Chapter I

SHRUBS
for Kansas Landscapes

Cooperative Extension Service • Kansas State University • Manhattan

This publication is one of a series of circulars to help you with your landscape planning. Use this bulletin when selecting shrubs for particular locations in your yard. Consider each plant for its intended use, site location, and exposure. Use the plant descriptions listed in the tables while visiting nurseries. This will help you to realize the size and performance you may expect from the plants.

All shrubs that will grow in the various sections of Kansas are not listed. Most of the shrubs mentioned were selected from the various Kansas retail nursery catalogs. A few shrub varieties are not listed in these retail catalogs, but your nurseryman can get them from wholesale nurseries supplying Kansas firms. The varieties listed are the more common shrubs used for landscaping purposes and will provide you with a wide assortment of plant material to solve any landscaping need.

GARY L. McDANIEL
Extension Specialist
Landscaping and Environmental Horticulture

The author wishes to thank Larry D. Leuthold for helpful comments
during the preparation of this bulletin and Joe D. Roller for
designing the illustrations used in this publication.

USES FOR WHICH WE WANT PLANT MATERIAL
1. Accent
2. Border
3. Soften Building Appearance
4. Screen poor views
5. Privacy
6. Hold a Soil Bank
7. ground cover

Shrubs are used in landscaping to provide low foliage and flowers that will compliment the house and trees in your yard. Each shrub used in your yard should fulfill a specific purpose for the overall design.

Select shrubs that will provide _accent_ for your entryway or border focal point, _soften_ corners and harsh lines, or provide a low _transition_ from one point to another. Shrubs are also useful for dividing spaces by _separating_ use areas in the yard. Shrubs are used with trees to _screen_ unpleasant views or protect our yards from strong winds.

^Shrubs as Accent Plants

Shrubs that create a definite accent must be used with more care in your landscape than shrubs that soften lines. Two primary areas in your landscape should be accented. The most important of these is the front entryway to your home.

If the sidewalk to your front door approaches from the driveway along the front of the house, the accent area is at the end of the walk. This will provide a “visual” as well as a “physical” barrier that will point out the front door. Sidewalks that lead directly from the street to the door present a different situation. Accent may be created on either side of the front door, but never make the plantings completely symmetrical on each side. Create a strong accent to one side and a less dominant accent on the other side of the entryway. Never use accent plants on the corners of your house.

Accents may be created by (1) _Height_—taller plants catch the eye first; (2) _Color_—brightly colored foliage always attracts attention; (3) _Texture_—coarse leaf or stem textures provide strong contrasts; and (4) _Form_—pyramidal shrubs or clipping shrubs into unnatural shapes will create accent.

ACCENT PLANTS

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Tall (10 feet or more in height).
Elder, Golden
Fringe Tree, Red
Privit, Golden
Wayfaring Tree
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Medium (between 7 and 10 feet in height).
Burning Bush, Winged
Dogwood, Coral
Dogwood, Redosier
Dogwood, Silky
Dogwood, Yellowtwig
Ninebark, Common
Ninebark, Goldleaf
Sand Cherry, Purpleleaf
Viburnum, Arrowwood
Viburnum, Doublefile
Weigela
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Small (between 4 and 6 feet in height).
Barberry, Redleaf
Burning Bush, Dwarf Winged
Weigela, Dwarf
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Dwarf (less than 4 feet in height).
Barberry, Crimson Pygmy
Ninebark, Dwarf
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Tall (10 feet or more in height).
Holly
Magnolia, Southern
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Medium (between 7 and 10 feet in height).
Mahonia, Oregon Grape
Viburnum, Leatherleaf
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Small (between 4 and 6 feet in height).
Euonymus, Emerald ’n’ Gold
Holly
Nandina
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Dwarf (less than 4 feet in height).
Azalea
Euonymus, Emerald Gaiety
Holly, Dwarf
Mahonia, Compact Oregon Grape
Rhododendron

^Shrubs that Soften the Building

Shrubs that will soften the lines of the house or buildings have a _round_, _oval_, or _irregular_ shape. These shrubs break the strong vertical lines at the corners of the house, rather than call attention to them.

Never select shrubs that create an accent for corner plantings. Consider a brightly colored foliage on shrubs during the summer or fall as an accent. Do not plant upright-growing pyramidal evergreens, such as Junipers, for planting at the corners of your home. The shape of these plants creates an accent which will detract from the foundation planting. Instead of softening the harsh vertical lines at the corners of the house, pyramidal-shaped shrubs call attention to them.

