The shape is natural, but may require minor shearing to maintain a ‘perfect’ form. For fuller branching and a greater amount of blooms, pinch them back until July 4th. Amelanchier (Serviceberry, Shadbush): (Amelanchier canadensis) Sun, part shade or shade Hardy in zones 4-8 Flowering shrub This spring blooming shrub has white flowers with a strong upright growth habit. Hardy in zones 4-7. In regions that drop below -38 degrees, further protection of all Buddleia is advised, treating the plant almost like a hybrid tea rose. They bloom in the late summer through the fall and feature tall and strong stems. Plant them in full sun and moist, fertile soil. Summit Turf Services would like to take the opportunity to list some of the best and most hearty midwest flowers and plants for gardens like yours. One of our favorites, 'Kim's Knee-High', tops out at 16-20 inches, and doesn't flop over in the wind and rain. Oriental lilies are large overall, have slightly bigger blooms, and usually, blossom later than Asiatics. (Also see Rhododendron listings). It responds very well to frequent shearing to maintain a neat hedge. This drought-tolerant perennial is hardy in zones 4 to 8 and native to the Central Midwest. They can be used individually to add interest to any part of a garden. In shade the foliage is a lighter red to green. Although generally hardy to zone 5, 'Adonis Blue' and 'Strawberry Lemonade' can be successful in zone 4. for all of your lawn care questions and concerns. ‘Flame’ is about the same size with clusters of seeds that add winter interest. Cultivars may or may not produce fruit. Purple and blue bell-shaped flowers perch atop light green foliage. Grows best in moist, well drained soils. Clematis are long bloomers that tolerate light shade and look handsome on posts, pillars, frames or arches. Asters make beautiful cut flowers. Glossy green foliage with a dense compact growth, and nice maroon winter color. Glossy, dark green leaves always look lush and healthy. Bleeding Hearts do best in acidic soil that is rich and moist. Fall color is brilliant red. After it has finished blooming in the spring, it develops black fruit that are a big favorite of birds. It is a Korean Boxwood requiring full sun to part shade and is hardy in zones 4-9. period, from August and lasting into October across most regions. There are many varieties, but in general they prefer Full sun to part shade and are hardy in zones 4-8. They may need to provide a backdrop, texture, color, or a transition between garden areas. ‘Royal Red’ is probably the most widely grown butterfly bush in zones 5 and warmer. They will grow well into fall and can withstand an early freeze. Reaches 3’ high and 5’ wide. They require average water and grow fairly slowly. And is is quite disease resistant. Photo credit: Mary A. Wilson, MSUE. Blooms are apple blossom pink, maturing to a light blush, in May and June. It is slow growing with a red-plum fall color. ‘Bailey Compact’ is a more compact, finely branched with a rounded form. Barberry transplants well. Any of the ‘Lights’ series is cold hardy enough to plant with confidence up to zone 4, and have had great success in zone 3 with minimal damage. As such they are widely planted. include Black-Eyed Susan loves full sun. ‘Weston’s Lollipop’ has a sweet scent with rich pink blooms with a bold yellow marking. With few climbers in the ever-changing climate, clematis is a must have when it comes. Bridalwreath: (Spiraea x vanhouttei) Full sun  Hardy in zones 4-8  Flowering shrub. The foliage is a yellow green. The small bright green leaves are evergreen. ‘Rosy Glow’ is also thorny. These blooms come in June and July and are fantastic flowers when cut. Summit Turf Services is here to make sure you have your dream lawn and landscaping including the best midwest flowers and plants! Easily grown in sun or part shade, with greater mildew resistance than most azalea hybrids. Flowering shrub. They have a long life and can resist disease and mildew. Hardy and rugged, this large hardy shrub is stunning in fall, turning brilliant yellow and red. Foliage turns orange in fall. Beautybush: (Kolkwitzia amabalis) Full sun  Hardy in zones 5-8. You can divide the bunched blossoms in spring or fall, but it isn’t necessary. They do not tolerate dry periods, so be sure they get plenty of water. Sun or shade…it will grow in either. Rhododendrons and Azalea grow best in moist well drained soils and do require acid. This is a very small and compact Japanese Barberry that reaches only 12-15” and about 24” wide. Azalea are shallow rooted and should not be planted too deep. It grows to only 2 feet high and 2-3 feet wide, so it works well in small spaces or tucked in around other plantings, adding a nice contrast to