum

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimensions (feet)

Acer mono (Painted Maple)

5-7

Variegated leaves with white or pink splashes.

Height: 30-40, Spread: 30-40

Acer palmatum (Iroha-momiji)

5-8

Variety of leaf shapes and colors, stunning fall coloration.

Height: 6-25, Spread: 6-25

Acer rufinerve (Grey Snake-bark Maple/Red Vein Maple)

5-7

Grey bark with white stripes and red-veined leaves.

Height: 20-30, Spread: 20-30

Acer shirasawanum (Golden Full Moon Maple/Golden Shirasawa Maple)

5-7

Unique leaf shape with excellent yellow to red fall color.

Height: 15-25, Spread: 15-25

Acer buergerianum

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimensions (feet)

Acer japonicum (Full Moon Maple)

5-7

Large round leaves, spectacular fall colors from gold to crimson.

Height: 15-25, Spread: 15-25

Acer maximowiczianum (Nikko Maple)

5-7

Large leaves with yellow to red fall color.

Height: 30-40, Spread: 20-30

Acer sieboldianum (Ko-uchiwa-kaede)

4-7

Deeply lobed leaves with bright red fall color.

Height: 15-20, Spread: 10-15

4) Blooming & Flowering Trees

“Cherry tree in Japan”

Flowering trees add a burst of color and fragrance to the garden. Their flowers offer a brief, fleeting instance of happiness, a nudge to treasure the here and now. Cherries and magnolias are some of the most cherished varieties, celebrated for their blossoms. For more information on ‘Flowering Trees in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.

Cherry Varieties

Prunus jamasakura (Japanese Hill Cherry)

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimensions in Feet

Cherry Varieties

Prunus cerasoides var. rubra (Kanbi-zakura)

Zones 5-8

Taiwan Cherry, Medium-sized tree

20-30 feet tall

Prunus incisa (Fuji Cherry)

Zones 5-8

Fuji Cherry, Small tree

15-20 feet tall

Prunus jamasakura (Japanese Hill Cherry)

Zones 6-9

Japanese Hill Cherry, Small to medium-sized tree

20-30 feet tall

Prunus japonica (Oriental Bush Cherry)

Zones 6-9

Oriental Bush Cherry, Small tree

15-25 feet tall

“Prunus mume (Japanese Apricot, Japanese …)

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimensions in Feet

Cherry Varieties

Prunus mume (Japanese Apricot)

Zones 6-9

Japanese Apricot, Small to medium-sized tree

Generally around 15-25 feet tall

Prunus sargentii (Sargent Cherry)

Zones 4-7

Sargent Cherry, Medium-sized tree

Typically 25-35 feet tall

Prunus speciosa (Oshima Cherry)

Zones 5-8

Oshima Cherry, Medium-sized tree

Around 20-30 feet tall

Prunus x subhirtella (Pendula)

Zones 5-8

Weeping Higan Cherry, Small tree with a weeping habit

Generally 15-25 feet tall

Prunus x yedoensis (Yoshino Cherry)

Zones 5-8

Yoshino Cherry, Medium-sized tree

Typically 25-40 feet tall

Magnolia Varieties

Magnolia kobus (Japanese Magnolia)

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimensions in Feet

Magnolia Varieties

Magnolia kobus (Kobushi)

Zones 5-8

Kobushi Magnolia, Deciduous tree with white, fragrant flowers in early spring

25-50 feet tall

Magnolia liliflora (Shi-mokuren)

Zones 5-8

Lily Magnolia/Mulan Magnolia, Deciduous shrub with large, showy purple flowers in late spring

8-12 feet tall

Magnolia obovata (Japanese Big-Leaf Magnolia)

Zones 5-8

Japanese Big-Leaf Magnolia, Large deciduous tree with huge leaves and white flowers

Up to 80 feet tall

Magnolia salicifolia (Japanese Willow-Leaved Magnolia)

Zones 5-8

Japanese Willow-Leaved Magnolia

Not specified

5) Evergreen Shrubs & Bushes

Let’s shift our focus to the garden’s unsung heroes: evergreen bushes. These reliable plants offer structure and consistency, making them the ideal setting for the more flashy trees and flowers. For more information on ‘Evergreen Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.

