Most colorful 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

Rosemary CalvertGetty Images

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

Jacky Parker Photography

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

Moelyn PhotosGetty Images

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

Douglas SparkesGetty Images

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

Michel VIARDGetty Images

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

Robert KirkGetty Images

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.

SHOP CAMELLIAS

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

16 Best Flowering Shrubs - Beautiful Bushes with Flowers

A seasonal guide to the best flowering bushes By Anne Balogh

Flowering shrubs provide color and structure and can be used as groundcovers, hedge plants or eye-catching focal points. You can fill your garden with ornamental shrubs that bloom from early spring through late fall and even into winter. Many flowering shrubs also perfume the air with their own signature fragrance.

On this page: Spring Flowering Shrubs | Summer Flowering Shrubs | Fall & Winter Flowering Shrubs

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SPRING FLOWERING SHRUBS

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Bloomerang® Dark Purple reblooming lilac. Photo: Proven Winners.

LILAC (

Syringa spp. and hybrids)

Zones: 3-8 for most, a few hardy to Zone 2
Exposure: Full sun; will tolerate some light shade
Mature size: 5 to 15 feet tall and wide, depending on variety
Bloom time: Late April to May; again in summer for rebloomers.
Flower colors: Purple, pink, white

Throw open your windows on a warm day in May, and you’re apt to be greeted by the intoxicating, unmistakable fragrance of spring-blooming lilacs. Early-, mid- and late-season cultivars extend the bloom time for at least 6 weeks. Reblooming varieties bloom once in spring and again in summer through fall.

Learn more about growing lilacs.

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Dandy Man® Pink rhododendron. Photo: Proven Winners.

RHODODENDRON & AZALEA (

Rhododendron spp. )

Zones: 5-9
Exposure: Partial to dappled shade
Mature size: 18 inches to 20 feet tall, depending on variety
Bloom time: Peak bloom usually occurs mid-spring; however, some bloom as early as March, others as late as July.
Flower colors: Shades of pink, white, purple, crimson, and yellow

Prized for its spectacular spring flowers, many varieties are evergreen and can be enjoyed year-round. Their size and shape vary, from low-growing groundcovers to tall shrubs.

Learn more about growing rhododendrons and azaleas.

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Show Off® forsythia. Photo: Proven Winners.

FORSYTHIA (

Forsythia spp.)

Zones: 3-9
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; flowers best in full sun
Mature size: 1 to 20 feet tall, 3 to 10 feet wide, depending on variety
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
Flower colors: Bright yellow

The vibrant canary-yellow flowers of forsythia are like the first ray of sunshine after the dark days of winter, covering each arching branch with a profusion of blooms lasting one to two weeks. The welcome explosion of yellow flowers makes this shrub well worth planting, despite the short bloom time.

Learn more about growing forsythia shrubs.

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Spice Girl® Korean spice viburnum. Photo: Proven Winners.

KOREAN SPICE VIBURNUM (

Viburnum carlesii)

Zones: 4-8
Exposure: Partial to full sun
Mature size: 6 to 8 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: April
Flower colors: White, pink

This showy shrub produces clusters of pastel-pink buds in late March that open to domed clusters of white or pink-flushed flowers. However, it’s the heady fragrance, similar to spice cake, that makes this exceptional species a delightful addition to the garden.

Learn more about growing viburnum shrubs.

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Sonic Bloom® Pink weigela. Photo: Proven Winners.

WEIGELA (

Weigela florida)

Zones: 4-8
Exposure: Full sun; will tolerate partial shade
Mature size: Varies; from 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide
Bloom time: Mid to late spring, with sparser rebloom in summer and fall
Flower colors: Shades of red, pink, white, and yellow

Gardeners love this popular shrub not only for its abundance of white or pink flowers on arching branches, but also for its unflappable nature and reliable performance. The trumpet-shaped flowers are a favorite of bees and hummingbirds, and often continue to bloom in scattered fashion from mid to late summer.

