These articles are written to apply to the northeastern corner of Illinois. Problems and timing may not apply outside of this area.
Smaller shrubs are popular additions to the landscape.
Foundation plantings, borders, low hedges, and small accent plants are among the possible landscape uses for these types of shrubs. Here's a review of some of the more popular choices, but this is by no means an all-inclusive list. Barberry has a mounded type growth habit, red fruit, and tolerates shade. The cultivar 'Atropurpea' features red summer foliage, but needs full sun. The cultivar 'Crimson Pygmy' also has red summer foliage, needs full sun, and only gets about 2 feet tall.