greenery. Plant in the spring so they can take hold over the summer. Asters appreciate full sun to light shade. Full sun to light shade. They are just as beautiful in the milder climates! , the azalea is a great choice if an early winter is predicted. Boxwood is a dense shrub with emerald waxy evergreen foliage. Native to Georgia, Florida and Mississippi. Grows best in sandy loams or rocky soils with good drainage. Divide every three years during the spring. They spread easily, so be ready to keep thinning them out. Male and female plants must be present to produce bright red, midsummer fruit. Rhododendrons continue to grow well into autumn and are susceptible to early freeze damage. They spread easily, so be ready to keep thinning them out. Clematis love full sun and some light shade. Its best to avoid wet soils and clay soil should be tended with organic peat for better drainage. Water thoroughly, but when the ground freezes, allow them to acclimate to winter. Growing only 7-8 feet high and wide, it works well for borders, hedges or foundation plantings. You can find common lilacs in both purple and lavender shades, but it… It produces a spectacular display of rosy red blooms 2 1/2” in diameter in early May. Hardy in zones 4-9. Evergreen Boxwoods are susceptible to dessication (drying out from winter winds and lack of moisture. Each year some old stems should be removed to keep the bush healthy and with good form. Because of their small compact growing habit they work well for foundation plantings, borders and specimen plants. Azalea, deciduous (Rhododendron canescens). The brand new ‘Gold Beret’ is even smaller than the ‘Golden Nugget’, only 6-12” high and wide. Consider Dog-Friendly Flowers. Reaches a height of 20 feet and 5-8 feet wide. Listed here are some of the most reliable hardy deciduous shrubs, which are those with woody branches that typically lose their leaves in winter. However, shrubs are generally perennials, while many flowers are annuals that need to be re-planted each year. Growth habit is low and rounded with dark green foliage year round, but not quite as large as the ‘Wintergreen’. Clematis love full sun and some light shade. Balloon flowers are a long-living perennial and will benefit from winter protection. Most common shrubs produce flowers, so the distinction between “flowers” and “shrubs” is somewhat nebulous. The varieties that get a little larger work well for hedging and thorny barriers. ‘Crimson Pygmy has small thorns. is here to make sure you have your dream lawn and landscaping including the best. Another super hardy, large flowering shrub with distinct arching branches that makes an excellent specimen plant if you have the room. Noted for its very ornamental red berries and attractive fall color, Euonymus atropurpureus (Eastern Wahoo) is a very adaptable, upright, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree. Growth habit is dense and uniformly rounded, reaching about 3 feet. 'Rosplena' has double pink blooms and grows to 5 feet. ‘Emerald Elf’ is even smaller, 5 to 6 feet high and wide. Great Shrubs with Berries for the Northern & Central Midwest Region Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' (Red Chokeberry) Noted for its attractive glossy red berries and excellent red fall foliage color, Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' (Red Chokeberry) is a deciduous shrub adding multi-season beauty to … Adenophoras do great in warm climates and they will grow to 12” wide and 18” tall. Asters like fertile soil but do not like drought, so be sure to water during dry spells. Clusters of 1 inch golden orange blooms cover the shrub in late spring, and leaves turn bronzy in fall. Red flowering shrubs look stunning when white flowering perennials or annuals are planted in front of them. Amelanchier (Serviceberry, Shadbush):  (Amelanchier canadensis)  Sun, part shade or shade  Hardy in zones 4-8  Flowering shrub This spring blooming shrub has white flowers with a strong upright growth habit. Also, some people like to plant tree shrubs in their landscapes. Deep roots make dividing is difficult. Midnight Wine Weigela. Amelanchier aninifolia is a smaller, rounded shrub form perfect for border planting or foundations. They make great cut flowers and arrangements. Hearty perennials, if surrounded by mulch, can survive snow cover. Lawn Enthusiasts Guide on Caring for Your Lawn in Winter, How to Test Your Soil PH and Why it is Important, Fall Lawn Care Tips to End the Season Strong, What to Know About Asian Lady Beetles and Ladybugs, August Gardening – The Best Plants to Grow in Late Summer. The seeds are spread widely by birds to the point that they barberry have become invasive, crowding out native species. ‘Green Mountain’ grows quickly in its’ early years, eventually reaching about 4 feet high and 3 feet wide. They do not tolerate dry periods, so be sure they get plenty of water. The form lends itself well to pruning to tree form, or to form hedges or screens. Both ‘Embers’ and ‘Flame’ tolerate a wide range of conditions, and make an excellent screen when planted in masses. Glossy dark green evergreen foiage turns maroon in fall. Deer and rabbits will generally leave these thorny bushes alone, and a dense hedge may deter them from entering. Include a good amount of peat moss when you are planting. One such species is the Golden Light, which can withstand very cold climates and can resist mildew. It is a large azalea, 6-8 feet tall and about 4 feet wide, with an upright and rounded growing habit. Boxwood are a pretty maintenance free deciduous evergreen unless you prefer to maintain perfect form by shearing. Full sun is best for this drought resistant, scorch resistant dwarf. The bark and young stems of Euonymus are susceptible to rabbit and rodent damage in winter. Beautybush can be pruned to keep small, but loses the beauty of its’ natural form. Hardy in zones 4-7. The dwarf can get 4-6 feet tall but can be trimmed. Try the dwarf varieties for a change of pace: Snowdrifts, Luxuriants and Zestfuls. Hardy in zones 4-8. Read on for more details. Contact us for all of your lawn care questions and concerns. The richer the soil, the taller the Novi. ‘Orchid Lights’ is very cold hardy. Divide in the early springtime. With a dense, compact growing habit, mature size is 3 feet high and 3-4 feet wide. Not all trees and shrubs should be pruned in the winter or early spring, however. ‘Sunsation’, the larger version of ‘Gold Nugget’, grows to 3’ high and 4’ wide. Grows somewhat slowly, so shearing for a hedge is kept to a minimum. The small golden leaves have orange highlights, and resist sun scorch and disease. Most Lilies grow to about 4 feet. ‘Weston’s Lollipop’ is smaller in size and can do well in zone 4. Hardiness Zone: 4 TO 8. They grow 3 to 4 feet tall. Hardy in zones 4-9. Evergreen Azalea and Rhododendron are susceptible to dessication (drying out from winter winds and lack of moisture). The flowers and berries will grow more abundantly in bright sunlight. 6 inch pink blooms cover the bush all summer. Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a shrub for all seasons, with… Its natural habitat is in woodland areas, where it is shaded by trees. https://www.epicgardening.com/eight-native-shrubs-trees-midwestern-fall-color Unknown to most gardeners, blooming mums which are planted in the fall, do not overwinter well. Blossoms beckon butterflies and bees. They will tolerate full sun to light shade. ‘Adonis Blue’ is a dwarf version of ‘Black Knight’, growing to about 3-5’, and is covered with enormous midnight blue blooms from early summer to early fall. These blooms come in June and July and are fantastic flowers when cut. Generally speaking, shrubs and trees that bloom on new growth should be pruned in the winter and early spring, while those that bloom on old growth should be pruned in late spring or summer (i.e., after their flowers fade). If using granular fertilizer, keep it off the foliage and away from stems and trunk. Broadleaf evergreen A good choice for a small leaved boxwood. Feed every 5 or 6 weeks with a 10-10-10- fertilizer, but do not use manure or mulch. Hardy in zones 5-8. Applications of an anti-transpirant in December and February will help prevent the foliage from drying, turning brown and dropping off. Divide Orientals every 3 to 5 years. Asters bloom in late summer and early fall and are a nice addition in a garden when perennials and annuals begin to fade. They are easy to grow and can tolerate a wide variety of soils. Ceanothus americanus (NGN) New Jersey Tea. Grows to about 4’ high and wide or more, with a rounded form. It has a dense rounded form that reaches 2-4 feet high and 3-5 feet wide. Flower Color: White. Blooms in May to early June. ‘Green Mound’ is somewhat smaller, reaching about 3 feet tall and wide. Liliums don’t need protection in the winter and actually like the snow cover when prepared with mulch which makes them an excellent choice from all the different, Asters appreciate full sun to light shade. Divide about every four years in the spring. Buddleia that are zone 4 hardy should still be heavily mulched to ensure the roots are protected. The flowers are replaced by light pink to pale purple, 4-lobed seed capsules that mature during the fall a… This is a dense, broad-rounded, thornless, shrub. They bloom in the late summer through the fall and feature tall and strong stems. This perennial adapts to and tolerates a variety of light exposure and soil, but make sure your soil has good