Shade-loving, uninteresting, colorless plants are not the only options available to gardeners. Shade plants are more fascinating and vibrant than ever.
Small tree/large shrub is an Amur maple (Acer ginnala). Its small stature, hardiness, fragrant blossoms, and fall color make it a popular landscaping plant. Like other garden favorites,
t's invasive in the Northeast, Midwest, and west of the Rockies. Wind carries winged fruit to Amur maple seedbeds. The aggressive grower can choke out natural plants birds, insects, and other animals need.
This shrub's faded white petals yield scarlet berries. The birds love them! Name of this bush? asks Holyoke's Kathy Campbell. Lonicera maackii—Amur honeysuckle.
Due of its berries and fragrant white blooms, this plant was previously popular among landscapers but is now invasive across North America. Birds distribute seeds in natural and cultivated areas while eating berries.
Good native alternatives to Amur maple and honeysuckle exist. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis) can grow 5–12 feet tall and wide in Zones 3–9. Give it lots of area to spread and thrive.
A natural shrub in Zones 5 to 9, sweetspire (Itea virginica) provides a long, vivid display. In October, lustrous green leaves become yellow, or scarlet. Butterflies flock to beautiful white blooms in spring.