The Best Flowering Shrubs for Des Moines

As you look out across your Des Moines landscape, you might find yourself dreaming of more color, more seasonal interest, and more life in your garden. Flowering shrubs offer the perfect solution, providing structure, beauty, and ecological benefits in one package. But not all shrubs will thrive in our unique climate. This guide will help you discover the perfect flowering shrubs for your Des Moines garden, ensuring years of beautiful blooms with minimal frustration.

Understanding Des Moines’ Growing Conditions

Before you head to the nursery, it’s important to understand what makes gardening in Des Moines unique. Located in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a to 5b, our region experiences quite dramatic seasonal shifts. Winters can plunge to -20°F, while summers often climb above 90°F with periods of high humidity.

Des Moines Growing Conditions	Details
USDA Hardiness Zone	5a-5b (-20°F to -10°F minimum temperatures)
Annual Precipitation	Approximately 36 inches
Growing Season	April to October (180-190 days)
Summer Temperatures	Average highs 85-90°F, with periods above 90°F
Winter Temperatures	Average lows 10-15°F, with periods below 0°F
Soil Types	Primarily loam to clay-loam, often alkaline (pH 7.0-7.8)
Common Challenges	Late spring frosts, summer drought periods, clay soil drainage
Weather Extremes	Occasional severe storms, periodic drought, winter temperature fluctuations

Our annual precipitation averages around 36 inches, but it’s not always evenly distributed, leading to occasional drought periods in summer. Des Moines soil typically ranges from loamy to clay-heavy, often with a slightly alkaline pH due to our limestone bedrock.

These conditions create specific challenges and opportunities for your garden. The good news? Many flowering shrubs actually thrive in our climate when chosen wisely.

Spring-Flowering Shrubs for Des Moines

Early Spring Bloomers

When the last traces of winter are barely behind us, these early bloomers will bring welcome color to your landscape.

Forsythia – Nothing announces spring quite like the brilliant yellow blooms of forsythia. These easy-care shrubs burst into color before their leaves emerge, often as early as March.

For best results in Des Moines:

• Choose cold-hardy varieties like ‘Northern Gold’ or ‘Meadowlark’ that won’t lose their flower buds during winter
• Plant in full sun to light shade for maximum blooms
• Prune immediately after flowering to preserve next year’s flower buds
• Use as a bright backdrop for later-blooming perennials or as a natural privacy screen

Witch Hazel – While some varieties bloom in fall, early spring-blooming types like Hamamelis × intermedia offer spidery, fragrant blooms in February or March.

For success in your garden:

• Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade
• Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment
• Be patient—they’re slow growers but worth the wait
• Pair with early spring bulbs for a magical late-winter garden moment

Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – This native standout offers delicate white blooms in early spring, followed by edible berries that attract birds, and spectacular fall color.

To enjoy its multi-season interest:

• Choose native selections like Amelanchier canadensis or A. laevis
• Plant in full sun to part shade in average garden soil
• Use as a small specimen tree or large shrub in naturalized areas
• Appreciate its wildlife value—over 40 bird species enjoy the summer berries

Mid-to-Late Spring Bloomers

As spring fully establishes itself, these shrubs take center stage in the Des Moines garden.

Lilacs – The intoxicating fragrance of lilacs is a cherished part of Midwestern spring. Their purple, white, or pink blooms arrive in May, just as the garden awakens.

For lilac success:

• Select cold-hardy varieties like ‘Miss Kim’ (compact), ‘Sensation’ (purple with white edges), or ‘Beauty of Moscow’ (white)
• Plant in full sun with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew
• Avoid over-fertilizing, which encourages foliage at the expense of blooms
• Prune immediately after flowering, removing no more than one-third of the oldest stems

Viburnums – Perhaps the most versatile shrubs for Des Moines gardens, viburnums offer beautiful spring flowers, often followed by colorful berries and fall foliage.

