Great Native Shrubs For The Garden

Native species of shrubs are under utilized in the garden

. Many native plants are beautiful and easy to grow. The following are few prized native shrubs which are perfect for the garden.

Common Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a desiduous shrub with fragrant yellow flowers that open in late October or early November. It takes a full year for the fruit to mature. When the seed capsule splits open in fall, 1-2 black seeds explode out of it, landing up to 30 feet away. Various birds and wildlife eat the seed after it falls to the ground. Upright spreading branches are perfect nesting sites for a variety of birds. Deep, golden yellow fall leaf color can be outstanding.

Vernal Witchhazel (Hamamelis vernalis) is a very early blooming shrub, often blooming in late February while snow is still on the ground. Its fuzzy yellow flowers tolerate extremely cold temperatures and give off a sweet fragrance. Witchhazel has an interesting twisted appearance. Most witchhazel flowers produce yellow flowers. Witchhazels are ideal for a natural setting such as the woodland garden. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun but can tolerate shade.

Pinkshell Azalea (Rhododendron vaseyi) is another early spring blooming shrub which has bell-shaped pink to white flowers. It's a tall shrubs which can grow to 12 feet. This deciduous variety of azalea and is ideal for a woodland garden, shrub border or for naturalizing the landscape.

Eastern Red Cerdar (Juniper virginiana) This evergreen conifer is the best bird attracting tree in Eastern North America. Its 25 pyramidal form provides dense cover year round, and its shredding bark is used by many birds for nest construction. Female trees produce round, gray or bluish berry-like cones which 80 species of birds adore. Cedar waxwings earned their common name because of their reliance on the fruit.

Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) is a June flowering evergreen shrub that is excellent for naturalizing a landscape. It has light pink flowers and dark green foliage.

Arrowwood Viburnums (Viburnum dentatum), is capable of playing a role in most garden designs. It produces creamy white flowers in spring and its dark blue, which forms in fall, fruit attracts birds. They're easy to care for and tolerant of many garden conditions.

American Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum), is a beautiful early flowering shrub which produces clusters of white flowers. The fall foliage is yellow, red, or red-purple. Later in the season it produces red berries which attracts birds and provides gardens with winter interest.

Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) grows to 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has gray/green foliage and works well in a natural setting, particularly when planted in masses. Tolerant of both wet and dry soils, the gray dogwood is a great shrub for a variety of garden conditions.

Red Twig Dogwoods (Cornus sericea) are noted for their vibrant red bark which makes this shrub an important part of the garden winter as its stems contrast with the snow. These dogwoods also flower each spring and develop lush foliage for the summer.

There are many benefits to landscaping with native plants. They help protect the environment, cost less and give you more free time. Native plantings also promote bio-diversity and provide a home for wildlife. Native shrubs provide the garden with vibrant colors and textures and help create a more beautiful and interesting garden.

by: John Green

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