TRANSITION PLANTINGS

Plants used as a transition are simply those shrubs or ground covers that pull together the plantings at the corners or accented entryways. These shrubs are used to soften the lines of the house, where the walls meet the ground.

Use shrubs that will not call attention to themselves by having bright foliage or coarse leaf texture. These shrubs also help to hide any exposed foundation walls along the house. Transition shrubs should be low-growing or dwarf in size. If the siding of your house extends to the ground without leaving the foundation walls exposed, a groundcover may be all that is required to add depth to the foundation planting.

CONTINUOUS BLOOM FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE

Whether you are selecting shrubs for the foundation plantings around the house or for a shrub border in your yard, choose shrubs that will bloom at different seasons. Most of the flowering shrubs that are available bloom during the spring. Once some shrubs have finished blooming, they have no other ornamental features. The interest in your landscape will be lost, unless you have selected some summer-blooming shrubs. Attempt to design your landscape so you can have continuous shrub bloom from early spring through late summer.

SHRUB ORDER OF BLOOM

EARLY SPRING

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Medium)
Redbud Chinese
Willow, Pussy
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Tall)
Cherry, Nanking
Crabapple, Sargent
Forsythia
Magnolia, Star
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Small)
Honeysuckle, Winter (Fragrant)
Quince, Flowering
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Dwarf)
Quince, Japanese Flowering
Forsythia, Bronx
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS
Magnolia, Southern

LATE SPRING

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Tall)
Cranberrybush
Dogwood, Gray
Honeysuckle, Tatarian
Lilac
Maple, Amur
Olive, Autumn
Pearlbush
Pea Shrub
Plum, Flowering
Snowball
Viburnum
Wayfaring Tree
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Medium)
Barberry
Bayberry, Northern
Beautybush
Cotoneaster, Large Flowering
Deutzia, Lemoine
Dogwood
Honeysuckle, Morrow
Honeysuckle, Zabel
Jetbead, Black
Privit
Sand Cherry, Purpleleaf
Scotch Broom
Spirea, Bridalwreath
Spirea, Vanhoutte
Viburnum
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Small)
Almond, Flowering
Barberry, Japanese
Cotoneaster, Spreading
Kerria
Lilac, Dwarf Korean
Spirea, Garland
Spirea, Thunberg
Weigela
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Dwarf)
Barberry, Crimson Pygmy
Cotoneaster, Cranberry
Deutzia
Pea Shrub, Pygmy
Quince, Japanese Flowering
Spirea, Snowmound
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS
Barberry, Wintergreen
Mahonia, Oregon Grape
Pyracantha
Viburnum, Leatherleaf

EARLY SUMMER

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Tall)
Elder, Golden
Fringe Tree, Red
Mockorange, Big Scentless
Privit
Smoke Tree (Purple Fringe)
Tamarisk
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Medium)
Deutzia
Lilac, Late
Lilac, Persian
Mockorange
Viburnum
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Small)
Beautyberry, Japanese
Hydrangea, Annabelle
Mockorange
Spirea, Anthony Waterer
Spirea, Froebel
Spirea, Redflowering Japanese
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS
Euonymus (Patens)

LATE SUMMER

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Tall)
Crapemyrtle
Rose-of-Sharon
Tamarisk
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Medium)
Butterfly Bush
Tamarisk, ‘Summer Glow’
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Small)
Abelia, Glossy
Hydrangea, A. G.
Mockorange
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Dwarf)
Chenault Coralberry
Cinqefoil
Hypericum
Spirea, Anthony Waterer

SHRUB BLOOM COLOR

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Tall)

WHITE
Cranberrybush
Crapemyrtle
Dogwood, Gray
Elder, Golden
Honeysuckle, White Tatarian
Lilac, Common
Lilac, Peking
Pearlbush
Privit
Redbud, Chinese
Rose-of-Sharon
Snowball
Viburnum
PINK
Crapemyrtle
Fringe Tree, Red
Honeysuckle, Red Tatarian
Honeysuckle, Rosy Tatarian
Plum, Flowering
Rose-of-Sharon
Smoke Tree (Purple Fringe)
Tamarisk
Willow, Pussy
YELLOW
Barberry, Mentor
Maple, Amur
Olive, Autumn
Pea Shrub
PURPLE-LILAC
Lilac, Chinese
Lilac, Common
Rose-of-Sharon

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Medium)

