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Gardening In Huntington, NY: Coastal Beauty & Colonial Roots

Gardening In Huntington, NY: Coastal Beauty & Colonial Roots - Nature Hills Nursery

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Coastal Beauty Meets Colonial Roots

Perennial garden

Huntington, New York, perched along Long Island's North Shore, is a gem of a town with a deep maritime history, bustling art scene, and leafy neighborhoods steeped in tradition. With influences from nearby New York City and the cooling salt breezes of the Long Island Sound, gardeners here enjoy a moderate climate in USDA Zones 7a and 7b. Huntington's landscapes range from rocky shores and wooded hills to suburban lawns and historic estates.

This temperate zone means coastal winds, humid summers, and mild winters, all perfect for hardy ornamentals, fragrant native blooms, and garden-friendly edibles. From refreshing front borders to creating pollinator paradises, the plants below are perfectly suited to Huntington's natural charm and coastal conditions. By selecting plants suited to local conditions, you can design landscapes that are both visually stunning and easy to maintain.

New York State Facts and Local Huntington Climate

Huntington enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area’s sandy loam soil offers excellent drainage, ideal for a variety of resilient plants suited to USDA hardiness zone 7.

  • Official Nickname: The Empire State
  • Unofficial Nickname: The Excelsior State
  • State Tree: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
  • Town Vibe: Seaside suburb with colonial roots and cultural flair
  • Historical Highlight: Home to Walt Whitman’s birthplace
  • Climate: Coastal humid subtropical/continental blend
  • Average Last Frost: Mid to late April
  • Soil Type: Loamy to sandy with pockets of clay and rocky glacial till

Climate: Huntington enjoys a humid continental climate with maritime influence:

  • Cold-hardiness: USDA Zones 6b - 7a
  • Average rainfall: ~45 inches per year
  • Snowfall: 25-30 inches annually
  • Summer highs: mid-80s °F
  • Winter lows: upper teens °F

Soil: Soils in Huntington are well-draining, loamy, and rich with glacial minerals. Most properties have acidic to slightly acidic pH, favoring Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and other ericaceous plants. Compost and arborist mulch go a long way in retaining moisture and feeding the soil.

Landscape: The terrain varies from wooded hills and kettle ponds to seaside bluffs. This natural diversity supports an array of plantings, from woodland natives to beach-hardy grasses.

Top 10 Ornamental Plants For Huntington Gardens

In addition to namesake plants, like the Professor Kippenburg New York Aster and New York Fern, these ornamentals have been handpicked by Nature Hills Nursery to offer your garden style, stamina, and seasonal charm:

  • Limelight Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'): Cone-shaped lime-to-pink blooms with strong stems and salt-tolerant flexibility.

  • Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii): Intensely fragrant pink-white spring flowers and fiery fall foliage.

  • Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica'): A compact evergreen with soft needles; ideal for formal plantings and containers.

  • Little Miss Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Little Miss'): Compact ornamental grass with shifting red-to-copper tones through the seasons.

  • Coral Knock Out® Shrub Rose (Rosa 'Radrazz'): Repeated blooming with disease resistance; perfect for a touch of classic romance.
  • Palace Purple Coral Bells (Heuchera 'Palace Purple'): Herbaceous perennial with ruffled purple foliage and delicate white flowers that is excellent for shade.

  • Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star'): Low-growing evergreen with steel-blue needles and strong texture.

  • Marianni® Daphne (Daphne odora 'Rogbret'): Deeply fragrant, late-winter blooms and glossy, broadleaf evergreen foliage.

  • May Night Salvia (Salvia nemorosa 'May Night'): Long blooming, deer-resistant, and highly attractive to pollinators.

  • All Gold Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'): Graceful, golden variegated grass for part shade and woodland edges.

Native Plants: Honoring Long Island’s Natural Heritage

Native plants in New York are crucial to Huntington's unique ecosystem, from sandy dunes to Oak-Hickory woodlands. These plants have evolved alongside local birds, bees, and butterflies, making them excellent low-maintenance and high-impact choices. Whether you're recreating a natural woodland or adding biodiversity to your yard, native plants help support pollinators, preserve history, and resist local pests.

