Uncommon Shrubs Native to the Region: Top 7 Picks Every Gardener Should Incorporate into the Landscape Design
In the quest for a stunning and eco-friendly garden, native shrubs take centre stage. These plants, tailored to local soil and climate, offer a myriad of benefits that make them an ideal choice for any gardener.
One such native shrub, the Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel, is a cultivar of the mountain laurel native to the eastern half of the country. Known for its showy flowers, this shrub boasts cup-shaped burgundy/cinnamon flowers that open into a stunning bicolor effect. The Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel offers regular new growth that leans toward red and grows in a wide, upright habit.
Another native shrub that stands out is the Oakleaf Hydrangea. Hardy to USDA zone 5, this shrub features large, oak-shaped leaves, dangling flower clusters, and peeling bark, offering charm in every season. In autumn, the leaves turn fiery, and in winter, the peeling bark adds an intriguing element.
For those seeking a smaller version, Dwarf varieties of Winterberry Holly are available. This native shrub loses its leaves in fall, but its bright red berries remain visible on the bare branches into winter, providing a splash of colour even in the colder months.
If you're looking for low-maintenance native shrubs that attract hummingbirds, consider the Red Fairy Duster, Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Red-flowering Currant, and Bee Balm (Monarda spp.). These shrubs, with their bright, tubular flowers and nectar, are highly attractive to hummingbirds and offer additional benefits such as attracting butterflies and repelling pests due to their aromatic foliage.
Choosing these shrubs not only provides a sustainable, beautiful garden but also supports hummingbirds effortlessly through the seasons. Most prefer full sun or partial sun exposure, require adequate watering during establishment, and benefit from light pruning or trimming to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Other native shrubs worth mentioning include the Buttonbush Sugar Shack, Firedance dogwood, and Bottlebrush Buckeye. Each of these shrubs offers unique characteristics and benefits, making them an excellent addition to any garden.
In conclusion, native shrubs are almost always the best choice for selecting the right plants for the right sites, with options for small, large, deer-resistant, and various other needs. By choosing native shrubs, you're not only creating a beautiful garden but also contributing to the local ecosystem and supporting wildlife, particularly hummingbirds.
The Kaleidoscope Mountain Laurel, a native shrub with showy flowers, complements a home-and-garden lifestyle by offering a striking addition to the home garden, with its wide, upright habit and regular new growth that leans toward red. Similarly, the Oakleaf Hydrangea, another native shrub, makes an outstanding choice for any season due to its large oak-shaped leaves, dangling flower clusters, peeling bark, and fiery foliage in autumn.
