Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: May 15, 2006

Landscaping Tips

Shrubs important part of Wyoming landscapes

By Karen Panter,

Extension horticulture specialist

UW Cooperative Extension Service

            Shrubs form an important part of most landscapes in Wyoming, filling the niche between low-growing herbaceous plants and taller trees.

            Shrubs, by definition, are woody plants with several stems originating from the base of the plant. Many can be quite long-lived. Shrubs typically are 1 to 15 feet tall.

            Make sure to purchase a plant that fits the spot and not the other way around. Exposure to wind and proximity to structures, utility lines, curbs, driveways and sidewalks, not to mention neighbors, are key points to consider. Also, keep in mind other plants in the vicinity, sun exposure, availability of water and soil characteristics.

            Shrubs are usually available in several forms: bare-root or “whips,” containerized, or “balled-and-burlapped” (B&B). Bare-root plants are sold without any soil and are usually small plants having few branches. The roots must be kept moist at all times.

Containerized shrubs are sold in some type of growing medium in pots. They are usually larger and more mature (and more expensive) than bare-root plants.

B&B shrubs are the largest and most expensive. These plants must be handled carefully to keep the root ball intact; root injury will compromise the shrub’s survival.

            Make sure any plant purchased is healthy and shows no signs of insects or diseases.

            The foliage should be healthy and the right color for the species. The right color can be hard to know unless homework is done beforehand. Many plants are supposed to be variegated or not completely ‘green.’ If the garden center or nursery is reputable, a retailer should be able to tell you if the color is right. Also, there should always be a tag on the plant. Many of the tags have a picture and/or description of what the plant should look like.

            Branches should not be broken or damaged, and stems should not be scarred. Root systems should be clean and white. Look for new growth like buds or leaves.

            Many shrubs are suited for Wyoming’s climate.

            Some native evergreen types include kinnikinnick or bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), many junipers (Juniperus spp.), and creeping Oregon grape holly (Mahonia repens). An evergreen shrub not native to Wyoming is burning bush (Euonymus spp.). Many different species and cultivars are available.

            Some non-native deciduous types include blue mist spirea (Caryopteris x clandonensis), cotoneasters (Cotoneaster spp.), several species of currant (Ribes spp.), many lilacs (Syringa spp.), and lots of viburnums (Viburnum spp.).

Some deciduous native shrubs are mountain sweet (Ceanothus spp.), winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata), mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), dogwood (Cornus sericea), twinberry honeysuckle (Lonicera involucrata), cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa), sumac (Rhus spp.), elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), and snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.).

Landscaping: Recommended Shrubs for Wyoming, B-1108, a bulletin co-authored by Karen Panter and Emily Ewart, a former graduate research assistant in the College of Agriculture’s Department of Plant Sciences, is available on the Web at http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/B-1108.pdf. Copies can also be obtained at local CES offices in Wyoming.

Additional information on many of the plants listed in B-1108, along with photos, is available on the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service “Plants Database” Web page at http://plants.usda.gov/.

“There is another plant Web site I use a lot (http://plantfacts.osu.edu/). ‘Plant Facts’ is based at The Ohio State University and has several features, one of which is a photo gallery of many horticultural plants. It also has a great search engine for finding fact sheets and bulletins at universities and government institutions in North America,” Panter said.

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