Learn more about growing weigela shrubs.

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FLOWERING QUINCE (

Chaenomeles speciosa)

Zones: 5-9
Exposure: Full sun
Mature size: 6 to 10 feet tall and wide; some compact cultivars to only 3 or 4 feet
Bloom time: Early to mid-spring
Flower colors: Shades of red, orange, coral, pink, and white

Flowering quince blooms earlier than other spring-flowering shrubs, appearing as early as late January in the South, and March in northern areas. Adaptable and easy to grow, quince is also tolerant of heat, dry conditions, and a wide range of soil types.

Learn more about growing flowering quince.

SUMMER FLOWERING SHRUBS

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Oso Easy Double Red® rose. Photo: Proven Winners.

SHRUB ROSE (

Rosa spp.)

Zones: 5-9
Exposure: Full sun
Mature size: 1 to 4 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Early summer through fall
Flower colors: Shades of red, pink, white, yellow, and peach

Shrub roses are quickly becoming the go-to darlings of the rose world, taking the best traits of the hardiest rose species and combining them with attributes of repeat blooming and minimal maintenance.

Learn more about how to grow shrub roses.

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'Limelight' panicle hydrangea. Photo: Proven Winners.

LIMELIGHT HYDRANGEA (

Hydrangea paniculata)

Zones: 3-9
Exposure: Partial to full sun
Mature size: 6 to 8 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Late summer through fall
Flower colors: Blooms green, then fades to white, then pink

Hydrangeas are one of the few flowering shrubs that produce spectacular blooms even in partial shade. One hydrangea that has become the superstar of the late-summer garden is 'Limelight'. This fast-growing, upright shrub produces large cone-shaped panicles in late July that change color as they mature, from lime-green to white and finally to a rosy pink.

Learn more about how to grow hydrangeas.

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Happy Face® Yellow cinquefoil. Photo: Proven Winners.

CINQUEFOIL (

Potentilla fruticosa)

Zones: 2-7
Exposure: Partial to full sun
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: June through September
Flower colors: Yellow, pink, orange, or white

Cinquefoil is also one of the easiest shrubs to grow, featuring good drought tolerance, excellent winter hardiness, and little need for aggressive pruning. Besides yellow, dozens of cultivars of cinquefoil are available in other hues, including white, pink, and tangerine.

Learn more about how to grow cinquefoil shrubs.

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Double Play® Candy Corn® spirea. Photo: Proven Winners.

SPIREA (

Spirea japonica)

Zones: 4-8
Exposure: Full sun
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: June to August
Flower colors: Pink or purple

Summer-blooming Japanese spirea are a favorite of many gardeners because of their clusters of long-lasting summer flowers and good fall leaf color. Double Play® Candy Corn® is a popular, easy-care cultivar that produces showy dark purple bloom clusters surrounded by yellow and orange foliage.

Learn more about how to grow spirea bushes.

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'Miss Molly' butterfly bush. Photo: Proven Winners.

SUMMER LILAC (Butterfly Bush) (

Buddleia hybrids)

Zones: 5-9
Exposure: Full sun
Mature size: 2 to 10 feet tall and wide, depnding on variety
Bloom time: July to October
Flower colors: Shades of pink, purple, or white

Butterfly bushes have honey-scented blooms that are irresistible to butterflies and bees, and many gardeners as well. The lilac-like blossoms come in an array of pretty pastel colors, ranging from pink to deep purple, and continue from mid-summer into autumn.

Learn more about how to grow non-invasive butterfly bushes.

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Sugar Shack® buttonbush. Photo: Proven Winners.

BUTTONBUSH (

Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Zones: 4-9
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 6 to 12 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: June to September
Flower colors: White

Showy pincushion-like flowers attract butterflies, moths, and other beneficial insects. Native to much of the U.S., this sturdy carefree shrub makes a good substitute in areas where butterfly bush is invasive.

