Landscaping in Michigan and the surrounding northern states comes with its own set of challengesโlong winters, sudden frosts, and wild temperature swings. But that doesnโt mean your yard or property canโt be beautiful year-round. You just need the right plants. Thatโs where cold hardy shrubs come in.
At Cold Stream Farm, we specialize in bare root shrubs that donโt just survive Michiganโs climateโthey thrive in it. If youโre looking to design a landscape that looks great without constant upkeep, cold hardy shrubs are your best bet.
Why Go with Cold Hardy Shrubs?
The idea is simple: less maintenance, more beauty.
Cold hardy shrubs are naturally adapted to freezing temperatures, late spring frosts, and heavy snow. That means they wonโt need babying through the seasons. Once theyโre established, these shrubs need very little attentionโno weekly watering schedules or delicate trimming routines.
And the benefits donโt stop at convenience:
- Many offer four-season visual interest
- Theyโre great for pollinators and wildlife
- Native species support soil health and local ecosystems
- Perfect for hedges, screens, or decorative planting beds
In other words, they work hard for your landscapeโso you donโt have to.
A Few of Our Favorite Hardy Shrubs
Here are just a few low-maintenance shrubs we regularly recommend to customers in colder zones:
Red Osier Dogwood – With fiery red stems that shine against the snow, this native beauty adds color even in winter. It grows easily in moist soils and helps support birds and pollinators.
Common Ninebark – Tough as nails and adaptable to just about any soil, ninebark has peeling bark for winter interest and clusters of white flowers in spring. Itโs a favorite for natural, low-fuss hedges.
American Hazelnut – Not only does this shrub handle the cold with ease, but it also produces edible nuts for wildlifeโor you! Itโs excellent for mixed borders or privacy screens.
Chokeberry – Glossy green leaves, white spring flowers, and vibrant fall color make this one of the most visually dynamic shrubs on the list. It also offers nutrient-rich berries for birds.
Tips for a Truly Low-Maintenance Design
Choosing the right shrubs is step one, but how you design your space matters too. Here are a few smart moves:
- Stick with native plants: Theyโre already adapted to your soil and weather.
- Mulch well: It keeps weeds down and moisture in, so you water less.
- Group by sunlight and water needs: It makes care easier over time.
- Plant bare root shrubs during dormancy: Theyโre easier to establish and often outperform potted plants.
Cold Stream Farm Makes It Easy
Weโve been growing and shipping cold hardy shrubs for more than 40 yearsโright here in Michigan. Whether youโre planting a few shrubs in your backyard or ordering in bulk for a larger project, weโre here to help you find the right species for your zone and your goals.
- No minimum order
- Volume discounts available
- Bare root plants ready to ship across the lower 48
Your Low-Maintenance Landscape Starts Now
You donโt need a professional crew or a green thumb to build a landscape that looks great through every season. With cold hardy shrubs from Cold Stream Farm, you can create a space thatโs natural, beautiful, and easy to manage year after year.
Explore our collection today and bring home the right plants for a landscape that works as hard as you do. Contact Cold Stream Farm at (231) 464-5809 today or visit us online for more information!
