This is the continuation of last weeks article of Hardy Shrubs for Zone 4. Although there are many more that people in zone 4 can grow, this is just a few more to provide a variety.

Butterfly Bush

One of the most favored of all shrubs is the Butterfly Bush. If you want to draw countless butterflies and hummingbirds then this is the perfect one to plant. Several varieties produce different colored flowers and scents. For zone 4, you can choose Strawberry Lemonade. The flowers are strawberry colored and the foliage is variegated. The Peacock is small and compact and can be grown in containers. The Butterfly Bush is resistant to disease and pests and does not require much upkeep. If you want lush foliage that comes out of the roots, cut back in the late winter. This shrub prefers to be planted in full sun.

Blue Mist Shrub

Blue Mist Shrub is one that perfumes the air with a sweet fragrance. This shrub is great for those summers when we have a drought and they don't mind the heat. The Blue Mist Shrub has no soil preference, which makes it ideal to plant in almost any yard, plus it attracts butterflies. It only grows two to 3 feet in height and blooms in late summer to early fall. Depending on the variety, you can choose from blue flowers to pink flowers.

Royal Purple Smoke Bush

Royal Purple Smoke Bush is perfect if you want something to grow fast. The foliage changes color through the seasons. The leaves starts out in spring as the color burgundy. In the summer, it changes to a deep purple followed by bright orange in the fall. Best of all, these plants loves poor soil. Whether it has gravel or mildew, this shrub will grow and flower. This shrub has beautiful feathery blooms that are purple in color.

Hardy Fuchsia

The Hardy Fuchsia is one of my favorites. I remember growing it in a pot because the climate was too cold and it would not survive our winters. Now even in the northern states we can grow a shrub that is just as beautiful as its tropical relative is. In the Northern gardens, the leaves will drop off, but it comes back to life again in the spring. This shrub blooms all summer long with tear-shaped flowers of purple, white, and pink. It grows to a height of 6 feet tall and the hummingbirds and butterflies love it.

All these shrubs will give you seasons of beautiful blooms, and pretty foliage. You don't need to be an expert gardener to grow them either. All you need is a place to plant them, some faith that they will grow and a daring nature to step out of the normal shrubs and be different. These shrubs will be a beautiful addition to your yard and by the third year, your yard will be the envy of all the neighbors.