Looking for suggtions for shrubs

I am going to replace the old Spiera bushes on the south side of my house and I am looking for suggestions for new shrubs.
I live in Wisconsin, zone 4b. The area is about 15 feet long and 5 feet deep from the foundation to the grass. I would prefer something with flowers but also a bush that does not need a lot of grooming to keep it at a reasonable size. I am open to all suggestions.
Thanks,
Dee

For spring fragranceand white flowers, try the fragrant viburnum-- only lasts for 3 weeks but it's great. Next comes lilacs, which do not all get huge; you'd have to check the variety. I also like weigela. There are at least a few different varieties and I believe they bloom at different times. Boxwood are good for structure and year round greenery, but don't bloom.

I love my butterfly bushes. They don't require any pruning and have summer long blooms that the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love. They are best in an informal landscape.

The Mock Orange is beautiful - fragrant - hardy to Zone 4 - resistant to deer -- needs minimal pruning and thrives in both sun and some shade. Unfortunately, the butterfly bush is only hardy through Zone 5 -- Too bad!

However, the Mock Orange is also a great attractor for butterflys, birds, and bees -

Mine is only 1 1/2 years old, but survived and grew at least 3 feet in my woodland garden with absolutely no maintenance - I have mine in high shade. It is in the center of the pic -- it did bloom the first year, but only minimally -- I'm looking forward to this spring!

Sorry if I gave a bum steer on the butterfly bushes. I thought they were hardy well up into Wisconsin.

This message was edited Feb 9, 2010 2:04 AM

I know how you feel - I thought so too, and tried here in 5a (Iowa) for three years to grow them -- I didn't protect them, and lost them over and over again -- this year I'm trying again, but will protect them very well!! So I wanted to give a heads up -- They look so fantastic, I envy you for being able to grow them easily -- Dax

I used to live in Minnesota and our mock orange shrub was really scraggly in the summer ( I probably should have pruned it more) but the blooming season is lovely.

Forsythia and quince do well in zone 4. I think both benefit from a little pruning after bloom time.

Not sure, but I think I remember some hydrangeas (maybe peegee?).

Good luck, since you are in zone 4 you still have some time to plan!

Thanks to all. You have given me some good ideas. I am getting really anxious for spring.

How shady is that side of your house? I added a dwarf pink lilac to the landscaping I have been doing around our new house. It even bloomed the first year! I just love it!
Deb