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.

Wrong selection of shrubs can be disastrous as shown by the planting on the right.

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.

When removal of a cane has been decided upon, make the cut as close to the ground as possible (example A). When an old cane selected for removal has a desirable shoot at its base, make a cut as shown in example B. Note that the cut is slanted and is approximately ¼ inch above the shoot.

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 11 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 ′Aurea’ 12′ 10-12′ Hardy

Fringe Tree, Red Cotonis coggygria ′rubrifolia’ 10′ 10-12′ X, P

Honeysuckle, Tatarian Lonicera tatarica 10-12′ 8-10′ Hardy

Hydrangea, P. G. Hydrangea paniculata ′grandiflora’ 10-15′ 10-15′ X, P

Lilac, Chinese (Rothamagensis) Syringa chinensis 10-15′ 10-15′ Hardy

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 Fringe) Cotinus coggygria 15′ 8′ X, P

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 ‘erecta’ 6-8′ 4-6′ X, P

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 Flowering Cotoneaster multiflora 8′ 8-12′ Hardy

Crabapple, Sargent Malus sargentii 6-8′ 8-10′ Hardy

Deutzia, Lemoine Deutzia X lemoinei 5-7′ 5-7′ NC, P

Deutzia, ‘Pride of Rochester’ Deutzia scabra 6-8′ 4-6′ NC, P

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 ‘flaviramea’ 8′ 8-10′ X, P

Forsythia, Beatrix Farrand Forsythia x intermedia 6-8′ 6-8′ X, P

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 ‘Sieboldii’ 8-10′ 10-15′ Hardy

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 ‘Zabelii’ 7-10′ 7-10′ Hardy

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 Snowflake’ Philadelphus X virginalis 8′ 6-8′ Hardy

Mockorange, Sweet Philadelphus coronarius 8-10′ 6-7′ Hardy

Ninebark, Common Physocarpus opulifolius 7-9′ 8-10′ Hardy

Ninebark, ‘Goldleaf’ Physocarpus opulifolius ‘luteus’ 8-10′ 8-10′ Hardy

Privit, Border Ligustrum obtusifolium 8-10′ 9′ X, P

Privit, Regel Ligustrum obtusifolium ‘regelium’ 5-7′ 6′ Hardy

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 ‘tomentosum’ 8-10′ 8-10′ NC, P

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 (Cherry) Prunus glandulosa 4-5′ 3-4′ Hardy

Barberry, Japanese (Green) Berberis thunbergii 4-6′ 3-5′ X, P

Barberry, Redleaf Berberis thunbergii ‘atropurpurea’ 4-5′ 3-5′ X, P

Barberry, Kobold Berberis thunbergii ‘Kobold’ 4-6′ 5-6′ X, P

Beautyberry, Japanese Callicarpa japonica 4-5′ 4-5′ NC, P

Burning Bush, Dwarf Winged Euonymus alatus ‘compacta’ 4-5′ 4-5′ X, P

Cotoneaster, Spreading Cotoneaster divaricata 5-6′ 6-8′ X, P

Cranberry, Compact European Viburnum opulus ‘compactum’ 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy

Honeysuckle, Clavey’s Dwarf Lonicera xylosteum 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy

Honeysuckle, Winter (Fragrant) Lonicera fragrantissima 5-7′ 6′ Hardy

Hydrangea, A. G. Hydrangea arborescens ‘grandiflora’ 3-5′ 5-7′ NC, P

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 ‘palibiniana’ 4-6′ 6-8′ NC, P

Mockorange, ‘Albatre’ Philadelphus X virginalis 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy

Mockorange, ‘Belle Etoille’ Philadelphus X lemoine 6′ 6′ Hardy

Mockorange, ‘Bouquet Blanc’ Philadelphus X virginalis 6′ 6′ Hardy

Mockorange, ‘Glacier’ Philadelphus X virginalis 4-6′ 4-6′ Hardy

Quince, Japanese Flowering Chaenomeles lagenaria (speciosa) 5-7′ 6-8′ X, P

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 ‘Bronxensis’ 1½-2′ 3′ X, P

Hydrangea, ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea X arborescens 3-4′ 4-5′ X, P

Mockorange, Silver Showers Philadelphus X lemoine 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy

Mockorange, ‘Dwarf Minnesota Snowflake’ Philadelphus X virginalis ‘nana’ 2-3′ 2-3′ Hardy

Mockorange, Dwarf Sweet Philadelphus coronarius ‘nana’ 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy

Ninebark, Dwarf Physocarpus opulitolius ‘nanus’ 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy

Pea Shrub, Pygmy Caragana arborescens 1½-2′ 1½-2′ Hardy

Quince, Dwarf Flowering Chaenomeles meulei 2-3′ 2-3′ X, P

Quince, Japanese Flowering Chaenomeles japonica 3-4′ 4-5′ Hardy

Quince, Red Japanese Chaenomeles japonica ‘rubra’ 3-4′ 4-5′ Hardy

St. Johnswort, Hidcote Hypericum patulum ‘Hidcote’ 1½-2′ 1½-2′ X

St. Johnswort, Kalm Hypericum kalmianum 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy

St. Johnswort, Sungold Hypericum patulum ‘Sungold’ 1½-2′ 1½-2′ Hardy

Spirea, Anthony Waterer Spirea X bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’ 2-3′ 2-3′ X, P

Spirea, Froebel Spirea X bumalda ‘Froebeli’ 3-4′ 3-4′ X, P

Spirea, Redflowering Spirea japonica ‘coccinea’ 3-4′ 3-4′ X, P

Spirea, Snowmound Spirea nipponica ‘Snowmound’ 3-4′ 3-4′ Hardy

Willow, Dwarf Arctic Blue Salix purpurea ‘nana’ 3-4′ 3-4′ NC

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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 (Patens) 6-8′ 8-10′ Hardy

Euonymus, ‘Manhattan’ Euonymus kiautschovicus (Patens) 8-10′ 8-12′ Hardy

Mahonia, Oregon Grape Mahonia aquifolium 5-7′ 4-5′ Hardy

Pyracantha, ‘Kasan’ Pyracantha coccinea ‘Kasan’ 6-8′ 6-8′ X, P

Pyracantha, ‘Lalandii’ Pyracantha coccinea ‘Lalandii’ 5-10′ 8-10′ X, P

Pyracantha, ‘Wyatti’ Pyracantha coccinea ‘Wyatti’ 6-8′ 6-8′ X, P

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 (Patens) 5-6′ 4-6′ Hardy

Euonymus, ‘Emerald ’n’ Gold’ Euonymus fortunei ‘vegetus’ 4-5′ 4′ X, P

Euonymus, ‘Jewel’ Euonymus kiautschovicus (Patens) 5-6′ 4-6′ Hardy

Euonymus, Medium Leaf Euonymus kiautschovicus (Patens) 5-6′ 4-6′ Hardy

Euonymus, ‘Sarcoxie’ Euonymus fortunei ‘vegetus’ 4-5′ 4′ X, P

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 Boy’ 4-5′ 4-5′ X, P

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 Cushion’ Euonymus fortunei ‘vegetus’ 3-4′ 3-4′ X, P

Euonymus, ‘Emerald Gaiety’ Euonymus fortunei ‘vegetus’ 3-4′ 2-3′ X, P

Euonymus, Small Leaf Euonymus kiautschovicus (Patens) 2-3′ 2-3′ Hardy

Euonymus, Vinca Leaf Euonymus kiautschovicus ‘vincafolia’ 3-4′ 3-4′ X, P

Holly, Dwarf Burford Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordi nana’ 3-4′ 2-3′ Hardy

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.

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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