10 Best Shrubs & Creepers for Your State

Local climate, soil conditions, and specific gardening zones play crucial roles in determining which plants will thrive in each state. Always consider these factors and seek advice from local experts or horticultural resources before planting.

General Guidelines for Selecting Shrubs:

1. Evergreen Shrubs: These maintain their foliage throughout the year, providing year-round interest and some privacy. Good options include Boxwood (Buxus), Rhododendron, and Holly (Ilex).
2. Deciduous Shrubs: These lose their leaves in winter but often offer beautiful flowers or attractive fall foliage. Examples include Forsythia, Hydrangea, and Dogwood (Cornus).
3. Native Species: Choosing native shrubs is beneficial as they are already adapted to the local climate and support local wildlife. Examples include Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) in Northern states and American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) in Southern states.
4. Drought-Tolerant Shrubs: For arid regions, consider plants like Lavender (Lavandula), Russian Sage (Perovskia), and Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis).
5. Salt-Tolerant Shrubs: In coastal areas, plants like Beach Rose (Rosa rugosa), Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), and Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) can handle salty conditions.

General Guidelines for Selecting Creepers/Vines:

1. Climbing Roses: These add beauty and fragrance to gardens. Varieties like New Dawn and Climbing Iceberg are popular choices.
2. Clematis: With numerous flower colors and forms, Clematis vines are versatile and can provide vertical interest to fences and trellises.
3. Honeysuckle: Known for their sweet scent, honeysuckle vines like Lonicera sempervirens and Lonicera japonica are attractive to pollinators.
4. Virginia Creeper: A fast-growing vine with vibrant fall foliage, making it an excellent choice for adding color to walls and fences.
5. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): A hummingbird favorite, trumpet vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers.

Remember that local climate, soil conditions, and specific gardening zones play crucial roles in determining which plants will thrive in each state. Always consider these factors and seek advice from local experts or horticultural resources before planting.

The Best Plants For Each State (short list)

Keep in mind that the best plants for each state may vary depending on local microclimates, soil conditions, and gardening zones. It’s always a good idea to consult with local gardening experts or extension offices for more accurate and up-to-date recommendations.

1. California: California’s diverse climate ranges from Mediterranean to desert and mountainous regions. Consider planting drought-tolerant shrubs like Lavender, Rosemary, and Ceanothus (California Lilac). For creepers, Bougainvillea and Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) can thrive in California’s warm and sunny conditions.

2. Texas: Texas experiences a mix of climates, from humid in the east to arid in the west. For shrubs, consider native options like Texas Sage (Leucophyllum spp.), Anacacho Orchid (Bauhinia lunarioides), and Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii). Creepers like Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata) and Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) are good choices for Texas.

3. Florida: Florida’s tropical and subtropical climate allows for a wide variety of shrubs and creepers. Consider planting Evergreen Viburnum, Firebush (Hamelia patens), and Simpson’s Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) as shrubs. For creepers, options like Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) and Passionflower (Passiflora spp.) can thrive in Florida’s warm and humid conditions.

4. New York: New York experiences a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. For shrubs, consider versatile options like Hydrangea, Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), and Spirea. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) and Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) are good choices for climbing vines.

5. Arizona: Arizona’s climate is mostly arid and semi-arid, with hot summers. Drought-tolerant shrubs like Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata), Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens), and Agave are suitable choices. Creepers like Bougainvillea and Honeysuckle can add color and interest to Arizona landscapes.

6. Alaska: Alaska’s climate is diverse, ranging from subarctic to maritime. For hardy shrubs, consider options like Dwarf Arctic Willow (Salix purpurea ‘Nana’), Elderberry (Sambucus spp.), and Alaska Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum edule). While some hardy climbers can grow in Alaska, extensive creeping vines may have a limited range due to the harsh climate.

7. Washington: Washington state experiences a wide range of climates, from temperate rainforests in the west to drier conditions in the east. For the western regions, consider planting shrubs like Rhododendron, Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium), and Salal (Gaultheria shallon). For creepers, Honeysuckle and Clematis are excellent choices. In the drier eastern part, drought-tolerant shrubs like Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.) are suitable.

8. Montana: Montana has a diverse climate, with cold winters and hot summers in some areas. For hardy shrubs, consider options like Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum), Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia), and Snowberry (Symphoricarpos spp.). Creepers like Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) and Creeping Raspberry (Rubus pentalobus) can thrive in certain parts of Montana.

9. North Dakota: North Dakota’s climate is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. For hardy shrubs, consider planting American Hazelnut (Corylus americana), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), and Dogwood (Cornus sericea). Creeping vines like Virginia Creeper and Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) can add charm to landscapes.

10. Minnesota: Minnesota experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. For shrubs, consider options like Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), and Potentilla. Creepers like Clematis and Climbing Hydrangea can add vertical interest to gardens.

11. Hawaii: Hawaii’s climate is tropical, with varied conditions across islands and elevations. For shrubs, consider planting Hibiscus, Plumeria, and Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae). Creepers like Hawaiian Sunset Vine (Stictocardia beraviensis) and Allamanda are suitable choices for Hawaii’s warm and humid climate.

12. Louisiana: Louisiana’s climate is humid and subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. For shrubs, consider options like Azaleas, Camellias, and Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans). Creeping vines like Confederate Jasmine and Trumpet Vine can thrive in Louisiana.

13. Maine: Maine has a humid continental climate with cold winters. For shrubs, consider planting Blueberries, Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), and Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea). Creeping vines like Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and Virginia Creeper can be suitable choices.

Please note that the suggested plants are not an exhaustive list, and there are many other suitable options for each state. Always consider local conditions, soil types, and gardening zones before making plant selections. Seek advice from local experts for the best results in your area.

Remember that this is just a general guide, and local conditions may vary within each state. Always consider the specific location, climate, and soil conditions before selecting plants for your garden. Consulting with local gardening experts will provide the most tailored advice for each state and region.

For each state, the best plants for shrubs and creepers will depend on factors such as the state’s climate (temperature, rainfall, humidity), soil type, and local gardening zones. It’s essential to consider the specific region within each state, as there can be variations in microclimates.

Here is some general advice for selecting plants:

1. Consider Native Species: Native shrubs and creepers are well-adapted to local conditions and often provide essential habitat for wildlife.

2. Check Hardiness Zones: Determine your state’s USDA Hardiness Zone, as this will help you choose plants that are most likely to thrive in your area.

3. Evaluate Soil Conditions: Different plants have varying soil preferences. Make sure to assess your soil type and select plants accordingly.

4. Sunlight and Water Requirements: Take note of the amount of sunlight and water available in your garden to choose plants that match those conditions.

5. Space and Purpose: Consider the space available for planting and the purpose of the plants (e.g., privacy, ornamental, attracting pollinators).

For more specific and accurate recommendations, I suggest consulting with local nurseries, garden centers, or agricultural extension offices in each state. They will have the expertise to provide you with the most suitable plant options for your specific location.