Shrubs Worth Your Consideration —
Favorite Shrubs From a Wood by Heather Prince
North Dakota can be an
unforgiving place to grow plants between alkaline clay soil, harsh winters, and hot summers. However, it also makes a terrific place to trial plants for toughness and adaptability. In a conversation with Todd West, Woody Plant Improvement Program Director at North Dakota State University, we talked about shrubs that have performed well no matter what North Dakota dishes out. “Although we’re known for tree research, the Dale E. Herman Research Arboretum also has a shrub selection program,” commented West. The NDSU Woody Plant Improvement research program has introduced more than 50 superior woody plants and continues to develop tough, tolerant plant selections for the Midwest and beyond. Consider these selections as you plan client installations to add diversity and lower maintenance choices to your designs. These are some of West’s favorites for small spaces that deliver in flower power, interesting bark, lush foliage, and other ornamental features. Some are tried and true varieties and some are fresh from the breeding bench.
40
Deciduous Shrubs
With more pests and diseases cropping up, diversity of woody plant material in the landscape is becoming increasingly important. These shrubs offer flower, fragrance, nifty foliage, unique bark, and more while being easy-going options when planted in the right conditions. They all tolerate clay soils, cold winters, and steamy summers with little fuss.
Cinnamon Curls® Birch
Betula costata ‘CinnDak’ Zone: 4a to 6/7 Height/width: 9 feet Sun: full sun to very light shade Soil: average to moist, pH tolerant Foliage: Clear green leaves that turn to a golden yellow. Bark: Lovely creamy white exfoliating bark with cinnamon-colored undersides curling in strips. Notes: This dwarf slowgrowing birch introduced by North Dakota State University is a delightful way to add all the features of a birch tree in a small space. This Korean selection is birch borer resistant and with a higher tolerance of pH so avoids chlorosis issues. Forming a nice tight clump, it tucks into small landscapes easily and can also be a great focal point or specimen with uplighting to showcase its shape. It rarely requires pruning to maintain its tidy shape.
The Landscape Contractor October 2021
