Shrubs

Learn about flowering shrubs, including how to plant and grow them. Listen to podcast: While mid summer is a beautiful time in the flower garden, it's a quiet time in the flowering shrub border. Other than the hydrangeas that are loving this wet summer we've had, there aren't a lot of choices for flowering shrubs in July and August. While I love hydrangeas, I like different flowering shrubs as well. Here are three choices: Clethra or summer sweet grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide in full or part sun. In the spring it looks like it's dead...

Forsythia x intermedia Other Name border forsythia   Sun Requirements full sun, part sun   Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Spring with yellow blossoms   Mature Height x Spread 6 to 10 feet x 6 to 10 feet   Added Benefits drought tolerant   One of the most noteworthy flowering shrubs in spring, forsythia is a widely grown plant throughout our region. The brilliant yellow blooms appear before the leaves emerge creating a yellow snowstorm of color. It is certainly an amazing site, but unfortunately, it may bloom sporadically in...

Learn how to grow fothergilla shrubs and about some good varieties to try. Listen to Podcast: podcast transcript Fothergilla spp   Other Name Large fothergilla   Sun Requirements full sun, part sun, part shade   Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Spring with white flowers and attractive yellow fall foliage color   Mature Height x Spread 2 to 8 feet x 2 to 6 feet   Added Benefits fall color, attracts beneficials, native   Fothergilla is an attractive, spring flowering shrub that grows to a low to medium size, depending on the...

Sun Requirements Full sun in cooler climates where gardenias grow, but afternoon shade in warmer locations. A North or East facing location is best in warm areas. Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Blooms in summer Mature Height x Spread 4 to 8 feet tall and wide Gardenias are prized, dark green, glossy evergreen shrubs that are perennials in USDA zone 8 and warmer climates. There are some selections that survive zone 7 with protection. The real treat are the white, highly fragrant flowers that form in summer. Gardenias make nice landscape...

Learn about holly, including varieties and how to plant and grow them. Listen to Podcast: podcast transcript How to Grow: Holly Ilex spp and hybrids Other Name common holly Sun Requirements full sun, part sun, part shade Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Spring with small white flowers. The flower are not overly ornamental, but the bright red, orange and yellow berries are attractive Mature Height x Spread 6 to 20 feet x 3 to 6 feet Added Benefits Native, deer resistant, fall color Hollies are a broad group of deciduous and evergreens...

Pieris japonica   Other Name lily of the valley plants, pieris   Sun Requirements Part sun, part shade   Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Spring with white flowers, with some red buds   Mature Height x Spread 4 to 8 feet x 3 to 6 feet   Added Benefits attracts beneficials, deer resistant   Japanese andromeda is a broadleaf evergreen that is a staple in southern New England gardens. My mother's house in Connecticut has one that's over 40 years old and it’s still thriving. It's generally hardy to zone 5, so isn't appropriate...