Ornamental Trees & Shrubs: This or That?
Picking the perfect plant for your yard can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easy—and fun! Whether you want stunning flowers, year-round color, or something low-maintenance, we’ve got the perfect ornamental tree or shrub for you.
Looking for year-round beauty?
Dogwood Tree – Gorgeous spring flowers, vibrant fall foliage, and berries for wildlife!
Produces white or pink flowers in early spring
Turns brilliant red, orange, or purple in the fall
Attracts birds with its small red berries
Red Twig Dogwood Shrub – A standout in winter with bright red branches against the snow!
Green leaves in spring and summer, red foliage in fall
Bright red stems in winter add color to snowy landscapes
Tolerates wet soil and grows quickly
The Verdict: Want a classic tree? Go for Dogwood. Need winter color? Red Twig Dogwood wins!
Love big, bold blooms?
Hydrangea Tree – A stunning focal point with large, color-changing flower clusters!
Blooms from summer to fall
Flowers change color depending on soil pH (blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline soil)
A great statement piece for your landscape
Hydrangea Shrub – Just as beautiful but perfect for hedges or filling garden spaces!
Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Multiple varieties, including Panicle, Smooth, and Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Blooms on new wood, making pruning simple
The Verdict: Want a statement tree? Pick Hydrangea Tree. Need versatile blooms? Hydrangea Shrub is the way to go!
Want a plant that smells amazing?
Lilac Tree – A taller variety that fills the air with a sweet, nostalgic scent!
Blooms in late spring with purple, pink, or white flowers
Grows up to 20 feet tall
Loves full sun for best blooms
Lilac Shrub – Compact, bushy, and perfect for hedges while still bringing that classic lilac fragrance!
Dense growth makes it great for privacy hedges
Blooms best when pruned after flowering
Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees
The Verdict: Need height? Lilac Tree is best. Want a lush, bushy look? Lilac Shrub is for you!
Looking for a tree that blooms in spring and provides fall interest?
Crabapple Tree – A year-round favorite with spring blossoms, fall fruit, and stunning autumn color!
Produces pink, white, or red spring flowers
Small apples appear in fall, adding color and food for birds
Leaves turn gold, orange, or red in autumn
Variety matters! Some, like ‘Tina Crabapple,’ stay small (4-6 ft tall), while others can grow up to 25 feet
Magnolia Shrub – A showstopper with huge, fragrant blooms that signal spring is here!
Blooms in early spring, often before leaves emerge
Comes in white, pink, purple, or yellow varieties
Some types, like Star Magnolia, are compact and great for small spaces
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
The Verdict: Want spring flowers and fall color? Crabapple is the way to go! Prefer fragrant, dramatic spring blooms? Magnolia Shrub steals the show!
Looking for something easy to maintain?
Spirea Shrub – Blooms all summer, low-maintenance, and perfect for mass plantings!
Produces tiny flowers in pink, white, or red
Keeps its neat shape with little pruning
Resistant to pests and diseases
Ninebark Tree/Shrub – Hardy, drought-tolerant, and offers beautiful foliage and bark!
Available in compact or tall varieties
Great for erosion control on slopes
Attracts butterflies while being deer-resistant
The Verdict: Need continuous summer blooms? Go for Spirea. Want dramatic foliage with little effort? Ninebark takes the prize!
No matter your landscaping goals—whether it’s year-round color, fragrant blooms, or a low-maintenance option—there’s a perfect tree or shrub for you! Choosing between a tree or shrub depends on your space, style, and how much care you want to put in.
And if you’re looking for the best deal on trees and shrubs, don’t miss our Bare Root Sale! 🌱 Bare root plants are easy to plant, more affordable, and establish quickly—but they’re only available for a limited time. Stop by April 11-12 & April 18-19.
Still not sure which one to pick? Stop by Farrill’s Sunrise Nursery & Garden Center, and our experts will help you find the perfect fit for your yard. Whether you’re planting for beauty, privacy, or wildlife, we’ve got the perfect match waiting for you. Happy planting!
