| My husband and I are about to landscape our front yard and east side of our house. What are good shrubs, flowers, etc. to plant - and that are low maintenance - for Missouri? |
| Your zip code places you in zone 5, so you need to select plants that are winter hardy to USDA winter hardiness zone 5. Some low maintenance shrubs for full sun might include lilac, spirea, barberry, mugo pine and juniper. For the east side in sun all morning long through noon you could use the same plants, or in morning sun you could try PeeGee hydrangea, yews, or viburnums as well. Some low maintenance perennials for sun include daffodils (plant these in fall), daylilies, and sedum. For shade, try hostas and Pulmonaria. Check the mature size of the specific varieties you are considering to make sure there will be enough space for them to grow and reach full size over time. Your nurseryman and your local county extension may have additional suggestions based on a more detailed understanding of the growing conditions in your yard (is it windy, is it sunny or shady and at what time of day, is it extra wet or extra dry, soil type, and so on) and your overall design goals. |
