Flowering Almond Bush
Which Shrub is Right for Your Landscape?
It would be difficult to over-estimate the importance of the role that landscaping shrubs play in the homeowner's yard. Along with trees, they have often been called the "bones" of the landscape, because they furnish structure. But, unlike many trees, shrubs will generally not take up too much space in your yard. There are also not as difficult to transplant, should you change your mind at some point regarding just what the structure of your yard should be.
The problem is, with a great number of selections available, beginners often need help choosing between all of the different varieties. What are the best landscaping shrubs for you, personally, to grow? Read on and get inspired.
Note: All of the plants discussed in this article are cold-hardy to at least USDA zone 5.
Pink Flowering Almond
The pink flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) is a beautiful option, but the argument against this shrub is that it is a one-hit wonder, giving you color only in spring. Once its spring flowers drop off, the bush has little to offer. But its benefits may outweigh this drawback:
■ It grows quickly.
■ It hold up well during dry periods.
■ It puts on a spectacular floral display in spring.
Common Lilacs
Some shrubs have one special quality that sets them apart. They may not give you multi-season interest, but this special quality makes them must-haves. One such plant is the common lilac bush (Syringa vulgaris). What makes it so special? The smell given off by its blooms is the closest thing to a superpower that you will find in the plant world. If fragrant flowers are not enough to convince you to grow a bush that offers nothing outside of spring, here is another selling point for the plant: The flowers that it puts out in spring are pleasing to the eye, as well.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) may be the ultimate four-season shrub. It is at its peak in fall, when it gives even the best of the fall-foliage trees a run for their money. It bears large flower heads in summer. Even during the winter and spring, it is not without interest, due to its interesting peeling bark.
Rose Bushes
There are all sorts of ways to categorize the different varieties of shrubs. The most basic groupings are:
■ The deciduous shrubs, which are known for their flowers.
■ The evergreen shrubs (note that some of these bear pretty flowers, too).
Among the best deciduous kinds are the various types of rose bushes. The rose has been a favorite for centuries. Like lilac shrubs, its flowers often combine good looks with a great smell. The only thing that has kept even more gardeners from growing this popular shrub is the thought that roses are hard to grow. If this thought has stopped you from growing rose bushes, rest assured that some types of roses that are easy to grow are now widely available at nurseries.
taken from https://www.thespruce.com/best-landscaping-shrubs-
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa
It would be difficult to over-estimate the importance of the role that landscaping shrubs play in the homeowner's yard. Along with trees, they have often been called the "bones" of the landscape, because they furnish structure. But, unlike many trees, shrubs will generally not take up too much space in your yard. There are also not as difficult to transplant, should you change your mind at some point regarding just what the structure of your yard should be.
The problem is, with a great number of selections available, beginners often need help choosing between all of the different varieties. What are the best landscaping shrubs for you, personally, to grow? Read on and get inspired.
Note: All of the plants discussed in this article are cold-hardy to at least USDA zone 5.
Pink Flowering Almond
The pink flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) is a beautiful option, but the argument against this shrub is that it is a one-hit wonder, giving you color only in spring. Once its spring flowers drop off, the bush has little to offer. But its benefits may outweigh this drawback:
■ It grows quickly.
■ It hold up well during dry periods.
■ It puts on a spectacular floral display in spring.
Common Lilacs
Some shrubs have one special quality that sets them apart. They may not give you multi-season interest, but this special quality makes them must-haves. One such plant is the common lilac bush (Syringa vulgaris). What makes it so special? The smell given off by its blooms is the closest thing to a superpower that you will find in the plant world. If fragrant flowers are not enough to convince you to grow a bush that offers nothing outside of spring, here is another selling point for the plant: The flowers that it puts out in spring are pleasing to the eye, as well.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) may be the ultimate four-season shrub. It is at its peak in fall, when it gives even the best of the fall-foliage trees a run for their money. It bears large flower heads in summer. Even during the winter and spring, it is not without interest, due to its interesting peeling bark.
Rose Bushes
There are all sorts of ways to categorize the different varieties of shrubs. The most basic groupings are:
■ The deciduous shrubs, which are known for their flowers.
■ The evergreen shrubs (note that some of these bear pretty flowers, too).
Among the best deciduous kinds are the various types of rose bushes. The rose has been a favorite for centuries. Like lilac shrubs, its flowers often combine good looks with a great smell. The only thing that has kept even more gardeners from growing this popular shrub is the thought that roses are hard to grow. If this thought has stopped you from growing rose bushes, rest assured that some types of roses that are easy to grow are now widely available at nurseries.
taken from https://www.thespruce.com/best-landscaping-shrubs-
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa
