As the winter snow melts away and spring arrives, it's time to start thinking about landscaping and gardening projects for the upcoming year. One of the best ways to enhance your outdoor space is by planting shrubs. Shrubs are versatile, low-maintenance plants that can provide privacy, add beauty, and attract wildlife. However, not all shrubs are suitable for Minnesota's climate and soil. In this guide, we'll explore the best shrubs for Minnesota in 2022.
Factors to Consider
Before we dive into the best shrubs for Minnesota, it's important to understand the factors that affect the success of your landscaping project. These factors include:
Climate
Minnesota has a cold climate with long, harsh winters and short, humid summers. The USDA Hardiness Zone for Minnesota ranges from Zone 3b to Zone 5b. This means that plants must be able to withstand temperatures as low as -35°F and as high as 100°F.
Soil
Minnesota has a variety of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay soils. It's important to choose shrubs that can thrive in your specific soil type.
Sun Exposure
Different shrubs have different sun exposure requirements. Some shrubs prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial or full shade.
Best Shrubs for Minnesota in 2022
Now that you understand the factors that affect the success of your landscaping project, let's explore the best shrubs for Minnesota in 2022.
1. Blue Mist Shrub (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
The Blue Mist Shrub is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that can add beauty to any landscape. It blooms in late summer with blue-purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri 'Palibin')
The Dwarf Korean Lilac is a compact, fragrant shrub that blooms in late spring with lavender-pink flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's also deer-resistant, making it a great option for gardens in suburban areas.
3. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
The Ninebark is a versatile shrub that can grow in a variety of soil types and sun exposures. It blooms in late spring with white or pink flowers and has attractive, peeling bark that adds interest to the winter landscape.
4. Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
The Red Twig Dogwood is a deciduous shrub that adds color to the winter landscape with its bright red stems. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can also be used as a hedge or screen.
5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
The Serviceberry is a native shrub that blooms in early spring with white flowers and produces edible berries in the summer. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It's also a favorite of birds and wildlife.
6. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.)
The Snowberry is a low-maintenance shrub that produces white berries in the fall and winter. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It's also a great option for erosion control.
Additional Shrub Options
While the six shrubs we've highlighted are great options for Minnesota in 2022, there are many other shrubs that can thrive in Minnesota's climate and soil. Here are a few additional options to consider:
1. American Cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus var. americanum)
The American Cranberrybush is a low-maintenance shrub that produces white flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
2. Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)
The Highbush Cranberry is a native shrub that produces white flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
3. Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
The Virginia Sweetspire is a low-maintenance shrub that produces white flowers in the spring and has attractive red or orange fall foliage. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
4. Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
The Red Osier Dogwood is a deciduous shrub that produces red stems in the winter and white flowers in the spring. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Tips for Planting Shrubs in Minnesota
Now that you have a list of the best shrubs for Minnesota in 2022, it's important to know how to plant them for optimal success. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Right Location
Make sure to choose a location that provides the right sun exposure and soil conditions for your chosen shrub. Also, make sure to plant shrubs away from buildings and other structures to prevent damage from snow and ice.
2. Prepare the Soil
Before planting, make sure to prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and adding compost or other organic material to improve soil drainage and fertility.
3. Water Regularly
Shrubs need regular watering, especially during their first year of growth. Make sure to water deeply and thoroughly, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
4. Mulch
Adding a layer of mulch around the base of your shrubs can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shrubs for your Minnesota landscape can be challenging, but with the right knowledge, you can create a beautiful and thriving outdoor space. Remember to take into account the climate, soil, and sun exposure when selecting shrubs. The six shrubs we've highlighted in this guide, along with the additional options, are great choices for Minnesota in 2022. With proper planting and care, your shrubs will add beauty and value to your outdoor space for years to come.