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Blue Chiffon® rose of Sharon. Photo: Proven Winners.

ROSE OF SHARON (

Hibiscus syriacus)

Zones: 5-9
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 8 to 12 feet tall, 6 to 10 feet wide, depnding on variety
Bloom time: Mid-summer through October
Flower colors: Shades of white, pink, red, blue, or apricot

Despite its name, this old-fashioned shrub is not a rose at all but a member of the hibiscus family, producing luscious flowers from late summer through mid-autumn when few other shrubs are in bloom.

Learn more about how to grow rose of Sharon.

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Sugartina® 'Crystalina' summersweet. Photo: Proven Winners.

SUMMERSWEET (

Clethra alnifolia)

Zones: 3-9
Exposure: Partial shade
Mature size: 3 to 8 feet tall, 3 to 6 feet wide, depnding on variety
Bloom time: Late July through August
Flower colors: White or pink

Summersweet is one of the rare flowering shrubs that will bloom in shady places, perfuming the air with a sweet-spicy fragrance attractive to butterflies and bees. The showy white flower spikes come in abundance for 4 to 6 weeks, set off by dark, glossy green leaves that turn attractive shades of yellow to golden brown in fall.

Learn more about how to grow summersweet.

FALL & WINTER FLOWERING SHRUBS

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Funshine® abelia. Photo: Proven Winners.

ABELIA (

Abelia grandiflora)

Zones: 5-9
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Late summer through fall
Flower colors: White, pink

Abelia is the perfect choice for gardeners who want an easy-care, somewhat shade-tolerant plant that provides late-season fragrance. From summer through fall, it produces a profusion of rose-tinged white flowers on graceful, arching branches. The trumpet-shaped blooms have a jasmine-like scent that are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Learn more about how to grow abelia.

CAMELLIA (

Camellia )

Zones: 5-9
Exposure: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 6 to 12 feel tall and wide
Bloom time: Depending on variety, from late fall through spring
Flower colors: Red, pink, white

Camellia is the standout of the winter garden, bearing showy rose-like blooms in shades of white, pink, or red when other shrubs are dormant. The glossy, green foliage of this broadleafed evergreen is also attractive year-round. The bloom season is long and by staggering plantings of early-, mid- and late-season varieties, you can have flowers from November through April or May.

Learn more about growing camellias.

The most popular flowering shrubs are:

  • Rose
  • Hydrangea
  • Rhododendron
  • Rose of Sharon
  • Butterfly bush
  • Camellia
  • Forsythia
  • Viburnum
  • Lilac
  • Weigela
  • Spirea
  • Abelia
  • Cinquefoil
  • Summersweet

Last updated: May 12, 2021

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Beautiful flowering ornamental shrubs for the garden. Description with names and photos.

Ornamental shrubs in the garden have several functions. They make any composition more voluminous and interesting for perception. During the flowering period, they create a large color spot that can be seen from afar, the rest of the time they are the background for other flowering plants. Shrubs wake up much faster than perennial flowers, thanks to them the flower garden does not look “naked” in spring. In autumn, their leaves fill the garden with bright colors, when all the flowers have already wilted. nine0003

Growing perennial ornamental shrubs is not difficult. The best time for planting seedlings is spring: April - early May, when the plants have not yet come out of dormancy. Seedlings with a closed root system can be planted throughout the season.

Lilac

Minimal care for ornamental shrubs: several top dressings per season with complex mineral fertilizer "Healthy Turbo for flower beds and flower beds" , rare watering in especially hot summers. Many crops do not give the gardener any trouble, but it is better to have some kind of systemic fungicide on hand, like "Skor" or "Diskor" , to treat plants at the first sign of powdery mildew or any leaf spot.

