Rhode Island Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
6a, 6b, 7a
Annual Rainfall
40-50 inches annually
Frost Window
April-November
Water Notes
Moderate rainfall; well-distributed
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Rhode Island's unique climate and landscape
Seaside and salt-tolerant plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Wind-resistant
- ā¢Salt spray tolerance
- ā¢Sandy soil
- ā¢Maritime plants
Historic New England style
Key Features:
- ā¢Boxwoods
- ā¢Herb gardens
- ā¢Formal layouts
- ā¢Traditional plants
Forest and shade plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Native trees
- ā¢Spring ephemerals
- ā¢Moisture-loving plants
- ā¢Naturalistic
Small space gardening
Key Features:
- ā¢Container plants
- ā¢Vertical gardening
- ā¢Hardy perennials
- ā¢Intensive planting
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Rhode Island's climate
Violet
Viola spp.
State flower; spring blooming
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
State tree; deciduous
Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Native evergreen
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Arisaema triphyllum
Woodland spring flower
Peony
Paeonia spp.
Spring flowering shrub
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Reliable summer bloomers
Hostas
Hosta spp.
Shade-loving perennials
Siberian Iris
Iris sibirica
Cold-hardy iris
Beach Rose
Rosa rugosa
Salt-tolerant rose
Bayberry
Myrica pensylvanica
Native coastal shrub
Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens
Coastal wildflower
Beach Grass
Ammophila breviligulata
Sand dune stabilizer
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Rhode Island garden
Plant spring bulbs
Protect tender plants
Start seeds indoors
Plant cool-season crops
Plant trees and shrubs
Plant warm-season vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Rhode Island
Explore Garden Styles in Rhode Island
Browse detailed design guides with climate-adapted tips and plant lists for Rhode Island.
Free Planning Tools
Use our free tools to plan and build your Rhode Island garden.
Ready to Design Your Rhode Island Garden?
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