ShrubsDiscover the right shrubs for your garden.
horticulture does n’t have to be an endless , time - eat task . By include more scummy - maintenance plant in your landscape , you may reduce the amount of time you spend on yard upkeep .
Many deciduous or evergreen bush are virtually carefree once build , providing long - lasting structure , colouration , and grain in the landscape . These bushes can be used in groundwork planting , mixed border , batch planting , as screening or hedge , or as a captivating focal period . Here are some of the good low - sustainment shrubs to grow .
LOW-MAINTENANCE SHRUBS
Funshine ® abelia . Photo : Proven Winners
ABELIA (Abeliaspp.)
Zones:4 - 11 , calculate on the varietyExposure : Full sun to fond shade ; coloring and bloom are best in full sunHabit : good arching habitHeight / Spread:2 to 10 feet tall , 2 to 8 foot wideBloom time : saltation to fall
This Banksia integrifolia congener produces cluster of fragrant tubular flowers for months , occurring in colors of whitened , yellow , or pink . The glossy evergreen or deciduous leaves come in shades of green , chicken , orangish , or Bourgogne , with fall color and exfoliate barque for multi - seasonal appeal . Abelia varieties issue forth in dissimilar size that are various as hedge or screening , in foundation garment planting , or massed in the landscape . Learn abelia .
Pictured : Funshine ® abeliafrom Proven Winners .
Pearl Glam ® beautyberry . picture : Proven winner
BEAUTYBERRY (Callicarpaspp.)
Zones:5 - 10 , depending on the varietyExposure : Full sun to partial shadeHabit : mound or arching habitHeight / Spread:3 to 6 feet tall and wideBloom time : former spring to mid summer
Callicarpais a deciduous shrub grown for the prolific clusters of showy over-embellished or whitened ornamental Berry that occur in fall . serrate green or chartreuse foliage develop brilliant hues of lily-livered , orange and burgundy in fall . employ beautyberry as covering , in mixed border , or as a showy focal point . Learn beautyberry .
figure : Pearl Glam ® beautyberryfrom Proven Winners .
Sprinter ® Turkish boxwood . Photo : Proven Winners
BOXWOOD (Buxusspp.)
Zones:5 - 9 , with a few varieties hardy to USDA zone 4Exposure : Full sun to shadeHabit : Upright , mounding or bushy habitHeight / Spread:1 to 20 feet tall , 2 to 8 feet wideBloom metre : Insignificant flowers bloom in spring
Buxusis an evergreen shrub with minuscule foliage and a dense , bushy habit that is unremarkably used in formal landscape to produce structure and order . Plants are especially amenable to pruning , making them suitable for hedge and topiary . Use this various bush in containers , along a pathway , or to divide garden rooms . Learn boxwood .
Pictured : Sprinter ® boxwoodfrom Proven Winners .
Photo : VDB Studios / Shutterstock
CAMELLIA (Camelliaspp.)
Zones:7 - 10 , with a few new varieties intrepid to USDA zone 6Exposure : Partial tad to full shadeHabit : upright piano bushy habitHeight / Spread:6 to 12 foot tall and wideBloom time : Fall to mid spring , depending on the variety
These low - maintenance evergreen plant shrubs bring about large showy blooms that lighten up the landscape at a time of year when little else is in bloom . The elegant flowers come in shades of red , pink and white , with undivided , semi - double or dual forms . utilise this long - live bush in foundation plantings , as hedging , or a focal point in time in the landscape . Learn camellia shrubs .
Photo : Lijuan Guo / Shutterstock
DAPHNE (Daphnespp.)
Zones:4 - 9 , depend on the varietyExposure : Partial shadeHabit : Bushy spreading habitHeight / Spread:1 to 5 feet grandiloquent , 2 to 6 feet wide , depending on the varietyBloom time : recent winter to fall , count on the variety
Daphneis a broadleaf evergreen plant shrub with green or variegate foliage and bunch of tube-shaped bloom in colors of whitened or pink . The blooms provide acute fragrance to woodland gardens , fundament plantings , and mixed border . Daphne requires well - drain soil .
Flying Machine ® forsythia . picture : Proven achiever
FORSYTHIA (Forsythiaspp.)
Zones:3 - 9Exposure : Full Lord’s Day to fond shade ; blooms right in full sunHabit : Upright arch habitHeight / Spread:1 to 20 groundwork tall , 3 to 10 feet wideBloom metre : Early to mid - spring
Grown for the cheerful yellow bell - shaped peak that appear in spring , forsythia is an exceptionally hardy deciduous shrub that is virtually carefree . Plants can be crop into configuration or allow to retain their natural habit . Use in fundament plantings , as hedging , or flock along a slope for wearing away control . Learn forsythia .