There are many types of perennial ornamental shrubs for the garden. It is impossible to cover all the diversity in one article, so we will focus on flowering shrubs. We will focus on frost-resistant plants that winter in the middle lane without shelter or are content with mulching the root zone. nine0005

Rose

In almost every dacha you can see such frost-resistant ornamental shrubs as lilac and mock orange, or garden jasmine. Despite the fact that these tall shrubs have been grown for centuries, they have not lost their relevance. They are unpretentious, grow both in the sun and in partial shade (the mock orange feels even better in diffused light).

Mock orange (garden jasmine)

Many magnificent varieties of lilacs have been bred with inflorescences of all shades of lilac, which differ in flowering time. A bouquet of lilacs on the table is a real country classic, which is impossible to refuse. During the flowering period of the mock orange, the garden is filled with a breathtaking aroma. Varieties of mock orange always bloom with snow-white flowers, varieties with double flowers are interesting. nine0003

There is no need to talk about the beauty of roses and hydrangeas. These are the two queens of the garden, who divided the zones of influence: the rose reigns in the sun, the hydrangea in the shade. Despite their nobility, these crops can be classified as frost-resistant ornamental shrubs for the garden. Species roses, such as rugosa rose, or wrinkled rose, as well as park roses derived from them, are unpretentious, bloom all summer, hibernate without shelter.

Hydrangea

Hydrangea tree and paniculate hydrangea winter well in the middle lane and decorate the garden with lush inflorescences from mid-summer to autumn. nine0003

Let's take a closer look at lesser-known cultures. We present you the 10 best ornamental shrubs for the garden with photos and names of popular varieties.

1. Forsythia

Forsythia opens the flowering season in April. While other plants are still dormant, the forsythia turns into a golden ball. Bright yellow flowers open before the leaves appear. Small "bells" completely cover thin flexible shoots. The contrast of sunny yellow colors against the blue spring sky looks just amazing. nine0003

Flowering of forsythia is short, within 2-3 weeks, but its early period is especially valuable. The rest of the year, forsythia looks neutral. The shrub grows up to 2-3 m in height and up to 1.5-2 m in diameter. Forsythia grows rapidly, annually adds 30 cm.

The shape of the crown is spreading, thin shoots grow vertically. The leaves are small, oval in shape. With the advent of cold weather, the leaves of forsythia drooping and forsythia ovate turn purple, the leaves of forsythia intermediate remain green until frost. nine0003

Forsythia is planted in a sunny place, the culture is undemanding to soil fertility and watering. Forsythia blooms on last year's shoots, so you need to choose species that winter well in the middle lane.

The most frost-resistant types of forsythia: F. drooping (hanging), F. intermediate (middle), F. ovoid (oval). Popular varieties of frost-resistant forsythia: tall "Beatrix Farrand", "Golden Time", "Spring Glory", "Goldsauber", "Lindwood Gold" , undersized "Mini Gold", "Spectabilis", "Tetra Gold" .

2. Holly mahonia

In the middle - the end of May the holly mahonia blossoms. This is an evergreen shrub that winters well in the middle lane without shelter, of course, subject to high snow cover.

Mahonia holly

Magonia holly is sometimes called the "lily of the valley shrub" because of the similarity in the shape of the inflorescences. Lemon-yellow mahonia flowers are collected in large brushes, they exude a pleasant delicate aroma. After the end of flowering, berries are tied, which ripen by the end of summer. They are quite large, up to 1 cm in diameter, dark blue with a bluish bloom, sweet and sour. Berries are eaten fresh, they are used to make jams and jams. nine0003

Magonia holly rarely grows above 1-1.2 m. The plant has a slow growth rate, the annual growth is not more than 10 cm. The bush has a compact crown. Beautiful leathery leaves are shaped like a holly leaf, or holly, they also have pointed teeth.

During the summer, the leaves of mahonia are a rich dark green color, in autumn they change color to red-bronze, in winter they turn purple-violet. Variety « Atropurpurea » purple-purple leaves throughout the season.

