horticulture in Maryland come with unique challenge — hot , humid summers and occasionally harsh winters can take a price on many plants . Finding shrub that thrive without constant attending is a game - changer for busy homeowner who still want beautiful landscape .
My years tending gardens across Maryland have teach me that choose the right low - care shrubs mean less time pruning and more time enjoying . The . was added by shrub
I ’ve roll up arresting , easygoing - care shrub that perform beautifully in Maryland yards . These choice offer year - round interest without demand weekend - devour care , and I ’ve foreground which ones duplicate as pollinator magnets for those looking to back up local wildlife .
1. Inkberry Holly
Native to Maryland ’s wetlands , this evergreen holly variety does n’t need the fussing that other shrubs demand . distaff plant bring forth little black berries that prevail through winter , creating natural interest when the garden sleeps .
Deer typically debar inkberry , make it perfect for properties where these four - legged visitor frequently browse . Plant in group of three or five for a natural - looking boundary line that necessitate almost no pruning to keep its neat , rounded shape .
2. Virginia Sweetspire
descend in Maryland becomes even more dramatic with Virginia Sweetspire in your landscape painting . The fragrant white bottle - brush flowers in spring transform into stunning Bourgogne - red foliage that lasts well into wintertime .
What I love most about this native bush is its flexibility — it handles both wet spots and drought once establish . The arch branches make a elegant fountain form that works attractively along belongings edges or as a natural transition between formal garden and wilder areas .
3. Summersweet
beloved - scented flowers look in mid - summer when many other shrub have complete blooming , gain this native plant its well - deserved nickname . The fragrance attracts butterflies by the dozens to Maryland garden , make travel color even before the leaf change state aureate in fall .
Growing naturally in coastal area and wetland , Summersweet handles Maryland ’s occasional flooding with grace . Plant it where you may enjoy the sweet perfume from a patio or near window that stay open during summertime evenings .
4. Oakleaf Hydrangea
The spectacular lobate leaf resemble oak trees give this southeastern native its name and distinctive visual aspect in Maryland landscape . Unlike fussier hydrangea assortment , oakleaf type seldom necessitate pruning and develop gorgeous skin cinnamon bark on aged stems .
summertime brings impressive conoid - shaped white flower clusters that age to tap and burgundy . These dried blooms persist through winter , creating four - time of year involvement when many garden appear bare . The autumn leaf turn superb burgundy - purple , especially in location with morning sun and good afternoon shade .
5. American Beautyberry
Nothing compares to the first clip you spot bunch of vivid purple berries hugging the stems of this understate native shrub in autumn . The berries look almost unreal in their perfect agreement and electric color , make a show - stop display that lasts until bird feast on them .
The . was attracted by flowers The loose , natural form fits perfectly in Maryland ’s woodland gardens or naturalized areas . Early settlers used the leaf to drive mosquitoes — a practical bonus for our humid climate .
6. Arrowwood Viburnum
name for the consecutive stems that Native Americans once used for arrow shaft , this rugged genus Viburnum creates a reliable backdrop in Maryland gardens . level clusters of white flowers in late spring support legion aboriginal pollinators and evolve into bluish - black berries that give migrating birds .
The calendered green leaves change state rich burgundy in autumn , adding seasonal color without any effort on your part . Adaptable to both sun and partial shade , Arrowwood handles Maryland ’s mud soils best than many imported shrub , thriving for decade with minimal care .
7. Smooth Hydrangea
Unlike its fussier blue - flowering cousins , smooth hydrangea thrives in Maryland ’s clime without changeless indulgence . The big snowball blooming emerge greenish in early summertime , mature to white , then age to an antique rosebush color that prevail into autumn .
Cold winters do n’t unnerve this native plant — it can be cut completely to the ground in late wintertime and will still produce abundant flowers on new growth . The ‘ Annabelle ’ variety has been garden - tested in Maryland for generations , prove its reliability through drouth , heat wave , and polar whirl alike .
8. Buttonbush
Looking for something genuinely unique ? Buttonbush produces spherical white flowers that resemble pincushion or retro Sputnik satellites , creating conversation - get down garden focal points . These unusual blooms are butterfly magnet , often covered with monarchs , swallow-tailed coat , and skipper during extremum summer bloom .
hone for rain gardens and low musca volitans in Maryland yards where water collects after storms . The calendered leaves remain fresh - looking even during August heat energy waves . Though deciduous , the interesting seedheads supply winter involvement and nutrient for local bird .
9. Ninebark
For dramatic colour without the drama of high maintenance , ninebark assortment with purple leaf make a bold statement in Maryland landscape . The name comes from the skin bark that reveals multiple layer on matured root , adding winter interest when the garden goes dormant .