WHITE
Butterflybush
Crabapple, Sargent
Deutzia, Lemoine
Deutzia, Pride of Rochester
Dogwood
Honeysuckle, Morrow
Jetbead, Black
Magnolia, Star
Mockorange
Privit
Sand Cherry, Purpleleaf
Scotch Broom
Spirea, Bridalwreath
Spirea, Vanhoutte
Viburnum
PINK
Bayberry, Northern
Beautybush
Butterfly Bush
Cherry, Nanking
Cotoneaster, Large Flowering
Crabapple, Sargent
Deutzia, Pride of Rochester
Honeysuckle, Zabel
Lilac, Late
Lilac, Persian
Magnolia, Pink Star
Scotch Broom
Tamarix, ‘Summer Glow’
Weigela
YELLOW
Barberry
Forsythia
Scotch Broom

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Small)

WHITE
Almond, Flowering
Honeysuckle, Winter (Fragrant)
Hydrangea, A. G.
Mockorange
Quince, Japanese Flowering
Spirea, Garland
Spirea, Thunberg
Viburnum
PINK
Abelia, Glossy
Almond, Flowering
Beautyberry, Japanese
Cotoneaster, Spreading
Hydrangea
Quince, Japanese Flowering
Weigela
YELLOW
Barberry, Japanese
Kerria
PURPLE
Hydrangea (blue)
Lilac, Dwarf Korean

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS (Dwarf)

WHITE
Deutzia, Slender
Hydrangea, Annabelle
Mockorange, Dwarf
Spirea, Snowmound
PINK
Chenault Coralberry
Cotoneaster, Cranberry
Deutzia, Rosepanicle
Quince, Japanese Flowering (red)
Spirea, Froebel (crimson)
Spirea, Anthony Waterer
Spirea, Redflowering, Japanese
YELLOW
Barberry, Crimson Pygmy
Cinquefoil
Forsythia, Bronx
Hypericum
Pea Shrub, Pygmy
ORANGE
Quince, Japanese Flowering

BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS

WHITE
Azalea
Euonymus (Patens)
Magnolia, Southern
Pyracantha
Rhododendron
Viburnum, Leatherleaf
LILAC
Rhododendron
PINK
Azalea
Rhododendron
YELLOW
Azalea
Barberry, Wintergreen
Mahonia, Oregon Grape

^Shrubs for Shady Locations

Most of the plants that are adapted for western Kansas will grow on the north side if they are planted 3 to 4 feet from the building and out from the roof overhang. In eastern Kansas it is necessary to consider shade tolerance when planting on the north side of the house.

Most shrubs will bloom more profusely and produce more fruit when planted in the sun, even though they may survive quite well in deep shade. Often shrubs will grow better in shade simply because they are protected from the southwest winds. If you don’t want to plant dwarf shrubs 3 to 4 feet out from the foundation of the house, then plant only shade tolerant shrubs.

What is often thought of as a shade problem is often the result of competition from the roots of adjoining trees. Apply plant food and water and thin the tree branches to correct this problem.

The shrubs listed for shady locations may be expected to perform adequately on the north side of the house or behind fences in deep shade. Many of these same shrubs will do equally well in strong sunlight or shade.

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Tall (10 feet or more in height).
Mockorange, Big Scentless
Privit, Amur River North
Privit, California
Privit, Common
Viburnum, Cranberrybush
Viburnum, Snowball
Wahoo
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Medium (between 7 and 10 feet in height).
Barberry, Mentor
Barberry, Truehedge
Dogwood, Coral
Dogwood, Redozier
Dogwood, Silky
Dogwood, Yellowtwig
Holly, Winterberry
Jetbead, Black
Mockorange, Enchantment
Mockorange, Innocence
Mockorange, Minnesota Snowflake
Mockorange, Sweet
Ninebark
Spirea, Vanhoutte
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Small (between 4 and 6 feet in height).
Abelia, Glossy
Barberry, Japanese (green)
Barberry, Kobold
Honeysuckle, Winter (Fragrant)
Hydrangea, A. G.
Hydrangea, Nikko Blue
Indiancurrent Coralberry
Kerria, Japanese
Mockorange, Alberta and Glacier
Mockorange, Belle Etoile
Mockorange, Bouquet Blanc
Snowberry
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Dwarf (less than 4 feet in height).
Chenault Coralberry
Hydrangea, Annabelle
Mockorange, Dwarf Minnesota Snowflake
Mockorange, Silver Showers
Mockorange, Dwarf Sweet
Ninebark, Dwarf
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Tall (10 feet or more in height).
Holly, American
Holly, Yaupon
Magnolia, Southern
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Medium (between 7 and 10 feet in height).
Euonymus, Large Leaf
Euonymus, Manhattan
Holly, Burford
Mahonia, Oregon Grape
Viburnum, Leatherleaf
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Small (between 4 and 6 feet in height).
Euonymus, Dupont
Euonymus, Jewel
Euonymus, Medium Leaf
Euonymus, Sarcoxie
Holly, Dwarf Japanese
Holly, Heller’s
Holly, Hetz
Nandina
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Dwarf (less than 4 feet in height).
Azalea, Kurume
Azalea, Mollis Hybrid
Boxwood, Edging
Boxwood, Wintergreen
Euonymus, Emerald Cushion
Euonymus, Emerald Gaiety
Euonymus, Small Leaf
Euonymus, Vinca Leaf
Holly, Dwarf Burford
Holly, Dwarf Chinese
Mahonia, Compact Oregon Grape
Rhododendron