Magonia holly grows well both in the sun and in the shade. Plants are often used to form a low hedge, which can be used to delimit zones in a garden plot.

Popular varieties of holly mahonia: undersized "Apollo" and "Compact", "Atropurpurea" with purple leaves and "Orange Flame" with pink-orange leaves. There are tall fruit varieties that produce up to 1.5 kg of berries: "Natakha", "Timoshka", "Mermaid", "Sweetie" .

3.

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are not so common in the gardens of the middle lane, and all because they are considered capricious heat-loving crops. Meanwhile, among the huge variety of rhododendrons, there are very unpretentious and frost-resistant species, both evergreen and deciduous.

For example, hybrids of the evergreen Katevbinsky rhododendron winter well in the middle lane, shelter is needed sooner in order to protect their leaves from burns. But if there is no desire to bother with shelter, you can plant deciduous species - Japanese azalea, it tolerates frosts down to -32-34 ° C. nine0003

Rhododendron is incredibly beautiful. It is a tall shrub with a spreading crown. Rhododendrons reach a height of 1.5-1.8 m, although dwarf varieties of Japanese azalea can also be found, such as variety "Grandmother" up to 50 cm high.

Rhododendrons grow quite quickly, adding 12-20 cm annually.

Evergreen rhododendrons bloom in late spring, deciduous species - in early summer. Flowering is lush, bell-shaped-funnel-shaped flowers are collected in large inflorescences that densely cover shrubs. Most rhododendrons emit a delicious fragrance. Flowering continues for 3 weeks. nine0005

Rhododendron Nova Zembla

Varieties of rhododendrons are distinguished by an incredible variety of colors. Deciduous: 'Golden Lights' blooms golden yellow, 'Rosie Lights' pink, 'White Lights' white. Evergreens: "English Roseum" blooms pale pink, "Nova Zembla" - hot pink, "Karens " - purple flowers.

Rhododendrons do not tolerate bright sunlight, they are partial shade plants. They are well planted in the shade of buildings, ideally under the protection of tall conifers. Rhododendrons prefer acidic soil, falling needles will further acidify it. nine0003

4. Henomeles

Chaenomeles, or Japanese quince, blooms in the second half of May, flowering lasts for 20-25 days. The bright coral-red flowers of chaenomeles are similar to apple flowers, but they are much larger, up to 4 cm in diameter. They densely cover bare branches, flowers bloom before the leaves appear. During the flowering period, chaenomeles looks amazing.

The shrub has a beautiful branched crown, in the middle lane by the age of 10 it grows up to 1.5 m, in the southern regions the plants reach 3-4 m in height. The branches of chaenomeles are covered with small thorns, the leaves are small, dense, saturated green. nine0003

In September, small fruits ripen, they resemble apples and quince in shape, have a very dense structure, and a sour astringent taste. They are not eaten fresh, they are used for making jam, jelly, and fruit tea.

Chaenomeles has high frost resistance, plants hibernate without shelter. Chaenomeles are planted in open, sunny places, protected from drafts and the north wind.

Varieties of decorative chaenomeles differ in the color of flowers. nine0010 Fire Dance, Ellie Mossel, Crimson & Gold bloom bright red, Lady Pink pink, Apple Blossom and Nivalis white.

5. Spirea

Among unpretentious ornamental shrubs, spireas occupy a special place. They are often used in urban landscaping, as endure gas pollution and other adverse conditions. In city parks, gray spirea is most often found, it is also called ashen spirea, or silver. This is a fast growing shrub, when planted in the sun, the annual growth is 30 cm, in the shade the shrub grows more slowly and blooms worse. nine0003

In ornamental gardening, two types of spirea are popular: gray spirea and Japanese spirea. They differ in appearance, and in the timing of flowering, as well as in the color of the flowers.