Clusters of white or pinkish flower in belated spring attract numerous beneficial insects . rugged as nails once established , ninebark shrug off Maryland ’s summer heat energy and humidity while maintaining its colorful foliage . The heavyset varieties fit perfectly in smaller suburban yards without overwhelming other plants .
10. New Jersey Tea
During the Revolutionary War , patriots used this native shrub ’s leaves as a tea substitute when British import were unavailable . The . was attracted by that
Growing just 3 - 4 foot tall , New Jersey Tea suit perfectly beneath powerfulness lines or in front of bigger shrub . The deep beginning scheme makes it exceptionally drought - kind once establish — perfect for those dry Maryland hillsides where nothing else seems to thrive .
11. Red Twig Dogwood
Maryland winters reveal this bush ’s best feature — superb red stems that provide a pop of color against snow or evergreens . The effect is so striking that many gardeners cut back part each spring specifically to encourage more of the colorful young stems .
Adaptable to both wet area and normal garden weather , red twig dogwood tree spreads slow to form colonies perfect for stabilizing slopes . Small white flower clusters in spring develop into white berries that bird down . The autumn foliage turns a estimable burgundy before drop to showcase those remarkable root .
12. Witch Hazel
Strange spider - like yellow flowers look in late winter when nothing else blooms in Maryland gardens , making enchantress hazel a dead on target garden treasure . Some varieties flower as early as January , their fragrant blooms persisting through snow and freezing temperatures .
The vase - shaped growth habit make a natural small tree or large bush arrant for screening without heavy pruning . autumn brings a bonus of golden yellow leaf that lights up woodland gardens . aboriginal to Maryland ’s forests , witch hazel feels correct at place in dappled shade where it can slowly make its matured sizing .
13. Winterberry Holly
Unlike traditional holly , winterberry drop its leaf in autumn to showcase branch loaded with brilliant red berries . The effect against snow or evergreen plant backdrop creates Maryland wintertime landscapes desirable of holiday cards .
Remember to plant at least one male pollinator shrub nearby to guarantee full berry production on the female plants . Birds typically leave the berries untasted until late winter when food becomes scarce , guarantee months of colourful display . of course establish in Maryland ’s wet areas , bearberry handles heavy clay dirt with ease .
14. Mountain Laurel
Maryland ’s acidic woodland soils create the perfect place for mountain Stan Laurel , our native broadleaf evergreen plant with unambiguously geometric flowers . The blooms resemble tiny origami parasols before opening into ace - shaped cup in shades from white to deep pink .
The distorted branches and calendered leaves create year - unit of ammunition structure in shade gardens . Newer compact varieties fit absolutely in suburban yards where the original species might grow too large . Deer typically avoid mountain Stan Laurel , making it worthful for Maryland properties where browsing pressure level limits works choice .
15. Fragrant Sumac
Do n’t let the name fool you — this is n’t the loom sumac that spreads sharply , but a well - act aboriginal shrub perfect for Maryland ’s challenging slope . The leaves emit a pleasant citrusy scent when brush against , adding a sensory dimension to garden pathways .
Tiny yellow flower appear before the leaf in early springtime , providing crucial early nectar for emerge pollinators . Female plants develop clusters of fuzzy red berries that prevail through winter . The fall foliage turn brilliant orange - red , make stunning fall displays without any effort from the gardener .
16. Dwarf Fothergilla
Bottlebrush flower with a honey aroma appear before the leaves in springtime , creating a magical effect in Maryland gardens just as they issue from winter quiescence . These unusual blooms deficiency petal — their visual impact comes entirely from the fluffy white stamens .
The bluish - green summer foliage transform into a kaleidoscope of yellowish , orange , and red in fall . Perfectly sized for today ’s smaller yards at just 3 - 4 foot tall and wide . Fothergilla ask for nothing more than mean soil and H2O , rewarding Maryland gardeners with three - season interest .
17. Chokeberry
Clusters of glossy black or bright red berries ( depend on the species ) make chokeberry a standout in autumn Maryland landscapes . Though too astringent for human taste buds — hence the name — birds rely on these alimentary berries during wintertime migration .
White spring flowers attract legion pollinator , while the summer foliage stay clean and disease - free without spray . Fall brings spectacular red colour that equal burning bush without the invasive tendencies . Both black and red chokeberry coinage are Maryland native , perfectly adapted to our soils and climate patterns .
18. Yaupon Holly
The only aboriginal North American works containing caffeine , yaupon holly has a fascinating ethnic account along with prominent garden public presentation . Native Americans created a ceremonial tea from the leaf , while today ’s Maryland gardener appreciate its adaptability and evergreen front .
Female plants bring forth abundant red berries that persist through winter , creating habitat value and ocular interest . Unlike many hollies , yaupon does n’t have spinous leaves , making it more pleasant to work around . The ‘ Nana ’ dwarf assortment creates perfect evergreen plant balls without pruning , ideal for formal garden structures .
