Need help Identifying Two Bushes

15 years ago

his is my first Spring in this home and I have some bushes I have no idea what they are. My husband wants to pull out the one that are prickly but I'd hate to do that until I know what it is so I could transplant if it's something nice.

Here is the first set of photos - this is the one with the long pricklies:

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Here is the other bush:

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Any idea what these are? I am in Zone 5 in MA. Thank you!

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Comments (6)

flora_uk
15 years ago
The last three photos show azaleas, the kind which would be evergreen in the UK. I can't help you with the first shrub but it's been rather unfeelingly pruned.
sameboat
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you so much! I am thrilled to have azaleas! The first one is a puzzle to us, too.
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But they are not a problem in some areas. Usually they should not be pruned regularly, but left to grow into a small tree. Allowed to grow this way, the foliage tends not to be as prone to disease issues. Where are you located? Here in zone 7a Northern VA, disease is not as big an issue as further south, or on the West Coast for some reason.
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Iris GW
15 years ago
The first one appears to have alternate leaves - a clue of some sort (for example, it is NOT a viburnum - they have opposite leaves). Tell him it won't be long before it leafs out and then you'll have a better chance of identifying it.

Those asian azaleas look pretty bad; I guess they must be hardy there, but apparently they do suffer in the winter time. In warmer zones (I am zone 7) they keep most if not all of their leaves year round. See what they look like come late spring/early summer and then decide if you want to keep them.
sameboat
Original Author
15 years ago
I don't think the previous owners did a whole lot as far as gardening goes. I don't see any crocus or daffodils coming up. I will give the azalea some time and if they are looking sad we'll replace with something better suited to the sun/shade area. I do see a bit of hosta coming up on the other side of the garden so that excites me. Thank you both for your responses. I will snap another photo of the prickly bush when leaves are starting.
carol23_gw
15 years ago
I'd guess the prickly shrub is a Berberis, barberry , of some sort.
sameboat
Original Author
15 years ago
WELL I looked up pics on Google of Berberis and Barberry and I think they are so pretty with the crimson leaves! There are three plants like this spaced out in front of my house but they look sparse and as Flora said, "unfeelingly pruned." LOL Do you think they would transplant well if we were to clump them together somewhere to make a fuller bush? I will look into whether they need full sun, part, etc. This is the most helpful forum. I am delighted that you were able to help me out! Thank you!