As arborists, we’ve had the opportunity to experience thousands of Edmonton yards close up and personal. Through that journey these are the shrubs and bushes that really stood out from the crowd.
FLOWERING ALMOND
Why Its Great:
- Relatively long lasting flowers
- Incredible fragrance (usually)
- Fast growing and hardy
The flowering almond, a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), is a beautiful shrub that brings a burst of color to early spring landscapes. They are not actually true almonds, but rather close relatives of plum and cherry trees. Though many varieties have a weak fragrance, some have boast a rich, nutty, floral fragrance that’s signature to the plant.
Smokebush
Why Its Great:
- Distinctive velvet like leaves and unique “smoke like” flowers
- The Royal Purple Smoke Bush is a recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.
If you want to create a splash of vibrant color that lasts throughout the seasons, then the Royal Purple Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’) is an outstanding choice. This deciduous shrub is beloved for its striking purple foliage ( smooth texture looks almost artificial) and eye-catching, hazy flower plumes.
Hydrangeas
Why They’re great:
- Long lasting flowers
- Long life durable plant (up to 50 years)
- Do well in shaded areas
Hydrangeas have been a long time yard staple for good reason. Not only do their large, vibrant, floral displays last just about tall spring and winter (long after other plants have shed their flowers) but they’re also very hardy and eye catching. If you have hydrangeas in your yard it will be the plant visitors single out for comment.
Potentilla
Why It’s Great:
- Longest lasting flowers on the list often appearing well into fall
- Small manageable size
- Hardy and reliable
If you’re looking for a splash of cheerful color and effortless charm in your garden, consider the delightful Potentilla. These versatile plants bloom tirelessly from late spring to fall, showering your landscape with vibrant yellow, pink, orange, red, or white flowers. They come in a range of sizes, from low-growing groundcovers to bushy shrubs, offering solutions for every garden need. Plus, Potentilla plants are incredibly low-maintenance, making them a fantastic choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
Ninebark
Why Its Great:
- Very hardy and low maintenance
- Bright red stems look great in the winter after the leaves are shed
- A wide variety of flower color options available.
A well landscaped yard wouldn’t be complete without a few ninebark variations. Very low maintenance and coming in a variety of flower and stem colours; the vibrant characteristics red stems provide year round aesthetic appeal.
Roses
Why It’s Great:
- Unmatched: beauty and fragrance
- A limitless variety: of colours and fragrance combos.
- Attractive to Pollinators: Their blooms provide a valuable food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Cut Flower Favorites: Nothing beats the joy of a homegrown rose bouquet.
What’s left to be said about the iconic rose. Few flowers embody classic elegance and romance quite like the rose. With their breathtaking beauty, intoxicating fragrances, and rich symbolism, roses have captivated hearts for centuries. Whether you dream of a traditional rose garden, a climber-covered archway, or simply want to add their captivating allure to your landscape, roses are an enchanting choice for gardens both grand and intimate.
Burning Bush
Why It’s Great:
- Explosive Fall Color: Burning bush earns its name with an unparalleled autumn color display of fiery reds, oranges, and pinks.
- Adaptability: Tolerates a variety of soil types and light conditions, making them versatile for landscaping.
- Easy Care: It needs minimal pruning and is relatively disease and pest-resistant.
- Visual Interest: Dense branching and rounded form provide year-round structure, especially striking when leaves drop.
If you crave an explosion of vibrant autumn color, Burning Bush definitely delivers. This shrub transforms into a blazing spectacle of fiery reds, oranges, and pinks come fall, making it a landscaping favorite. With its adaptable nature and easy care, Burning Bush offers undeniable appeal, though it’s essential to be aware of its invasive tendencies.
Mockorange
Why It’s Great:
- Intoxicating Fragrance: The primary reason to include Mockorange! Flowers emit a sweet, orange-blossom-like perfume.
- Attractive Foliage: Boasts lovely oval, rich green leaves that sometimes turn yellow in autumn.
- Manageable Size: Many varieties offer compact to medium sizes, ideal for various garden settings.
- Adaptability: Tolerates a range of soils and light conditions, including some shade.
- Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
If you’re looking for a shrub that will fill your garden with a heady, citrus-like scent in spring and provide graceful charm throughout the year, consider the Mockorange. With its profusion of pure white blossoms, lush foliage, and easy-going nature, this shrub deserves a spot in most gardens.
Royal Burgundy Barberry
Why It’s Great:
- Unique, dense, stacking texture
- All season colour contrasts great with green plants
- Can tolerate partial shade under story locations
If you crave a splash of dramatic color and interesting leaf texture, Royal Burgundy Barbery delivers in spades. Its rich, burgundy foliage maintains its vibrant hue throughout the season, offering a striking contrast in any landscape. This hardy shrub thrives in various conditions and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
Gold Tide Forsythia
Why It’s Great:
- Splash of yellow: contrasts well with the red and green bushes on this list
- Early Spring Blooms: Dazzles with masses of yellow, bell-shaped flowers, one of the first shrubs to signal spring!
- Groundcover Power: Spreads wider than it grows tall, ideal for slopes, borders, or mass plantings.
- Manageable Size: Stays low and compact, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
- Easy Care: Tolerates various conditions, drought-resistant once established, and needs little pruning.
- Attracts Early Pollinators: The blossoms provide an essential early food source for emerging bees and butterflies.
If you’re looking for a blast of bright yellow to herald the arrival of spring, Gold Tide Forsythia is an outstanding choice. This low-growing shrub explodes with vibrant yellow flowers before most other plants even wake up. Its compact size and undemanding nature make it an easy addition to nearly any landscape.
Azalea
Azaleas are beloved for their dazzling displays of vibrant blooms that usher in spring with undeniable flair. With countless varieties offering a kaleidoscope of colors, these delightful shrubs hold a special place in the hearts of gardeners. Whether you prefer evergreen types for year-round greenery or deciduous ones for bright fall foliage, there’s an Azalea out there to brighten your landscape.
Featured On:
Consumer choice award for Northern Alberta tree services 2022 and 2023!
