Shrubs can really change how your Michigan garden looks and feels. They add color and shape, and can even help with privacy. But in our state’s unique climate, choosing the right shrubs is key. You don’t want plants that can’t handle our winters or need too much care during busy summers.
The good news is that many tough, good-looking shrubs do great in Michigan. You can find options that look nice all year, have pretty flowers, or just make your yard more interesting.
We’ve made a list of 10 shrubs that work well in Michigan gardens, helping you create a beautiful outdoor space that’s easy to take care of.
Hydrangeas
Although hydrangeas can withstand a wide range of climates, they do best in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. Well-known cultivars like as ‘Endless Summer’ provide striking recurrent blooms from spring through October, exhibiting shades of blue, pink, and white contingent on the pH of the soil. They usually grow to a height of 3 to 5 feet, while certain climbing varieties can reach much higher heights. They are noted for their modest growth pace. Planting them in the early spring or fall will facilitate the effective establishment of their root systems.
Boxwood
Because of its modest growth rate, boxwood is highly valued for its ease of shape and upkeep in gardens. Usually, it is planted in the spring or fall, when the comfortable temperatures facilitate stress-free root development. Popular cultivar ‘Wintergreen’ is a good option in locations where wildlife browsing is an issue because of its exceptional resistance to deer and rabbits. With continued care, this variety’s dense shape and leaf will help it keep its unique appearance.
Forsythia
Forsythia is a well-known shrub for temperate gardens. It is best planted in the fall or late winter because it often bears vivid yellow flowers in the early spring. This shrub may grow up to 10 feet tall in a matter of years, therefore in a matter of years it can form dense borders or hedges. Forsythia is a climate-adaptable plant that grows well in full sun to partial shade and is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
Rhododendrons
In many US Hardiness Zones, rhododendrons can flourish, particularly when planted in the milder months of early spring or fall. Well-known cultivars like as ‘Nova Zembla’ are a favorite among gardeners because of their big red blooms and reasonable disease resistance. Since the roots are fibrous and shallow, the soil must drain freely and be acidic to avoid rot and promote healthy growth, both of which are essential to the long-term health and lifespan of the plant.
Burning Bush
The burning shrub, which has remarkable seasonal variations, has rich green foliage that becomes bright crimson in the fall, giving it a unique look. This plant grows best in zones 4 through 8, while it can be found in many US Hardiness Zones. The best times to plant are in the early spring or late fall, when the weather is still mild and the roots have time to establish themselves.
Spirea
Spirea is renowned for its striking seasonal variations, showcasing an array of hues all year round. Many spirea cultivars bloom in tiny clusters of pink or white in the spring. The well-liked variety ‘Goldflame’ has reddish-orange foliage that changes to golden yellow in the fall. One additional noteworthy feature of spirea is its resilience to disease, which makes it a low-maintenance plant for low-maintenance gardeners. The plant exhibits remarkable versatility as it flourishes in a variety of US Hardiness Zones.
Arborvitae
Grown in many different locations, arborvitae is renowned for its lush foliage and steady growth rate. Early spring or fall is usually the best time to plant a tree since it gives the tree enough time to properly establish its root system before harsh weather arrives. Certain varieties, such “Emerald Green” and “Green Giant,” are well-liked because of their tall, slender form and climate resilience. These varieties are a dependable option for privacy screens and hedges because they also show a modest resilience to common illnesses.
Azaleas
Azaleas are adaptable to a variety of climates since they grow well in a number of US Hardiness Zones, usually from zones 6 to 9. In order to give the root system enough time to establish itself before the growing season, they are often planted in the early spring. Azaleas have a shallow, fibrous root structure that needs regular hydration but good drainage to prevent rot. They benefit from mulching to control temperature and keep soil moisture because they don’t have deep roots.
Witch Hazel
When other plants are dormant, witch hazel’s ability to exhibit yellow to orange blossoms from late fall into early winter makes it valuable and adds a distinctive touch. This shrub can withstand a variety of climates, although it grows best in U.S. Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. Popular types include Hamamelis mollis, which is prized for its rich smell and spreading growth habit, and Hamamelis virginiana, which is well-known for its late fall blossoms.
Ninebark
Ninebark is a hardy shrub that grows best in US Hardiness Zones 2 through 8, however it can withstand a variety of climates. Popular varieties ‘Diabolo’ and ‘Dart’s Gold’ give diversity to gardens with their vivid yellow leaves and purple foliage, respectively, and white blossoms. Ninebark grows rather quickly, maturing in a few years on average, so it’s a good option for people who want to quickly plant shrubs in their landscapes.