SHRUBS HAVING FRUIT THAT WILL ATTRACT BIRDS

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Tall (10 feet or more in height).
Cotoneaster, Peking
Cranberrybush, American
Dogwood, Gray
Elder, Golden
Honeysuckle, Tatarian
Olive, Autumn
Privit, California
Privit, Common
Privit, Golden (Vicary)
Viburnum, Nannyberry
Wayfaring Tree
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Medium (between 7 and 10 feet in height).
Barberry, Truehedge
Cherry, Nanking
Dogwood, Coral
Honeysuckle, Morrow
Honeysuckle, Zabel
Jetbead, Black
Privit, Border
Privit, Regel
Sand Cherry, Purpleleaf
Viburnum, Arrowwood
Viburnum, Korean Spice
Viburnum, Linden
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Small (between 4 and 6 feet in height).
Barberry, Japanese
Beautyberry, Japanese
Cranberrybush, Dwarf American
Honeysuckle, Clavey Dwarf
Honeysuckle, Winter (Fragrant)
Viburnum, Wrights’
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Dwarf (less than 4 feet in height).
Chenault Coralberry
Cotoneaster, Cranberry
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS
Holly (female)
Pyracantha
Nandina

Low Maintenance _for your shrubs

HEIGHT AND SPREAD

Consider low maintenance when planning your landscape. When selecting shrubs for your yard, determine the maximum height and spread you want from the planting, and then select only from shrubs with those characteristics.

The shrubs listed in this bulletin have been grouped according to their mature heights. If you are looking for a shrub that will grow under a window that is 4 feet from the ground, select from those listed as dwarf shrubs. You certainly would not select a Tatarian Honeysuckle (10 to 12 feet) for this location.

Never select a shrub that will ultimately grow too high for its location and expect to keep it shorter by constant clipping. This will only add to your time in maintaining your landscape.

MAINTAINING SHRUB SIZE

Shrubs will require periodic pruning to maintain their proper shape and size. Many shrubs will grow tall and spindly if not thinned-out occasionally. Some shrubs will sucker severely at the ground if the older stems or canes are not removed. This causes the shrub to spread beyond its normal limits.

The proper method for maintaining shrub shape is to remove all canes that are larger than one inch in diameter. These should be removed as close to the ground line as possible. This practice will open the center of the plant so that more light can penetrate into it. Also, the size of the shrub will be maintained at the desirable height.

ADAPTABILITY AND HARDINESS

Which plants are best suited for your landscape? This will depend on whether the shrubs will be planted on a farmstead or in a city lot. It will also depend on whether your yard is exposed to direct southwest winds, or whether you have some protection.

Plant adaptability has been considered for each shrub listed in this bulletin. You may plant any shrub that is listed as ‘Hardy’ in an open, fully exposed location and expect it to survive. Those shrubs that have an ‘X’ will most likely not survive if planted where they will receive direct exposure to the hot winds of late summer. If you live in a town or city, you may have enough wind protection to use these shrubs. This is most important for homeowners living in the western counties of Kansas.

Protection from southwest summer winds may be provided by a windbreak, trees in the city, by planting on the east or north side of the house, or behind a screen fence. If you have this protection you might be able to use plants that are not listed for your area. However, if your yard is exposed to hot summer winds, you had better use only the plant listed for your section of Kansas.

You will sometimes find plants growing in your area that are not listed for your particular section of Kansas. It is possible to grow some plants outside their recommended region, provided these plants receive adequate protection and care. These shrubs will usually not grow as large or as tall as they would further south or east. If you are rather certain that your yard will provide enough protection for these plants, you might try growing a few.