Local favorites include:

• Korean Spice Viburnum (V. carlesii) for its intoxicating fragrance
• Arrowwood Viburnum (V. dentatum), a tough native with great wildlife value
• Nannyberry (V. lentago), another native that forms a small tree with edible fruits
• Blackhaw Viburnum (V. prunifolium), exceptionally adaptable to various soil conditions

Rhododendrons and Azaleas – While challenging in our alkaline soil, certain hardy varieties can succeed with proper care:

• For rhododendrons, look for the extra-hardy ‘PJM’ and ‘Northern Lights’ series
• For azaleas, try the ‘Lights’ series developed in Minnesota
• Create raised beds with acidic soil (pH 4.5-6) and plenty of organic matter
• Provide winter protection from drying winds and afternoon sun
• Apply a layer of mulch to maintain cool, moist root conditions

Summer-Flowering Shrubs

Early Summer Bloomers

As spring transitions to summer, these shrubs maintain color and interest in your garden.

Weigela – These easy-care shrubs burst with trumpet-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds.

For Des Moines gardens:

• Consider reblooming varieties like ‘Sonic Bloom’ that flower heavily in May-June and then continue through summer
• Try ‘Wine & Roses’ for dramatic purple foliage with pink flowers
• For small spaces, ‘My Monet’ offers variegated leaves on a 1-2′ form
• Provide full sun for best flowering and fall color

Deutzia – Often overlooked but deserving of more attention, deutzias offer clouds of white or pink flowers and trouble-free maintenance.

Look for:

• ‘Nikko’ deutzia for a low-growing (2′) form perfect for borders
• ‘Chardonnay Pearls’ for bright golden foliage with white blooms
• ‘Yuki Cherry Blossom’ for pink flowers on a compact form
• Plant in full sun to part shade in average garden soil

Ninebark (Physocarpus) – This native shrub has seen a renaissance with new cultivars offering colorful foliage beyond its white early summer flowers.

For a bold garden statement:

• Try ‘Diabolo’ or ‘Summer Wine’ for deep purple foliage
• ‘Amber Jubilee’ offers orange-yellow new growth
• ‘Tiny Wine’ gives you the purple foliage on a compact 3-4′ form
• Appreciate its tough nature and drought tolerance once established

Mid-to-Late Summer Bloomers

When many gardens fade in the summer heat, these shrubs are just hitting their stride.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) – Living up to its name, this shrub attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial insects with its fragrant flowers.

In Des Moines gardens:

• Choose non-invasive, seedless varieties like those in the ‘Lo & Behold’ series
• Select from a range of colors including purple, pink, white, and bicolors
• Cut back to 12″ in early spring for better form and more flowers
• Provide excellent drainage and full sun

Hydrangeas – Perhaps the queens of summer-flowering shrubs, hydrangeas offer months of blooms that often dry beautifully on the plant.

For Des Moines success:

• Choose panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata) like ‘Limelight’, ‘Little Lime’, and ‘Quickfire’ for reliable blooms without special care
• Try smooth hydrangeas (H. arborescens) like ‘Annabelle’ or ‘Incrediball’ for huge white blooms
• For blue hydrangeas, select Endless Summer types and create acidic soil pockets
• Provide morning sun with afternoon shade, especially for bigleaf types
• Apply winter protection to bigleaf varieties (H. macrophylla) to preserve flower buds

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) – These tough shrubs bloom when many others have finished, offering tropical-looking flowers from July through September.

For best results:

• Select from single or double forms in white, pink, lavender, or bicolors
• Try sterile cultivars like those in the ‘Chiffon’ series to prevent self-seeding
• Plant in full sun with average moisture
• Prune in early spring as they bloom on new wood

Fall-Flowering Shrubs

When most of the garden is winding down, these shrubs provide a welcome final act.

Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) – Despite its name, this native shrub often blooms into early fall with fragrant bottlebrush flowers that pollinators adore.

In your garden:

• Try ‘Ruby Spice’ for pink flowers or ‘Sixteen Candles’ for a compact form
• Plant in part shade where it will tolerate wet soils better than many shrubs
• Pair with ornamental grasses and late-season perennials
• Enjoy its golden fall foliage and winter seed structures

Witch Hazel (fall-blooming varieties) – While spring varieties bloom early, Hamamelis virginiana blooms in October-November with spidery yellow flowers.