Pictured : Flying Machine ® forsythiafrom Proven Winners .
Legend of the Fall ® witch alder . Photo : Proven winner
FOTHERGILLA (Fothergillaspp.)
Zones:5 - 9 , with a few variety fearless to USDA zone 4Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : Upright shaggy-haired habitHeight / Spread:2 to 10 feet tall and wide , depending on the varietyBloom time : Spring
This witch hazel relative is a slow - raise , deciduous shrub native to the southeasterly U.S. Fragrant yellow or white bottlebrush peak appear in bound , with green serrate foliation , brilliant autumn color and attractive wintertime social organization for year - troll charm . Naturalize in a aboriginal or woodland borderline , habit in foundation plantings or assorted borders . acquire genus Fothergilla .
Pictured : Legend of the Fall ® fothergillafrom Proven Winners .
Castle Wall ® blue holly . Photo : Proven success
HOLLY (Ilexspp.)
Zones:3 - 10 , depending on the varietyExposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : Upright , mounding , spreading , columnlike , pyramidal or weeping habitHeight / Spread:1 1/2 to 80 feet marvellous , 1 1/2 to 50 base wide , count on the varietyBloom time : springiness to early summertime
One of the chief feature of some , but not all , Ilexplants are the bright discolour berry that leave winter interest group to the landscape painting . This evergreen plant or deciduous bush come in a wide reach of shapes and sizes to fit any landscape painting need . Grow in foundation planting , as hedge , or in mass plantings . Learn holly President George W. Bush .
Pictured : Castle Wall ® blue hollyfrom Proven Winners .
La Vida Grande ™ Indian haw . Photo : Proven Winners
INDIAN HAWTHORN (Rhaphiolepis indica)
Zones:7 - 11Exposure : Full Sunday to fond shadeHabit : Compact shaggy-haired habitHeight / Spread:1 to 6 feet tall , 3 to 6 feet wideBloom time : later winter to spring , with some rebloom
Native American hawthorn is a broadleaf evergreen bush suitable for warmer climate , with glossy green leave of absence , clusters of fragrant pink or snowy blossom , and attractive blue or violet berry . The compact mounding habit of some varieties is desirable for smaller space . Use in foundation planting , as hedging , or in aggregate planting . Learn Native American hawthorn .
Pictured : La Vida Grande ® Indian hawthornfrom Proven Winners .
Gin Fizz ® juniper . picture : Proven Winners
JUNIPER (Juniperusspp.)
Zones:2 - 10 , depending on the varietyExposure : Full sunHabit : Upright , fan out , or weeping habitHeight / Spread:6 inches to 130 foot marvellous , 1 to 25 understructure wideBloom time : Spring
Junipers are evergreen conifer that come in a wide array of embodiment and sizes . leafage occurs in hues of dark-green , blue , silver , and gold . Juniper berries are a food source for songster and other wildlife , and the distaff conoid are used as an redolent spice . Plant in borders , foundation plantings , alpine gardens , or as hedging . Learn juniper shrubs and trees .
project : Gin Fizz ® juniperfrom Proven Winners .
Bloomerang ® Dark Purple lilac . photograph : Proven Winners
LILAC (Syringaspp.)
Zones:2 - 8Exposure : Full sunHabit : Upright bushy habitHeight / Spread:4 to 15 feet marvellous , 3 to 12 feet wideBloom time : Spring ; some newer cultivars are repeat bloomers
Lilac bushes are a classic spring favourite , with to a great extent scented bunch of purple , pink , depressed , or bloodless flowers that perfume the garden in outpouring . Commonly used as fundament plants , lilac can also be planted in sundry borders , woodland setting , and bungalow - style gardens . Learn lilac President Bush .
project : Bloomerang ® Dark Purple lilacfrom Proven Winners .
Jazz Hands Bold ® Chinese fringe bloom . Photo : Proven succeeder
LORPETALUM (Loropetalum chinense)
Zones:7 - 10Exposure : Full sunshine to fond shadeHabit : vertical , mounding , crying or spreading habitHeight / Spread:1 to 15 foot tall , 3 to 10 feet broad , reckon on the varietyBloom meter : Mid - springiness , with sporadic rebloom
Also cognize as Taiwanese fringe flower , this Wiccan hazelnut relative produces ribbon - like flush petal in shades of pinkish , red , or livid . This broadleaf evergreen shrub produces colorful foliage in shade of deep burgundy , purple , chartreuse , or gullible . employ this deer - resistant shrub in creation plantings , mixed borders , or as a sensational focal power point . Learn Chinese fringe flower .
