Flower bed shrubs


25 Beautiful Flowering Shrubs - Best Flowering Bushes for Gardens

Flowering shrubs add an extra element of beauty to your garden. They not only boost curb appeal but also add reliable color, attract pollinators, and provide structure and privacy to your garden. Whether you have a large lot or a small patio, you can plant shrubs that bloom from spring to fall so you'll have color all season long. Many flowering shrubs also do well in containers to add color to a front porch, patio, or deck. Flowering bushes also are ideal for foundation plantings, along walkways, around pool areas, and as accents in a mixed border with evergreens.

What's the easiest flowering shrub to grow?

Shrubs are typically some of the easiest plants to grow. Most flowering shrubs will thrive if you follow some basics: For starters, read the plant tag or description so you'll know what it needs in terms of light. Most (but not all) flowering shrubs need full sun, or at least six hours of direct sunlight to bloom. Otherwise, they get leggy and offer few flowers. Also, don't forget to check if it can survive winters in your USDA hardiness zone (find yours here).

You should also pay attention to details such as the plant's mature height and width. It may look tiny now in its quart-sized pot, but when it reaches its full size in a few years, you don't want to have to hack it down because it's covering a window or crowding out other plantings. Finally, keep it watered the first season or two, especially during dry spells, so that it establishes a healthy root system.

What is the longest flowering shrub?

Every plant has a cycle of growth, blooming and dormancy, so there's not one type of shrub that flowers all year long. However, there are quite a few with extremely long bloom times or three-season interest, meaning they offer something to see in spring, summer and fall. A few that work in many different regions of the country include hydrangeas and butterfly bushes, along with new reblooming varieties of lilacs, azalea, spirea, and shrub roses.

Read on to learn about the 25 most beautiful flowering shrubs, along with a guide to when they bloom and landscaping ideas for how and where to plant them.

1

Best Flowering Shrub for Fragrance: Daphne

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Daphne are pretty, appealing shrubs that aren't that well known, though they've become more popular in recent years. Plant near walkways where you can enjoy their ethereal scent.

USDA Zone: 6 to 10

Exposure: Full sun with afternoon shade in hot climates

Their fruity-scented blossoms of pink, white, or lavender bloom in late winter and early spring long before many other shrubs, and they maintain a nice compact shape without pruning.

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2

Best Flowering Shrub for Shade: Lily of the Valley Bush

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This gorgeous early spring bloomer, also called pieris, has cascading blooms that resemble the perennial flower lily of the valley.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

Exposure: Part shade

Its glossy evergreen leaves offer year-round structure and interest to the garden. Plus, it's one of the few flowering shrubs that prefers part shade.

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3

Best Flowering Shrub for Fragrance: Korean Spice Viburnum

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Korean spice viburnum produces pale pink buds in early spring that bloom into white or pink clusters. Plant it where you can enjoy its heady scent.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Exposure: Part to full sun

It has a delicious spice cake fragrance that tells you spring has arrived. It's also deer resistant!

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4

Best Flowering Shrub for Long-Lasting Blooms: Ninebark

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Ninebark is a native shrub that's got it all: colorful foliage that's dark burgundy, chartreuse, or bronze all season long; fragrant white flowers that bloom in mid- to late spring; and a natural arching shape that doesn't need pruning. Look for new dwarf varieties for smaller gardens.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7

Exposure: Full sun

This shrub looks great most of the season and works equally well in mixed borders or beds or as an accent plant. It's also a pollinator magnet!

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5

Best Flowering Shrub for Adding Interest: Sweetshrub

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With unusual, large red or white flowers that can carry a spicy scent, this easy-to-grow flowering shrub also is known as Carolina allspice, spicebush, or strawberry bush. It's a very large shrub, maxing out at 10 feet tall, so plant it where it has plenty of space to spread.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Exposure: Part to full sun

The interesting flowers last for weeks in early summer, blooming most of the season in moderate climates. It's also deer resistant.

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6

Best Flowering Shrub for Early Blooms: Mahonia

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Not particularly well known, this evergreen shrub blooms in late winter or early spring with bright yellow blooms that become handsome blue berries in fall. Place it along borders or as a backdrop to a mixed planting bed.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Exposure: Part to full sun

Mahonia is an early bloomer and a great screening plant.

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7

Flowering Shrub with Most Unique Blooms: Witch Hazel

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The fun flowers on this shrub make it worth planting. This is a great plant to place along woodland borders.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Exposure: Part to full sun

The crazy, curly flowers appear in late fall and linger long after the colorful leaves have dropped. Some types also bloom in late winter.

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8

Best Classic Flowering Shrub: Azalea

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Known for their beautiful show at the Masters each April, these evergreen shrubs come in every color from peach to hot pink to pure white. They're lovely planted in masses or as foundation plantings.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9

Exposure: Part sun to sun

Why we love it: Classic Flowering Shrub

New varieties are more cold hardy and rebloom, offering a spring show and secondary blooms throughout the season.

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9

Best Low-Growing Flowering Shrub: Deutzia

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This lovely deciduous shrub has a natural arching shape and produces abundant clusters of small white or pink flowers in spring. Plant as a low hedge, in mixed borders along walkways, or on slopes for erosion control.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

Exposure: Part sun to sun

The pretty blooms last for weeks, and it's deer resistant. It's also a low-maintenance shrub that rarely needs attention.

