Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) is a unique native shrub with finely textured, fern-like foliage and a low, spreading habit. Despite its name, it’s not a true fern, but a hardy woody plant ideal for tough growing conditions.
Growing 2–4 feet tall and spreading by underground rhizomes, Sweetfern forms dense colonies that make it perfect for naturalized areas, slopes, and erosion control. It thrives in poor, sandy, and dry soils where many other plants struggle.
The aromatic foliage releases a pleasant scent when touched, adding sensory appeal to native and low-maintenance landscapes.
Why Choose Sweetfern: – Extremely drought tolerant once established – Thrives in poor, sandy soils – Spreads to form dense colonies – Native and low maintenance
Ideal for difficult sites where you need coverage, durability, and a natural look.
Privacy & Screening: Many varieties grow dense and full, making them ideal for natural hedges and property boundaries.
Seasonal Color & Texture: From evergreen foliage to flowering varieties, shrubs provide visual interest in every season.
Shrubs Grown to Perform in New England
At Pro Growers of New England, our shrubs are grown and maintained locally to perform in true New England conditions. From flowering varieties to evergreen foundation plants, each shrub is properly spaced, pruned, and cared for to develop strong root systems and balanced structure before it ever reaches your landscape.
Unlike large online sellers that ship plants long distances, we invite you to visit our nursery, walk the rows, and inspect the exact shrubs available. You can see the size, health, and fullness in person — ensuring there are no surprises upon delivery.
Not only was the hard-to-find honeysuckle plant I wanted beautifully healthy, but Chris made the extra effort to choose the healthiest plant of those available AND gently disentangle the vines from one another, give me a cart-ride back to my car and carefully load my prize find into my car. I will definitely look here for future plants. Many thanks!
Arrived on time. Did a clean and complete installation of our new tree. They also were able to answer a few questions as well. Very satisfied with the experience.
Installation Service
Ronni Hass
Outstanding shrubs and insallation
Miss Kim Lilac
Craig Lawrence
Ordered online and came the next day. Exactly what I was looking for. Tree was in great shape.
Ivory Silk® Tree Lilac
Anonymous
LOVE IT
Plant looks great in my garden
Brandon Arborvitae
Growzone Finder
It helps us recommend plants that are best for your local climate, based on your growing zone. Also, because we ship plants based on when they are best for your local climate, it allows us to give you a more accurate estimate of when your order will ship.