Native Trees For Huntington Landscapes

  1. Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica): Also known as the Black Tupelo, this tree has stunning fall color in scarlet and orange, and is an important nectar source for bees.
  2. American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana): Sinewy gray trunk, attractive foliage, and perfect for shady gardens.
  3. White Oak (Quercus alba): Majestic and long-lived, this tree supports hundreds of native insects and birds.
  4. Wafer-Ash (Common Hoptree) (Ptelea trifoliata): Uncommon native with wafer-like seed pods and citrus-scented flowers; a historical brewing and medicinal plant.

Native Shrubs For North Shore Gardens

  1. Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica): Aromatic foliage and silver-gray berries; legendary for colonial candle-making.
  2. Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra): Evergreen, tidy form; excellent Boxwood alternative for coastal conditions. Try the smaller Shamrock for a compact option.
  3. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia): Sweet-smelling blooms in summer that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
  4. New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): Deep roots, drought-tolerant, and historically used as a tea substitute.

Native Perennials for Pollinators and Charm

Introduce color throughout the seasons with long-blooming perennials like Black-Eyed Susan and Daylilies.

  1. Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Graceful red and yellow blooms beloved by hummingbirds.
  2. Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa): Tolerant of salt and sand; bright yellow plumes in late summer and fall.
  3. Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): Tall, pink-flowered nectar powerhouse for butterflies and bees. Try the smaller Rosie Josie!
  4. Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum): Delicate lavender blooms and deeply cut foliage. It thrives in dappled woodlands.
  5. New York Fern: A graceful native Fern with soft, tapering fronds that thrive in the shaded woodlands of the Northeast.

Native Fruiting Trees for Edible Landscaping

  1. American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana): Orange fall fruits that soften after frost; great for wildlife and sweet baking.
  2. Beach Plum (Prunus maritima): Compact coastal tree with white spring blossoms and tart purple fruits for preserves.
  3. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis): Four-season interest with white blooms, edible berries, and brilliant autumn leaves.

Native Fruiting Bushes and Vines

  1. Common Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): White blooms and medicinal berries loved by both gardeners and birds.
  2. Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis): A wild bramble with deep-colored fruit perfect for jellies and wildlife.
  3. Fox Grape (Vitis labrusca): A vigorous native vine producing richly flavored grapes. It also supports native moths and birds and thrives along fences, arbors, and woodland edges.

Tips and Tricks For Gardening In Huntington

  • Salt & Wind: Choose salt-tolerant and wind-resistant plants for seaside sites.

  • Sandy Soils: Amend with compost and organic matter to improve water and nutrient retention. Optimize water use and enrich your soil by employing xeriscaping techniques with drought-tolerant plants like Echinacea and Sedum.

  • Mulch: Use arborist mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots from weather swings.

  • Water Right: Especially for new plantings, try the Finger Test before watering.

  • Deadhead for continuous blooming and garden tidiness. Learn more here.

  • Layered Landscapes: Mix native shrubs with perennials and grasses for depth, wildlife shelter, and four-season interest!

  • Tackling Wildlife with Deer-Resistant Plants: Deer and wildlife can be part of the local charm, but you can protect your garden by planting deer-resistant varieties such as Lavender and Yarrow. Using companion planting as a natural deterrent ensures your landscape stays lush and untouched.

  • Timing is Everything: Strategic planting during the spring and fall allows your plants to establish themselves in stable temperatures. This thoughtful timing, much like tailoring a suit for the perfect fit, ensures your garden thrives in its unique environment.

  • Embracing Modern Garden Design Trends: Maximize your garden space creatively with vertical gardening and urban forestry. Structures like arbors and trellises not only support climbing plants but also add an intriguing vertical element to your design.

  • Essential Gardening Tools and Technology: Arm yourself with quality tools: sharp pruners, accurate soil testers, and eco-friendly pest solutions, and keep your garden thriving. Smart gardening technology, such as automated irrigation, simplifies maintenance, ensuring efficient and effective garden management.

From Harbor to Hedge: Huntington's Garden Greatness

Sugar Maple tree

From Centerport to Cold Spring Harbor, the gardens of Huntington reflect the town's creative, coastal heart. Whether you're planting in a forested backlot or steps from the Sound, your landscape can honor Long Island's rich native flora while showing off with stunning ornamental flair.