Spirea gray blooms in April and blooms until the end of May. At this time, it is impossible to take your eyes off the spirea. Fountain-shaped bushes with long shoots that lean to the ground, completely covered with small white flowers. Small leaves are almost invisible from under the flowers. The people call spirea "bride" or "May foam". Flowers exude an unobtrusive pleasant aroma. nine0005

Spiraea Van Gutta Gold Fontaine

After the end of flowering, spirea remains attractive due to the gray-green color of small leaves and the beautiful shape of the bush. Spirea leaves turn golden yellow in autumn. The most popular varieties of gray spirea: Grefsheim, Graciosa, Arguta . Plants require a lot of space, the height and diameter of the bush is up to 1.5 m.

Japanese spirea is much more modest in size, these are small spherical bushes 30-50 cm high, it is planted in the foreground in mixborders. Japanese spirea blooms in June, flowering continues until September. Small corymbose inflorescences open at the ends of young shoots, spring pruning can set the spherical shape of the bush, then it will be covered with pink flower caps. nine0003

In the spring, long before flowering, the Japanese spirea looks decorative due to the unusual golden color of the leaves, the young shoots are orange-red. In the summer, during the flowering period, the leaves of the spirea turn green, in order to change color to yellow again by autumn.

Popular varieties of Japanese spirea: "Little Princesses", "Golden Princesses", "Shirobana" , etc.

6. Weigela

Weigela is more likely to be found in southern cities than in the middle lane, however, this beautifully flowering shrub has already won the hearts of many gardeners. There are varieties of weigela that tolerate frosts down to -26-28 ° C. The main thing is to plant the weigela in the sun, in a place protected from the wind. nine0003

Weigela hybrid Bristol Ruby

Weigela blooms twice a year. The first flowering is the most spectacular: from mid-May to mid-June, at this time there are so many flowers that leaves are not visible behind them. The second wave of flowering is more modest, in August - September.

Weigela flowers are tubular-bell-shaped, all shades of pink. At the same time, many flowers are open on the plant and you can admire the variety of their colors. In the southern regions, weigela grows up to 3 m in height, in the middle lane its size does not exceed 1. 5 m. The shrub forms a dense spreading crown with hanging shoots. Weigela can be formed on a stem by braiding its young shoots “in a pigtail”. nine0003

Weigela is characterized by rapid growth, the annual growth is up to 30 cm. In the early years, the plant needs shelter.

Frost-resistant varieties of weigela: "Candida", "Rozea", "Bristol Ruby" . Interesting varieties with variegated, variegated leaf color, such as "Brigella", "Nana variegata" .

7. Potentilla

Potentilla shrub, or Kuril tea is an unpretentious frost-resistant shrub. Potentilla flowers are simple cinquefoils, small in size, 3-5 cm in diameter. Potentilla blooms tirelessly, from the beginning of summer until the very frost. All summer the plant is covered with many bright flowers. Potentilla prefers sunny places and well-drained soils. nine0005

Potentilla shrub Glamor Girl

Species cinquefoils bloom bright yellow flowers. Thanks to the work of breeders, varieties with white, pink, red-orange flowers appeared. Known varieties of Potentilla shrub: "Gold Star" with yellow flowers, "Tangerine" - with orange, "Abbotswood" - with white, "Princess" - with pink, "Primrose Beauty" - with cream colored flowers.

Potentilla shrub Kobold

Potentilla branches well and itself forms a wide rounded crown, adult bushes grow up to 1.2-1.5 m. In the sun, the shrub quickly grows in growth, up to 20 cm per year. The plant lends itself well to shearing. Potentilla leaves are small, strongly dissected. Young leaves are dried and used to brew herbal tea, they are rich in vitamin C.

8. Califolia vesicle

The popularity of the vesicle is growing every year. This plant has a lot of advantages: large carved leaves, shaped like a viburnum leaf, beautiful spherical inflorescences and no less attractive bubble boxes with seeds. nine0003

The flowering of the vesicle occurs at the end of May - the beginning of June. By the end of June, unusual seed pods are formed, which gradually change color to bright red, the pods remain closed until autumn and decorate the bush.