Pictured : Jazz Hands sheer ® Chinese fringe flowerfrom Proven Winners .
' Elf ' mountain Stan Laurel . Photo : Svetlanko / Shutterstock
MOUNTAIN LAUREL (Kalmia latifolia)
Zones:4 - 9Exposure : Partial sunHabit : unsloped shaggy-haired habitHeight / Spread:3 to 15 feet tall and wide , depending on the varietyBloom clock time : Spring
Native to forest of eastern North America , Kalmiais a broadleaf evergreen with middle - catch clusters of cupful - shaped blossom in spring . Flowers are scarlet , pinkish , or white , some with prominent pattern . This rhododendron - like bush can be plant in timber or mixed borders , or in foundation plantings .
Summer Wine ® ninebark . pic : Proven Winners
NINEBARK (Physocarpusspp.)
Zones:2 - 8Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeHabit : Upright , arching , or compact bushy habitHeight / Spread:3 to 10 feet tall , 3 to 12 feet wideBloom time : Late spring to summer
Physocarpusis a deciduous bush native to North America , with year - round appeal and prodigious cold daring . Plants grow colorful foliage , button - like flower clusters , red seed capsule , and peel bark . Use in creation plantings , aboriginal border , or as hedging . study ninebark .
Pictured : Summer Wine ® ninebarkfrom Proven Winners .
Gatsby Moon ® oakleaf hydrangea . photograph : Proven victor
OAKLEAF HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Zones:5 - 9Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : vertical , shaggy-coated , or compact habitHeight / Spread:3 to 8 feet marvelous and wideBloom time : Late leaping to summertime , with blossom heads lasting into fall
Named for the oak - like foliage , this deciduous bush create large cone - influence bloom heads that start out creamy white , turning pink , cherry , or beige as the flower age . Leathery dark - green leaf develops brainy chromaticity of red , burgundy , and purple in fall , while the exfoliating barque provide winter stake . Use this drought - kind bush in foundation planting , sundry delimitation , or forest options . get word oakleaf hydrangeas .
Pictured : Gatsby Moon ® oakleaf hydrangeafrom Proven Winners .
Dandy Man ® Purple rhododendron . Photo : Proven winner
RHODODENDRON (Rhododendron)
Zones:5 - 8 , with some varieties hardy to USDA zona 4 or 9Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : vertical bushy or thickset habitHeight / Spread:2 to 20 feet tall , 3 to 15 feet all-embracing or largerBloom time : Late wintertime to descend , depending on the variety
One of the most democratic landscape painting shrubs , Rhododendronis a broadleaf evergreen plant with an elegant structure , oval leave , and showy blooms in an array of colors . industrial plant do best in cool , mild climates with regular moisture . expend as an understory flora in mixed borders , woodland gardens , or as fudge . Learn rhododendron bush .
Pictured : Dandy Man ® Purple rhododendronfrom Proven Winners .
Blue Chiffon ® Rose of Sharon . Photo : Proven Winners
ROSE OF SHARON (Hibiscus syriacus)
Zones:5 - 9Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeHabit : upright piano bushy habitHeight / Spread:8 to 12 substructure tall , 6 to 10 invertebrate foot wideBloom meter : Mid - summer to fall
The exotic bloom of Rose of Sharon add together late - time of year tropic flair to the landscape painting . Large trumpet - shape flowers occur from summer to fall in shades of pinkish , purple , red , blasphemous , and white . Use in foundation planting , motley bed , and shrub boundary line . Learn move up of Sharon shrubs .
Pictured : Blue Chiffon ® Rose of Sharonfrom Proven Winners .
Happy Face ® White five-finger . pic : Proven Winners
SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentillaspp.)
Zones:2 - 8Exposure : Full sun to partial shadeHabit : Bushy or ground covert habitHeight / Spread:3 inches to 4 feet improbable , 6 inches to 5 feet wideBloom time : Spring to fall , bet on the variety
Potentilla is a common deciduous landscape painting shrub valued for its foresightful bloom time , happy-go-lucky nature , and exceptional hardiness . disk - same flowers number in a motley of colors , while the balmy leaf adds fine grain to the landscape . Use as hedge , in aggregate plantings , or as march for boundary line and pathways . Learn shrubby cinquefoil bushes .
Pictured : well-chosen case ® White cinquefoilfrom Proven Winners .
Winecraft Gold ® smokebush . Photo : Proven Winners
SMOKEBUSH (Cotinusspp.)
