Shrubs for Kansas Landscapes

by Gary L. McDaniel

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.