For fall interest:

• Plant this native in part shade with protection from harsh afternoon sun
• Provide consistent moisture during establishment
• Be patient with its slow growth habit
• Combine with evergreens for structural contrast

Native Flowering Shrubs for Des Moines

Beyond their beauty, native shrubs support local wildlife and typically require less maintenance once established. They’ve evolved to handle our climate extremes and soil conditions.

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) – This compact native (3-4′) produces clouds of white flowers in early summer that support numerous pollinators.

• Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade
• Once established, its deep roots make it extremely drought-tolerant
• Use in rain gardens or prairie-style plantings

American Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) – Offering flat clusters of white flowers followed by purple-black berries, elderberry supports over 120 bird species.

• Plant in moist areas with full sun to part shade
• Harvest berries for immune-boosting syrups and jellies (always cook before consuming)
• Try ‘Adams’ or ‘York’ for improved fruit production

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – While its small white flower clusters aren’t showy, this native offers multi-season interest with bright red stems in winter.

• Use in rain gardens or areas with seasonal moisture
• Plant in groups for maximum winter stem impact
• Try ‘Cardinal’ for extra-bright winter color

American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) – This native produces catkins in early spring followed by edible nuts in fall.

• Plant in groups for better pollination and nut production
• Provide full sun to light shade
• Use as a natural screen or in wildlife gardens

Native Viburnums – Beyond those mentioned earlier, also consider:

• Mapleleaf Viburnum (V. acerifolium) for dry shade conditions
• Cranberrybush Viburnum (V. trilobum) for edible berries and fall color
• Rusty Blackhaw (V. rufidulum) for glossy foliage and blue-black fruit

Designing with Flowering Shrubs

Creating a garden with year-round interest starts with thoughtful placement of flowering shrubs.

Create a Continuous Bloom Sequence Map out your selections by bloom time to ensure something is always flowering:

• Early spring: Witch hazel, forsythia, serviceberry
• Mid-spring: Lilacs, viburnums
• Late spring: Rhododendrons, ninebark
• Early summer: Weigela, deutzia
• Midsummer: Hydrangeas, butterfly bush
• Late summer: Rose of Sharon
• Fall: Summersweet, fall witch hazel

Layer Your Landscape Place shrubs according to their mature height:

• Tall shrubs (6-12′): Lilacs, arrowwood viburnum, elderberry
• Medium shrubs (3-6′): Weigela, ninebark, hydrangeas
• Low shrubs (1-3′): Compact deutzia, dwarf butterfly bush, low-growing spireas

Create Color Combinations Plan beyond flowers to include foliage interest:

• Silver foliage plants complement the purple blooms of butterfly bush
• Golden ninebark brightens dark corners and pairs beautifully with blue hydrangeas
• Red Japanese maples echo the deep tones of wine-colored weigela

Integrate with Other Plant Types Complete your design with:

• Spring bulbs under deciduous shrubs like lilacs
• Native perennials between shrubs to support pollinators
• Ornamental grasses for winter interest alongside shrubs with decorative bark

Planting and Establishment Tips

Your shrubs’ long-term success begins with proper planting and first-year care.

Best Times to Plant in Des Moines

• Spring (April-May): Ideal for container-grown plants
• Fall (September-October): Often best for establishment as roots grow while soil is still warm
• Avoid planting during summer heat unless you can provide consistent irrigation

Site Preparation

• Test your soil to understand its needs (Iowa State Extension offers affordable testing)
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep
• Incorporate compost into heavy clay soils to improve drainage
• For acid-loving plants, work in peat moss and sulfur products

Planting Methods

• Remove all burlap, wire baskets, and container materials
• Place the shrub with the root flare slightly above soil level
• Backfill with existing soil, amending only if necessary
• Water thoroughly after planting, applying at least 5 gallons

Watering and Mulching

• Apply 2-3″ of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk
• Water deeply once weekly during the first growing season (more during drought)
• Install soaker hoses for efficient irrigation
• Remember that even drought-tolerant plants need regular water during establishment

First-Year Care

• Hold off on fertilizing until the second year
• Remove flowers of newly planted shrubs to direct energy to root development
• Provide winter protection for marginally hardy species
• Consider temporary fencing if deer pressure is high

Seasonal Maintenance Guide

Keep your shrubs thriving with these seasonal care practices.