VARIETY LISTINGS OF SHRUBS

Common Name Botanical Name Height Spread Adaptability
[1]
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Tall (10 feet in height or more)

Cotoneaster, Peking Cotoneaster acutifolia 10-12′ 8-10′ Hardy Cranberrybush, American Viburnum trilobum 12′ 10-12′ Hardy Cranberrybush, European Viburnum opulus 8-12′ 10-12′ Hardy Crapemyrtle Lagerstroemia indica 10-12′ 5′ SE Dogwood, Gray Cornus racemosa 8-12′ 8-12′ Hardy Elder, Golden Sambucus canadensis 12′ 10-12′ Hardy ′Aurea’ Fringe Tree, Red Cotonis coggygria 10′ 10-12′ X, P ′rubrifolia’ Honeysuckle, Tatarian Lonicera tatarica 10-12′ 8-10′ Hardy Hydrangea, P. G. Hydrangea paniculata 10-15′ 10-15′ X, P ′grandiflora’ Lilac, Chinese Syringa chinensis 10-15′ 10-15′ Hardy (Rothamagensis) Lilac, Common Syringa vulgaris 12-15′ 12-15′ Hardy Lilac, Manchurian Syringa amurensis 12-15′ 12-15′ Hardy Lilac, Peking Syringa pekinensis 10-15′ 10-15′ Hardy Maple, Amur Acer ginneis 15-20′ 10-12′ X, P Mockorange, Big Scentless Philadelphus grandiflorus 9-12′ 5-8′ Hardy Olive, Autumn Eleagnus umbellatus 14-16′ 15-17′ Hardy Pea Shrub Caragana arborescens 15-18′ 12-15′ Hardy Pearlbush Exochorda racemosa 10-15′ 10-15′ SC Plum, Flowering Prunus triloba ′plena’ 12′ 10-12′ X Privit, Amur River North Ligustrum amurense 10-12′ 5-7′ Hardy Privit, California Ligustrum ovalifolium 10-12′ 6-8′ X, P Privit, Common Ligustrum vulgare 10-12′ 6-8′ Hardy Privit, Golden (Vicary) Ligustrum X vicari 12′ 6-8′ X, P Redbud, Chinese Cercis chinensis 10-12′ 10-12′ X, P Rose-of-Sharon (Althea) Hibiscus syriacus 8-12′ 6-10′ Hardy Smoke Tree (Purple Cotinus coggygria 15′ 8′ X, P Fringe) Snowball Viburnum opulus ′sterilis’ 8-12′ 10-12′ Hardy Sumac, Smooth Rhus giabra 10-12′ 12′ Hardy Sumac, Staghorn Rhus typhina 20′ 15-20′ Hardy Tamarisk, Common Tamarix hispida 10-12′ 8-10′ Hardy Tamarisk, African Tamarix africana 10-12 10′ SE Viburnum, Arrowwood Viburnum dentatum 8-10′ 10-12′ NC, P Viburnum, Nannyberry Viburnum lentago 8-12′ 10-12′ Hardy Viburnum, Siebold Viburnum sieboldi 12-15′ 10-12′ NC Viburnum, Tea Viburnum setigerum 10′ 8-10′ NC Wahoo Euonymus atropurpureus 10-15′ 15-18′ Hardy Wayfaring Tree Viburnum lantana 10-12′ 12′ NC Willow, Corkscrew Salix matsudana ‘tortuosa’ 12-15′ 12′ X, P Willow, Pussy Salix discolor 10-12′ 12′ X, P

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Medium (between 7 and 10 feet in height)