The red-leaved varieties of the vesicle are especially decorative. Against the background of chocolate foliage, white and pink inflorescences stand out in contrast. The color of the leaves of different varieties varies: orange-red in variety "Andre" , bright red in "Lady in Red", "Little Angel" , wine - at "Summer Vine", "Shuh" , rich maroon - at "Midnight", "Diabolo" . There are also yellow-leaved vesicle varieties, such as "Aurea" or "Enis Gold" . Against their background, the inflorescences are a little lost, but the red fruit boxes are clearly visible.

Vesicle viburnum Diabolo D'Oro

The vesicle should be planted in the sun, in the shade the plants will not show the decorative color of the leaves. The vesicle is a fast-growing shrub that reaches a height of 2-3 m, with an annual growth of up to 40 cm. The vesicle wakes up very early, by the end of April leaves open on the branches. nine0003

Plants are unpretentious, not affected by diseases and pests. Sometimes they suffer from iron deficiency, which manifests itself in leaf chlorosis. It is good to feed the vesicle with iron chelate according to the leaf or a special fertilizer based on nitrogen and iron "Sequestren Turbo" .

9. Tannery

Skumpia leather, or common, is more of a plant for southern latitudes, where it grows into huge shrubs or trees 5-7 m high. However, residents of the middle zone can also admire this unusual plant in their garden if they pick up frost-resistant varieties. The plant prefers sunny places and slightly alkaline soils. nine0003

During the season, the leaves change color several times. Particularly decorative are red-leaved varieties of skumpia, such as "Royal Purple", "Grace" , but varieties with green leaves, such as "Young Lady" winter better and grow faster. Under the conditions of the middle lane, skumpia does not grow above 1.5 m. The upper part of the shoots freezes.

Skumpia is called the "wig tree" for the unusual airy caps of inflorescences. In fact, these are not flowers, but the fruits of skumpii. nine0003

Flowering looks rather inconspicuous, goes unnoticed. After the end of flowering, the pedicels elongate, and thin long hairs grow on them, they can be white, pink or red, depending on the variety. It looks like a large paniculate inflorescence, woven from something airy, weightless.

Skumpia grows very slowly, only by the age of 10 it reaches a height of 1.5 m. In the spring, the plant wakes up the very last, at the end of May. So do not rush to get upset if your skumpia does not release leaves for a long time after winter, it is just waiting for warmth. nine0003

10. Kalina

Viburnum vulgaris is rarely grown in gardens in summer cottages, this shrub takes up too much space. The height of viburnum reaches 3-4 m, and the plant is at least 2-3 m in diameter. You can always go to the nearest forest for berries, viburnum grows everywhere, there is a lot of it along rivers and streams, this plant is demanding on moisture.

Flowering viburnum ordinary is very beautiful - large, corymbose inflorescences consist of fertile flowers, which are surrounded by snow-white sterile flowers. But even more beautiful is the flowering of the decorative viburnum buldenezh, which in French means “snowball” or “snowball”. nine0003

In late May - early June, the shrub is covered with many large spherical inflorescences, up to 15 cm in diameter. Branches bend under the weight of flowers, the older the bush, the more flowers it forms. Flowering viburnum buldenezh long, for 25-30 days. Inflorescences are collected from sterile flowers, berries are not tied.

In terms of the size of the inflorescences and their number, the viburnum buldenezh is not inferior to the blooming hydrangea. Inflorescences gradually change color from white-green to dazzling white. Variety "Roseum" flowers turn pink.

Kalina grows well in the sun, it is even better in partial shade, it is demanding on watering, loves fertile soil. Plants develop rapidly, adding 40 cm annually. In one place, viburnum can live up to 60 years.

viburnum

The weak point of viburnum is that it is strongly affected by aphids and larvae of the viburnum leaf beetle, it is necessary to monitor the appearance of these pests and treat the plants with a systemic insecticide in time, for example, preparations Kortlis , Insector , Drakor .