Quick Reference: Flowering Shrub Maintenance Calendar

Season	Maintenance Task	Shrub Types
Early Spring (March-April)	Pruning	Summer and fall bloomers (butterfly bush, Rose of Sharon, panicle hydrangeas)
	Fertilizing	All established shrubs (2+ years old)
	Pest control	Apply dormant oil before bud break
Late Spring (May-June)	Pruning	Spring bloomers (immediately after flowering)
	Watering	Deep watering during dry spells
	Deadheading	Remove spent blooms from rhododendrons, lilacs
Summer (July-August)	Watering	Focus on consistent moisture during heat
	Pest monitoring	Watch for Japanese beetles, aphids
	Deadheading	Remove spent blooms from hydrangeas
Fall (September-November)	Planting	Ideal time for new shrub installation
	Cleanup	Remove fallen leaves from base of shrubs
	Reduce watering	Allow plants to harden off for winter
Winter (December-February)	Protection	Apply mulch and wind screens after ground freezes
	Planning	Design new plantings for spring
	Limited pruning	Remove damaged branches only

Pruning Timing by Shrub Type

• Spring bloomers (lilac, forsythia, viburnum): Prune immediately after flowering
• Summer bloomers (butterfly bush, Rose of Sharon): Prune in early spring
• Hydrangeas: Varies by type—panicle and smooth types in early spring; bigleaf types only after flowering
• Avoid fall pruning which can stimulate growth that won’t harden off before winter

Fertilization Recommendations

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring
• Use acidic fertilizers for rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberry-type hydrangeas
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of flowers
• Stop fertilizing by July to allow plants to harden off for winter

Winter Protection Techniques

• Apply 3-4″ of mulch after the ground freezes
• Create burlap screens for plants in windy sites
• Apply anti-desiccant sprays to broadleaf evergreens
• Consider rose cones for marginally hardy varieties

Pest and Disease Prevention

• Promote good air circulation through proper spacing and pruning
• Apply dormant oil spray in late winter to control overwintering pests
• Monitor for Japanese beetles on roses and hydrangeas in July
• Practice good garden sanitation by removing fallen leaves

Renewal Strategies for Aging Shrubs

• For overgrown deciduous shrubs, remove 1/3 of the oldest stems annually
• Rejuvenate neglected shrubs by cutting back to 6-12″ in early spring (works for forsythia, spirea, ninebark)
• Divide suckering shrubs like summersweet and red-twig dogwood when dormant
• Replace shrubs that have declined beyond renewal

Where to Buy Quality Flowering Shrubs in Des Moines

Finding healthy, locally-adapted plants is crucial for success.

Local Nurseries

• Boesen the Florist: Offers high-quality shrubs and excellent advice
• Earl May: Multiple locations with adapted varieties
• Ted Lare Garden Center: Extensive selection of native and ornamental shrubs
• Goode Greenhouse: Specializes in unique and hard-to-find varieties

Garden Centers

• Lowe’s and Home Depot: Convenient but check plant origins and hardiness
• Hy-Vee Garden Centers: Seasonal selection with good quality

Native Plant Sales

• Iowa Prairie Network’s annual sales
• Polk County Conservation spring plant sale
• Iowa Native Plant Society events

Mail-Order Sources

• Prairie Nursery: Excellent selection of native shrubs
• Spring Grove Nursery: Midwest-grown plants adapted to our climate
• ForestFarm: Extensive selection of unusual varieties

Conclusion

With thoughtful selection and proper care, flowering shrubs can transform your Des Moines landscape into a four-season showpiece that requires less maintenance than annual beds while offering greater ecological value. From the early promise of forsythia to the late-season splendor of witch hazel, these woody plants form the backbone of a successful garden.

Start with a few well-chosen varieties that suit your site conditions, then expand your collection as you gain confidence. Remember that patience pays off—most shrubs reach their full glory in three to five years, but will reward you with decades of beauty once established.

Your Des Moines garden deserves plants that can handle our challenging climate while providing maximum beauty. With these flowering shrub recommendations, you’re well on your way to creating a landscape that will be the envy of your neighborhood and a haven for local wildlife.