Are you dreaming of a flourishing garden brimming with vibrant blooms for your floral arrangements? Look no further! Flower farmer Briana Yablonski has curated a list of the top shrubs that not only enhance your garden’s aesthetics but also provide beautiful cut flowers year after year.
When I first embarked on my flower farming journey, my vision was solely centered around vibrant annuals like zinnias and celosia, alongside perennials such as echinacea and yarrow.
I had overlooked the potential of shrubs as contributors to a cutting garden.
However, my experience revealed an essential truth: woody plants play a crucial role in cultivating a successful cutting garden.
Although shrubs may initially come with a higher price tag and take a little longer to establish than annuals, their benefits are undoubtedly worth it.
Once planted, they become reliable producers of stunning, long-stemmed blooms that you can enjoy season after season.
Hydrangea
Boasting nearly 75 species, hydrangeas are popular among gardeners, with fewer than ten being commonly cultivated.
These medium to large shrubs are famous for their stunning flower clusters, taking on various shapes—some resembling fluffy clouds while others exhibit intricate lace patterns.
Different hydrangea types flourish in various environments, giving you plenty of options for your garden.
Some even hail from the U.S., making them fantastic choices for nurturing native plants or supporting local wildlife.
Generally, you can expect hydrangeas to bloom from late spring through early fall, ensuring a generous supply of colorful flowers.
- Top Picks for Cutting:
- ‘Ruby Slippers’: A compact oakleaf variety, featuring pointed clusters that transition from pale pink to deep magenta.
- ‘Limelight’: This panicle variety starts off light green, then fades to white before developing a rich red hue.
- ‘Blue Cassel’: This bigleaf hydrangea stands around four feet tall and is celebrated for its stunning blue lacecap flowers.
Beautyberry
Renowned for its eye-catching berries, beautyberry (Callicarpa) shrubs are a fantastic addition to any garden.
While their blooms are small and often overlooked, the vibrant clusters of fruit are a favorite among florists and wildlife alike.
The American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) shines in the Southeastern U.S., attracting birds like robins and finches in colder months.
- Noteworthy Varieties for Cutting:
- ‘Alba’: Stands out with white berries, diverging from the usual purple hue of beautyberry.
- ‘Pearl Glam’: A hybrid that thrives in full sun and features rich purple foliage and bright purple berries.
Bluebeard
Commonly known as Caryopteris, bluebeard is a smaller shrub variety, boasting slender stems adorned with opposite leaves and clusters of small tubular flowers.
These shrubs bloom from late summer to early fall, attracting various pollinators and thriving in sunlit, well-drained soil.
- Recommended Options:
- ‘Dark Knight’: This vibrant variety features striking purple-blue flowers in late summer.
- ‘Beyond Pink’: A unique take on bluebeard, this variety showcases lovely pink blooms.
- ‘Arthur Simmons’: This option brings light purple flowers that linger from late summer into fall.
With these diverse shrub selections, you can craft a beautiful cutting flower garden that enhances both your home and landscape!
Source: Epicgardening