| Common Name |
Burning Bush |
| Botanical Name |
Euonymus alatus |
| Plant Type |
Deciduous shrub |
| Hardiness Zone |
4-8 |
| Mature Size |
15-20 ft tall (dwarf varieties 6-10 ft) |
| Sun |
Full sun to part shade |
| Soil |
Adaptable, tolerates most soil types |
| Fall Color |
Brilliant scarlet red |
| Deer Resistant |
Moderate |
| Native To |
Northeast Asia |
Why Burning Bush for Wisconsin
Burning bush is one of the most reliable sources of fall color in Southeast Wisconsin. When the leaves turn in October, the entire shrub becomes a uniform, intense scarlet that nothing else quite matches. It adapts to almost any soil condition, handles urban pollution, tolerates pruning, and requires very little maintenance. There is a reason customers ask for it year after year.
A note on invasiveness: burning bush is classified as invasive in several northeastern states. It is not currently banned in Wisconsin, but it does self-seed in some areas. If this concerns you, plant the compact variety ‘Compactus’ or consider native alternatives like chokeberry or Virginia sweetspire for similar fall color.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring or fall.
Where: Full sun produces the most intense fall color. Part shade works but the red will be less vivid.
How: Extremely adaptable. Dig a hole, plant it, water it. Tolerates clay, sand, acid, and alkaline soils.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Green foliage emerges. Prune to shape if needed.
Summer: Low maintenance. Tolerates drought once established.
Fall: The show. Brilliant scarlet foliage for 2-3 weeks.
Winter: The corky, winged bark provides subtle texture. Interesting branch structure when bare.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Scale insects: Euonymus scale can be a problem. Watch for white or brown bumps on stems. Horticultural oil in late winter or early spring helps control them.
Overgrowth: The species can reach 15-20 feet if left unpruned. Most people want the dwarf ‘Compactus’ form (6-10 feet). Prune annually to maintain size.
Self-seeding: Birds spread the seeds. Remove seedlings if they appear where you don’t want them.
Companion Planting
Ornamental grasses (blonde tones contrast with the red). Evergreens like boxwood or arborvitae provide a green backdrop that makes the fall color even more striking. Aster and mums for a full fall display.
Design and Landscape Uses
Hedges, screens, foundation plantings, or specimen use. The dwarf form fits most residential situations. Works well at property borders or wherever you want a guaranteed fall color statement. Plant it where you can see it from a window.
Fun Fact
The “wings” on burning bush stems are made of corky tissue and are the reason for the species name “alatus” (meaning winged). These wings make the bare winter branches easy to identify. The common name comes from the biblical burning bush, though the actual plant in that story was likely a different species entirely.
Burning Bush is available at our Cedarburg nursery in both standard and dwarf forms.
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| Common Name |
Caramel Coral Bell |
| Botanical Name |
Heuchera ‘Caramel’ |
| Plant Type |
Evergreen perennial |
| Hardiness Zone |
4-9 |
| Mature Size |
12-18 in tall, 18-24 in wide |
| Sun |
Part shade to full shade |
| Soil |
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich |
| Bloom Time |
Late spring to early summer |
| Bloom Color |
Cream |
| Deer Resistant |
Yes |
Why Caramel for Wisconsin
Heuchera ‘Caramel’ is one of the hardiest coral bells available. Where many Heuchera cultivars struggle through Zone 5b winters, Caramel comes through reliably. The foliage shifts through shades of amber, gold, and honey depending on the season and light. It brightens shaded areas that would otherwise be dominated by green. The leaves are semi-evergreen, providing interest even in mild winter stretches.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring (May) once soil has warmed.
Where: Part shade to full shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Too much direct sun can bleach the foliage.
How: Plant with the crown at or slightly above soil level. Heucheras planted too deep are prone to crown rot. Good drainage is essential.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Clean up any winter-damaged foliage. New leaves emerge with warm tones. Push any heaved crowns back into the soil and add mulch.
Summer: Cream-colored flower spikes appear. Some gardeners remove these to keep focus on the foliage. Water during dry spells.
Fall: Foliage deepens in color. Leave it standing for winter interest.
Winter: Semi-evergreen in milder winters. Mulch around (not on top of) the crown for insulation.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Heaving: Freeze-thaw cycles push the crown out of the soil. Check in early spring and push crowns back down. Mulching helps stabilize soil temperature.
Crown rot: Caused by planting too deep or in waterlogged soil. Good drainage and proper planting depth prevent this.
Companion Planting
Hosta (blue-leaved varieties for contrast). Brunnera for blue flowers. Astilbe for feathery texture and color. Ferns for a woodland garden feel.
Design and Landscape Uses
Front of shaded borders, woodland gardens, containers, and edging paths. The warm foliage color stands out among greens and blues. Mass plant 3-5 for a carpet effect. Works beautifully in combination containers with trailing plants.
