Bushes come in a multitude of sizes, colors, shapes and many have flowering attributes. The contrasting leaf colors can be positively riveting for the eye. A good example of such shrubs would be row of Diabalo Ninebarks fronted by a row of Little Henry Sweetspire. The lighter bright green leaves of the sweetspire contrast so distinctly with the Diabalo Ninebark. Because there are so many uses and so many distinctive combinations for shrubs and bushes, it is up to you to decide what species please your eye.
Shrubs
Minuet Lilac
Height: 6-8'
Spread: 4-6'
Fragrance: Unique, spicy
Zone: 2
Description: Dwarf compact form. Large dark green leaves with light purple flower buds open to single, pale-pink blooms. Growth rate is half as fast as most late lilacs.
Miss Kim Lilac
Height: 5'
Spread: 4'
Fragrance: Heavy spice
Zone: 3
Description: Hardy dwarf version of popular flowering shrub. Blooms later than other varieties. Long panicles of purple buds opening to single icy blue flowers. Vibrant burgundy red fall leaf color.
Renaissance Spirea
Height: 4-6'
Spread: 6-7'
Zone: 3
Description: Beautiful deciduous shrub with graceful, arching, fountain-like branches. Clusters of small white flowers in sprays in late spring. Disease resistant foliage is dull bluish-green and fall color has a cast of purple. Very hardy.
Shirobana Spirea
Height: 2-3'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 3b
Description: Low spreading shrub with unique pink and white blossoms appearing on same flower cluster. Attractive green summer foliage turns reddish in fall. Provides impressive color as low summer border.
Gumball Spirea
Height: 18'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 4
Description: Excellent foundation of border planting. Longer blooming period than other "bumalda" selections.
Double Flowering Plum
Height: 8-10'
Spread: 6-8'
Zone: 3b
Description: Upright spreading shrub with abundant clusters of showy double pink flowers in spring before plant leafs out. Attractive dark green summer foliage turns brilliant orange red in fall. A great addition to any landscape. Produces no fruit.
Mango Tango Potentilla
Height: 2'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 2
Description: Exciting new bicolored potentilla with bright. orange-red blooms with deep yellow base color. Blooms throughout the summer until first frost. Cooler weather intensifies flower color. Asexual reproduction is prohibited.
Orange Whisper Potentilla
Height: 30"
Spread: 3'
Zone: 3
Description: Compact selection from the University of Manitoba with deep orange blooms which contrasts nicely against the green foliage. Suitable for foundation and border planting with its compact size.
Katherine Dykes Potentilla
Height: 2-3'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 2
Description: Masses of showy pale yellow flowers borne over handsome gray green foliage add out standing color contrast to any landscape. Gracefully arching branches create fountain of color through fall. Great color addition.
Abbotswood Potentilla
Height: 2-3'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 2
Description: Low growing shrub with a spreading growth habit. Masses of dazzling white flowers summer through fall. Excellent contrast to its bluish green foliage. Very hardy and adaptable.
Goldfinger Potentilla
Height: 3'
Spread: 3'
Zone: 2
Description: Compact mound shaped shrub with feathery dark green foliage spring through fall. Masses of large vibrant yellow blooms cover plant all summer. Impressive color display for borders or foundation.
Winged Burning Bush
Height: 3-4'
Spread: 3-4'
Zone: 3
Description: Low growing compact shrub with unique corky winged ridges on bark. Dark green summer foliage turns brilliant red in fall. Leaf color changes early and holds late. Orange red fruitful capsules add to color.
Annabelle Hydrangea
Height: 2-3'
Spread: 2-3'
Zone: 3b
Description: Old favorite among flowering shrubs. Valued for long lasting creamy-white, round flower clusters emerging in mid-summer. Large dark green leaves through fall. A true highlight of any landscape.
Diabolo Ninebark
Height: 6'
Spread: 5'
Zone: 3
Description: A standout in any landscape with its dark colored foliage. Contrasts well with golden and silver foliage plants.
Wolf Willow
Height: 6'
Spread: 6'
Zone: 2
Description: Makes an excellent plant for hard to grow areas. Small egg shaped, silvery fruit is produced in summer.
Amur Maple
Height: 13-15'
Spread: 12-13'
Zone: 3
Description: Large spreading deciduous shrub with attractive green foliage in summer with showy red winged fruit. Spectacular orange to red fall foliage. Very hardy and adaptable to most conditions.