Barberry, Mentor Berberis mentorensis 6-8′ 5-7′ Hardy Barberry, Truehedge Berberis thunbergi 6-8′ 4-6′ X, P ‘erecta’ Bayberry, Northern Myrica pennsylvanica 6-8′ 4-6′ Hardy Beautybush Kolkwitzia amabilis 7-10′ 8-10′ Hardy Burning Bush, Winged Euonymus alatus 8-10′ 8-10′ X, P Butterfly Bush Buddleia davidi 6-8′ 6′ NC Cherry, Nanking Prunus tomentosa ‘Orient’ 9′ 10-12′ Hardy Cotoneaster, Large Cotoneaster multiflora 8′ 8-12′ Hardy Flowering Crabapple, Sargent Malus sargentii 6-8′ 8-10′ Hardy Deutzia, Lemoine Deutzia X lemoinei 5-7′ 5-7′ NC, P Deutzia, ‘Pride of Deutzia scabra 6-8′ 4-6′ NC, P Rochester’ Dogwood, Coral Cornus alba ‘Siberica’ 9′ 8-10′ NC Dogwood, Redosier Cornus stolonifera 8′ 8-10′ X, P Dogwood, Silky Cornus ammomum 8-10′ 8-10′ X, P Dogwood, Yellowtwig Cornus stolonifera 8′ 8-10′ X, P ‘flaviramea’ Forsythia, Beatrix Forsythia x intermedia 6-8′ 6-8′ X, P Farrand Forsythia, Golden Bell Forsythia viridissima 6-8′ 5-6′ X, P Forsythia, ‘Karl Sax’ Forsythia X intermedia 6-8′ 6-8′ X, P Forsythia, ‘Lynwood Gold’ Forsythia X intermedia 8-10′ 8′ X, P Forsythia, ‘Showy Border’ Forsythia X intermedia 7-8′ 6-8′ X, P Forsythia, ‘Siebold’ Forsythia suspensa 8-10′ 10-15′ Hardy ‘Sieboldii’ Forsythia, ‘Spring Glory’ Forsythia X intermedia 7-8′ 6-8′ X, P Holly, Winterberry Ilex verticillata 6-8′ 3-5′ NC, P Honeysuckle, Morrow Lonicera morrowi 6-8′ 8-10′ Hardy Honeysuckle, Zabel Lonicera tatarica 7-10′ 7-10′ Hardy ‘Zabelii’ Jetbead, Black Rhodotypos scandens 5-7′ 6-8′ NC, P Lilac, Late Syringa villosa 8-10′ 8-10′ Hardy Lilac, Persian Syringa X persica 6-8′ 7-9′ NC Magnolia, Star Magnolia stellata 8-12′ 10-12′ SC, P Mockorange, ‘Enchantment’ Philadelphus X lemoine 8′ 6-8′ Hardy Mockorange, ‘Innocence’ Philadelphus X lemoine 8′ 6-8′ Hardy Mockorange, ‘Minnesota Philadelphus X virginalis 8′ 6-8′ Hardy Snowflake’ Mockorange, Sweet Philadelphus coronarius 8-10′ 6-7′ Hardy Ninebark, Common Physocarpus opulifolius 7-9′ 8-10′ Hardy Ninebark, ‘Goldleaf’ Physocarpus opulifolius 8-10′ 8-10′ Hardy ‘luteus’ Privit, Border Ligustrum obtusifolium 8-10′ 9′ X, P Privit, Regel Ligustrum obtusifolium 5-7′ 6′ Hardy ‘regelium’ Sand Cherry, Purpleleaf Prunus X cistena 7-9′ 8-10′ Hardy Scotch Broom Cytisus scoparius 6-8′ 6-8′ SC Spirea, Bridalwreath Spirea prunifolia ‘plena’ 7-9′ 8-10′ NC, P Spirea, Vanhoutte Spirea X vanhouttei 6-8′ 8-10′ Hardy Tamarisk, ‘Summer Glow’ Tamarix hispida 8′ 10-12′ Hardy Viburnum, Doublefile Viburnum plicatum 8-10′ 8-10′ NC, P ‘tomentosum’ Viburnum, Korean Spice Viburnum carlesii 6-8′ 6-8′ Hardy Viburnum, Linden Viburnum dilatatum 8-10′ 8-12′ NC, P Weigela, Old Fashioned Weigela florida 6-8′ 8-10′ X, P

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Small (between 4 and 6 feet in height)