Pair Coral Bells beneath the Sugar Maple state tree, line a picket fence with Knock Out® Roses, or let Joe Pye Weed sway like sea grass on your own little inland dune. Huntington's gardens are as layered and lovely as its history!

Happy Planting!

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Compare Plants

Browse the features and specs side-by-side to find the best fit for your garden.

Limelight Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'), a shrub featuring pink, white, green flowers and deciduous.
Limelight Panicle Hydrangea
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Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii), a shrub featuring pink, white flowers and deciduous.
Korean Spice Viburnum
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Compact, cone-shaped, and evergreen — the Dwarf Alberta Spruce is ideal for decorating entryways or tabletops during Christmas. Hardy, slow-growing, and beautifully dense all year long.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce
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Coral Knock Out® Rose
Coral Knock Out® Shrub Rose
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Palace Purple Coral Bells (Heuchera micrantha 'Palace Purple'), a perennial featuring pink, white flowers and perennial.
Palace Purple Coral Bells
View details
Rating
Rating
(632)
(20)
(2)
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(1)
Type
TypeShrubShrubTreeShrubPerennial
By
ByProven WinnersNature Hills NurseryNature Hills NurseryKnock Out® RosesNature Hills Nursery
Flower Color
Flower Color
  • Pink
  • White
  • Green
  • Pink
  • White
  • White
  • Pink
  • Orange
  • Pink
  • White
Growing Zone Range
Growing Zone Range
3–9
5-9
3-6
5-11
4-9
Mature Height
Mature Height
8 ft
4-6 ft
5-8 ft
4 ft
1-2 ft
Width
Width
6 ft
4-5 ft
3-4 ft
4 ft
1 ft
Price
Price
From $8092
From $3064
From $4729
$7209
From $2950

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plants grow best in Huntington, NY's sandy, coastal soil conditions?
Huntington's sandy loam soil and USDA Zones 6b to 7a create ideal conditions for salt-tolerant ornamentals like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and native coastal bloomers that thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The area's roughly 45 inches of annual rainfall supports a wide range of hardy perennials, ornamental grasses, and edibles without heavy supplemental irrigation. To get the best results, amend your soil with compost and arborist mulch before planting to improve moisture retention and boost the natural glacial mineral content that Long Island soils are known for.

How do I choose the right garden site for Huntington, NY's sun, wind, and salt spray exposure?
In Huntington's USDA Zones 6b to 7a, site selection starts with understanding your property's relationship to Long Island Sound, since salt spray and coastal winds can stress plants that aren't positioned or protected thoughtfully. South and southwest-facing spots offer the most sun and warmth, while a windbreak of salt-tolerant shrubs or a fence can shield more sensitive plantings from prevailing northeast winds off the water. Sandy loam soils drain quickly, so low spots or areas amended with compost will better support moisture-loving plants, while elevated or exposed sites suit drought-tolerant natives. Observe your yard through a full day before planting to map sun patterns, note any salt-exposed zones near the shoreline, and choose plants rated for Zone 6b as a buffer against occasional harsh winters.

How can I improve sandy or nutrient-poor soil in a Long Island coastal garden?
Sandy and nutrient-poor soils are common along Long Island's coastal areas, but they respond well to consistent organic matter additions. Work in several inches of compost each season to improve water retention, soil structure, and microbial activity. Arborist wood chip mulch applied 2 to 3 inches deep around plantings further builds organic matter as it breaks down while suppressing weeds. Start soil improvement in early spring before planting, reapply compost each fall, and consider a soil pH test to confirm your levels, since most Huntington soils run acidic and may benefit from targeted amendments based on what you want to grow.

Which trees, shrubs, and perennials are easiest for beginner gardeners on Long Island?
For beginner gardeners in Huntington and across Long Island's USDA Zones 6b to 7a, some of the most forgiving choices include native shrubs like native Azaleas and Rhododendrons, which thrive in the region's naturally acidic, loamy soil with minimal amendment. Tough ornamental trees such as Sugar Maple and drought-tolerant perennials like Black-Eyed Susan and Coneflower establish reliably in the sandy loam and handle the area's humid summers and occasional coastal winds without much fuss. Start planting shrubs and perennials in spring after the average last frost in mid to late April, and apply a layer of arborist mulch to retain moisture and keep maintenance low through the season.

