Have you ever wondered how to add more wildness to your garden? Well, I have the answer! Adding native shrubs will do just that. They are great for wildlife and are also beautiful additions for any space. So if you're interested in adding a natural touch to your garden or want to make it more attractive for birds and pollinators, here are some of my favorite native shrubs that will do just that:
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry holly is a wonderful addition to the garden. It's hardy to zone 3, deciduous, and can easily handle even the coldest winters. This shrub typically grows about 7-12 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety you choose. It has attractive glossy green leaves that turn golden yellow in fall, followed by bright red berries that appear in late summer through winter (hence its name!).
Winterberry holly is drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly—an ideal plant for attracting bees and butterflies! The berries are also a food source for birds during the winter. This shrub thrives in full sun or partial shade and can be planted along hedges or border areas. Winterberry is versatile and can also be used in containers for indoor winter décor.
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Red Osier Dogwood is a striking choice for Ontario gardens, hardy to zone 2. Known for its vibrant red stems, especially noticeable in winter, this shrub adds year-round interest. Growing 6-9 feet tall and wide, it has a spreading habit and prefers full sun to partial shade.
In the spring, clusters of small white flowers bloom, attracting bees and other pollinators. These flowers are followed by white berries that persist into winter, providing food for birds. Red Osier Dogwood is also an excellent plant for stabilizing soil on slopes and along stream banks due to its dense root system.
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Ninebark is a versatile and hardy shrub, suitable for zones 2 to 7. This deciduous shrub can reach heights of 5 to 10 feet and has a spreading habit, with arching branches that create a natural, cascading effect. Ninebark thrives in full sun to partial shade and is very adaptable to different soil types, including dry or poor soils, making it drought-tolerant.
In late spring to early summer, Ninebark produces clusters of small white or pinkish flowers that are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Following the blooms, red seed capsules add visual interest and provide food for birds. One of Ninebark's most distinctive features is its peeling bark, which reveals layers of reddish to brownish hues, adding texture and interest throughout the year.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Serviceberry, also known as Canadian serviceberry, is a wonderful multi-season shrub, hardy to zones 4 to 8. This deciduous shrub typically grows 15 to 25 feet tall, with a graceful, upright habit. It prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soil.
In early spring, Serviceberry is covered in delicate white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. These blooms are followed by edible, sweet berries in the summer, which are loved by both humans and birds. The berries transition from green to red, eventually ripening to a deep purple. In the fall, Serviceberry’s leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange, making it a standout in any garden.
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Elderberry is a native shrub, hardy to zones 3 to 9, known for its rapid growth and multi-stemmed habit, reaching heights of 5 to 12 feet. This deciduous shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and is often found in moist, well-drained soils, though it can tolerate some drought once established.
In late spring to early summer, Elderberry produces large clusters of creamy white flowers that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These flowers are followed by dark purple to black berries in late summer, which are a favorite among birds. The berries are also edible for humans and can be used to make jams, syrups, and wines. Elderberry’s arching branches and ornamental flowers make it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or naturalizing in a garden setting.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Buttonbush is an intriguing native shrub, hardy in zones 4 to 9. It typically grows 5 to 12 feet tall and wide, with a rounded habit. This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and is especially well-suited to wet, marshy areas, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or pond edges. It is also tolerant of periodic flooding but can adapt to drier soils once established.
In mid-summer, Buttonbush produces unique, spherical flower clusters that resemble pincushions, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These fragrant flowers are followed by small, hard, nut-like fruits that persist into the winter, providing food for birds. Buttonbush is also valued for its glossy, dark green leaves, which turn yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest.
These six native shrubs are not only beautiful but also essential for supporting local wildlife and pollinators, making them excellent choices for any garden in Ontario. By incorporating these plants, you’ll not only enhance the beauty of your outdoor space but also contribute to the ecological health of your area. If you’re interested in creating a pollinator-friendly garden, we can help! Contact us today to discuss your project. We provide expert design services and can assist you in selecting and purchasing the perfect native plants to bring your vision to life.