Need Shrub (or other) Suggestions...

I live in Eastern Iowa (Zone 5) and I have a spot that has a SW exposure that I would like to plant some flowering shrubs on. Red flowers would be nice if possible but not a must. I am open to any and all suggestions as I am a novice at planting anything and shrubs are just what come to mind first. I would like for the shrubs (or whatever) to grow to a height of at least 6'. Thank you!

Amur maple ---Emerald elf or Bailey compact
Not red flowers on maple - but flowere are fleeting anyway. These have great red fall color

Flowering-
Carolina allspice
Spirea
Shrub rose in red

Check the heights on the shrubs - not sure about spirea.




This message was edited Oct 7, 2013 2:11 PM

I happen to be particular to Physocarpus "Coppertina". It's the right size, has beautiful leaf coloration all year, blooms white which turn to red seed pods. A beautiful shrub. Blooming shrubs rarely look good for long. Most of them are nondescript after they bloom (forsythia, lilac) but not this one. Picture one shows the new leaves. Picture two shows the red seed pods, which fit your criteria. It also shows the dark leaf color. I love this one.

This message was edited Oct 11, 2013 6:17 PM

Can you tell us what type of soil you have as the PH will help make the choice easier, more acidic soil is suitable for Rhododendrons, Camelia's,, several flowering tree's that need a more acidic soil all come in the colours you prefer however IF you have a more Neutral soil, then there are as many different types of shrubs too BUT again it would be best to get a soil test done, I don't like spending money on fancy gadgets unless I will use them regularly, and a soil testing it is NOT a daily gadget, so buy the cheapest (a few dollars) from garden store, follow the directions and it is easy to use, believe me if it were otherwise, I would NOT recommend self testing.
Once you test the soil, takes a few moments, then it will indicate what OH you have, what you need to add to amend your soil and go from there rather than spend good money on plants you cant grow or at least they wont grow in your type of soil.
Once you get he soil type, people will be able to recommend better the type of plants for you.
Good luck. Hope this helps you out just a bit.
Best regards. WeeNel.

Usually agricultural extension will test - I think no cost. The follks will send a box for collection too.

The double Knockout red rose would be my choice if you are wanting red. Mine repeat blooms about 3 times during the summer in IL.
This was a 2013 photo with the DOUBLE RED KNOCKOUT in the background. Probably 5 feet tall.

Nice mix Brenda

Glad you liked it "missingrosie". You - too, had mentioned the shrub rose in red.

I am dying to try peanut butter shrub but I think not good here for Rory in Cedar Rapids if the zone is 5.

Sounds like the peanut butter shrub is somewhat poisonous and invasive from some of what I read. But looks very interesting.

Is poisonous. I don't think invasive here but furthur south

Bottle brush trees grown over 6 feet high and 6 feet wide in about 2-3 years. Lovely red bottle brush like flowers....hence the name....Bees like them, hummingbirds like them.. In the South they are drought tolerant and can be cut into formal shapes but grow fast! They are lovely and We have 6 of them because they take care of them selves. Check out pics on net and if they can tolerate your area/temperatures.
Japanese maples are compact and come in red colors also that are nice and easy....

I'd vote for Hibiscus syriacus and Lagerstroemia selections - there's a bunch of fiery red Crape Myrtles available these days.

There are some Weigela that have tinted leaves, or red flowers. Perhaps look into the sizes and colors of each variety.