How do I protect my Huntington garden from deer, rabbits, moles, and voles throughout the season?
Huntington's wooded hills and suburban edges bring consistent pressure from deer, rabbits, moles, and voles, especially during spring planting and fall when food sources thin out. Surround vulnerable beds with hardware cloth buried at least 6 inches deep to deter burrowing voles and moles, and install deer fencing at a minimum of 8 feet tall for reliable protection in Zones 6b to 7a. Choose naturally resistant plants like Rhododendrons, ornamental grasses, and lavender as your foundation, and apply a granular repellent around the garden perimeter in early April before new growth emerges, reapplying after heavy rain throughout the season.

When and how should I prune trees and shrubs in a coastal New York landscape?
In Huntington's USDA Zones 6b to 7a, most trees and shrubs are best pruned in late winter or early spring, just before new growth emerges, typically from late February through mid-March. Spring-blooming shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons are the exception and should be pruned immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next season's buds. In coastal conditions with salt wind exposure, also remove any dead, damaged, or wind-burned branches in early spring to encourage healthy regrowth. Focus cuts at a 45-degree angle just above an outward-facing bud or lateral branch to promote strong structure and good air circulation throughout the growing season.

How do I prepare a Huntington, NY garden for winter after a growing season near the coast?
After Huntington's growing season wraps up, focus on winterizing before the average first frost arrives in mid to late November, with USDA Zones 6b to 7a bringing winter lows into the upper teens. Cut back spent perennials, mulch root zones with 2 to 3 inches of arborist mulch or compost to insulate against freeze-thaw cycles, and amend your sandy loam or glacial till soil with compost to replenish nutrients depleted by the humid, active growing season. Salt-spray exposure from Long Island Sound can desiccate evergreens, so apply an anti-desiccant spray to broadleaf evergreens like Rhododendrons and Azaleas before temperatures drop consistently below freezing. Wrap tender shrubs in burlap to block coastal winds, drain irrigation lines before the ground freezes, and use the dormant season to test and adjust your soil pH, which tends to run acidic and benefits from annual monitoring.

Which flowering plants and shrubs grow well in the salty air and wind along Long Island's north shore?
Huntington's coastal conditions along Long Island's North Shore favor salt-tolerant plants that thrive in USDA Zones 6b to 7a. Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and other ericaceous shrubs perform exceptionally well in the area's naturally acidic, sandy loam soil, while ornamental grasses and native flowering perennials handle the coastal winds with ease. For best results, choose plants rated for Zone 7 or lower, mulch generously with arborist chips to retain moisture and buffer salt spray, and site salt-sensitive specimens behind hedges or structures that can act as windbreaks.

How do I keep container gardens thriving on a coastal Long Island patio or deck?
Container gardens on a coastal Long Island patio thrive when you choose salt-tolerant, Zone 7-hardy plants like ornamental grasses, lavender, or compact shrubs that can handle Huntington's humidity and ocean breezes. Use large containers with excellent drainage and fill them with a well-draining potting mix amended with compost to mimic the region's sandy loam conditions. Water consistently during hot summers when temperatures climb into the mid-80s, but never let pots sit in standing water. Select a sheltered spot on your deck to buffer strong coastal winds, and fertilize lightly every four to six weeks from spring through early August to keep plants vigorous through the season.

When is the best time to plant flowers, shrubs, and trees in Huntington, NY?
In Huntington, NY, the best planting window for most flowers, shrubs, and trees is after the average last frost in mid to late April, with spring and early fall being the ideal seasons overall. The area falls in USDA Zones 6b to 7a, so cool-season flowers can go in earlier, while heat-loving annuals and tender perennials should wait until soil temps are consistently warm. Fall planting, typically September through October, is especially effective for trees and shrubs, giving roots time to establish before winter. Aim to plant during mild, overcast days and water thoroughly at installation to help new plants settle into Huntington's well-draining, loamy soil.
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