Ornamental Shrubs

Availability Notes:Not every variety released over the years by the University of Minnesota is still available. When known, the "availability" column in these lists indicates whether, to the best of our knowledge, each variety is current (meaning you can expect to find it through major sources), an heirloom variety (you will likely need to seek through specialized sources), or a variety that is believed to no longer be available.

Azaleas - Dogwood - Forsythia - Honeysuckle - Pearlbush - Viburnum

This list is not exhaustive. There certainly were additional releases not reflected in the available records and the memories of the contributors. MAES welcomes corrections and additions: contact Dave Hansen.

Azaleas

The winter-hardy azaleas released by the University of Minnesota can be depended on to produce full blooms every year in the upper midwest, with slight plant-to-plant variation in color, size, and growth . These flowering shrubs are noted for providing fragrant flowers and early spring color in the landscape.

Name and Year Released	Availability	Variety Notes
Apricot Surprise 1987		light orange
Golden Lights 1986		greater mildew resistance, golden color
Lemon Lights 1996		lemon yellow flower
Mandarin Lights 1992		hardy, orange flowers
Northern Hi-Lights 1994		hardy; creamy white with bright yellow upper petal
Northern Lights 1978		a hardy, pink-flowered strain of azalea
Orchid Lights 1986		orchid color, sterile, hardy, compact plant
Pink Lights 1984		hardy, sweetly scented, light pink flowers
Rosy Lights 1984		deep rosy pink, extremely floriferous
Spicy Lights 1987		salmon flower
Tri Lights 2003		multi-colored flowers -- [anticipated future introduction]
White Lights 1984		white flower with slight yellow blotch, extremely floriferous

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Dogwood -- Red Osier

The underlying hue of the branches of red osier dogwoods provide bright red landscape color through the winter in northern climes. This native shrub spreads by suckers that come up near the base of the plant or where branches touch the ground and take root. The extensive root system this produces can be useful for erosion control. It also tolerates flooding. White flowers appear in June, and are followed by white berries that many birds and other wildlife find appealing.

Name and Year Released	Availability	Variety Notes
Cardinal 1986		young growth has bright red winter color
Isanti 1971		compact selection of C. sericea

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Forsythia

Characterized by spactacular early spring displays of flowers, a forsythia's tall growth makes it suitable for screens and bank plantings.

Name and Year Released		Availability	Variety Notes
Northern Sun 1982			very hardy flowerbuds

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Honeysuckle

The honeysuckle is a fast-growing shrub that thrives best in full-sun conditions.

Name and Year Released	Availability	Variety Notes
Freedom 1986		resistant to witches broom aphid, recommended for windbreaks
Honey Rose 1994

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Pearlbush

This is a medium five- to eight-foot floriferous shrub. Its name cames from its flower buds, which are arrayed like pearls along a stem. Each bud opens into five petaled, white flowers.