California Lilac
Lavishly laden with blue flower trusses in spring, frost-tender wild lilacs (Ceanothus) are deceptively rugged. Their tough roots control erosion; their evergreen leaves are water-thrifty. In cold climes, plant deciduous, white-blossomed New Jersey tea.
Fragrant Daphne
Nosegay clusters of Daphne odora bear a sweet scent of mingled rose and anise in early spring. Daphne, including the evergreen ‘Marginata’ with yellow-edged leaves, thrive in warm climes. Fragrant Viburnum carlesii is a fine cold-hardy alternative.
Viburnum
Doublefile viburnum grows in elegant, horizontal tiers decked with flat-topped flower clusters. Its spring scent, deep-green summer foliage, claret-colored fall leaves, and black fruit make Viburnum burkwoodii a year-round favorite.
Quince
Spring-flowering branches brighten homespun pitchers. The rich pink blossoms of flowering quince are a colorful standout. This cold-hardy shrub is ideal as a prickly-limbed security hedge when grown in rows.
Spirea
Lush-blooming spireas are rewarding additions to any sunny garden. Spiraea nipponica ‘Snowmound’ blooms in spring and boasts a compact habit primed for tucking in among perennials in a mixed border. Learn more about spirea.
Japanese Andromeda
The glossy-leaved evergreen Pieris japonicaa, draped with frothy flower clusters, is well worth pampering. Ply it with acidic soil and ample water to help it reach its 7-foot potential. Plant it in protected niches in the North to shield early spring blossoms from late frost. Learn more about andromeda.
Oregon Grape Holly
Holly-like leaves, brilliant yellow flower trusses, blue-black fruit, and bronzy winter color place Mahonia in the limelight each season. Since this native evergreen spreads (in moist soil) to form broad colonies, it’s a great screen or foundation plant. Learn more about grape holly.
How to Select Shrubs
Before purchasing blooming shrubs, determine what role you want them to play in your landscape. Do you need fall color or winter interest? Perhaps you need more abundant bloom for vases than your perennials can supply? Are you plotting a privacy hedge, hiding a foundation, softening a corner, or marking a pathway? Shrubs can meld wild and well-groomed spaces, direct traffic, filter noise, and create “walls” to separate garden areas. After planning, choose appropriately sized shrubs suited to your region’s climate and soil type.
Planting Pointers
It’s usually best to plant deciduous shrubs in spring or fall and evergreens in spring (to allow ample time to settle before colder temperatures arrive). Keep newly planted shrubs watered during dry spells until well established.
Benefits of Planting Flowering Shrubs
Backyard environmentalists will be pleased to know that flowering shrubs contribute to a healthy environment. They temper the air around a home’s exterior, thus reducing heating and cooling bills. Many shrubs provide food and shelter sources for wildlife. For birds, plant beautyberry, Carolina allspice, dogwood, elderberry, honeysuckle, mahonia, pyracantha, ribes, species roses, and viburnum. Attract butterflies with deciduous azaleas, buddleia, buttonbush, ceanothus, clethra, pussy willow, and lilacs.
Long-Lasting Blooms
Small gardens and high-profile niches near doorways, decks, and patios call for showy shrubs that last at least two seasons. Try abelia, beautybush, buckeye, dogwood, oakleaf hydrangea, mountain laurel, nandina, pieris, serviceberry, rhododendron, viburnum, or witch hazel.
