Shrubs For Oklahoma: The Ultimate Guide

Oleh Alfredo Ruecker PhD June 19, 2023 Post a Comment

Shrubs are an essential part of any garden, providing structure, color, and texture to the landscape. But with so many different varieties to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which shrubs will thrive in your region. If you live in Oklahoma, you're in luck – there are plenty of shrubs that will do well in this climate. In this post, we'll explore 15 different types of shrubs for Oklahoma, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each.

Section 1: Dogwood Shrubs

Dogwood shrubs are a popular choice in Oklahoma thanks to their showy flowers and colorful foliage. These shrubs come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and white, and they're easy to care for once established. One of the most popular varieties is the Cornus florida, which blooms in late spring and produces vibrant pink or white flowers.

Section 2: Butterfly Bushes

Butterfly bushes are known for attracting pollinators to the garden, making them an excellent choice for Oklahoma's eco-conscious gardeners. These shrubs bloom in summer and produce fragrant flowers that come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white. They're also relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning.

Section 3: Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a classic shrub that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. These shrubs are known for their large, showy blooms, which can be blue, pink, or white depending on the pH of the soil. In Oklahoma, it's best to opt for the Endless Summer variety, which is more tolerant of heat and drought.

Section 4: Lilacs

Lilacs are a nostalgic favorite for many gardeners, thanks to their sweet fragrance and delicate blooms. These shrubs prefer cooler climates but can still thrive in Oklahoma if they're planted in a spot that gets partial shade during the hottest part of the day. Some popular varieties include the Sensation Lilac, which produces striking bi-colored flowers.

Section 5: Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtle is a versatile shrub that can be grown as either a tree or a shrub, depending on how it's pruned. This plant is known for its showy blooms, which can be pink, purple, or white, and its attractive bark, which peels away to reveal a smooth, cinnamon-colored trunk. In Oklahoma, it's best to opt for a variety like Muskogee, which is more tolerant of heat and drought.

Section 6: Abelia

Abelia is a lesser-known shrub that deserves more attention from Oklahoma gardeners. These shrubs have glossy green leaves and produce small, fragrant flowers that bloom throughout the summer and fall. They're also relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types.

Section 7: Beautyberry

Beautyberry is a unique shrub that's known for its clusters of bright purple berries, which appear in the fall. These berries are a favorite of birds, making this shrub an excellent choice for anyone who wants to attract wildlife to their garden. The American Beautyberry is the most common variety found in Oklahoma.

Section 8: Barberry

Barberry is a shrub that's prized for its colorful foliage, which can be red, yellow, or purple. These shrubs are also deer-resistant, making them an excellent choice for anyone who lives in an area with high deer populations. It's important to note, however, that some varieties of barberry are invasive and should be avoided.

Section 9: Spirea

Spirea is a shrub that's known for its delicate flowers and fine foliage. These shrubs come in a range of colors, including pink, white, and yellow, and they're relatively easy to care for. Some popular varieties include the Bridal Wreath Spirea, which produces cascading clusters of white flowers.

Section 10: Weigela

Weigela is a shrub that's prized for its trumpet-shaped flowers, which can be pink, red, or white. These shrubs bloom throughout the summer and are relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning. Some popular varieties include the Wine and Roses Weigela, which has dark purple foliage.

Section 11: Viburnum

Viburnum is a shrub that's known for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. These shrubs produce clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring, followed by berries in the fall. They're also relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types. Some popular varieties include the Snowball Viburnum, which produces large, spherical blooms.

Section 12: Smoke Bush

Smoke bush is a unique shrub that's prized for its fluffy, pinkish-purple blooms. These shrubs prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can reach heights of up to 15 feet if left unpruned. The Royal Purple variety is a popular choice for Oklahoma gardeners.

Section 13: Blue Mist Shrub

Blue mist shrub is a striking shrub that produces masses of tiny blue flowers in late summer and early fall. These shrubs prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to six feet tall. They're also drought tolerant and deer-resistant.

Section 14: Ninebark

Ninebark is a shrub that's prized for its attractive bark, which peels away to reveal layers of different colors. These shrubs produce clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring, followed by attractive berries in the fall. Some popular varieties include the Diablo Ninebark, which has deep purple foliage.

Section 15: Rose Of Sharon

Rose of Sharon is a shrub that's known for its colorful blooms, which can be pink, blue, or white. These shrubs bloom throughout the summer and are relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning. They're also tolerant of drought and heat, making them an excellent choice for Oklahoma gardeners.

Choosing the right shrubs for your garden can be a daunting task, but with so many options available, there's sure to be something that will thrive in your Oklahoma landscape. Whether you're looking for showy blooms, colorful foliage, or wildlife-friendly berries, there's a shrub out there that will fit the bill. By selecting the right shrubs for your garden, you can create a beautiful and vibrant landscape that will provide enjoyment for years to come.