Need help with shrubs

[whirlsy]

First timer here~ I have a new area around the front of my house where there is a small deck leading into the house where my husband has made me a garden, landscaping blocks are what it is made of so I need help putting things in there. I like smaller shrubs, trees. I also like shrubs that bloom. Also it is in a shaded area. I am learning about plants and shrubs so any info would be great . Thanks for looking. Dawn

 

[gina2000]

Dawn, normally I would recommend azaleas for color and heartiness but I'm not sure how well they would fare in your neck of the woods. I think you should probably visit a local garden center to see what's available. Also, walk around the neighborhood to see what people have planted.

I also love ornamental trees (judas bud.....weeping cherry....bradford pear) but again, I'm not sure of their heartiness in your neck of the woods.

 

[Snowwark]

Welcome, Dawn!

Does the area you want to plant get some sun? Morning perhaps? Partial shade?

Do you like Hydrangeas? You might have the perfect spot for the new Endless Summer hydrangea! There is a lot of buzz about this new, extremely hardy hydrangea. I'd love to get one myself! Take a look at the following site, and see what you think.

~Endless Summer Hydrangea~

I have an azalea, in a morning sun/afternoon shade spot, so you should be able to grow them too.

Although not shrubs, I love hostas, ferns, cranesbill geraniums, lungwort, bleeding heart, foam flowers, columbine....nice perennials for a shady spot.

Any other suggestions for Dawn, Buds?

 

[whirlsy]

Thanks for the info, my area is pretty well shaded. Is there a website out there I can go to , to look at the different looks of these plants? thanks again. Dawn

 

[whirlsy]

Snowwark what are those beautiful flowers in your picture, the ones that look dark pink? thanks

 

[Snowwark]

Dawn, the pic in my siggy shows azaleas and rhododendrons. BTW, it's NOT my yard, unfortunately!

It's difficult for me to say what would be most suited to your garden, as there are distinct variations in shade, therefore a wide range in the types of plants that can be successfully grown. Having said that, I'm going to give you some links to browse, and hopefully you'll find plants that you like, that would work in your garden.

First, a link to the ~American Rhododendron Society~ , specifically the Proven Performers page. Scroll down and find the azaleas/rhodos most suitable for Michigan. The entire site is full of great info!

As far as some of the perennials I mentioned are concerned, the ~Monrovia - Shade Garden Collection~ lists many of them (with pics, light requirements, etc.), in their Collection Plant List. The pics and info are great!

I mentioned hostas (and you'll see some on the Monrovia site), because they're so easy to grow, with a vast range of varieties (approx. 10,000!), from cute mini ones, to very large specimen plants. Some hostas prefer more sun than others, and if you are interested in purchasing them, make sure you choose a slug-resistant variety.

I hope this helps!

Kim

* I'm having some trouble with the Monrovia link. I'll see if I can fix it!

 

[Snowwark]

~Monrovia~

Okay, it seems to work this way! Go to their Site Map, and scroll down to their Shade Collection.