Released February 23, 2009
URBANA, Ill. -- Shrubs can be expensive so it pays to take the time and select the right one for your yard, said Sharon Yiesla, a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"The shrubs presented here were selected based on having multi-season interest, requiring lower maintenance and/or being able to endure tough conditions," she said.
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a shrub.
First, select a shrub that is winter hardy in our area (zone 5). Also consider soil conditions such as pH and drainage. The shrubs presented here, for the most part, are shrubs that tolerate a variety of soil conditions, Yiesla explained.
To get the most out a shrub, look for one that has multi-season interest (flowers, fall color, even foliage that stays good looking all season). A shrub that looks good in more than one season can be a real attribute to the landscape.
It is always important to consider how tall and wide a shrub will get, so we know that we have room in our yard for that particular specimen. Size can also affect form. If we give a shrub enough room to grow, it will develop a characteristic form. If the shrub is crowded, it will be misshapen. A shrub with good form can be a good visual asset in the landscape.
Always consider maintenance needs. Some shrubs are high maintenance due to pests, messy fruit or weak wood. The shrubs presented here tend to be lower maintenance. Caryopteris x clandonensis (Bluebeard) grows 2-3 feet tall, with a similar width. It grows in full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant. This plant is often sold as a perennial instead of a shrub, and it can be cut to the ground each year because it flowers only on new wood. Ornamental features include gray green foliage, clusters of small blue or blue-purple flowers from late summer into fall and clusters of light brown seed heads that last well into winter. This plant has no common serious problems.Cultivars include 'Dark Knight' which has deep purple-blue flowers and 'Azure' which has bright blue flowers.
Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla), a U.S native, grows 2-4 feet tall with a similar spread. It grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers (but does not demand) a slightly acid soil. Good drainage is important.
Ornamental features include small, fragrant white flowers in 1-2 inch bottlebrush like clusters in spring; leathery, dark green leaves resemble those of witchhazel and excellent fall color (a mix of yellow, orange and scarlet). This plant has no common serious problems.
Kerria japonica (Japanese Kerria) grows 3-5 feet tall, with a similar to slightly larger spread and an arching mounded form. This versatile shrub can grow in part to full shade and needs moist, well-drained soil.
Ornamental features include yellow, five-petaled flowers in mid-spring; crisp, bright green leaves; an arching form; mild yellow fall color and bright green stems all winter. This plant has no common serious problems.
Cultivars include 'Golden Guinea' which has flowers larger than those of the species, and lasting for a longer period; 'Picta' ('Variegata') with leaves edged with white; best grown in some shade to avoid burning the leaves and 'Pleniflora' with double flowers.
Physocarpus opulifolius (Common Ninebark), native to the United States, grows 5-10 feet tall, with a similar to slightly larger spread, rounded form, and upright, slightly arching stems. This shrub grows in full sun to partial shade and is best in moist, well-drained soils It can tolerate alkaline soil and both wet and dry sites.
Ornamental features include clusters of small, white or pinkish flowers in late spring and early summer; medium green leaves, seldom marred by insects or diseases; mild yellow to reddish fall color; clusters of pinkish fruit capsules from late summer into fall; and peeling bark on older stems. This shrub also has no serious common problems.
Cultivars include 'Diablo' with red-purple to maroon leaves and 'Summer Wine' which has wine-colored foliage and is about half the size of the species.
Rhus aromatica (Fragrant Sumac), also native to the United States, grows 2-6 feet tall with a 6-10 foot spread. It grows in full sun to shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It will tolerate dry soil and grows more slowly in wet soils.
Ornamental features include very glossy leaves all season; bright red fruit on female plants in late summer and orange-red to red-purple fall color. Leaf spots, aphids and scale insects are occasional problems.
The most popular cultivar is 'Gro-Low,' which is only 2 feet tall with good fall color. Viburnum trilobum (American Cranberrybush Viburnum), native to the United States, grows 8-12 feet tall and wide. It grows in full sun to partial shade and is best in moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates wet soils and is pH adaptable.
Ornamental features include white, 'lacecap' type flowers (a ring of showy sterile flowers surrounding a cluster of tiny, fertile flowers) in spring; deep green foliage, with a maple-like shape; yellow-red or reddish purple fall color and bright red, cranberry-like fruit which will shrivel in late winter like red raisins. The fruit is edible and often used for jelly. There are no serious common problems.
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http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4675.html
Contacts: Sharon Yiesla, (847) 223-8627
Bob Sampson, (217) 244-0225, rsampson@uiuc.edu