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10

Best Fast-Growing Flowering Shrub: Forsythia

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When forsythia blooms, it's a sure sign spring is starting. Look for newer varieties that are more compact and better behaved than old standards, which can become tall and unwieldy in small gardens. Plant as accents or in a mixed border.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

Exposure: Full sun

The canary yellow blooms appear in early spring before the shrub even has leaves. The rest of the year, it's a handsome deciduous shrub. And it's a fast grower!

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11

Best Flowering Shrub for Old-Fashioned Scent: Lilac

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Plant this late spring flowering shrub where you can enjoy its old-fashioned fragrance and heart-shaped leaves. Many new varieties are more compact or rebloom in midsummer.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Exposure: Full sun

The sweet scent signals summer is around the corner, while the heart-shaped leaves offer charm the rest of the season.

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12

Best Low-Maintenance Flowering Shrub: Flowering Quince

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This deciduous shrub features beautiful vibrant flowers in shades of peach, scarlet, orange, or red in late winter or early spring.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Exposure: Full sun

Flowering quince is a decidedly low-maintenance shrub that makes for an ideal hedge, screen, or barrier in front yards and backyards. New varieties are thornless.

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13

Best Evergreen Flowering Shrub: Rhododendron

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This flowering shrub with glossy green leaves boasts blooms in white, peach, pink, or shades of purple in late spring. It's an old favorite with many new varieties available.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Exposure: Part to full sun

Rhododendron makes for beautiful hedges and thrives under a canopy of trees. New varieties are more cold hardy.

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14

Best Flowering Shrub for Hummingbirds: Weigela

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This deciduous shrub comes in a wide range of foliage and flower colors. Plant weigela as a showy hedge, or use as an accent or in mixed borders. New types rebloom throughout the growing season.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Exposure: Full sun

The beautiful tubular blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies from late spring to summer.

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15

Best Flowering Shrub with Berries: Beautyberry

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Although this deciduous shrub produces pretty flowers from late spring into summer, it's better known for its stunning clusters of purple berries that persist into winter. Group several plants for a colorful border, or plant as a focal point.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

Exposure: Full sun

It's simply striking! It's also deer resistant and attractive to pollinators.

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16

Best Flowering Shrub for Butterflies: Butterfly Bush

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This deciduous shrub features masses of blossoms from summer to fall. It comes in an array of colors including pink, purple, red, and white. Use it to add color, texture, fragrance, and height at the back of beds or near patios and other outdoor living areas. New varieties are more compact, reaching just 2–3 feet tall and wide.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Exposure: Full sun

This fast grower is in bloom from summer to first frost. As the name indicates, butterflies love it!

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17

Toughest Flowering Shrub: Potentilla

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Also known as cinquefoil, this hardy pink, white, or yellow flowering shrub features a long bloom time with some varieties flowering in late spring through early fall. It makes a beautiful addition to everything from small container gardens to mixed borders.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7

Exposure: Full sun

Potentilla is a super-tough plant, standing up to both urban and coastal environments. It's also deer and rabbit resistant.

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18

Longest-Blooming Flowering Shrub: Hydrangea

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Hydrangeas works as a hedge, as an accent, or even in containers. They boasts three-season interest because the flowers, which emerge in early to midsummer, stay intact through fall and winter. Many new varieties have been introduced in the last decade, so shop for one sized to your garden (some max out at just 2–3 feet tall and wide).

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Exposure: Part to full sun, depending on the variety

No matter where you live, there's a hydrangea that will thrive in your environment. The papery blooms persist throughout the season and make excellent dried flowers.

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19

Best Late-Blooming Flowering Shrub: Rose of Sharon

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Rose of Sharon boasts large, lush flowers in every color from white to pale pink to deep chiffon blue in late summer. Plant as a hedge, either on its own or as a backdrop for lower shrubs or flowers.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Exposure: Full sun

Just when the rest of your garden is fading in late summer, rose of Sharon begins to bloom.

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20

Easiest Flowering Shrub: Shrub Rose

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Shrub roses are hardy, disease resistant, and bloom from late spring to a hard freeze for long season color. Some also are fragrant. Plant shrub roses as screens, as hedges, or en masse on a hillside.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

Exposure: Full sun

Why we love it: Easy-to-grow Flowering Shrub

Every garden needs at least one rose bush, and shrub roses are the least fussy type of rose to plant.

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21

Lowest-Maintenance Flowering Shrub: Spirea

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Thanks to its long-lasting blooms throughout the summer, along with its versatility in beds or borders, spirea has become one of the most popular flowering shrubs. Many new varieties have been introduced with flower colors ranging from white to pink with deep green, gold, or chartreuse foliage.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Exposure: Full sun

This super-tough shrub attracts bees and butterflies but is resistant to deer.

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22

Best Native Flowering Shrub: Summersweet

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Summersweet has dense, upright branches with fragrant white flowers in mid- to late summer with dark green foliage that turns golden yellow in the fall. Plant en masse, in mixed borders, and along property lines.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

Exposure: Part to full sun

This native shrub attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds, and deer tend to leave it alone.

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23

Best Flowering Shrub for Scent: Abelia

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This pretty shrub has lovely white or pink fragrant spring flowers. Plant as a hedge or screen, or mass along a slope or hillside for erosion control.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Exposure: Part to full sun

The jasmine-scented blooms attract pollinators, but it's deer and rabbit resistant.

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24

Best Blue Flowering Shrub: Caryopteris

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This woody flowering shrub features aromatic foliage and small blue flowers that bloom from late summer into autumn for late-season color. Try this small shrub in borders, repeated for full effect, or potted in containers.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Exposure: Full sun

The deep blue flowers, which are not that common in the garden, are a pollinator favorite!