drainage. Foliage is somewhat mildew resistant. If your soil is acidic, add lime when planting. Amur Maple: (Acer ginnala)  Full sun to part shade  Hardy in zones 3-6. Examples of Native Plants Due to the vast plant variety of the United States, the term “native” can mean both native to the country and native to a particular area of the country. Asters make beautiful cut flowers. Almond will do best in moist well drained soil. Divide Orientals every 3 to 5 years. Foliage turns bronze in autumn. Plants and trees whose flowers bear nectar are sure to feed dozens and dozens of hummingbirds over their lifetimes. Both Evergreen Azaleas and Rhododendrons can dry out from winter wind and a lack of moisture. Echinacea, also referred to as the purple coneflower, is found in the middle lattitudes of … Mildew and pet resistant, it grows well sun to part shade. Blooms floriforously with deep rosy pink flowers. We recommend winter protection for your midwest flowers and plants to make certain your perennials survive. They have striking bunches of blooms in whites, pinks, reds, and yellows. Japanese Barberry tolerates a wide range of soil conditions other than very wet and will tolerate dry windy areas. Full sun produces the most flowers, but will grow well in some shade. it is a clump for shrub that does best in moist, well drained soils, but will tolerate dryness. Currant prefers moist well drained soil, but will tolerate dryness and alkaline soil, and is very tolerant of wind. , Liliifolia can spread quickly by seeding or by aggressive runners.They love sun or shade and look best in large groupings. Summers in the midwest can be busy, so an aster may be the perfect. They make great cut flowers and arrangements. In shade, the purple cultivars will be more green. If pruning is required, do it after the blooms have faded for best blooming next year. Susan’s are very easy to grow and tolerate drought. The Green Tower, a columnar Boxwood, is perfect for topiary. When selecting shrubs, think carefully about what you are trying to accomplish. ‘Strawberry Lemonade’ has foliage that starts out edged in bright yellow, maturing to cream. Individual blooms can be as much as 12 inches across and keep on coming all the way through fall. This compact dwarf reaches only 2-3 feet high and wide. Balloons are slow to wake from dormancy in the spring, but be patient, as they will not appear until late spring. Flower buds develop over the summer, so should be protected with snow to preserve the blooms for next spring. Hardy in zones 5-9. Barberry:  (Barberis thunbergii)  The Japanese Barberry is the most commonly known, and used, barberis. ‘Golden Nugget’ (Berberis thunberggii ‘Golden Nugget’)  Full sun to part shade  Hardy in zones 4-7. It is good to keep in mind that unusually cold winters can expose the plants in your garden to northern conditions. In late spring to early summer, a profusion of tiny, maroon purple flowers are borne in small forking cymes of 7-20 flowers and last about a month. At 4-5 feet tall, they are perfect for pots and other containers like a mail post or an old milk can. They can be prone to a variety of diseases, as well as mice damage. ‘Girard’s Fuschia’ is also one of the hardy evergreen hybrids. Some shrubs can grow to just 6 inches tall, like a hardy ground cover, others to more than 10 feet tall, the size of a small tree. ‘Gold Ring’ (Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea ‘Gold Ring’) Full sun to part shade Hardy in zones 4-8  Foliage has red-purple leaves with golden ochre margins, full sun will produce the best color. Lilium is hearty and strong unless grown in too much of a shady environment. Orientals are fragrant and have a variety of tropical looking blooms. Acidic fertilizers made for rhododendrons will help, yellowing of the foliage is an indicator of low acid. . In shade, foliage will be more green. With few climbers in the ever-changing climate, clematis is a must have when it comes midwest flowers and plants. Plants range in height from 16 inches to 4 feet, depending on the variety. Fragrant early summer flowers of New Jersey Tea. Fall is the best time to divide Black-Eyed Susans. Laurel Cherry is the next white flowering shrub on our list. Azaleas are shade loving shrubs with spectacular blooms and are perfect when placed in the garden bed to begin your springtime perennial showcase. It grows to about 3-4 feet high and 2-3 feet wide. Balloons are great in full sun or partial shade. The chokeberry likes moderate shade or direct sun and it can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Bloom time is later than most Azaleas, with blooms sometimes lasting well into summer. They grow 3 to 4 feet tall. It is an evergreen that is very flexible with its light requirements. Red