SHRUBS

 

Amelanchier utahensis SERVICEBERRY

This native serviceberry grows in the Four Corners area and is found in semi-desert conditions in Colorado and Utah. It is covered with white flowers in late May to early June. 15' tall at maturity. Can be grown as a small tree or shrub. Drought tolerant once established. Zone 4.

 

Artemisia cana SILVER SAGEBRUSH

Fragrant silver foliage; extremely drought tolerant. Native from New Mexico to Canada. 3' x 3'. Zone 3.

 

NEW! Atraphaxis buxifolia

Xeric shrub with attractive, long lasting green bracts in the spring. 2' tall.

 

Berberis thunbergii 'Ruby Carousel' RED-LEAF BARBERRY

Red leaves through the entire growing season. This is a disease free shrub, and a great choice for hedges or foundation plantings. 3'-4' tall. Zone 4.

 

Buddleia alternifolia 'Argentea' SILVER BUTTERFLY BUSH

A butterfly bush for the unwatered garden. Unlike the Buddleia davidii cultivars, this species is extremely drought tolerant. A must for Pueblo West customers, and anyone who wants a showy spring blooming shrub that is almost maintenance free. 1998 Plant Select. 8' tall. Zone 5.

 

NEW! Buddleia davidii 'Nanho Purple' BUTTERFLY BUSH

A compact butterfly bush with long clusters of bright purple flowers and silver foliage.

 

Buddleia davidii 'Royal Red' BUTTERFLY BUSH

Deep burgundy red flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Loves heat and sun. 6' tall. Zone 5.

 

Buddleia x weyeriana 'Honeycomb' BUTTERFLY BUSH

Yellow flowers with orange centers; fragrant; dark green foliage; 6' tall. Zone 5 with winter protection.

 

Buxus x 'Wilson' (Northern Charm) BOXWOOD,NORTHERN CHARM

Selected by Chicagoland Grows for its cold hardiness, the evergreen foliage on this oval-shaped shrub changes to a rich black-green during winter. Does best in light shade, protected from winter winds. 3' tall. Zones 4

 

Caryopteris 'Dark Knight' BLUE MIST SPIREA

Dark blue flowers make this a great shrub for late summer color. Drought tolerant. Zone 5.

 

Caryopteris x 'Minibleu' PETIT BLEU BLUE MIST SPIREA

Dark green foliage really sets off the deep blue flowers; this compact shrub will attract butterflies to the late summer garden. 18" tall. Drought tolerant. Zone 5.

 

Cercocarpus intricatus EVERGREEN MOUNTAIN MAHOGANY

Smallest leaves of all the mountain mahoganies. Evergreen leaves and dark stems make a this an attractive shrub year round. Slow-growing to an eventual 6' tall. Zone 3.

 

Cercocarpus ledifolius MAHOGANY, CURL LEAF

Drought tolerant and evergreen. Slowly grows into a 10' tall shrub. Plant Select. Zone 4.

 

Cercocarpus montanus MOUNTAIN MAHOGANY

Similar to above, but deciduous. This one is native to Rye and all along the Front Range. Leaves have an orangey-red fall color. Plumed seed heads. 5' x 5'. Zone 5.

 

Chamaebatiaria millefolium FERNBUSH

This native shrub has white flowers in midsummer. The leaves are feathery and present most of the year. Very drought tolerant. 5' X 5'. Plant Select. Zone 4.

 

Chilopsis linearis DESERT WILLOW

This gorgeous native survives in Denver and Pueblo, but I'm not sure about Rye. Mulching the roots in late fall may help it make it through Flowers are fantastic for hummingbirds and gives pleasure to anyone who passes by. Xeric. 5' tall. Zone 5? 6? Try it near a warm wall and let us know how it does.

 

NEW! Chrysothamnus nauseosus nana RABBITBRUSH, DWARF

This native has silver blue stems and leaves and golden yellow flowers in late September. This variety is very dwarf, only 2� tall after many years. Pruning back to 12" tall in spring will cause the plant to remain a compact and attractive shrub. Hardy to 9000'.

 

Cotinus x dummeri 'Grace' SMOKEBUSH

This fantastic smokebush is disease free and drought tolerant. A cross between American smoke tree and the Asian Cotinus coggygria, it produces enormous clusters of pink puffs of smoke in June. Red foliage in summer changes to gold, red, and orange in the fall. Full sun. 10' tall. Zone 5.

 

Cotoneaster lucidus HEDGE COTONEASTER

A very cold hardy Siberian species with pink and white flowers in spring and brilliant red fall color. 5'-10' tall. Drought tolerant once established. Branches low to the ground so it can be used as a hedge or screen. Medium growth rate. Zone 4.

 

Cowania mexicana (syn. Purshia stansburiana CLIFFROSE

Small, evergreen leaves, creamy white, intensely fragrant flowers in summer. Native to Colorado and points west. Drought tolerant. 6' tall. Zone 5.

