Hello Ron,

Before choosing the plant, you must consider the plant’s adaptability to the site. This would involve the plant’s cold hardiness (Kent County is in Hardiness Zones 5b-6a) and tolerance to the site conditions which include soil type, exposure and light levels. Attached is an article which explains how to properly assess the site conditions before investing in plant material.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/look_before_you_plant_landscape_trees In addition, I suggest that you have the soil analyzed. Get a soil testing kit at: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/get-started

Once you have established the conditions: soil type, water availability, light and exposure, and the amount of maintenance that you can provide, you will be able to choose a plant that would thrive. There are several types of flowering shrubs that would serve your purpose such as viburnum, lilac, spirea, weigela and hydrangeas if you are planting in a sunny spot. If your area is shady, you may think about fothergilla, clethra, itea and any member of the holly family ((Ilex species).

The issue is that few plants bloom all summer which you wish. A rose of Sharon blooms later in the summer but can grow quite tall.

You could also consider planting native plants. Read about native plants here:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/native_plants_for_michigan_landscapes_shrubs

And here: https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/NAP/Native-Plants/pages/nativeshrubs.aspx

The book: ‘Landscaping with Native Plants of Michigan’ by Lynn M. Steiner is an excellent resource for choosing plants that would be appropriate for your garden and is available in most libraries.

I hope this helps you find a plant that suits the site.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.

thanks so much for all the information!!

Ron