Two of our favorite native perennials to plant in Eastern Massachusetts are Kim's Knee High and Bridal Veil False Spirea. The Echinacea purpurea 'Kim's Knee High' is a compact version of Purple Coneflower. It is covered in 3-inch rosy-pink flowers that have drooping petals. This Coneflower will begin blooming a week or two the other Echinacea's. It is the ideal addition to a small landscape design where birds and butterflies can access it. All Coneflowers have such good root systems that they are known as "clay busters", tough enough to handle difficult clay soils. They grow best in full sun and are known to attract birds and hummingbirds, while keeping away deer due to their rugged texture.
The Astilbe 'Bridal Veil' is a long-living perennial with fern-like ornamental foliage and showy 
plumes of flowers. They look great in border garden designs or as stand alone specimens. These perennials tolerate full sun with ample moisture, but they prefer part shade environments.
The Kim's Knee high and Bridal Veil False Spirea are both rugged, hardy, and durable native perennials to Massachusetts.