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25

Flowering Shrub with Most Beautiful Blooms: Camellia

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This evergreen flowering shrub blooms in winter through early spring and summer, depending on the variety. Plant in groups of three to five for a magnificent screen or hedge.

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 to 10

Exposure: Part to full sun, depending on the variety

Its lovely rose-like blooms have rich color and beautiful form.

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Arricca Elin Sansone Arricca SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more.

13 blooming shrubs to add to a garden |

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Among the best flowering shrubs are options that bloom at different times of the year, that catch the eye with their statement flowers, or stop you in your tracks with their beautiful fragrance.

As well as offering color and interest, they may also bring interesting leaf shape and changing colors and unusual forms that will only add to the character of your backyard ideas.

From big blousy blooms, to smaller, more dainty additions add another dimension to your garden design with the best flowering shrubs. It is, however, important to consider the size the plant may grow to when adding a flowering shrub to your garden. Ensure that there is space for it, and that it will not swamp surrounding plants. 

Luckily, there is a range of evergreen shrubs and deciduous varieties that can become long lasting features of gardens large and small.

The best flowering shrubs

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Whether you are looking for fast growing shrubs to quickly create a verdant, private outdoor space, or simply have a gap to fill in your flower bed ideas, there's no doubt that shrubs that have pretty, scented blooms will bring you the most joy – and please wildlife, too. 

'All around the country, you will find gardens that fit many different spaces and fulfil many different tasks, so choosing the best flowering shrubs for your space is important. Always plan with the future in mind, – this usually means planning for the size of the shrub in 10 years,' says David Angelov, founder of PlantParenthood .  

These are the best flowering shrubs to plant in your backyard.

1. Best flowering shrubs for large blooms

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The Mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia, is a wonderful flowering shrub with large, evergreen leaves that creates a beautiful 10 feet crown. 

It produces large white and pink flowers in June and July, depending on the hardiness zone where you live. The plant is often thought of as a shrub for shade, but it tends to be happier and grow better in part to full sun,' says Kathleen Connolly, ecological landscape designer and founder of Speaking of Landscapes(opens .
Mountain laurel is native to the eastern third of the US and southern Canada. 

'Young shrubs are somewhat susceptible to deer browse, although mountain laurel has good deer resistance as it matures. Once established, it can tolerate drier sites,' Kathleen adds. 

2. Best flowering shrubs for height

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Rosebay rhododendron, Rhododendron maximum, is a tall flowering shrub that displays large white flowers in July.  

'In most locations, the American Rosebay can grow to 15’ feet, and in some locations can even reach 30 feet,’ says Kathleen.

Rosebay rhododendron prefers part to full shade, and moist, acidic soil.  Like mountain laurel, young plants are somewhat susceptible to deer browse, but deer resistance increases as the plant matures. There are other flowering shrubs that are deer resistant plants if this is a concern in your backyard.

3. Best flowering shrubs for sweet fragrance

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An easy to grow shrub with pretty, small, sweetly smelling flowers is the osmanthus.

This evergreen flowering shrub can grow well in many different soil types and in sun to shade.

Commonly known as sweet olive, osmanthus has thick holly like leaves, and is an excellent woodland plant.

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It is undeniable that hydrangeas make for a stunning addition to the garden and no list of the best flowering shrubs would be complete without them. We think they are wonderful, low maintenance shrubs for the front of the house, too. Characterized by their beautiful mop-head blooms, hydrangeas can provide your yard with a showstopping display of color throughout the summer months. 

'These shrubs are absolutely stunning, and they are one of a few plants that can be grown in most climates,' says Shannon Bernadin, CEO of The African Garden . 'They mostly prefer to soak up the sun for a few hours of the day, but some are able to tolerate partly sunny conditions.'

When it comes to choosing a variety of hydrangea, you are spoilt for choice. 'The top choices in hydrangeas are the Nikko Blue, which has dinner plate size deep blue snowball blooms all throughout the summer months,' recommends Tammy Sons, founder of TN Nursery . 'The Pee Gee hydrangea is also a favorite shrub. It is hardy in the moderately warmer zones of 6 to 9 and has large vibrant white blooms in mid-summer. Plus it is a relatively low maintenance shrub, making it great for a wide variety of gardens. '

5. Best flowering shrubs for cottage gardens

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A timeless addition to the garden, roses are undoubtedly one of the best flowering shrubs. Their beautiful blooms, whether single or double, add color, character and perfume to your plot – plus they will keep flowering from mid-summer through to the first frosts.

Unlike traditional roses that grow vertically on straight stems, shrub roses have a more spreading shape which can be trained into a standard bush or interwoven to create a hedge. They are also more compact and as such can be grown successfully in pots, as such they are a great addition to container gardening ideas.

Of course, no cottage garden would be complete without a shrub rose. However, the single petal varieties are also a great addition to your wildlife garden ideas as they are some of the best flowers that attract bees. 

6. Best flowering shrub for privacy

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If you're looking for the best flowering shrubs for providing privacy, then cherry laurels are a great choice. An evergreen shrub, it will provide privacy year-round, while in spring, it hosts an array of beautiful white blooms which are also a great choice for attracting pollinators to your garden.

'Cherry laurel hedges are the perfect choice for gardeners interested in adding privacy and beauty without sacrificing either. They can grow quickly or slowly, depending on how much sun you want them to receive,' says Emilly Barbosa Fernandes, expert small space gardener and consultant at HouseGrail . 'These evergreen shrubs bloom with white flower spikes between April and May which will then be followed by black fruit that is great for feeding birds in winter.'