 

Fallugia paradoxa APACHE PLUME

Native shrub with white, single, rose-like flowers followed by silky tan plumes. Both fllowers and plumes are on the bush through most of the summer. 3'-5' tall. Plant Select. Zone 4.

 

Fendlera rupicola CLIFF FENDLER BUSH

This native New Mexican is very heat and drought tolerant. Attractive, fragrant, showy white flowers in late spring and early summer. Narrow column of dark stems 6' tall. Zone 4.

 

Forestiera neomexicana NEW MEXICO PRIVET

This can be grown as a shrub or tree. If pruned to a tree shape, it looks graceful and open with smallish leaves. If allowed to grow unchecked it can create a thick hedge. Zone 4.

 

Forsythia x 'Mindor' SHOW OFF FORSYTHIA

Early blooming and compact, this shrub is covered with blooms from the ground to the ends of every stem. The flowers are twice the size of most forsythia--it really is a 'Show Off.' 4'-5' tall. Zone 4.

 

Genista tinctoria 'Royal Gold' BROOM

Deep yellow flowers in spring. Survives in poor dry soils and thrives in heat. 18" x 36". Zone 4.

 

Heptacondium miconioides SEVEN-SON FLOWER

White, fragrant blooms in late summer fall and leave dramatic reddish-purple calyces that look good all fall. Leaves change to purple in the fall as well. Does well in sun or part shade. 12�-20� tall. Plant Select. Zone 4.

 

Holodiscus dumosus CLIFF SPIREA

Shrub native to Colorado's higher elevations. Can be seen in San Isabel National Forest near Lake Isabel and also on the way to the top of Pike's Peak. Great choice for Rye, Beulah, Evergreen, Green Mountain Falls, and other cooler, higher spots. Leaves turn red in fall. Zone 3.

 

Hydrangea 'Annabelle' HYDRANGEA

Big snowball flowers turn from green to white. In the fall they change again to a soft tan color. They make great dried flowers, picked green or tan. This shrub is the easiest hydrangea to grow in Colorado. It can take the cold and it doesn't mind severe pruning. 4' tall. Zone 4.

 

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' HYDRANGEA

Continuous blooming lime-green flowers are held upright on strong stems. In the fall the flowers change to pink and burgundy mixed in with the green. Fabuous cut flower and everlasting flower. Full sun, plenty of water and a soil with added compost will make this shrub very happy. 6'-8' tall. Zone 3.

 

Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lamb' HYDRANGEA

This hardy hydrangea is covered with full white flower heads that cover the compact shrub. 4'-6' tall. Zone 3.

 

Hydrangea paniculata 'Pinky Winky' HYDRANGEA

Bicolor - white darkening to pink 12"-18" long blooms. Blooms summer to fall. 6' tall. Zone 4.

 

Mahonia haematocarpa DESERT HOLLY

An evergreen shrub with yellow flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall. 6' tall. Does best with a little shade, otherwise it winterburns. Zone 5.

 

NEW! Mahonia repens OREGON GRAPE HOLLY

This native shrub makes a good groundcover. Yellow flower in spring; blue berries that attract birds. Evergreen. The leaves turn bronze in winter. 12" tall. Zone 4.

 

Microbiota decussata 'Jacobsen' SIBERIAN CYPRESS

This is not a juniper! Microbiota decussata 'Jacobsen' is a dwarf form of the species. Its foliage is ascending. 12" tall, spreading slowly to 3' wide. For sun to part shade. Zone 2.

 

Peraphyllum ramosissimum SQUAW APPLE

Peraphyllum is Greek for very leafy and ramosissimum is Greek for many branches. Native to Colorado and Utah. Beautiful flowers that look like single roses. Very drought tolerant. Small yellow to reddish fruit in late summer. Hardy to 8000'.

 

Philadelphus microphyllus LITTLELEAF MOCKORANGE

Masses of fragrant, white flowers June-July. It can grow on rocky ledges in full sun or partly shaded by Gambel oaks. Thrives from the deserts of Utah to the foothills of Colorado. Fragrant flowers. 15' tall. Xeric. Zone 3.

 

Physocarpus 'Coppertina' NINEBARK

The color of the leaves-- burnished copper in spring, darker as the season progresses until turning red in fall--makes this very hardy shrub an excellent plant for the perennial border or as an accent with evergreen shrubs. Looks great paired with Physocarpus 'Summerwine,' too. 4' tall. Zone 3.

 

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Seward' SUMMER WINE NINEBARK

Extremely cold hardy, this shrub will survive winters up to 9000'. The red-purple foliage is set off by pinkish-white flowers in midsummer. 5'-6' tall, and about as wide. Zone 3.

