17 Best Landscaping Shrubs of Spring

Hey there, garden gurus!

It's your friendly neighborhood plant whisperer, Ken Lain, back with some spring shrub wisdom for our neck of the woods. We're not just talkin' winter beauties here, folks. These are the plants that'll be bustin' out the blossoms and flauntin' their foliage as soon as Valentine's Day whispers goodbye. Think daffodils, forsythia, and winter jasmine leadin' the floral charge, followed by these stunners.

1. Barberry: This knee-high champion thrives in our sunshine, wind, and even that pesky alkaline soil. Bright, shiny leaves and a bonus pollinator flower (butterflies and bees love it!) make it a driveway island dream.
2. Rose of Sharon: Forget your tropical hibiscus cravings! This Midwest marvel boasts hundreds of blooms (think baseball-sized, not hand-sized) on one plant. It's tough as nails, surviving down to -40 degrees, and a butterfly magnet to boot.
3. Bluebeard Shrub: Low-maintenance beauty is the name of the game here. This hip-high stunner rocks vibrant blue flowers and the same color as Russian sage (minus the weediness). Plus, butterflies adore it!
4. Butterfly Bush: We grow 'em better than anyone here, and for good reason! Monarchs and other winged wonders use our state as a pit stop, and your butterfly bush will be their welcome wagon. Newer varieties are shorter and brighter, so ditch the overgrown monstrosities of your grandparents' yard.
5. Deer Grass: Don't underestimate the power of grass! Deer grass (miscanthus) comes in two native varieties that flaunt pink plumes in summer and fall. Deer tend to leave it alone, and it's a haven for pollinators. Bonus: Check out our greenhouses for a mind-blowing variety right now!
6. Ice Angel Camellia: This winter-blooming evergreen shrub thrives in shade and cooler spots. Think patios, containers, and the east or north side of your house. Imagine a camellia that laughs at cold snaps – that's Ice Angel!
7. Gilted Edge Silverberry: Ditch the disease-prone, maintenance-hogging red tip photinia! Silverberry is a native superstar that grows taller than you, boasts thick evergreen foliage, and requires practically zero watering. It's a native plant dream come true.
8. Spirea and Sumac: Time's a-tickin', so I'll speed things up! Grab the full list at the garden center for all 17, but trust me, these two natives (low sumac and spirea) are worth checking out.
9. Salvia or Heatwave: This autumn sage (or Greggie's eyes, if you prefer) outsells even Russian sage! It's knee-high with vibrant red, pink, purple, and even apricot blooms (new color this year!). Hummingbirds go gaga for it, and it's super easy to care for. Sun, wind – no problem!
10. Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo): This West Coast favorite is an evergreen stunner with delicate bamboo-like leaves (but don't worry, it's not invasive!). Deer, rabbits, and even rambunctious kids won't bother it. Super flexible, hardy, and looks great in containers or out in the yard.
11. Yucca and Lilacs: We finish strong with these two beauties. Lilacs thrive here, minus the Midwest's disease drama, and our high altitude is a yucca paradise. So go forth and plant some!

Remember, folks, these are just a taste of the spring shrub smorgasbord waiting for you at Watters Garden Center. Come on down, grab the full list, and let's get your yard lookin' like a springtime masterpiece!

Happy planting, and don't forget to ask me anything! I'm always here to help your green thumb grow.

Your plant pal,

🐝 Ken Lain, the Top 10 Gardener

 

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