Ohio’s Tough Shrubs for Easy Landscaping.

🌳✨ Not all shrubs demand rich soil—these beauties thrive where others struggle:

🌲 Juniper – evergreen, drought-tolerant, perfect for slopes & erosion control.

🌼 Forsythia – bursts of yellow in spring, grows even in clay.

🌹 Rugosa Rose – fragrant, disease-resistant, loves sandy soil.

🌸 Potentilla – long bloom season, compact, hardy in rocky soil.

🌲 Mugo Pine – slow-growing evergreen, thrives almost anywhere.

🌿 Bayberry & Creeping Juniper – wildlife-friendly, salt-tolerant, great for tough spots.

💡 Plant these “yard survivors” after stump removal or lawn repair—they’ll bring color, structure, and resilience without fuss!

🌳 Why These Work.

Adaptability: These shrubs tolerate poor fertility, drought, and soil extremes (clay, sand, rocky).

Low Maintenance:Once established, they need minimal care—perfect for busy homeowners.

Multi-Season Interest: Many offer blooms, berries, or evergreen foliage for year-round appeal.

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind.

Even tough shrubs benefit from basic soil prep: loosen compacted soil and add organic matter if possible.

Some (like Forsythia) can grow aggressively—plan for pruning.

Rugosa Rose and Bayberry are excellent for wildlife support, attracting birds and pollinators.

Before planting, leave some of the soil mixed with sawdust from grinding the stump to ensure good drainage and maintain soil moisture without overwatering.

Good luck with your landscaping!