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need ideas on flowering shrub to survive winter winds

14 years ago

A few years ago we planted the hardy version of rhododendron in a somewhat sunny spot, but also an exposed spot that gets a lot of winter winds. Our two plants have struggled and struggled each year. This year we are thinking of transplanting them to a better more protected area. But now would like to fill in that spot with some kind of flowering shrub that gets to be the same size as rhodies do. Would appreciate any input.

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Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
flowering almond???

rhodies can get big as a house in warmer zones... presumably that is not what you want.. lol ... can you narrow down the size you are looking for ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: link
Embothrium
14 years ago
Maybe you need to install fencing or hedging to make the garden area more pleasant - for the plants and for you.

Rhododendrons vary from tiny to tree-like in habit, but all require a cool soil. And as with most other broad-leaved evergreens winter sun during frigid periods is an enemy. Coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs dominate in cold climates because a wax-covered needle or a bare twig are much better able to withstand cold, dry weather.
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but a green plant wont necessarily attract them ... so last night.. i shut down the computer.. and head off for an adult libation ... and out of the kitchen window.. i see the poppies blooming wildly ... a gift from a friend last year ... the annual type.. 4 inch giant RED blooms.. hundreds of them .. so i step on the back deck .... and i am contemplating my navel.. and the libation.. and the general happiness .. when i come to realize there is this insanely loud hell-a-ba-lou going on ... and its 3 cardinals arguing about who knows what.. in the trees in a 50 foot radius from the poppies ... what i am trying to express to you.. is that attracting the birds is a different project from the greenery you want.. IMHO ... unless you can grow some dwarf wind proof sunflowers.. which will attract them, later in the season ... i will leave you in peace now .. before i irritate you by answering your question, but not in shrub form .... good luck ken ps: is there anything red on your roof top, that is already attracting them???
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a-HA! I looked up his nursery and it's in Raleigh NC. Which is inland enough to experience a freeze in winter, but a fairly short winter, compared to us. I bet most of us are already siting our borderline zone plants to take advantage of shrubs for winter protection. For example, I'm growing some antique climbing roses which are supposed to be OK to zone 6. I've planted them on the south side of tall cedar posts (to eventually grow up those posts) and also along the north side of a fenced garden, to benefit from the high hedge-y tangle on the other side of that north fence. For herbaceous perennials (such as hostas, ferns and daylilies) I'm letting them survive facing north, with a high concrete wall to their south; and they seem to do OK there. But those perennials are not borderline for this zone. --change of subject: it's pouring down rain right now and maybe that'll cool off things outside. Pleasant here, with the AC on. Carol
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Lauril Rohde
Original Author
14 years ago
My two rhodies [anah kruschke] are at the end of a bed and jut our just beyond two tree trunks [1-1 1/2' -one cherry and the other maple] just up to the point where there is a slope down to the street. Unfortunately the prevailing wind pattern goes against the side of the tree trunks that they are on. Do you all think a different variety of rhododendrun like Lee's dark purple or PJM lavender would be better? Also was wondering about a weigela or the bushy salvia - Dark Knight. Any thoughts?? Appreciate what you have said already.
laceyvail 6A, WV
14 years ago
Any hardy deciduous shrub should be fine in that spot. Any broad leafed evergreen is likely to struggle in the spot you describe. I believe you mean Caryopteris, not Salvia, 'Dark Knight'. That too should work as long as it's in full sun.

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