 

NEW! Potentilla fruticosa 'Forever Gold' BUSH CINQUEFOILLight yellow flowers persist throughout the summer, very long bloom period. Like all potentillas it is extremely

cold tolerant. The species is native to Colorado at 8000' and higher; it will survive without irragation in the foothills, but needs some supplemental water at lower elevations. Zone 3.

 

Potentilla fruticosa 'Gold Drop' BUSH CINQUEFOIL

Large intense yellow flowers; considered one of the best. 3' tall. Blooms for months. Drought tolerant, too! Deer don't bother it! What more could anyone want? Zone 2.

 

Potentilla fruticosa 'Katherine Dykes' BUSH CINQUEFOIL

A nice clear yellow over gray-green foliage. 3' tall. Zone 2.

 

Potentilla fruticosa 'Pink Beauty' BUSH CINQUEFOIL

Clear pink, semi-double flowers that don't fade in the bright sun. 3' tall. Zone 2.

 

NEW! Prunus andersonii DESERT PEACH

Pink flowers in spring; 3'-5' tall. Very drought tolerant. Native Americans used the branches, leaves and fruit to make a medicinal tea for rheumatism Zone 5.

 

Prunus besseyi 'Pawnee Buttes' SANDCHERRY, PAWNEE BUTTES

A native of Colorado, this shrub is very drought tolerant. Produces berries for birds, pretty fall color for humans. 2' tall, spreading at maturity to 5' wide. PLANT SELECT 2000. Zone 4.

 

Prunus x cistena SAND CHERRY, PURPLE LEAF

Gorgeous single pink flowers and new red foliage in spring make this a standout small tree or shrub. Prunus x cistena is a hybrid developed in 1910 by Dr. Niels Hansen of South Dakota. It's a cross between P. pumila and P. cerasifera. "Cistena" comes from the Sioux word for "baby." Deer like this tree; if deer are a problem you

might want to plant in a fenced area or try something else. Zone 4.

 

Pyracantha 'Red Cushion' FIRETHORN

Compact habit, with tight branching. This variety is free from fireblight. White flowers in spring and red berries in the fall. This broadleaf evergreen is very drought tolerant and prefers a hot sunny spot. Hardy to -10 F. 3' tall.

 

Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low' FRAGRANT SUMAC

This spreading shrub is great for use as a groundcover and to stablize slopes. It is low maintenance and needs little water once established. Gorgeous orange-red fall color. 1.5' x 5'. Zone 3.

 

Rhus trilobata SUMAC, THREE LEAFED

A native shrub, turns orange to deep red in fall. Red berries are an important source of winter food for doves as well as songbirds and a number of small mammals. Will grow on south facing slopes. Hardy to 9000'.

 

Ribes aureum GOLDEN CURRANT

The flowers are clove scented; it blooms in late April in Rye. It's very drought tolerant and will grow in sun to part shade. The flowers are popular with hummingbirds. 4'-5' tall. Zone 3.

 

Salix matsudana 'Tortuosa' WILLOW, CORKSCREW

The interesting branches on this willow make it a conversation piece in the landscape and an excellent accent in flower arrangements. 15'-20' tall. Can be pruned yearly to keep it the height you want. Zone 4.

 

Salvia pachyphylla

Long flowering sub-shrub. The blue flowers are surrounded by purple bracts. Silver leaves. Great for the xeriscape. Zone 5.

 

Sambucus nigra 'Gerda' BLACK LACE ELDERBERRY

The intriguing dark foliage is finely cut like that of Japanese maple. Pink fragrant flowers in June. Easy to grow in a border or as an accent. 8'-12' tall. Zone 4.

 

Syringa 'Anabel' LILAC

Very very fragrant, double pink flowers in May. 6'-8' tall. Zone 3.

 

Syringa meyeri 'Paliban' DWARF KOREAN LILAC

One of the best for a smaller area. Fragrant flowers are purple-red in the bud, opening to whitish-pink. 4-5 ft tall. Can be pruned to 3' tall if desired. Zone 3 .

 

NEW! Syringa prestonae 'Redwine' REDWINE LILAC

Sometimes being a late bloomer is a good thing, especially in Colorado's unpredictable spring weather where early blooming lilac's buds are damaged by an all-too-frequent late frost. This variety has single bright magenta flowers with a light fragrance. 8'-10' tall. Zone 2.

 

Syringa x chinensis 'Lilac Sunday' LILAC

Lilac-colored blooms in mid-May. This lilac has excellent mildew resistance. It's originally from seed from the Beijing Botanical garden. Fragrant flowers. 8' tall. Zone 4.

 

Syringa x hyacinthiflora 'Pocahontas' LILAC

An early bloomer with very fragrant deep, reddish purple buds that open to lavender pink flowers. 8' tall. Zone 3.

 

Syringa x oblata 'Betsy Ross' LILAC

Pure white flowers. Very fragrant! Foliage very resistant to mildew. Nice form. 8' tall. Zone 2.