Discovering the Beauty of Upper Midwest Bushes

The upper Midwest is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. From the vast Great Lakes to the rolling hills and forests, this region boasts stunning landscapes that attract visitors from all over the world. One of the most striking features of this region is the diversity of bushes that grow here. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most beautiful and unique bushes you can find in the upper Midwest.

The Majestic Red Twig Dogwood

If you're looking for a bush that will add a pop of color to your garden in the winter months, the red twig dogwood is an excellent choice. This bush is known for its bright red branches that really stand out against the snow. While it may look delicate, the red twig dogwood is actually quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. This bush typically grows to be around 8 feet tall and wide, making it a great option for those who want a larger shrub in their landscape.

A close-up of red twig dogwood branches covered with snow.

The Versatile Ninebark

Ninebark is a versatile bush that is valued for its attractive foliage and ability to grow in a variety of different conditions. This bush gets its name from the peeling bark on its branches, which reveals multiple layers of different colors underneath. Ninebark comes in a variety of different cultivars, ranging from small shrubs to large trees. Some species even produce beautiful flowers in the spring and summer months. If you're looking for a low-maintenance bush that will add interest to your garden all year round, ninebark is definitely worth considering.

A close-up of ninebark leaves and flowers.

The Fragrant Lilac Bush

Lilacs are perhaps one of the most beloved bushes in the upper Midwest. These fragrant bushes produce clusters of beautiful flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white in the springtime. Lilacs are also well-known for their sweet scent, which fills the air around them. This bush prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soil, but once established it is quite hardy and drought tolerant.

A close-up of a lilac flower cluster.

The Stunning Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are another popular bush that can be found throughout the upper Midwest. These bushes produce large, showy flower heads in shades of blue, pink, and white, depending on the pH of the soil they are grown in. In addition to their beautiful flowers, hydrangeas are also valued for their lush foliage, which can add interest to a garden even when the flowers are not in bloom. These bushes prefer partially shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil.

A close-up of a blue hydrangea flower head.

The Charming Snowberry Bush

Snowberry bushes are known for their unique berries, which are white and waxy in appearance. These berries persist well into the winter months, providing food for birds and adding interest to a snowy landscape. While snowberry bushes do produce small flowers in the spring and summer, they are primarily valued for their berries. These bushes prefer partially shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil.

A close-up of snowberry bushes with white berries.

The Unique Smokebush

Smokebush is a unique bush that is valued for its unusual foliage. The leaves of this bush are long and narrow, and turn a beautiful shade of purple-red in the fall. Smokebush also produces clusters of small, fluffy flowers that give off a smoky appearance, hence the name. While it is not as well-known as some of the other bushes on this list, smokebush is a great option for those who want something a little more unique in their landscape.

A close-up of smokebush foliage and flowers.

Red twig dogwood, ninebark, lilac, hydrangea, snowberry, and smokebush - these are just a few of the amazing bushes that can be found in the upper Midwest. Whether you're looking to add color to your winter garden, interest to your summer landscape, or just something unique to set your yard apart, there's sure to be a bush on this list that will fit the bill.