For dependable performance and a nice garden show for at least a season or two (and often more), try the deciduous shrubs. Some have interesting fruit and bark that bring color, texture and interest to the landscape throughout the year.
- Hydrangeas come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Despite their differences, hydrangeas have three things in common: they prefer rich soil and a steady supply of moisture; the farther south you go, the more shade you should give them. Although the tags found in nurseries often recommend planting in full sun, hydrangeas usually wilt under too much direct sun. Instead, give them shade, especially if you live in the South.
- Hydrangeas usually have large leaves and so are coarse-textured. Their flowers are the most striking feature, appearing anywhere from late spring to early summer and often lasting several weeks. Flowers of certain hydrangeas may be pink or blue depending on the pH of the soil. To produce pink flowers, raise the soil's pH with lime. Lower the pH with sulfur to produce blue flowers.
- Viburnums look a lot like hydrangeas, and early botanists often confused one for the other. They too are dynamite deciduous shrubs that range in height from three to 10 feet or more and produce fabulous and often intensely fragrant flowers. Their foliage is interesting as well and has textures that range from almost fuzzy to smooth and glossy. Colors range from green to gray to red. Zones 3 to 9, depending on the species.
- Laceleaf staghorn sumacs are deciduous shrubs, which produce fern-like foliage that turns an intense scarlet color in the fall. Some people shun these shrubs because of their weedy, wild relatives or their cousins poison sumac, poison ivy and poison oak; however, these are neither weedy nor poisonous, and they look and grow great in either sun or shade. Zones 4 to 8.
- Other deciduous shrubs include certain Japanese maples, which can be grown as shrubs. The same is true of dogwoods--a family that includes several shrub forms, including variegated varieties such as a Siberian dogwood.
- Fothergilla in its dwarf form makes a great three-season shrub. Its spring flowers are dramatic, and fall foliage is a brilliant yellow, orange or red. Zones 5 to 8.
- Weigelas are making a comeback, and they're now available with several leaf colors as well as one variegated form. Their flowers are favorites of hummingbirds. Zones 5 to 8, depending on the species.
- Deciduous barberries--such as Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow' or one of the many yellow-leaved forms--can add color to the landscape for the entire growing season. Hardy to Zone 3, depending on species (Zones 4 to 8 for B. thunbergii).
- Lilacs are hard to beat for spring fragance and beauty, and the only thing confusing about them is there are now so many to choose from. The Korean species is mildew-resistant.
Deciduous shrubs deserve a place in every landscape. Just remember that many of them will grow to be quite large--as much as five to eight feet tall or more, and usually a little wider. Give them plenty of room, and plant them as if they were fully-grown. Water them well, especially during their first year of growth. You'll enjoy these carefree shrubs for years to come.
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