Zones:4 - 8Exposure : Full Sunday to partial shadeHabit : Upright bushy or undefended habitHeight / Spread:4 to 30 feet tall , 4 to 25 extensive , depend on the varietyBloom meter : tardy spring to fall
Named for the tumid , showy peak spike that resemble smoke plumes , this deciduous shrub or small Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree produce dark-green or purple foliage and brainy fall colour . Use in foundation planting , motley border , and mass planting . larn smokebush .
Pictured : Winecraft Gold ® smokebushfrom Proven Winners .
dual Play Big Bang ® spiraea . picture : Proven Winners
SPIREA (Spiraeaspp.)
Zones:4 - 8Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : Bushy habitHeight / Spread:2 to 8 feet tall , 2 to 6 feet wide , look on the varietyBloom clock time : Spring to summer , depending on the variety
One of the most popular blossoming shrubs , Spiraeaproduces lacy clusters of pinkish , white , or red flowers in spring or summertime , with green or chartreuse foliage that changes color in dip . Use this versatile shrub in foundation planting , mixed edge , or as dodge . Learn spiraea .
Pictured : Double Play Big Bang ® spireafrom Proven Winners .
Vanilla Spice ® summersweet . picture : Proven Winners
SUMMERSWEET (Clethra alnifolia)
Zones:4 - 9Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : Upright shaggy habitHeight / Spread:3 to 8 groundwork magniloquent , 3 to 6 feet wideBloom time : Mid to previous summertime
sweet scented flower spike pass off for weeks through the waning days of summer when few other shrub are in salad days . Showy bottlebrush bloom spike are attractive to bees , butterflies , and other louse pollinators . establish this deciduous shrub near an out-of-door living place to savor the perfumed bloom , in rain gardens , or along moist stream banks for corrosion control . discover summersweet .
depict : Vanilla Spice ® summersweetfrom Proven Winners .
niggling Henry ® sweetspire . pic : Proven Winners
SWEETSPIRE (Itea virginica)
Zones:5 - 9Exposure : Full Lord’s Day to shadeHabit : mound bushy habitHeight / Spread:3 to 5 feet tall and wideBloom time : recent bound to early summer
Iteais a aboriginal deciduous bush with fragrant white flower spike and dazzling fall color . These passably get shrubs thrive in most dirt and are patient of of sloshed or dry condition . Plant Virginia sweetspire in a rain garden , mass along a slope to stem erosion , or utilise as hedging along footpath and bed . Learn Virginia sweetspire .
Pictured : Little Henry ® sweetspirefrom Proven Winners .
Spice Girl ® Korean spicery viburnum . Photo : Proven Winners
VIBURNUM (Viburnumspp.)
Zones:2 - 11 , depending on the varietyExposure : Full sun to shadeHabit : Upright bushy habitHeight / Spread:3 to 20 feet tall , 3 to 12 infantry wideBloom time : Spring to summertime
Viburnumis a diverse mathematical group of evergreen , semi - evergreen or deciduous shrubs with attractive flowers , berries , and fall color for multi - seasonal interest . Plant this highly adaptable bush in a woodland setting , mixed borders , as screen or hedge . discover viburnum .
Pictured : Spice Girl ® Korean spice viburnumfrom Proven Winners .
spill Wine ® weigela . exposure : Proven Winners
WEIGELA (Weigelaspp.)
Zones:4 - 8Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : Upright , mounding , arching , or propagate habitHeight / Spread:1 to 10 feet tall , 1 1/2 to 12 feet wide , depending on the varietyBloom time : Mid - to - recent spring , with sporadic rebloom
Weigelais a common landscape bush with deciduous leafage in wraith of unripe , chartreuse , gold , or purple . Attractive red , pink , or blanched vasiform flower add brilliant color to the spring landscape . Use in mixed borders , woodland gardens , or as hedge . Learn Weigela florida .
Pictured : spill Wine ® weigelafrom Proven Winners .
' Jelena ' beldam hazel . Photo : Janet Loughrey
WITCH HAZEL (Hamamelisspp.)
Zones:3 - 9Exposure : Full sun to fond shadeHabit : Upright vase - determine habitHeight / Spread:10 to 20 ft marvelous and wideBloom time : Fall to early outpouring
produce for the fragrant , spidery flowers and refined complex body part , witch hazel salad days at a prison term of year when there is little colour in the landscape painting . This deciduous bush or modest tree diagram is near carefree and repellent to pest and disease . Site in a topographic point where the scent can be love up tight and the flowers are backlit by early or late 24-hour interval Sunday . check enchantress hazel .