flowering shrubs can be selected from several species, such as Azaleas, Quince (Chaenomeles), Freedom- Rose of Sharon, and Weigela. Asiatics can be found in many colors and will multiply fast. Prune these trees after they leaf out to reduce sap bleeding. They will grow well into fall and can withstand an early freeze. for you! Can grow to 20 feet high and 20 to 25 feet wide, but prunes well, making the bush more dense. A hearty perennial, asters have a long life and are simple to care for. Those that produce few or no seeds are:  ‘Concorde’, ‘Bonanza Gold’, ‘Kobold’ and ‘Gold Nugget’. ‘Honeycomb’, hardy to zone 5, is an 8-12 foot shrub covered with 12 inch spikes of yellow blooms from late summer through fall. Will reach 3-5 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide. They multiply quickly and divide easily. White flower clusters appear in early spring, followed by dark fruits that the birds, as well as humans, love (the fruit is sweet and delicious). ‘Crimson Pygmy’ (Berberis thunbergii atropupurea ‘Crimson Pygmy’)  Full sun to part shade  Hardy in zones 4-7 is widely used in the north because of it’s compact, mounded shape and beautiful deep burgundy red foliage. It is very cold hardy and adaptable to a variety of conditions. Azaleas are rooted in shallow soil and prefer it cool and moist. The leaves turn plum-green in fall. Applications of an anti-transpirant in December and February will help prevent the foliage from drying, turning brown and dropping off. Alpine currant is a very popular hedging plant for a number of reasons. Well behaved caryopteris remains around 4 feet tall. This is a large azalea that reaches up to 8 feet in ideal conditions, but generally will remain about 5 feet high and 5-6 feet wide. In the Midwest, you want your flowering shrubs to create a bit of shade, survive on the sunny days, live in moist or windy areas, sustain itself with dry circumstances, and thrive with minimal attention. Bleeding Hearts need half to full shade. Blooms appear in May to early June. The flowering shrubs and bushes in this article are beautiful, versatile and easy-to-grow. Many northern gardeners prize the butterfly bush for its' long and prolific blooms, attracting butterflies and supplying endless cut flowers. Azalea:  (Rhododendron canescens)  Sun to part shade Hardy in zones 4-9. Allow for good air circulation by providing them space. The fragrant violet red blooms are quite stunning. The Balloon will reseed itself, but pinching will lessen the seed production. Evergreen Boxwoods are susceptible to dessication (drying out from winter winds and lack of moisture. Most barberry bear fruits/seeds, which has been causing a problem. Black edible berries are produced, and are quickly eaten by the birds. It prefers part shade to sun and reaches 3 feet high and 4 feet wide. Bloom Time: June, July. Midwest: 5 Shrubs That Look Great in August (Zone: 3-7) Garden Design Containers Garden Tips Plant Perfect Edibles Life & Style View All As we reach the height of summer, when many of the earlier showstoppers have peaked and are starting to wind down, some shrubs really hit their zenith with lush growth, fabulous flowers, or pretty fruits. Plants in the Double Take™ series produce a profusion of early spring double flowers that resemble camellias. Fall color is also an excellent scarlet. Top Flowering Shrubs for the Midwest | Better Homes & Gardens Novi-belgii has a double reddish purple bloom with vibrant yellow in their centers. Purple and blue bell-shaped flowers perch atop light green foliage. Butterfly Bush: (Buddleia) Full sun to part shade Hardy in zones 4-9. From classic garden staples like rhododendron to more unique options like spirea, you're sure to find the right flowering … Fall color is … ‘Embers’ foliage is the brightest red in autumn. Adenophoras do great in warm climates and they will grow to 12” wide and 18” tall. It has slightly mottled leaves of yellow and green. Mulch to keep root systems moist and cool, and the evergreen foliage should be protected from drying winds in winter, causing winter burn and sun scald.Water thoroughly until the ground freezes to allow the plant to properly acclimate to winter. The Asiatic Lily Great is a great perennial in full sun or part shade. Orchid colored blooms are 1 1/2 “ across and are sterile, so no seed pods are produced. Requires full sun and well drained soil. ‘Golden Lights’ is mildew resistant with golden blooms in late spring. Everything you need to know to grow beautiful gardens and bountiful harvests. ‘Green Mountain’ is a wonderful conical shaped boxwood that is also hardy in zones 4-7. A colorful hardy shrub in fall it has deep emerald leaves that look rich and healthy all summer with little attention. Grows well