Want to bring a touch of fantasy and originality to the garden, to provoke astonishment? Here is a small selection of 10 varieties of shrubs that will surely intrigue your friends and family!
1- Neillia affinis
This little-known shrub is native to the Himalayas, which makes it very hardy. Growing up to 2 m in all directions, it has red zigzag stems, very branched. The bright green toothed leaves tinted with pink turn to golden yellow in autumn. Original, pink flower clusters appear in spring. Easy to grow, the neillia tolerates all types of cool soils and all types of exposure except dense shade.
2- Kalmia latifolia Tad
The American laurel, as it is also called, is very resistant to cold (-30°C) and can only be grown in acidic soil and half-shade, but if these conditions are met at home, don't hesitate! Its spring flowering in chocolate colored corymbs with white borders and an immaculate heart will astonish the most blasé of gardeners!
3- Rubus thibetanus 'Siver Fern'
This ornamental bramble has thick white felt covered stems from which red spines emerge. It is splendid in winter when its cascading stems echo the morning frost. In spring you will be surprised by the silvery green foliage on the top and white on the back. In full sun or part shade in fertile, well-drained soil, this bramble will grow beautifully.
4- Castor
In regions with mild winters, the castor bean is perennial and can become a beautiful shrub of several meters in all directions. Its dark purple palm leaves can reach 40 cm in size! While its flowers are insignificant, the bright red spiny capsules that follow them are flamboyant. Beware of its seeds, as splendid as deadly!
5- Decaisnea fargesii
This large shrub with an arched habit can reach 6 m in all directions. The flowers arranged in greenish clusters are not its only ornamental asset since its fruits resembling large blue beans contrast with the golden yellow autumn foliage. The Blue Bean Tree thrives in cool soil in full sun or part shade, but sheltered from the wind. It is hardy to -20°C.
6- Elder 'Plumosa Aurea'
This elderberry variety brightens up shady areas with its beautiful anise green feathery foliage that turns golden in autumn. This elder enjoys cool, acidic soils. It blooms in late spring and produces pretty berries. Very hardy, it tolerates temperatures of -20°C.
7- Twisted Hazelnut 'Red Majestic
This shrub is a show-stopper with its twisted stems, always very graphic in dry bouquets, but also thanks to its foliage and its purple catkins. Good news: it also produces nuts! It appreciates all types of fresh soils and both half-shade and full sun, not to mention that it is very hardy (-15°C).
8- Shrimp willow
The shrimp willow is always a hit on a lawn or at the entrance of a house. Its young pink spring shoots turn green with white spots in summer. It likes well drained, loose and very fresh soil and full sun.
9- Cotinus obovatus
This astonishing subject is not only appreciated for its foliage which blazes in flamboyant colors from autumn but especially for its incredible feathery pale pink inflorescences which will make think of cotton candy to all the gourmands and which attract the pollinating insects.
10- Erythrina crista-galli
Cockscomb owes its name to the velvety flaming red color of its summer flower clusters. Moderately hardy (-10°C in well-drained soil), it will only be grown in the open ground in regions with mild winters. If you like it at home, it can reach 10 m height for 5 m spread; reserve a large and very sunny place for it!