Abelia, Glossy Abelia X grandiflora 3-5′ 3-5′ SC, P Almond, Flowering Prunus glandulosa 4-5′ 3-4′ Hardy (Cherry) Barberry, Japanese Berberis thunbergii 4-6′ 3-5′ X, P (Green) Barberry, Redleaf Berberis thunbergii 4-5′ 3-5′ X, P ‘atropurpurea’ Barberry, Kobold Berberis thunbergii 4-6′ 5-6′ X, P ‘Kobold’ Beautyberry, Japanese Callicarpa japonica 4-5′ 4-5′ NC, P Burning Bush, Dwarf Euonymus alatus ‘compacta’ 4-5′ 4-5′ X, P Winged Cotoneaster, Spreading Cotoneaster divaricata 5-6′ 6-8′ X, P Cranberry, Compact Viburnum opulus 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy European ‘compactum’ Honeysuckle, Clavey’s Lonicera xylosteum 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy Dwarf Honeysuckle, Winter Lonicera fragrantissima 5-7′ 6′ Hardy (Fragrant) Hydrangea, A. G. Hydrangea arborescens 3-5′ 5-7′ NC, P ‘grandiflora’ Hydrangea, ‘Nikko Blue’ Hydrangea macrophylla 4-5′ 5-6′ X, P Indian-current Coralberry Symphoricarpos orbiculatus 3-5′ 4-5′ Hardy Kerria Kerria japonica 4-6′ 5-7′ X, P Lilac, Dwarf Korean Syringa oblata 4-6′ 6-8′ NC, P ‘palibiniana’ Mockorange, ‘Albatre’ Philadelphus X virginalis 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy Mockorange, ‘Belle Philadelphus X lemoine 6′ 6′ Hardy Etoille’ Mockorange, ‘Bouquet Philadelphus X virginalis 6′ 6′ Hardy Blanc’ Mockorange, ‘Glacier’ Philadelphus X virginalis 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy Quince, Japanese Chaenomeles lagenaria 5-7′ 6-8′ X, P Flowering (speciosa) Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy Spirea, Garland Spirea X arguta 5-6′ 5-6′ X, P Spirea, Thunberg Spirea thunbergi 4-5′ 4-5′ Hardy Viburnum, Wright’s Viburnum wrighti ‘hessei’ 3-5′ 4-6′ X, P Weigela, ‘Bristol Ruby’ Weigela X florida 4-6′ 4-6′ X, P Weigela, ‘Eva Rathke’ Weigela X floribunda 4-6′ 6-8′ X, P Weigela, ‘Java Red’ Weigela purpurea 5-7′ 6-8′ X, P

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS: Dwarf (less than 4 feet in height)

Barberry, Crimson Pygmy Berberis thunbergi ‘nana’ 1½-2′ 2-3′ X, P Chenauit Coralberry Symphoricarpos X chenauiti 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy Cinquefoil Potentilla fruticosa 2-4′ 2-4′ Hardy Cotoneaster, Cranberry Cotoneaster apiculata 2-3′ 3-4′ X, P Deutzia, Rosepanicle Deutzia X rosea ‘eximia’ 3-4′ 4-5′ NC Deutzia, Slender Deutzia gracilis 2-3′ 3-4′ NC Forsythia, ‘Bronx’ Forsythia viridissima 1½-2′ 3′ X, P ‘Bronxensis’ Hydrangea, ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea X arborescens 3-4′ 4-5′ X, P Mockorange, Silver Philadelphus X lemoine 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy Showers Mockorange, ‘Dwarf Philadelphus X virginalis 2-3′ 2-3′ Hardy Minnesota Snowflake’ ‘nana’ Mockorange, Dwarf Sweet Philadelphus coronarius 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy ‘nana’ Ninebark, Dwarf Physocarpus opulitolius 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy ‘nanus’ Pea Shrub, Pygmy Caragana arborescens 1½-2′ 1½-2′ Hardy Quince, Dwarf Flowering Chaenomeles meulei 2-3′ 2-3′ X, P Quince, Japanese Chaenomeles japonica 3-4′ 4-5′ Hardy Flowering Quince, Red Japanese Chaenomeles japonica 3-4′ 4-5′ Hardy ‘rubra’ St. Johnswort, Hidcote Hypericum patulum 1½-2′ 1½-2′ X ‘Hidcote’ St. Johnswort, Kalm Hypericum kalmianum 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy St. Johnswort, Sungold Hypericum patulum 1½-2′ 1½-2′ Hardy ‘Sungold’ Spirea, Anthony Waterer Spirea X bumalda ‘Anthony 2-3′ 2-3′ X, P Waterer’ Spirea, Froebel Spirea X bumalda 3-4′ 3-4′ X, P ‘Froebeli’ Spirea, Redflowering Spirea japonica ‘coccinea’ 3-4′ 3-4′ X, P Spirea, Snowmound Spirea nipponica 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy ‘Snowmound’ Willow, Dwarf Arctic Blue Salix purpurea ‘nana’ 3-4′ 3-4′ NC

Common Name Botanical Name Height Spread Adaptability
[1]
BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Tall (10 feet or more in height)

Holly, American Ilex opaca 12-15′ 8-10′ SC, P Holly, Yaupon Ilex vomitoria 10-15′ 8-10′ SC, P Magnolia, Southern Magnolia grandiflora 15-20′ 10-12′ SC, P

BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Medium (between 7 and 10 feet in height)

