Maintenance Landscaping Design

Hardy flowering shrubs is a tough and versatile plant that can thrive in most any landscape. They offer year-round interest with their evergreen foliage and bright blooms, and come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes.

Popular name

• Butterfly Bush
  
• Forsythia
  
• Hibiscus
  
• Hydrangea
  
• Lilac

Things to Know

• Hardy flowering shrubs are a great way to add color and interest to your landscape.
  
• They are relatively easy to care for and maintain.
  
• Hardy flowering shrubs come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
  
• They can be used to create privacy screens, windbreaks, or simply as accent plants.
  
• Hardy flowering shrubs can be evergreen or deciduous, depending on the variety.
  
• They typically bloom in the spring or summer, but there are some varieties that bloom in the fall or winter as well.
  
• Hardy flowering shrubs are generally tolerant of a wide range of soil and light conditions.
  
• They are relatively pest and disease resistant.
  
• Pruning is typically only necessary to shape or control the growth of the plant.
  
• Hardy flowering shrubs can provide year-round interest in your landscape.

Related plant:
Hardy Gardenia

Planting Process

1. For hardy flowering shrubs, first step is to find a location that receives full sun or partial sun.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and grasses.
   
3. Loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of 12 inches.
   
4. Mix in a 2-inch layer of compost to the planting area.
   
5. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the shrub’s root ball.
   
6. Center the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil.
   
7. Tamp down the soil around the base of the shrub.
   
8. Water the shrub deeply.
   
9. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub.
   
10. Prune the shrub as needed to maintain its shape.

Related plant:
Kleim's Hardy Gardenia

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, hardy flowering shrubs can grow in a wide range of soils as long as the soil is not too dry or too wet. They prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The best time to plant hardy shrubs is in the fall so they have time to establish roots before the hot, dry summer months.

Light condition

Like the other plants, hardy flowering shrubs need sun to grow. The amount of sun they need depends on the variety of plant. Some need full sun, while others only need partial sun. If you are unsure how much sun your plant needs, check the label or ask a nursery employee.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that hardy flowering shrubs need is one that is cool to warm. They should be able to withstand freezing temperatures and also tolerate heat without wilting. Hardy flowering shrubs are perfect for adding color and life to any garden, and they are a low-maintenance option for those who want to enjoy beautiful blooms without having to put in a lot of work.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. To maintain such a level of humidity, you need to water your plants regularly and mist them with a water bottle. If the leaves of your plants start to droop, it is an indication that the humidity is too low and you need to take action to increase it.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, usually the plant food is split into three main categories which are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). However, the most important aspect of fertilizing your hardy flowering shrubs is the timing. It is best to fertilize in the spring, just as the new growth is beginning to emerge. This will give the shrubs the nutrients they need to produce a healthy crop of flowers. Another good time to fertilize is in the fall, after the shrubs have finished blooming. This will help them to store energy for the winter and prepare for the next growing season.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your hardy flowering shrubs looking their best. By pruning them regularly, you can encourage new growth and keep them from getting too leggy. You can prune them in the spring or summer, but be sure to do it before they start to bloom. Otherwise, you'll cut off the very flowers you're trying to show off!

The Propagation

Propagation is one of the simplest and most rewarding gardening activities. It allows you to create new plants from existing ones, and it's a great way to get more mileage out of your favorite hardy flowering shrubs. When propagation is done properly, it's also a very reliable way to produce identical copies of the parent plant.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is very slow, especially when they are young. However, there are a few exceptions, such as the Forsythia, which can grow quite quickly. When planting hardy flowering shrubs, it is important to choose a location where they will have plenty of space to grow. They also prefer well-drained soil and full sun.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can be controlled with fungicide sprays. Aphids, scale, and mites are common insect pests. These can be controlled with insecticide sprays.

List to Know

• If possible, choose a site that offers full sun. Hardy flowering shrubs will produce the most flowers when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
  
• Prepare the planting bed by removing all weeds and loosening the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
  
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the shrub.
  
• Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  
• Water the shrub thoroughly immediately after planting.
  
• Spread a two-inch layer of mulch over the planting bed, being careful to keep it away from the base of the shrub.
  
• Water the shrub regularly during the first growing season, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize the shrub in early spring and again in mid-summer with a

Alternative Plants

• Kunzea ambigua – Kunzea ambigua
  
• Kunzea parvifolia – Kunzea parvifolia
  
• Kunzea pauciflora – Kunzea pauciflora
  
• Kunzea rubiginosa – Kunzea rubiginosa
  
• Kunzea ericoides – Kunzea ericoides
  
• Kunzea glabrescens – Kunzea glabrescens
  
• Kunzea coccinea – Kunzea coccinea
  
• Kunzea sinclairii – Kunzea sinclairii
  
• Kunzea baxteri – Kunzea baxteri
  
• Kunzea parvula – Kunzea parvula

Source:
Underused and Hardy Shrubs - Kansas State University
Hardy ornamental flowering trees and shrubs - University of Missouri
Spring Flowering Shrubs - SDSU Extension