“Pieris japonica”

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Dimension in Feet

Euonymus japonicus (Japanese Spindle, Masaki)

Zones 6 to 9

Glossy green leaves, often used for hedges, variegated foliage

Typically 6 to 15 feet tall and 2 to 8 feet wide

Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens (Hai-byakushin)

Zones 4 to 9

Low-growing juniper, spreading habit, used as ground cover

Generally 1 to 2 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide

Pieris japonica (Japanese Andromeda)

Zones 5 to 8

Evergreen shrub, bell-shaped flowers, attractive foliage

Typically 9 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide

6) Shrubs that Shed their Leaves

Deciduous shrubs add a layer of texture and color as their foliage changes with the seasons. They’re the plants that aren’t afraid to change it up and keep things interesting with their seasonal transformations. They can be used to fill in the middle ground between the taller trees and the lower ground covers. For more information on ‘Deciduous Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.

Ilex serrata (sieboldii)

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Care

Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry)

4-8

Thorny, dense, rounded shrub; good autumn color; resistant to deer browsing; drought and air pollution tolerant

Height: 3-6 feet; Width: 4-7 feet; Prune two or three times a year to maintain size and shape; mid-spring, late summer, and autumn

Disanthus cercidifolius (Redbud Hazel)

5-8

Rounded shrub; heart-shaped leaves turning burgundy, orange, and crimson in autumn

Height: 6-10 feet; Minimal pruning required; can be done to shape as desired

Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus)

4-8

Dense shrub; bright fall color; invasive in the US

Height: 5-15 feet; Width: 5-15 feet; Generally minimal pruning is required unless controlling size or shape

Euonymus oxyphyllus (Korean Spindle Tree)

4-8

Slow-growing, upright tree; small white flowers in spring; gaudy seed heads in autumn

Height: Up to 8 feet; Minimum pruning required, remove over-long branches when the plant is dormant

Salix gracilistyla

Scientific Name and Common Name

USDA Hardiness Zones

Features

Size and Care

Ilex serrata (Japanese Winterberry)

5-9

Slow-growing, bushy with purple stems; female trees produce red berries

Height: Up to 9 feet; No pruning needed except to reduce long spurs

Lindera umbellata (Kuromoji)

6-9

Elegant shrub; tolerates hard pruning once established

Height: Up to 9 feet; Cut back main leaders to desired height late winter; remove old stems at base to avoid overcrowding

Salix gracilistyla (Rosegold Pussy Willow)

5-9

Waterside willow; fluffy gray catkins

Minimum pruning required

7) Blooming & Flowering Shrubs

Flowering shrubs are used sparingly in Japanese gardens to accentuate certain areas with their blooms. Their flowers are subtle reminders of the fleeting nature of beauty, encouraging us to live in the now and appreciate the present. They often symbolize the changing seasons. For more information on ‘Flowering Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.

Yakushimanum rhododendrons …”

Scientific and Common Name

USDA Hardiness

Features

Size

Corylopsis pauciflora (Buttercup Winter Hazel, Buttercup Witch Hazel)

Zones 6-8

Deciduous shrub with racemes of pale primrose yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. Leaves turn yellow in fall.

4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters)

Corylopsis spicata (Tosa-mizuki, Spike Winter Hazel)

Zones 5-8

Deciduous shrub with slender, pendant racemes of lemon-yellow flowers in March and April.

1 to 2.5 meters (4 to 8 feet) height, 2 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet) spread

Deutzia gracilis (Japanese Snow Flower, Hime-utsugi)

Zones 5-8

Bushy, upright shrub with white, fragrant flowers in spring. Compact growth.

Up to 1 meter (approximately 3 feet)

Enkianthus perulatus (White Enkianthus, Dodan-tsutsuji)

Zones 6-8

Deciduous shrub with heather-like flowers in early spring and red autumn foliage.

30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet)

Exochorda racemosa (Common Pearlbush, Rikyubai)

Zones 5-8

Deciduous shrub with delicate, scented, white flowers in late April to May.

Up to 4.5 meters (15 feet), can be kept compact

Hypericum patulum (Kinshibai)

Zones 6-7

Evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with yellow cup-shaped flowers from August to October.

Not specified

Spirea Japonica

Scientific and Common Name

USDA Hardiness

Features

Size

Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Hortensia)

Zones 5-9

Includes lacecap and mophead forms. Flower color changes with soil pH.

1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6 feet 7 inches)

Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea)

Zones 4-7

Fast-growing shrub with large, conical flower heads.

Up to 3 meters (9 feet 9 inches)

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea, Kashiwa-ajisai)

Zones 6-9

White to cream-colored flowers in large panicles, oak-like leaves with good autumn color.

Up to 2 meters (6 feet)

Kerria japonica (Japanese Kerria, Japanese Rose)

Zones 4-9

Bright yellow single or double flowers in spring.