Euonymus, Large-Leaf Euonymus kiautschovicus 6-8′ 8-10′ Hardy (Patens) Euonymus, ‘Manhattan’ Euonymus kiautschovicus 8-10′ 8-12′ Hardy (Patens) Mahonia, Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolium 5-7′ 4-5′ Hardy Pyracantha, ‘Kasan’ Pyracantha coccinea 6-8′ 6-8′ X, P ‘Kasan’ Pyracantha, ‘Lalandii’ Pyracantha coccinea 5-10′ 8-10′ X, P ‘Lalandii’ Pyracantha, ‘Wyatti’ Pyracantha coccinea 6-8′ 6-8′ X, P ‘Wyatti’ Viburnum, Leatherleaf Viburnum rhytidophylium 8-12′ 8-12′ NC, P

BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Small (between 4 and 6 feet in height)

Barberry, Wintergreen Berbaris juliana 4-6′ 3-5′ NC, P Euonymus, Dupont Euonymus kiautschovicus 5-6′ 4-6′ Hardy (Patens) Euonymus, ‘Emerald ’n’ Euonymus fortunei 4-5′ 4′ X, P Gold’ ‘vegetus’ Euonymus, ‘Jewel’ Euonymus kiautschovicus 5-6′ 4-6′ Hardy (Patens) Euonymus, Medium Leaf Euonymus kiautschovicus 5-6′ 4-6′ Hardy (Patens) Euonymus, ‘Sarcoxie’ Euonymus fortunei 4-5′ 4′ X, P ‘vegetus’ Holly, Dwarf Japanese Ilex crenata ‘compacta’ 4-5′ 4-5′ SC, P Holly, ‘Hellers’ Japanese Ilex crenata ‘Helleri’ 4′ 5′ SC, P Holly, Hetz Japanese Ilex crenata ‘Hetzii’ 4′ 5′ SC, P Holly, Dwarf Yaupon Ilex vomitoria ‘nana’ 4′ 5′ SC, P Nandina Nandina domestica 4-5′ 4′ SC, P Pyracantha, ‘Low Boy’ Pyracantha coccinea ‘Low 4-5′ 4-5′ X, P Boy’

BROADLEAF EVERGREEN SHRUBS: Dwarf (less than 4 feet in height)

Azalea, Kurume Rhododendron obtusum 3′ 2-3′ SC, P Azalea, Mollis Hybrid Rhododendron X kosterianum 3-4′ 3-4′ SC, P Boxwood, Edging Buxus sempervirens 2-3′ 2-3′ NC, P Boxwood, Wintergreen Buxus microphylus 4′ 5′ NC, P Euonymus, ‘Emerald Euonymus fortunei 3-4′ 3-4′ X, P Cushion’ ‘vegetus’ Euonymus, ‘Emerald Euonymus fortunei 3-4′ 2-3′ X, P Gaiety’ ‘vegetus’ Euonymus, Small Leaf Euonymus kiautschovicus 2-3′ 2-3′ Hardy (Patens) Euonymus, Vinca Leaf Euonymus kiautschovicus 3-4′ 3-4′ X, P ‘vincafolia’ Holly, Dwarf Burford Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordi 3-4′ 2-3′ Hardy nana’ Rhododendron Rhododendron catawbiense 4′ 4′ SC, P

[1]Adaptability:
SE—hardy in southeastern Kansas only;
SC—hardy in south central and eastern Kansas;
NC—hardy in central and eastern Kansas only;
P—protect from south west winds;
X—hardiness is doubtful in hotter, drier locations of Kansas;
Hardy—fully hardy in exposed areas of Kansas.

PROBLEMS TO EXPECT

Every shrub species grown in Kansas can be expected to be afflicted with some problem during its lifetime. The most common problems are insect and disease attacks. These usually can be controlled by routine spraying. Knowledge of the problems make it easier to diagnose and correct before they become severe.

Soil alkalinity or high pH may also limit the use of some plants. Iron chlorosis is a common problem with some shrubs grown in the western half of Kansas. This is easily corrected by applying iron sulfate or iron chelate to the plant or soil.

Your local County Extension Agent can assist you with the diagnosis of any disease, insect, or cultural problem.

All Kansas Extension educational programs and materials are available to all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or religion.

Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas State University, Manhattan
C-469 February 1973

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with U. S. Department of Agriculture. Robert A. Bohannon, Director of Extension, Kansas State University of Agriculture and Applied Science.

34-6672 2-73—20M
KANSAS STATE PRINTING PLANT

Transcriber’s Notes

—Silently corrected a few typos.

—Retained publication information from the printed edition: this eBook
is public-domain in the country of publication.

—In the text versions only, text in italics is delimited by
_underscores_.

End of Project Gutenberg's Shrubs for Kansas Landscapes, by Anonymous