Bush That Can Survive The Cold West Winds
Even with burlap protection against the cold Michigan west winds, we have lost two rhodo bushes in our front yard. In this location, we would like to have a flowering bush, which is 5 - 6 feet tall, that will be survive the cold winds with burlap protection. This bush will receive sun during the day. Can you please give us the name of a bush or some bushes that would meet our requirements? Thank you.
Wayne County Michigan
1 Response
Hello,
Besides the full sun and west winds specifications, you will want to know your soil type, pH, organic matter and moisture level to match your shrub selection. A soil test will tell you the first three and helps determine the soil’s water holding capacity.
Choosing a shrub that is hardy at least one zone colder than where you are can help, too. Your USDA Hardiness zone is 6, so choosing a shrub hardy to zone 5 or 4 or colder is a good idea. If planting more than one shrub, consider a mixed planting of shrubs to extend flower time.
Here are some flowering shrubs for full sun:
Aronia arbutifolia, Red chokeberry
Physocarpus opulifolius, Ninebark
Exochorda racemosa, Common Pearlbush
Hydrangea paniculata, Panicle hyrdangea ( summer flowers)
Syringa microphylla, Littleleaf lilac
Syringa myerii, Meyer lilac
Weigela florida, Old-fashioned Weigela
Chaenomeles speciosa, Flowering Quince
You can order a soil test from your local Extension office or online:
Planting your shrubs correctly, and watering them the first couple seasons, is critical to success. Here is a reference should you need it:
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-shrubs-correctly/
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