7. Best flowering shrub for the front of the house

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Forsythia shrubs are characterized by the profusion of yellow (or white) blooms that erupt in early spring. It is these beautiful blooms that make forsythia one of the best flowering shrubs.

'Easy to grow and maintain, forsythia is a bush form shrub that reaches heights up to 8 feet at maturity,' says Tammy Sons. 'Hardy in zones 5 to 9, this is a family favorite because of its ability to live for many decades and is one of spring's first blooming shrubs.' This also makes it an excellent addition to low maintenance garden border ideas.

8. Best flowering shrub for small gardens

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This dainty shrub makes for a stunning addition to any garden. One of the best flowering shrubs, potentilla's blooms range from vivid reds and burgundies through to peaches, yellows and white depending on the variety you select.

The perfect cottage garden plants, it is a pretty shrub that adds cover and character in equal measure. With low nutrition and water requirements, it is also great for dry gardens and rock garden ideas.

As a relatively small shrub, reaching a mature height of 60cm and spread of 40cm, potentilla are ideal for adding to herbaceous borders. If you are looking to add potentillas to your garden, make sure you find out how to plant a cottage garden border for greatest effect.

Potentillas also make for excellent cut flowers, adding a naturalistic look to your vase. When planning a cut flower garden, adding some of the best flowering shrubs will add hardy interest to your garden.

9. Best flowering shrub for long blooming

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One of the best fast-growing hedges, lilac is also one of the best flowering shrubs for privacy as it will quickly fill in gaps in your garden. 'These fragrant shrubs can grow up to 15 feet which you can groom at any height you want,' says Alice Hayward, CEO at Our Daily Homestead .

'These best flowering shrubs need a sunny spot with fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil,' says Period Living garden expert Leigh Clapp. Fairly hardy, lilacs can grow in zones 3 through to 7 and when planted in the right conditions will grow approximately two feet per year. 

If you're looking for a long-flowering lilac, then the Bloomerang lilac shrub is a great choice. While the majority of lilac shrubs only flower once per season, the Bloomerang variety has two flowering periods, one in the spring and one in the late summer.  

10. Best flowering shrub for fall flowers

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While it is easy to pick the best flowering shrubs for spring and summer, finding a flowering shrub to bring interest to the fall garden requires a little more thought. One of the best flowering shrubs for fall blooms is Ceratostigma. Characterized by its eye-catching blue blooms and red and purple leaves, it will certainly stand out in your plot. 

A herbaceous perennial, Ceratostigma can be grown in a wide variety of soil types, from chalk and sand through to clay and loam, though it prefers moist, well-drained soil. Opt for an evergreen variety so that you can enjoy its red and purple leaves throughout the fall and winter months.

11.  Best flowering shrub for winter interest

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If you are in search of the best flowering shrubs to add winter interest to your garden, then mahonia is the perfect choice. While the rest of the garden appears to be asleep, mahonia is springing to life, bringing with it a profusion of bright yellow blooms – it is no surprise that it is one of the best winter flowers.

'This shrub blossoms bright yellow flowers in the winter, which is a great way to add a happy spot of color when the weather is dull and gray. After they flower, dark berries emerge,' advises Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love . 'These shrubs do best in areas with shade.'

12. Best flowering shrub for bees

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Lavender is a staple of any plot and though small in size, it packs a punch, bringing with it beautiful purple flowers and an iconic scent. 

These aromatic herbs are particularly loved as a part of cottage garden ideas.  'Lavender can grow about one foot in height, but the blossoms are two inches wide and are a great choice if you're looking for flowers that attract bees. When established, they are drought tolerant, but do best when not in full sun,' says Lindsey Hyland gardening expert and the founder of Urban Organic Yield .

If you want to add these pretty cottage garden plants to your plot, then you need to make sure that you know how to grow lavender and how to prune lavender to keep it looking its best.

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Characterized by their beautiful blooms, azaleas are a statement shrub in any garden. One of the best flowering shrubs for Victorian garden design, azaleas bring with them a grandeur that will elevate any flower bed. 

'Another great flowering shrub, azaleas feature glossy green leaves and flowers in gorgeous colors including pink, purple, white, and peach. Some azalea shrubs will even re-bloom,' says Shannon Bernadin. 

There are also lots of azalea varieties that are native to the US so they are a great option if you prefer to keep your plot filled with native species. 

What is the best flowering shrub?

What is the best flowering shrub for your own garden depends on several factors. 

It is important that your shrub is the right fit for your space. You need to select a shrub that will grow into the area in which you plant it, rather than instantly filling its plot. If you are growing a shrub as part of container gardening ideas, make sure you repot your shrub as soon as you have purchased it to prevent it becoming pot-bound, which will severely impact the shrub's ability to produce flowers.

The second is your priorities – knowing these will help you choose the best flowering shrubs for your plot. Ask yourself: do you want winter interest, or a shrub that will be the star of a summer cottage garden border? Alternatively, are you looking for the best flowering shrubs for providing food or shelter for wildlife? The answers to these questions will quickly determine the best flowering shrubs for your garden and will ensure that the shrub you purchase is something that you will love.

'Another factor in selection is whether you want to stick to something native to your region or bring in foreign regional plants. I tend to stick with native plants because they are less work to upkeep in the long run with watering and pruning,' continues David Angelov, and native options are better for a sustainable garden.