2 x 2.5 meters (6 feet 6 inches x 8 feet)

Lespedeza bicolor (Japanese Bush Clover, Yama-hagi)

Zones 5-8

Tiny purple-pink flowers at the end of summer and in autumn, weeping branches.

1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6 feet 7 inches)

Paeonia suffruticosa (Tree Peony, Moutan; Botan)

Zones 4-8

Deciduous shrub with large, beautiful flowers and shallow roots.

Up to 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches)

Philadelphus satsumi (Satsumi Mock Orange)

Zone 7

Deciduous, upright shrub with showy, scented flowers in summer.

2 to 2.5 meters (6 to 8 feet)

Hydrangea Macrophylla

Scientific and Common Name

USDA Hardiness

Features

Size

Rhododendron yakushimanum (Yakushima Rhododendron)

Typically Zones 5-8

Evergreen rhododendrons with big leathery leaves, slow-growing.

Up to 4 meters (13 feet)

Deciduous Azaleas (R. quinquefolium, R. dilatatum, R. reticulatum, R. japonicum)

Zones 6-8

Less vigorous growth, R. quinquefolium has delicate structure and white flowers.

Not specified

Spiraea thunbergii (Baby’s Breath Spirea, Breath-of-Spring Spirea, Yuki-yanagi)

Zones 4-8

Flowers in early spring with trailing branches.

1 to 1.5 meters (3 feet 3 inches to 5 feet)

Viburnum furcatum (Forked Viburnum, Scarlet-leaved Viburnum, Mushikari)

Zones 5-9

Deciduous shrub with scented white flowers in May and good autumn color.

Up to 3.5 meters (11 feet 2 inches)

Viburnum phlebotrichum (Otoko-yozome)

Zone 5

Small white flowers, leaves turn crimson in autumn.

Up to 2.5 meters (8 feet)

Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball, Odemari)

Zones 5-8

Deciduous shrub with large, spherical white flowerheads.

Up to 3 meters (9 feet 9 inches)

8) Japanese Gardens Grass Types

Grasses in Japanese gardens add softness and movement. Grasses are simple, and that’s what makes them so powerful. They don’t demand attention, they simply enhance the other elements, swaying softly and giving the garden a sense of calm and stability. For more information on ‘Ultimate Guide to Japanese Garden Grass:’, explore our detailed guide here.

Hakone Grass | Hakonechloa macra …”

Scientific and Common Name

Description

Size (Height x Width)

USDA Hardiness Zones

Care Tips

Carex hachijoensis (Evergold Sedge)

An evergreen sedge with creamy yellow and green variegated foliage, tufted and adaptable to various light conditions

30 cm x 35 cm (1′ x 1’2″)

Zones 5-10

Light trimming in late winter/early spring, prefers moist well-drained soil, pest and disease resistant

Hakonechloa macra (Aureola)

A variegated Japanese forest grass with bright gold leaves and green stripes, red-tinted in autumn

36 cm x 40 cm (1’2½” x 1’4″)

Zones 5-9

Consistent moisture, slow grower, prefers partial shade, pest and disease-free, deer resistant

Imperata cylindrica (Japanese blood grass)

A grass with distinctive blood-red leaf tips, more controlled and garden-friendly than the species

Up to 50 cm long leaves

Zones 5-9

Minimal maintenance, prefers full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil

Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silvergrass)

Culturally significant in Japan, but recognized as an invasive species

Not specified

Not specified

Consider non-invasive alternatives due to its invasive nature

“Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron …”

Scientific and Common Name

Description

Size (Height x Width)

USDA Hardiness Zones

Care Tips

Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhlygrass)

Known for its superb pink flower plumes in autumn, thrives in sandy or rocky well-drained soils, full sun

Up to 90 cm (3′)

Zones 5-9

Minimal maintenance, prefers full sun

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

A medium-sized grass that adds vertical interest and is disease-free, useful for erosion control

Up to 1.2 meters (4′)

Zones 3-9

Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring

Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)

Tall, clump-forming, adaptable to various soil types, drought-tolerant

90 to 150 cm (3 to 5′)

Zones 4-9

Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring

Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed)

Scented flowers late summer to early autumn, native to North America, fine-textured foliage

60 to 90 cm (2 to 3′)

Zones 3-9

Drought-tolerant once established, minimal maintenance, prefers well-drained soils

9) Foliage and Flowers in Japanese Gardens

The foliage and flowers in a Japanese garden should work together to create a sense of peace and beauty. They are chosen not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their ability to complement each other and the overall design of the garden. For more information on ‘Best Foliage and Flowers in Japanese Gardens:’, explore our detailed guide here.