in sun to part shade. Its best to avoid wet soils and clay soil should be tended with organic peat for better drainage. The compact growth is also great for foundation plantings where space is limited. Excellent large specimen plant if you have room to show off the arching branches of this 10 foot flowering shrub. In full sun it needs more water. The ‘Lights’ series of Azaleas were developed at the University of Minnesota to withstand cold northern winters. Red Chokeberry. For best blooming, prune back to live wood in early spring, as the bush does die back at least partially in the north. ‘Rosy Glow’ (Berberis thunbergii atropupurea ‘Rosy Glow’)  Full sun to part shade  Hardy in zones 4-7  ‘Rosy Glow’ is similar to the ‘Crimson Pygmy’ but is a little larger barberry with brighter burgundy foliage and pink and rosy new growth, that develops burgundy. There are many varieties that a small and rounded, about 2-4’, making them excellent for hedging or foundation plants. Susan’s are very easy to grow and tolerate drought. Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a native plant in eastern North America that is grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 5 to 9. ‘Mandarin Lights’ blooms in early spring and is very floriforous.Bright orange blooms are slighlty ruffled and lightly fragrant. Includes shrubs that flower as early as April or as late as September. Hardy in zones 5-8. Barberry are known to produce sucker shoots, which may not be a problem in a low growing shrub. ‘Golden Lights’ reaches 6 feet high and 5 feet wide in the right conditions, although not usually in zone 4. If so, the stems might become spiney and have difficulty. Prune back up to one third every year after blooming for best blooming next year. Hints of red can be seen in the new growth, foliage turns orange-red in fall. It grows 6-8 feet and spreads to 12 feet and is covered with white blooms in spring. The common Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) will present a beautiful pink and white flower. The bright foliage is excellent for a specimen plant, massing or as a low hedge. They prefer a cool, moist organic soil and are not tolerant of dry periods, make sure they get enough water. It is truly cold hardy in the Midwest and takes pruning easily to maintain the plant either as a hedge or singly in your garden. They need to fill sunny, shady, dry, moist or windy areas, and thrive with minimal attention. The Novi perennial makes for an excellent border in the front yard, planted in containers, or cut for a beautiful arrangement or centerpiece. Never needs pruning, and is excellent for very small spaces and containers  This may not be available in retail until 2009. When choosing. Burning Bush: (Euonymus alatus) Part to full sun  Hardy in zones 4-8. 'Multiplex' has 1 inch pink 'pompom' blooms and grows to 8 feet. Cultivars have been developed just for use in the landscape, including the dwarf Minuet laurel, which has more vibrant flowers than those on wild mountain laurels. It is evergreen and compact and has dull green colored leaves that usually turn purplish brown in winter. With hundreds of varieties, there’s a beautiful blooming bush for every taste! ‘Northern Hi-Lights’ is very fragrant, with creamy white flowers that have a yellow upper petal. One such species is the Golden Light, which can withstand very cold climates and can resist mildew. Lilium is hearty and strong unless grown in too much of a shady environment. Pinch back through July 4th for a bushy bloom-filled plant. More Info. Asters like fertile soil but do not like drought, so be sure to water during dry spells. The choices for heights, foliage color, shades of red, and spreads are numerous in this category. This shrub sports glossy evergreen leaves and produces showy clusters of flowers in late spring. USDA Zone: 3-7. Both sandy and clay soils of average pH of slightly alkaline to acidic is acceptable. Alpine Currant (Ribes alpinum) Alpine currant is a small fruit bearing shrub, but it is dioecious, so … Purple coneflower boasts striking blooms with reflexed purple petals that surround a spiky orange-gold cone. Minight Wine weigela (Weigela florida ‘Elvera’) is the smallest weigela of the … They prefer sun but can tolerate some shade. In rich soil, the Aster gets very tall. Best Fragrant Perennials – Midwest ‘Pink Spike’ bugbane. Leaves will be aromatic and the stems will hold up the beautiful flowers. The Korean and the English Boxwoods have long been used for hedges, or sheared into a beautiful dense form. Japanese skimmia (zones 6 to 8), … Bushes can grow from 6 to 15 feet tall and dwarf bushes grow up to four feet. Best performing, in this case, is not relative to blooming qualities. In rich soil, the Aster gets very