Help me find a tree/shrub

[Minnie824]

I don't really know anything about trees and shrubs. We had a walking stick type shrub in our front yard and its dying, so we need to replace, but we're thinking of getting something different. It needs to be something that is a focal point, but doesn't get too big maybe 5-7 feet tall. I like things that change colors in the fall but not a must. I do not like anything thats too flowery or would attract bees....we have enough of those little things. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Crankyshank]

What about a dwarf weeping cherry?

It's not too flowery. My parents have one and I just planted one- they don't really attract bees. They don't turn colors though.

 

[Rippington'sFan]

I actually have to replace a bush also. I'm leaning towards buying a Holly. They look kind of nice. Decisions! Decisions!

 

[aprincessmom]

If you buy a holly tree buy both a male and female so you can have one with berries. You need both in order to have one with berries.

 

[ajksmom]

What kind of sun does this area get?
Quickly I'd suggest looking into "Viburnums". There are many different varieties, but somethings common about them is cool-looking foliage, most have berries (w/out the need for male/female), and most have great fall color. They tolerate alot of conditions also.
My favorite shrub for fall color is a "Oakleaf Hydrangea". Like common hydrangeas they flower but in a flat cluster, not the pompom look of common. The leaves look like oak leaves(duh?) and turn from green to a reddish-purplish hue and before finally falling in late fall/early winter they actually fade out to orangey-yellowish, so you get all colors in the same plant. I think this shrub may not tolerate full sun though...

 

[my3kids]

A small species of Japanese Maple? They have lovely colored leaves in the summer and are brilliant in the fall.

Do you have a Harry Lauder's Walking Stick now? (contorted filbet) If yes, and it is of any size, they are fairly expensive plants and worth saving. You could call in a nursery to help you save what you already have.

 

[Minnie824]

Do you have a Harry Lauder's Walking Stick now? (contorted filbet)

Yes, this what we have. We were going to have it replaced, but the only one in the area they could find is about 1/5 of the size and didnt look good. It hasnt had half of the leaves in 2 years now, so I'm not sure it can be save.

This is on the front half of our walkway from driveway to house...in the corner behind it, by the house, we actually have a japanese maple, which i love! We need something a little smaller than that, more along the lines of the contorted filbert size. Thanks.

 

[my3kids]

What about a small evergreen of whatever variety works well in your zone that has been interestingly pruned. You'd not have a fall color, but would get the interesting lines of the filbert. You could get almost a bonsai trained style, but in a larger size. It would be work to keep it appropriately pruned though.

If you can go larger, as in full tree size, a corkscrew willow has a great look in winter, as well as nice in summer. The fall leaves are nothing special though.

 

[mommytotwo]

I would also go along with a Japanese Maple, just cause I like them but the leaves will change color.
The other thing would be a false cherry tree and the leaves also change color.

 

[~*Belle 2003*~]

Originally posted by my3kids
A small species of Japanese Maple? They have lovely colored leaves in the summer and are brilliant in the fall.

That's exactly what I was going to post - they are beautiful and easy to manage.