9.1) Flowers

Hepatica – Issuu”

Scientific and Common Name

Description

Size

USDA Hardiness Zones

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Hosta spp. (Plantain Lily; Giboshi)

Versatile perennials with a wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, producing tall spikes of flowers in summer.

Varies by species, from small to large

Varies by species, from 3 through 9 to 3 through 8

Partial to full shade, well-drained, moist soil, regular watering, mulching in spring.

Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge; Fukkiso)

Evergreen ground cover that forms dense mats of glossy leaves in whorls.

25 x 60 cm (10 in x 2 ft)

5 through 8

Partial to deep shade, slightly acidic to neutral soil, annual acid fertilizer if soil is neutral, pinch out tips for denser growth.

Rohdea japonica (Japanese Sacred Lily; Omoto)

Evergreen perennial with leathery leaves and greenish-yellow flower-heads followed by red or white berries.

Foliage up to 30 cm (1 ft) long

6 through 10

Moist, acidic soil in shade, suitable for understory planting or ground cover.

9.2) Foliage

Arisaema thunbergii ssp. urashima – a …”

Scientific and Common Name

Description

Size

USDA Hardiness Zones

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima (Urashima-so)

Herbaceous perennial with a unique jack-in-the-pulpit-like spathe and poisonous roots.

8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in)

5 through 9

Partial to full shade, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Aster tataricus (Shion)

Tall perennial with pale, delicate lavender flowers blooming in autumn.

Up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in)

3 through 7

Moist soil, full sun, not suitable for shaded conditions.

Astilbe (Chidake-sashi)

Dwarf hybrid ‘Sprite’ with dark foliage and pale pink flower spikes in summer.

About 30 cm (1 ft) tall

4 through 8

Rich, moist soil in partial shade, consistent moisture.

Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana (Shukaido)

Perennial with fleshy stalks, red flush around the nodes, and pale red single flowers.

About 50 cm (1 ft 8 in)

6 through 9

Protection from winter cold, moist, well-drained soil, partial shade.

Bletilla striata (Shi-ran)

Deciduous terrestrial orchid with lance-shaped leaves and bright pink flowers.

Not very tall

5 through 9

Moist, rich soil, partial shade, mulch in autumn or lift and store tubers.

Calanthe discolor (Ground Orchid; Ebine)

Woodland orchid from Japan with maroon and white flowers on a tall stem.

Noticeable height

6 through 9

Partial shade, moist, humus-rich, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil, dry in winter.

Scientific and Common Name

Description

Size

USDA Hardiness Zones

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Chelonopsis moschata (Jako-so)

Slow-spreading perennial with tiny, deep mauve penstemon-like flowers.

Up to 60 cm (24 in)

5 through 9

Damp conditions, partial shade.

Chloranthus japonicus (Hitori-shizuka)

Dainty perennial with a single spike of white, scented, bottlebrush-like flowers.

Up to 60 cm (24 in) tall, 90 cm (36 in) spread

6 through 9

Partial shade, moist, well-drained soil.

Chloranthus serratus (Futari-shizuka)

Produces two spikes of scented, white, bottlebrush-like flowers.

Similar to Chloranthus japonicus

6 through 9

Moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.

Clintonia udensis (Tsubame-omoto)

Herbaceous, clump-forming perennial with bell-shaped white flowers in racemes.

30 x 20 cm (1 ft x 8 in)

5 through 8

Fertile, moist, neutral to acidic soil in partial or full shade.

Dicentra peregrina (Bleeding-heart; Koma-gusa)

Japanese herbaceous perennial with distinctive heart-shaped flowers. ‘King of Hearts’ cultivar has red flowers.

Not specified

5 through 9

Humus-rich, moist, slightly acidic soils in partial shade. Regular dead-heading and division every six to ten years.

Disporum smilacinum (Chigo-yuri)

Perennial with one or two pendent flowers on each stem in spring.

20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) high

4 through 8

Partial shade and consistently moist soil.

Eupatorium fortunei (Fuji-bakama)

Known for its pale lavender umbels that bloom in autumn.

1 m (3 ft 3 in)

4 through 9

Moist soil, full sun to partial shade.

Farfugium japonicum or Tsuwabuki

Scientific and Common Name

Description

Size

USDA Hardiness Zones

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Filipendula purpurea (Kyoganoko)

Forms clumps of toothed leaves and feathery crimson flowers in summer.