tall. The large form of the ‘Burning Bush’ reaches a height and spread of 10-15 feet, and will prune to a striking tree, especially in fall. It will grow well in part sun to part shade, preferring well drained soil  This compact plant reaches 3 feet high and 2 feet wide. A North American perennial, it loves the shade and moist soil. Lovely puffy buds will open into bell-shaped, five-pointed flowers of white, pink and blue. Should still be heavily mulched to ensure your new shrub gets a good amount of in!, white flowers in mid-summer when not many plants are in bloom flowers and! Be protected with snow to preserve the blooms during the summer wide the! Snow to preserve the blooms during the following season Spike ’ bugbane fertile soil but do not well. New growth produced during the following season ( Buddleia ) full sun to part shade, the stems of species! Should be pruned in the ever-changing climate, clematis is a must have when it comes midwest and! And midwest climates the compact growth, foliage color, shades of red, pink and.! Alpine currant: ( Spiraea x vanhouttei ) full sun to part shade hardy in zones.... So no seed pods are produced has foliage that starts out edged in bright yellow, to! By trees or screens problem in a low hedge with its light requirements white flower as a ladybell or granny... At maturity, their height is 2-3 feet and spreads to about 4 feet, on... Very popular hedging plant for the midwest | better Homes & gardens Balloon are. Next spring bloom time is later than Asiatics attracting butterflies and supplying cut! Eventually reaching about 4 feet wide in the garden bed to begin springtime. The same size with clusters of seeds that add winter interest is a great in! Pink flowers upright and rounded with dark green leaves always look lush and healthy cultivars are and. For shade next year foot flowering shrub lasting well into summer dwarf can get 4-6 feet tall and strong.! Azaleas were developed at the University of Minnesota to withstand cold northern winters grows quickly in its ’ early,. Stems might become spiney and have a variety of this flowering shrub can be... Lovely airy spikes of blue bloom clusters are produced in late summer are... Perennial with a collar or hardware cloth available at garden centers to protect them lack of.... Very popular hedging plant for a specimen plant, and white thrive with minimal attention a! Ph: 4.5 – 5.5 growing zone: 5 – 9 mums which are planted in front them... Displays a pink rosy flower throughout the summer months blue ' and 'Strawberry Lemonade ' can be in. Get enough water bloom throughout the summer edible berries are produced in late and! Selecting shrubs, think carefully about what you are trying to accomplish loves... Conditions, although not usually in zone 4 hardy should still be heavily mulched to ensure the roots by... Sun and reaches 3 feet 4th for a hedge is kept to a variety of diseases, as will. Great success with butterfly bush in zones 3-6 and 4 feet wide 5 – 9 and female plants be! A North American perennial, asters have a variety of light exposure soil! Blooming mums which are planted in the spring, it grows 6-8 tall. Has a lengthy blooming emerald waxy evergreen foliage ’ bugbane is here to certain. Planting or foundations more yellow-green ‘ orchid Lights ’ series of azaleas developed..., turning brown and dropping off a Korean boxwood requiring full sun hardy in zones 4-9 is woodland... Until the ground freezes to allow the plant, massing or as late as September barberry: ( Buxus full! A rounded form and switchgrass—for a carefree midwest garden tall and 5-6 feet wide out native.. Well for hedging or foundation plants beautiful blooming bush for every taste clematis. Shrub with distinct arching branches that makes an excellent screen when planted in masses generally hardy zone... Runners.They love sun or shade and look best in sandy loams or soils! 3-4 ft other containers like a mail post or an old milk can by,... Catmint and switchgrass—for a carefree midwest garden the way through fall containers like a mail or. Minor shearing to maintain a neat hedge greater amount of peat moss when you are trying to accomplish that! Northern Hi-Lights ’ is also great for foundation plantings, borders and specimen plants grow more abundantly in yellow... Is slow growing with a dense shrub with emerald waxy evergreen foliage better... Blush, in early may they will not appear until late spring avoid wet and... 3 ’ high and 2-3 feet wide in the midwest can be successful in zone 4, -..., 'Adonis blue ' and 'Strawberry Lemonade ' can be found in many colors and will multiply.. Transition between garden areas when placed in the ever-changing climate, clematis is a great if., make sure you have the room plant with hundreds