However, foreign shrubs, so long as they are not invasive in your area, can add diversity and interest, and are particularly valuable if you're looking to achieve tropical garden ideas.

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Which flowering shrubs bloom the longest?

Some varieties of azaleas and lilacs, such as Encore azaleas and the Bloomerang lilac, are flowering shrubs that bloom the longest. Both of these flowering shrubs have two flowering periods, the first is in the spring, when the blooms are produced on last year's growth. Then after a brief period of growth throughout May and June, these flowering shrubs then re-flower from July to September. 

What is the easiest flowering bush to grow?

Potentilla is one of the easiest flowering bushes to grow. Originating from subarctic regions, it is a very hardy shrub and has very low nutrient and water requirements. 

'With little to no maintenance needed these drought tolerant shrubs produce pretty cup-shaped blooms flower from April right through until September. They are also great for suppressing weeds, making them ideal groundcover plants,' say the horticultural experts from Thompson & Morgan .

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

The most beautiful winter-hardy perennial shrubs blooming all summer

Ornamental shrubs will help you solve several problems in your garden at once. These are not only beautiful buds that delight the eye all summer, but also zoning and protection of personal space from prying eyes. Today we are talking about winter-hardy flowering perennial shrubs.

Top varieties of hardy shrubs

Most popular varieties
Shade-loving plants
Low-growing varieties
The most unpretentious varieties

1. Budleya

Inflorescences come in a variety of shades: from lavender to white. Budleya pleases the eye until the very frost, which means that your garden will be bright for a long time, even when all other plants leave for the winter.

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2. Potentilla

It cannot be said that this is a very popular representative of a garden bed, but so much the better - the garden will not look like the neighbors' plots. Potentilla is unpretentious, tolerates frost well and blooms all summer until late autumn, painting the garden in bright colors. Grows best in full sun and light shade and requires only regular pruning. nine0003

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3.

Calicant

Representative of the North American flora. In our latitudes, it has taken root remarkably due to its endurance. In the spring, before flowering, the calicant is pruned. Unusual water lily-shaped flowers appear in early summer and fade in late July. This plant is rarely seen in a flower bed, despite universal love. Calicanth is a very fragrant and beautiful bush, it is impossible to pass by it. nine0003

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4. Shrub rose

A classic representative of the set of almost any gardener. Shrub roses come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. It cannot be called unpretentious, but roses will delight the eye right up to the very frosts, blooming 2 or even 3 times per season.

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nine0011 5. Kariopteris

Luxurious blue inflorescences can rarely leave anyone indifferent. As a rule, this variety is used for the front of the garden fence, because this way its semicircular crown looks the most advantageous. Kariopteris looks best in groups, it is unpretentious to the soil, it tolerates frosts well. It blooms closer to autumn, and in spring it must be cut off.

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6. Cistus

Somewhat similar to a poppy, sometimes it has small spots on the petals. The cistus will delight with color all summer, but the inflorescences are very delicate and the period of life of each of them is only one day. But the next day, new ovaries appear. It is better not to plant it in clay soil. Cistus also does not tolerate shade; the ideal place for it is a warm sunny clearing. The low-growing, rounded shrub needs to be cut every spring so that it blooms magnificently in the summer.

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nine0011 7. Alder leaf

An ideal plant for those who have a small pond in their garden. Cletra loves moist soil and places near a pond. It is practically not necessary to take care of it, the cletra spreads its thickets very quickly, occupying the entire territory presented. The peculiarity of this perennial plant is that flowers grow only on young shoots, so experienced gardeners recommend cutting off all branches annually. If you look at the photo, you can see that the flowers of the cletra are small and huddle at the end of the shoot, forming long inflorescences. In autumn, the time of leaves comes - they become bright, decorating a fading garden. nine0003

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8. Calmia

Many compare it with rhododendron, both plants are not very tall and similar in leaf shape. Calmia in bloom looks very beautiful, usually this period falls on spring and early summer: lantern buds appear among the ribbed leaves. It is better to place the seedling in a dark, damp place.

Instagram @mirakoti

nine0002 Among the winter-hardy perennial shrubs that bloom all summer, there are many that are very fond of shady places. They ideally make a smooth transition from tree to flower garden. In addition, it is an indispensable member of the decorative fence and a cool option for decorating the shady side of the house.

1. Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is not only a fruit-bearing home garden dweller, but also a beautiful flowering plant. Cotoneaster is different in size and appearance, there are also evergreen varieties. A common characteristic for all is regular-shaped oval leaves and pink buds, which turn into snow-white flowers at the very beginning of summer. Cotoneaster blooms until autumn, after which berries are tied in place of flowers. Sometimes there are cotoneasters, which throw out beautiful bright foliage in the fall. Unpretentious in care, but need regular spring pruning. nine0003

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2. Rhododendron

Lush bright flowers can only be compared in scale with peonies. Rhododendrons love partial shade and prefer to be sheltered from the scorching sun. It is necessary to distinguish between azaleas and rhododendrons proper, since they are representatives of the same species. The height of the latter under favorable conditions reaches one and a half meters, but there are dwarfs of 30 cm and giants of 6 m in height. Flowering mainly occurs in May, but here, again, variations are possible. The color can be very different, it’s easier to say what it doesn’t happen - blue. nine0003

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3. Jasmine

Who is not familiar with the dazzling white fragrant representative of the flora of the middle zone? Jasmine lives in almost every garden. He was loved for his unpretentiousness and great aroma. If you want the plant to bloom more actively, take care of placing it in the sun. Jasmines are bushy, they are usually planted near a wall or hedge. And also jasmine lianas are known, capable of twining walls and any other vertical surfaces nearby. nine0003

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4.