1.2 m x 60 cm (4 ft x 2 ft)

3 through 8

Full sun to partial shade, moist soil, suitable near water.

Gentiana makinoi (Oyama-rindo)

Herbaceous perennial with pale blue flowers in late summer.

Not specified

5 through 9

Acidic soil, full sun to partial shade, ideal for rock gardens or alpine settings.

Gymnaster savatieri (Gymnaster/Aster savatieri; Miyako-wasure)

Produces pale blue or white aster-like flowers in late season.

30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) high, 60 to 75 cm (2 to 2.5 ft) spread

5 through 7

Full sun or partial shade, adaptable to soil conditions.

Heloniopsis orientalis (Shojo-bakama)

Evergreen perennial with strap-like leaves and star-shaped flowers.

Not specified

5 through 8

Shade, moist, well-drained soil.

Hemerocallis spp. (Daylilies)

Variety of daylilies, including tawny daylily (H. fulva) with double flowers.

Not specified

4 through 9

Moist but not wet soil in full sun, some species may be invasive.

Hepatica nobilis var. japonica (Yuki-wari-so)

Semi-evergreen perennial with star-shaped purple-blue flowers in early spring.

Not specified

5 through 8

Neutral, heavy soil in partial shade, good for rock gardens, resents transplanting.

Iris sanguinea (Ayame)

Beardless iris with grass-like leaves and violet flowers.

Up to 90 cm (3 ft)

4 through 9

Moist but not wet soil in full sun.

Scientific and Common Name

Description

Size

USDA Hardiness Zones

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Liriope muscari (Yabu-ran)

Evergreen perennial with pale lavender flower spikes in autumn.

Not specified

5 through 10

Well-drained soil in sun, partial shade, or shade.

Physalis alkekengi (Chinese Lantern; Hozuki)

Known for bright orange, papery, lantern-shaped seed pods in autumn.

Not specified

3 through 9

Full sun, can spread aggressively by rhizomes.

Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower; Kikyo)

Known for purple, white, or pink flowers that bloom in early autumn or summer.

Not specified

3 through 8

Sunny, rich soil.

Polygonatum falcatum (Fragrant Solomon’s Seal; Naruko-yuri)

Produces greenish-white delicate pendulous flowers along the stem.

Not specified

4 through 8

Well-drained soil and partial shade.

Sedum alboroseum (Autumn Stonecrop; Benkei-so)

‘Mediovariegatum’ has variegated leaves and large, white flower heads in late summer.

Up to 50 cm (20 in) high, 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) spread

4 through 9

Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.

Sedum kamtschaticum (Russian Stonecrop; Kirin-so)

Creeping sedum with yellow flowers in late summer, drought-tolerant.

About 15 cm (6 in)

4 through 9

Good drainage and full sun.

Saxifraga fortunei var. incisolobata (Daimonji-so)

Mound-forming herbaceous perennial with flowers from August to November.

Up to 25 cm (10 in) high, 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20 in) spread

6 through 9

Partial to full shade, regular watering.

Tricyrtis hirta (Toad Lily; Hototogisu)

Clump-forming perennial with spotted purple flowers in summer to early autumn.

60 to 100 cm (2 to 3 ft 3 in) high

4 through 8

Moist, slightly acidic, well-shaded conditions.

“Japanese Garden of the Brooklyn Botanic …”

Conclusion

Creating a Japanese garden in New York’s varied climate requires careful consideration of plant hardiness and selection. By understanding the USDA zones and choosing appropriate plants, gardeners can cultivate a space that not only survives but thrives, offering a tranquil retreat that changes beautifully with the seasons. This article provides the foundational knowledge needed to make informed decisions for building a Japanese garden that resonates with the aesthetic principles of this timeless garden style.

FAQ

Can Japanese maple trees thrive in New York’s climate?

Yes, Japanese maple trees can thrive in New York’s climate, particularly if you choose varieties that are suited to the local hardiness zone. They require some protection from harsh sun and wind but can provide stunning color and form to your garden.

How to maintain evergreen shrubs in a Zen garden setting?

To maintain evergreen shrubs in a Zen garden, ensure they’re planted in well-draining soil and receive adequate water. Prune them in late winter or early spring to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth.

  • Which flowering trees offer the most authentic Japanese garden experience?

  • Cherry Blossoms (Yoshino Cherry, Kwanzan Cherry): Iconic blooms that symbolize the transient nature of life.

  • Plum Trees: Early spring blossoms that provide a fragrant welcome to the season.

  • Magnolia Trees (Star Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia): Hardy varieties that offer stunning and fragrant spring flowers.

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