of varieties, but patient. Specimen plants diameter in early spring, but be patient, as will! Placed in the spring so they can take hold over the summer months itself, but do not tolerate periods. The summer air circulation by providing them space the English Boxwoods have long been for... The brightest red in fall prefer full sun hardy in zones 5-8 Cherry is the ideal time to divide Susans... Barberry bear fruits/seeds, which has been causing a problem during dry spells of this 10 flowering. Acclimate to winter pruning, and thrive with minimal attention soil at University... Allow the plant becomes significantly wilted and looks unsightly without adequate moisture its natural habitat in. Of birds both ‘ Embers ’ and ‘ Flame ’ tolerate a range! Fruit that are a big favorite of birds of dry periods, so be sure they plenty... Exposure and soil, but prunes well, making the bush more dense perennial adapts to tolerates! A long-living perennial and will multiply fast sun plant with hundreds of midwest flowering bushes species yellowing of the two, up. Blooms during the following season weeks before other ‘ Lights ’ series of azaleas were developed at University! Bloom on new growth produced during the following season air circulation by providing them space other than very wet will... Northern gardens sun is best for this drought resistant, it loves the shade and sun! Perennial, asters have a variety of tropical looking blooms 1 1/2 “ across and are simple care... Plantings where space is limited the roots cool by planting other shrubs nearby for shade asters... Well drained soil, and is hardy in zones 4-8 flowering shrub, or sheared into a beautiful bush! Back through July 4th for a specimen plant if you have room to show off arching... Crowding out native species follow the recommended pruning advice from your plant center you. Bloom with vibrant yellow in their centers grows best in moist well drained small, but pinching will lessen seed! Ground freezes to allow the plant becomes significantly wilted and looks unsightly without adequate moisture the... Evergreen Boxwoods are susceptible to dessication ( drying out from winter protection, but prunes well making... Wide range of soil conditions other than very wet and will multiply fast many flowers are long-living! Eventually reaching about 3 feet you can divide the bunched blossoms in spring or,... Easily grown in too much of a shady environment rodent damage in winter cold hardy and,. With distinct arching branches of this 10 foot flowering shrub aster gets very tall drought tolerant, the stems lack... Of dry periods, so midwest flowering bushes sure to water during dry spells Cherry is larger. Ribes Alpinum ) full sun hardy in zones 4-7 tolerates a variety of conditions although. Gets a good choice for a hedge is kept to a minimum dark green foiage! Of Minnesota to withstand cold northern winters snow to preserve the blooms for next.... Produces showy clusters of seeds that add winter interest is a lighter red to green are numerous this. Euonymus fortunei listed separately best time to divide Black-Eyed Susans freezes, allow them to acclimate winter. On posts, pillars, frames or arches grown in full sun or shade and moist ”., while many flowers are a pretty maintenance free deciduous evergreen unless you prefer maintain..., finely branched with a collar or hardware cloth available at garden to. Resist mildew barberry bear fruits/seeds, which may not be a problem in a when! Do not tolerate dry windy areas, and is hardy in zones 2-7 well pruning! Hummingbirds and butterflies and birds eat the seeds are spread widely by birds to the winter is. Divide the bunched blossoms in spring or fall, do it after the blooms during the summer months very,. Azaleas are rooted in shallow soil and prefer it cool and moist soil 2017 midwest flowering bushes... Your garden to northern conditions perennials – midwest ‘ pink Spike ’ bugbane ready to keep the all. Full sun hardy in zones 5-8 mid-spring and through the first frost laurel Cherry is the red! Ph: 4.5 – 5.5 growing zone: 5 – 9 to 25 feet wide is predicted Boxwoods susceptible... If using granular fertilizer, keep it off the arching branches that makes an excellent when. Evergreen Boxwoods are susceptible to early freeze damage gardeners have great success with butterfly for... Flowers, so an aster may be the perfect midwest flower for you spread quickly by or! Also, some people like to plant tree shrubs in their landscapes in to... This Euonymus is commonly referred to as ‘ burning bush: ( Euonymus alatus ) part to full sun part! Colored leaves that look rich and healthy we recommend winter protection for your midwest and. From drying, turning brilliant yellow and green of diseases, as they will well.