Thunberg's Barberry

A pretty undersized perennial that is famous for its indifference to low temperatures. It comes in a variety of species and is often found in home gardens. On average, the barberry reaches a height of one and a half meters, blooms in early spring, and by autumn the leaves acquire a bright red color to match the ripened berries.

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nine0002 If you want to quickly and easily grow a hedge or you are new to gardening, pay attention to unpretentious winter-hardy shrubs that bloom all summer. You can combine them or stop at one thing, depending on what kind of end view of the flower garden you want to get.

The most popular hardy shrubs with intensive growth:

  • climbing rose
  • common barberry
  • cotoneaster
  • vesicle. nine0091

Instagram @diamond_pro_cattery

In the photo: vesicle

Low and beautiful ornamental shrubs, frost-resistant and blooming all summer long - a real find for the gardener. Usually they are planted around the paths or along the edge of the flower bed.

Popular species:

  • Japanese quince
  • Potentilla
  • heather
  • the action is graceful.
  • nine0098

    Instagram @daria_gluss

    Photo: Japanese quince

    Instagram @lisa_na_kubani

    Photo: action

    Material prepared by

    Elena Perlova

    Dacha Plants nine0000 blooming, hardy, perennial, horticultural, hardy

    In almost every garden you can find ornamental flowering shrubs. They have many advantages. Firstly, they are very beautiful, secondly, many of them are quite frost-resistant, and thirdly, they are high and low (which expands the possibilities of using them for different types of landscapes). But the main thing is that with their correct selection, it is possible to achieve constant flowering of shrubs from the first spring days until late autumn. They are valued not only for their beautiful, often fragrant flowers, but also for their decorative leaves, crown shape and various fruits. There is a great variety of ornamental shrubs. We have tried to collect the main information about the most common of them in the tables below. nine0003

    Content

    • Blooming shrubs
    • Frost -resistant shrubs
    • Fruitine shrubs
    • evergreen shrubs
    • shadowed bushes
    • 9009

      Flowering shrubs

      There are shrubs that attract with their bright and abundant flowering, they can be called beautifully flowering. And there are those who cannot boast of beautiful flowers, but they have leaves of an unusual color or shape. Such bushes can be called decorative leafy. nine0003

      The first group includes rhododendrons, lilac, hydrangea, bulldenezh, spirea, hawthorn, buddley, euonymus and some types of barberry. And from the second group, one can name Thunberg's barberry, holly, privet, tannery and others. It is possible to divide flowering ornamental shrubs into groups according to the time of flowering. In April, we are pleased with forsythia, wolfberry, daphne. A little later they are joined by chaenomeles, low almond, cotoneaster, spirea, barberry. In May, flowering bushes of viburnum, wild rose, lilac, and mock orange take over. Summer gives us the flowering of roses, cinquefoil, some varieties of spirea. In July, hydrangeas conquer with their beauty, which adorn the gardens until the very cold. In early autumn bloom: heather, kalmiya. nine0003

      In addition to beauty and decorativeness, the practical properties of shrubs should also be emphasized. They grow fast enough and are long-lived (up to 5-8 years without a transplant). Most of them are unpretentious in terms of illumination, soil composition, and are quite frost-resistant. Do not require constant care. Thanks to the superficial root system, they can grow on slopes, fixing loose soil.

      September
      List of plants in the table Pontic azalea, yellow rhododendron (RHODODENDRON luteum Sweet) May/1 month End of May-June/up to 2 weeks April-May/up to 2 weeks May-Juin
      Ripening Cr muching/August, September Boxes with seeds
      Decorative foliage - - + + GLOTE OF RALE, OROREVEVA, ONENEVA0210 + +

      Spiraea is a deciduous shrub with beautifully curved branches, Rosaceae family. This is a large genus of shrubs, which is divided into spring-flowering and summer-flowering. Flowers are varied in the form of inflorescences and color (from white to deep crimson). Its height does not exceed 2 m.

      The plant is very undemanding. Well adapted to urban conditions. Grows well in partial shade, but prefers full sun. Any soil is suitable, but slightly acidic is better. Watering is moderate. It grows quickly, blooms in the third year. Frost-resistant. nine0003

      Has gained well-deserved love from gardeners and landscape designers. The vast variety of its varieties provides many opportunities for creativity. The shape of the bush can be pyramidal, spherical, flowing. The color of the leaves varies from green to yellow, orange or purple-red. Numerous small flowers are collected in inflorescences of various shapes. All the features of the crown, leaves and flowers of this ornamental bush allow you to create wonderful compositions for a flower bed. And if you choose the right varieties, you can admire the continuous flowering of spirea throughout the warm season. It is used in rockeries, hedges, as a frame for green-leaved groups of trees. nine0003

      Hydrangea (Hydrangea) — hydrangea family, deciduous ornamental shrub. The flowers are collected in large domed or paniculate inflorescences. Most often they are white, but there are blue, red and pink. The color of some plants may vary depending on the chemical composition of the soil. Depending on the variety, the height of the bushes ranges from 1 to 3 meters. There are also dwarf varieties.
      Moisture-loving plant, it is better to plant in partial shade. Many varieties of paniculate and tree hydrangea are frost-resistant. However, protection is needed in the winter: pinning the branches to the ground, followed by covering the hydrangea for the winter with spruce branches and agrofiber. Frozen branches are pruned in spring and the plant grows quickly. nine0003

      In landscape design it is used both singly and in compositions with coniferous or other ornamental shrubs, as well as bulbous flowers. The bushes look amazing due to the splendor of the inflorescences and their large number.