Fun Fact
Coral bells get their common name from the tiny bell-shaped flowers that dangle from wiry stems above the foliage. The genus Heuchera is named for Johann Heinrich von Heucher, an 18th-century German botanist.
| Common Name |
Jacob Cline Bee Balm |
| Botanical Name |
Monarda didyma ‘Jacob Cline’ |
| Plant Type |
Herbaceous perennial |
| Hardiness Zone |
4-9 |
| Mature Size |
4-5 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide |
| Sun |
Full sun to light shade |
| Soil |
Moist, well-drained |
| Bloom Time |
July to August |
| Bloom Color |
Deep red |
| Native To |
North America |
| Pollinator Friendly |
Hummingbirds, butterflies, bees |
Why Jacob Cline for Wisconsin
Jacob Cline is one of the best bee balm varieties because it has strong resistance to powdery mildew. That’s the number one complaint about bee balm in our humid Wisconsin summers, and Jacob Cline handles it far better than the species. The deep red flowers are larger than most cultivars and they bloom for weeks in July and August. Hummingbirds treat it like a fueling station.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring (May) after frost danger has passed.
Where: Full sun with good air circulation. Avoid crowding, which promotes mildew.
How: Space 18-24 inches apart. Plant at the same depth. Amend heavy clay with compost for better drainage.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: New shoots appear mid-spring. Thin crowded clumps to improve airflow.
Summer: Peak bloom in July. Deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming. Water at the base, not overhead.
Fall: Leave seed heads for birds. Cut back after a hard frost or leave until spring.
Winter: Divide every 2-3 years in spring to keep clumps vigorous and prevent overcrowding.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Powdery mildew: Jacob Cline resists it better than most, but stressed plants in tight spaces can still get it. Good spacing and morning sun help.
Spreading: Bee balm spreads by runners. It will colonize adjacent areas if not contained. Pull unwanted shoots in spring or plant in a contained bed.
Companion Planting
Coneflower and Black-eyed Susan for a native meadow look. Russian Sage adds blue contrast. Ornamental grasses provide late-season structure after bee balm fades.
Design and Landscape Uses
Pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, rain gardens, or naturalized plantings. Plant in drifts of 5-7 for a statement. The height (4-5 feet) works well at the back of a border. Outstanding in a hummingbird garden paired with other tubular flowers.
Fun Fact
Bee balm leaves are edible and have a minty, oregano-like flavor. They were historically used by the Oswego people to make tea, which is why another common name for Monarda is “Oswego tea.” The leaves can be dried and used in cooking.
| Common Name |
Summer Wine Ninebark |
| Botanical Name |
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’ |
| Plant Type |
Deciduous shrub |
| Hardiness Zone |
3-7 |
| Mature Size |
5-6 ft tall, 5-6 ft wide |
| Sun |
Full sun to part shade |
| Soil |
Adaptable, tolerates clay |
| Bloom Time |
Late spring |
| Bloom Color |
White to pale pink |
| Native To |
North America |
| Deer Resistant |
Yes |
Why Summer Wine for Wisconsin
Summer Wine is a more compact version of Diablo ninebark, topping out around 5-6 feet instead of 8-10. The dark burgundy foliage holds its color from spring through fall without fading to green the way some purple-leaf shrubs do. It’s native to North America, handles our clay soils without complaint, and deer leave it alone. The white flower clusters in late spring attract pollinators, and the peeling bark adds winter texture.
Planting Instructions
When: Spring or fall. Very forgiving about timing.
Where: Full sun for the best foliage color. Tolerates part shade but leaves will lean more green.
How: Dig wide, not deep. Plant at the same level as the container. These adapt to almost any soil. Water well at planting, mulch, and walk away.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: New growth emerges deep purple. Blooms appear in late May to early June.
Summer: Foliage stays dark. Very drought tolerant once established.
Fall: Leaves may shift to bronze or reddish tones. Interesting seed capsules persist.
Winter: Exfoliating bark provides texture. Prune in late winter if you want to shape it or control size.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Powdery mildew: Can occur in humid summers with poor air circulation. Good spacing and full sun prevent most issues.
Overgrowth: Even the compact varieties can get larger than expected. Prune to a framework of 4-5 main stems in late winter to keep it tidy.
Companion Planting
Karl Foerster Grass for vertical contrast. Catmint at the base echoes the purple tones. Hydrangea paniculata varieties create a layered border. Daylilies in warm colors pop against the dark foliage.
Design and Landscape Uses
Mixed shrub borders, foundation plantings, hedges, or as a standalone specimen. The dark foliage creates a backdrop that makes lighter plants in front glow. Plant it behind yellow or chartreuse plants for strong contrast.
Fun Fact
Ninebark gets its common name from the bark, which peels in thin layers to reveal multiple colors underneath. Count them if you want, but there are more than nine.
Pinky Winky Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘DVPPinky’)
Panicle hydrangeas are the workhorses of the Wisconsin shrub border, and Pinky Winky stands out even in that reliable group. This Proven Winners selection produces enormous cone-shaped flower panicles that open white at the tip and age to deep pink from the bottom up, creating a two-toned effect that no other hydrangea can match. Thick, sturdy stems hold those big blooms upright without flopping, even after a thunderstorm.
