what native shrub to replace dying azaleas?

[Anonymous]

We have a bank of azaleas (non-native, pretty sure) on a shaded slope in our backyard (in NOVA). I'm looking for two different shrubs, one to fill in the top of the slope that is very shaded by white oaks and beech trees. The bottom of the slope gets full sun most of the day.

My ideas so far are common winterberry or common elderberry for the shaded part. Virginia sweetspire or bee balm for the sunny spot.

I am a total novice, so comments on my ideas or alternate ideas are very welcome! Trying to prevent the erosion of this slope, support native wildlife, and also create some year round beauty in our yard. We are very low maintenance and realistically will not do more than prune once or twice a year and water to establish the shrub.

[Anonymous]

Spirea

[Anonymous]

Bee balm isn’t really a shrub, it dies back in winter and it’s a bit spread-y, floppy and messy. I really like it but it’s not a low maintenance shrub.

In the shady area, maybe consider fothergilla? It has beautiful color in the fall.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the feedback on bee balm - that doesn’t sound like something I want to deal with.

I will make a note of spirea and fothergill- I think I’ll probably just see what I can find in late March.

Any other thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Clethra or buttonbush.

[Anonymous]

Just want to give an up-vote for winterberry holly. I don’t have any, but every winter I wish I did. It’s so beautiful

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spirea

Not always native.

[Anonymous]

Orange goblin is pretty.

[Anonymous]

Here is a guide for you:

https://www.plantnovanatives.org/_files/ugd/9c55f5_1d2d3e0424f0420dacbfc78a48acfb41.pdf

There is a section on shrubs and their ideal conditions (sun/shade and moisture tolerance).

In your shoes, I would look into Viburnum. They’re easy plants with multi season interest and high value for wildlife. Another un-fussy plant with multi-season interest is the Virginia sweetspire. It’s a great pollinator magnet. Since it suckers a bit (easy to remove), I always have some to give away come Spring. Join the Virginia Native Plant Swap group on FB. We are great enablers, and happy to send everyone home with new plants. There is a whole another group in Vienna as well.

[Anonymous]

Viburnum smells lovely too!

[Anonymous]

Viburnum or Buttonbush, for sure. Excellent pollinators. Both can grow large, however, depending on your spot. Though, azaleas can as well (I have all 3) so you'll be pruning regardless.

I absolutely LOOOOOOVE my Viburnum and Buttonbushes.

[Anonymous]

“Toxicodendron Radicans”. It’s absolutely, positively native to eastern North America.

Low maintenance, easy to care for, drought tolerant and it has essentially no pest or deer browsing problems. Does well in sun, partial shade or full shade. Any soil type as long as it’s not waterlogged. Pretty much the perfect plant-it-and-forget-it perennial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Toxicodendron Radicans”. It’s absolutely, positively native to eastern North America.

Low maintenance, easy to care for, drought tolerant and it has essentially no pest or deer browsing problems. Does well in sun, partial shade or full shade. Any soil type as long as it’s not waterlogged. Pretty much the perfect plant-it-and-forget-it perennial.

Don't be a jerk, PP. This is one of the few spaces on DCUM without a$$holes.

[Anonymous]

Kalmia (mountain laurel) are evergreen for shade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kalmia (mountain laurel) are evergreen for shade.

NP, we put those in and they all keeled over after 5-6 months. I don’t think they like the clay soil in NOVA.