      9020 9020 9020 9020 9020 9020 9020 9020 9020 9020 Flowering time/flowering time 9
      List of plants in the table Common privet (LIGUSTRUM) Anagiro leaf bean (LABURNUM) Hawthorn (CRATAEGUS) Buddleya viddaii)0210 Spring/Autumn Spring
      Height Depends on the variety (form) from 0. 8 m to 1.5 m to 3 m to 6 m 2-3 m
      June/20-25 days May-Juin/15-20 days May-Juin August-September
      Inexpact edible inedible -
      Suitable for topiary substrange + - -

      When nothing else is in bloom, barberry, euonymus, chokeberry, spirea, wild rose, skumpia and hybrid azaleas add bright colors of various shades of autumn with their foliage. Most shrubs have fruits that are also very decorative. nine0210 + + + Needs to shelter Suitable for hedges and group plantings 2.5-3 m between plants ----- 90OA210- Suitable for topiary substrangia - - - -

      Frost resistant shrubs

      Among the great variety of ornamental shrubs, one can meet a sufficient number of frost-resistant species and varieties. Such flowering shrubs are well suited for decorating gardens in central Russia, these include:

      Easy care. Prefers places protected from the wind, light-loving shrub, but can also grow in partial shade. Any soil is suitable, it tolerates liming well. With normal rainfall, additional watering is not needed.

      Forsythia can be attributed to frost-resistant shrubs. Although it is advisable to pin the forsythia branches to the ground for the winter and cover them with spruce branches. That little cover is enough. In the spring, old and frozen branches are cut. Forsythia grows very quickly. nine0003

      It should be noted that some hybrid varieties from Europe, including variegated ones, are not winter hardy enough. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this when buying seedlings.

      Forsythia does not look very interesting most of the year, so it is best planted in the back of the borders, where in spring it will be a bright accent, and in summer its green leaves will create a beautiful backdrop for other flowering plants. Forsythia look good in dense hedges. These bushes not only decorate the site, but also “treat” with healthy and tasty fruits. nine0003

      The plant is poisonous! The fruits contain alkaloids - laburnine and cytisine. Children should not be allowed near it.

      Bobovnik is photophilous. The soil is undemanding, but good drainage is required. Bobovnik requires constant pruning to avoid turning the shrub into a large (up to 7 m) tree. While the trees are young, they need support. The first three years, young plants should be mulched and covered with agrofibre. After a slight freezing, the crown is quickly restored.

      Both in a group and in a single planting, it looks very bright and beautiful, thanks to a large number of huge flower brushes. From the beaver, delightful canopies and pergolas are obtained. nine0003

      Quince loves light areas, well protected from the wind. Tolerates drought well. Less susceptible to damage by pests and diseases. Growing fast. It is a long-liver: under suitable conditions, it can grow in one place up to 80 years.

      Good snow cover is enough for a successful wintering, but you need to put some spruce branches on the bushes (it will hold the snow and protect it from frost on snowless days).

      Japanese quince is very decorative not only when the branches are covered with the brightest flowers along the entire length, but also during the fruiting period, then the dark green crown serves as a beautiful background for yellow fruit beads. Japanese quince makes wonderful low hedges and borders. Suitable for landing on lawns and slides, singly or in groups. nine0003

      Absolutely undemanding to soils, it does not tolerate only soiling. Not afraid of wind and drought. It is frost-resistant, especially the variety - Thunberg's barberry (Berberis thunbergii), however, in the first three years, a little shelter is needed for the winter. If the barberry variety is unknown to you, then you need to make a frame of arcs and cover it with non-woven material in two layers (as some variegated varieties may be less frost-resistant).

      Undersized species of barberry look great on rocky hills and in rock gardens. And tall ones - like tapeworms and in group plantings. This shrub is a leader in use in hedges and borders, both clipped and loose. nine0003

      Dogwood (Cornus) – deciduous strongly branched shrub, dogwood family. In spring, dogwood decorates the garden with its flowering. Small white, purple or yellow dogwood flowers are collected in a head or umbrella (depending on the species). There are varieties in which small flowers in inflorescences are unsightly, but are surrounded by large bright petal-like leaves (bractei).

      In autumn, dogwood foliage also pleases the eye with bright yellow, orange and crimson colors. The fruits also ripen in autumn. Most often dark red, sometimes light yellow or pink, oblong in shape. They not only add decorativeness to the bush, but are also tasty and healthy. nine0003

      Dogwood leaves burn easily in full sun, so shady areas are suitable for it. Prefers moist soil and air. The composition of the soil is undemanding. Most varieties are hardy, but some require little shelter for the winter. Differs dogwood and durability. In landscape design, dogwood bushes are used as a tapeworm or in mixborders.

      Irga (Amelanchier) - deciduous shrub or small tree, Rosaceae family. In the spring, often ahead of the leaves, beautiful white flowers bloom on the irga. Flowering is short, after which small black-purple fruits of a rounded shape appear (similar to tiny apples). nine0003

      The fruits are tasty, juicy, rich in vitamins (especially P). The green leaves of the shadberry in autumn flash with bright colors: yellow, scarlet.

      Irga is a very unpretentious plant. Light-loving, but tolerates shading. Doesn't like waterlogging. Very winter hardy. Not afraid of cold winds or spring frosts. Some species of this ornamental shrub are even suitable for decorating a garden in Siberia and the Far North.