Quick Facts
| Botanical Name |
Hydrangea paniculata ‘DVPPinky’ (Pinky Winky®) |
| Plant Type |
Deciduous Flowering Shrub |
| Mature Size |
6-8 ft. tall, 6-8 ft. wide |
| Hardiness Zone |
USDA Zones 3-8 (outstanding in Zone 5b) |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun to Part Sun (best color in full sun) |
| Soil |
Average, well-drained; adaptable to most types |
| Bloom Time |
Mid-summer through fall (July to frost in Wisconsin) |
| Flower Color |
White aging to deep pink (two-toned) |
| Flower Size |
12-16 in. panicles |
| Growth Rate |
Moderate to Fast |
Why This Plant for Wisconsin / Zone 5b
Hardy to Zone 3, Pinky Winky does not even blink at a Wisconsin winter. Like all panicle hydrangeas, it blooms on new wood, so even a brutal February will not cost you a single flower. The plant simply grows fresh stems in spring and blooms on schedule every summer.
The two-toned flower display is what sets Pinky Winky apart from other panicle types. As the season progresses, the lower florets on each panicle shift from white to a rich, rosy pink. Meanwhile, the tip keeps pushing new white florets. The result is a bicolor cone that looks different every week from July through October. That extended show carries a Wisconsin garden through the late-summer gap when many perennials have finished flowering.
Planting Instructions
When to Plant: Spring through early fall. Spring is ideal for root establishment.
Site Selection: Full sun gives the best flower color and the sturdiest stems. Light afternoon shade is fine, especially in southern Wisconsin. Avoid deep shade, which produces leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Spacing: Give Pinky Winky room. Plant 6 to 8 feet from other large shrubs or structures. This plant fills its space.
Hole Prep: Dig a hole twice the width of the container and the same depth. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil.
Watering In: Soak the root zone thoroughly at planting. Water deeply once a week for the first season.
Mulch: Apply 2 to 3 inches of bark mulch or wood chips. Keep mulch 3 to 4 inches away from the base of the stems.
Care Throughout the Season
Spring: Prune back by about one-third in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. Cut each stem back to a pair of healthy buds. This maintains a compact shape and promotes stronger, thicker stems that support the heavy flower panicles. A single application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.
Summer: Water deeply during dry spells. Pinky Winky has average water needs, but prolonged drought can cause flowers to brown prematurely instead of developing their signature pink color. Enjoy watching the color transformation begin in late July and August.
Fall: The flower panicles deepen to a dark rose and eventually dry to a warm tan. Leave them on the plant for winter interest. They look striking against snow and provide visual structure in the bare garden.
Winter: No special protection required. The dried panicles can be left standing or removed at your preference. Major pruning waits until late winter.
Common Problems in Wisconsin
Flowers Not Turning Pink: The color change is a natural aging process, not a soil pH response. If flowers stay white longer than expected, drought or very cool summer temperatures may be slowing the transition. Consistent watering helps.
Floppy Stems in Shade: Pinky Winky has some of the sturdiest stems among panicle hydrangeas, but plants grown in too much shade may still lean. Move to a sunnier spot if this is persistent.
Leaf Spot: Occasional in wet summers. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering reduce the risk. Remove and discard affected leaves to prevent spread.
Deer: Panicle hydrangeas are not a preferred food, but hungry deer in winter may nibble stems. Fencing or repellent sprays protect young plants during their first couple of winters.
Companion Planting Suggestions
- Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) – Vertical counterpoint to the rounded shrub form
- Purple Dome Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – Fall purple blooms at the feet of the pink-toned panicles
- Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) – White mopheads contrast with the pink-and-white cones
- Diablo Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) – Dark burgundy leaves provide dramatic backdrop
- Sedum Autumn Joy (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’) – Pink fall flowers and succulent texture complement the late-season show
Design & Landscape Uses
Pinky Winky makes a bold statement as a specimen plant in a front yard or as the anchor of a mixed shrub border. Its size (6 to 8 feet in both directions) gives it the visual weight to hold a corner bed or frame a garden entrance.
A row of Pinky Winky along a fence line or property border creates a spectacular summer-to-fall hedge. The dried flower panicles extend the display well into winter. It also pairs well with ornamental grasses and late-blooming perennials for a border that peaks in August and September, when many gardens start to wind down.
Fun Facts
- The two-toned color effect happens because Pinky Winky has indeterminate flowering. New white florets keep emerging at the tip of the panicle while older florets at the base age to pink. The result is a living gradient that changes week by week.
- Soil pH has no effect on Pinky Winky’s flower color, unlike bigleaf hydrangeas. The pink develops from natural cell aging, not aluminum availability. You cannot turn these flowers blue.
- Pinky Winky was bred in Belgium by Johan Van Huylenbroeck and introduced by Proven Winners. The name comes from a character on the British children’s television show Teletubbies.
Find Pinky Winky Hydrangea at Heritage Hill Nursery
Want a shrub that puts on a color show from midsummer through the first frost? Stop by to see Pinky Winky and get our recommendations for the best spot in your yard.
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Heritage Hill Nursery | 10801 Pleasant Valley, Cedarburg, WI 53012
