Landscaping Plants for Northeast Ohio Weather

Boxwoods

• Though over 160 registered varieties of boxwood species exist worldwide, the majority of boxwood in the United States come from only three species. All boxwood are hardy to zone 5, and will remain evergreen throughout the winter. Boxwood have densely growing foliage that consist of glossy oval leaves that alternate on woody stems. When boxwood are cut back the stems branch to increase the density of the shrub.

Japanese Maple

• Hundreds of varieties of Japanese maple are grown and sold commercially. Many of these varieties grow well in zone 5 of northeast Ohio. According to Ohio State University, Japanese maple varieties that grow well in Ohio include common Japanese maple, as well as varieties such as Bloodgood, Burgundy Lace and Threadleaf. Japanese maple have silver bark and leaves that remain green in shade but turn dark red when exposed to sunlight. These trees may grow up to 12 feet in height, although some varieties remain short and shrub-like.

Dogwood

• Dogwood are trees that grow well in the undercanopy of forests and are hardy to zone 5. The trees prefer lower lighting conditions. You should only use dogwoods that have been grown in nurseries. Dogwoods that have been harvested in forestland will have asymmetrical growth. Dogwoods produce flowers in early spring, followed by leaves. In fall the leaves turn red before falling. Red berries appear on the tree in late fall and remain through winter.

Forsythia

• Forsythia is a hardy plant with varieties that will remain viable through zone 4. Because the plants are among the first to, they are known as harbingers of spring. In some parts of the north, Forsythia may flower in early to mid April. The flowers of Forsythia have four petals and are bright yellow in color. These blossoms grow in clusters along the stem and remain for 14 days before falling from the plant. Immediately afterward the plant produces medium green leaves that remain on the plant until fall. Some forsythia plants may grow up to 10 feet in height.