      List of plants in table

      • Padub Ostolical (ILEX)
      • heather (Calluna)
      • Sawing (Cotoneaster)
      • Magonia (Mahonia)
      • Juniper (Juniperus)
      • Samshit (Pinus)
      • 'Brevifolia' ('Brevifolia'), 'Benjamin' ('Benjamin'), etc.
      • Elegantisima yew (TAXUS baccata "Elegantissima")
      • Thuja (THUJA occidentalis)

      Holly (Ilex aquifolium) or Holly - evergreen or deciduous shrub, holly family. In the wild, it grows almost everywhere. It is a beautiful plant with dark green or bicolor leathery leaves. Flowering lasts only two weeks from May to July (depending on the variety). The flowers are small, white and fragrant. Especially decorative with the onset of winter, when modest flowers are replaced by bright seedlings of bead-berries. Holly is an essential component of Western Christmas wreaths.

      Many varieties of holly have been bred. Some with a white or yellow border around the edges of the leaves, or with a hint of blue. The purely male variety Blue Prince is an excellent pollinator. It should be noted that the holly plant is dioecious and female varieties delight us with red berries only if a male specimen grows nearby. nine0003

      Holly exposed to the sun is contraindicated, as it can suffer from sunburn. You need to plant it in a shady place with forest soil. Does not tolerate drought, requires regular moisture. Most varieties are cold hardy.

      Thanks to its dense and thorny foliage, holly is well used as a hedge. It is a slow growing shrub that responds well to shearing, which is why it makes wonderful topiaries. The beautiful holly leaves make a great backdrop for bulbous or other perennial flowers in summer. Evergreen foliage and red berries make holly a bright accent in a deserted garden in winter. nine0003

      Privet is an unpretentious plant. Can grow in full sun and partial shade. Any soil is suitable (except clayey with an acidic reaction). It is drought-resistant, in very hot weather rare but plentiful watering is recommended. Winter-hardy, easily restored, only some varieties need to be covered.

      The peculiarity of privet is that it responds very well to a haircut and can retain its shape for a long time. Therefore, it is great for dense borders. It makes wonderful molded hedges. You can even create unusual living walls. Topiary figures cut from privet are a wonderful landscape decoration. nine0003

      Rhododendron - deciduous or evergreen shrub, heather family. In nature, it grows in Western Siberia, the Far East, Mongolia and China. There are many varieties with a variety of foliage: spear-shaped, round, oval. Inflorescence corymbose. The shape of the flowers and their color are also very diverse, in their beauty they can even compete with roses. They bloom from the end of April and almost all summer. They began to grow little by little in gardens, but you need to carefully select frost-resistant varieties that can overwinter in our climate. nine0003

      The site for planting rhododendrons must be protected from the wind and be in partial shade. The soil is acidic or neutral. Needs regular watering.

      In our area, they do not reach large sizes. By choosing different varieties of rhododendrons, you can ensure their constant flowering throughout the season. They look very nice next to coniferous plants. Their undersized varieties are great for rock gardens. Rhododendrons are used to create hedges near water bodies.

      nine0209
      Height up to 2 m to 3 m depends on the type of 0.3 to 7 m to 3 m about 3 m with a dense crown
      Flowering/flowering time April April April -Juin (from the variety)/to October - - April/20-25 days April-May until leaves bloom/3-4 weeks
      - edible/September-October
    • Elegantisima yew, berry yew (TAXUS baccata "Elegantissima")
    • Western thuja (THUJA occidentalis)
    • There is another type of ornamental shrub that has neither beautiful leaves nor flowers, but for this they are no less attractive. These are coniferous shrubs.

      Juniperus (Juniperus) is an evergreen shrub of the cypress family. The needles are needle-shaped or scaly. The fruits are blue-black cones (sometimes red-brown). The plant is dioecious. There are many types of juniper. Among them there are also high bushes (more than two meters), there are completely dwarf ones (up to 30 cm). They are also represented by a variety of forms: creeping, pyramidal, domed. Many frost-resistant varieties of juniper. nine0003

      Grow well in bright sunny areas. Undemanding to soils. Drought-resistant. In dry summers, it is required to water them well several times. Even frost-resistant varieties require winter shelter in the first year after planting. Junipers with a pyramidal crown for the winter must be tied up so that branches do not break under the weight of snow.

      Low-growing and creeping varieties of juniper are used in alpine slides and to fix slopes and slopes. You can also create very original borders from them. High varieties are used in single and small group plantings. nine0003

      Thuja - evergreen trees and shrubs, cypress family. Leaves are scaly. The fruits are oblong or oval cones with several pairs of scales. Seeds are flat with two wings. This plant is monoecious. It has many decorative artificially derived forms.

      Grows in full sun and partial shade. The soil is suitable for any, but well permeable. Need regular watering and mulching of the root zone. Tui are frost-resistant, but young plants in the first two or three years require shelter for the winter. Like junipers, high pyramidal varieties of thuja for the winter must be tied to avoid damage to the branches under the weight of snow. nine0003

      Due to its durability, winter hardiness and adaptability to urban conditions, thuja is very widely used in ornamental gardening in many climatic zones.

      Used in landscape design to create picturesque alleys. From densely planted groups, depending on the height of the bush, living walls or hedges are formed. Thuja looks just as good as a tapeworm.

      Ornamental shrubs, for the most part, are characterized by unpretentious care, they tolerate winter frosts well and at the same time are unusually beautiful.


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