The best winter-hardy shrubs that bloom all summer.

To create comfort in the backyard of a private house, it is necessary not only to create beautiful flower beds, but also to plant ornamental shrubs. With their help, many problems are solved. From dividing the space of the garden into zones and filling the site with flowering plants to enclosing it with a green living fence.

Flowering beautiful shrubs

The use of flowering shrubs is more interesting. Some of them have an amazing aroma and literally transform the garden. They can be used in mixed plantings, mixborders, along fences to create compositions that bloom all summer from different plants that replace each other in terms of flowering.

This list of flowering shrubs may include the following plants:

  • Budleya. It resembles a lilac and can grow up to three meters. Color shades: pink and lavender, purple and white, and white. These beautiful shrubs will decorate the garden all summer because they bloom until frost. nine0295

  • Potentilla. Inconspicuous plant, blooms with numerous, but medium-sized flowers, foliage is not particularly beautiful. However, not a single shrub border or mixborder can do without Potentilla: while other shrubs fade in turn, it creates a bright spot in the garden. They have established themselves as shrubs that bloom all summer, winter-hardy, as they are not afraid of frost. Flowering begins in May and stops with the first frost. It is unpretentious to the soil, blooms well both in a sunny place and in light partial shade, care comes down to annual pruning. There are varieties of this continuously flowering shrub of different colors. nine0295

  • Calicant will decorate the garden with original water lilies. This is a beautiful, hardy, but rare shrub from North America. The flowers are large with numerous petals. All parts of the garden plant are fragrant. Blooms in June - July. Requires pruning in the spring.

    • Shrub rose. Varies greatly in bush size and flower shape. They bloom all summer or are characterized by re-blooming. nine0295
  • Kariopteris will add blue hues to the garden, as its brushes have just such a color. This is a flowering shrub with a rounded crown for the front of the border. They are planted in groups. It is undemanding to the soil. Quite winter-hardy. Flowering time September - October. Need pruning shrubs in March.

  • Cistus resembles poppy or non-double rose flowers, sometimes with spots at the base of the petals. Flowers with paper-thin petals are short-lived. Each flower lives only one day, but since new buds are constantly appearing, the bush blooms all summer. The plant is warm and photophilous, forms a low rounded bush. Does not tolerate clay soil. Flowering time June - August. Pruning in spring. nine0295

  • Alder leaf prefers moist soil. It gets along well along the edges of ravines and by the pond. This shrub requires almost no care. It quickly spreads throughout the territory provided to it. Its feature is that flowers appear only on young shoots. Therefore, it is recommended to cut it every year. It blooms in summer (July - August) with small fragrant flowers, collected at the ends of the shoots in long spike-shaped inflorescences. In autumn, the foliage of the shrub is brightly colored. nine0295

Evergreen Shrubs

With regular and proper pruning, evergreen shrubs easily turn into a hedge or an unusual living sculpture that will become the center of a recreation area. To do this, it is enough to skillfully cut them. List of evergreen ornamental shrubs that can be planted in the garden:

    • Holly. Not afraid of frost. Grows over a meter. The oblong leaves are studded with thorns. Therefore, it is unpleasant to approach him closely. nine0295
    • Tis. Slow growing coniferous plant, planted in hedges in mild climates. The usual color of the foliage is dark green, there are varieties with golden foliage, as well as various forms of growth - from ground cover to tall columnar trees. Better than many other conifers, it tolerates unfavorable growth conditions, but does not tolerate stagnant water at the roots during the cold season. The plant is dioecious, on females seeds are formed with a fleshy red roof up to 1 cm in diameter. Leaves and seeds are poisonous. nine0295
    • Boxwood A popular shrub for hedges, including low, bordering flower beds. It withstands frequent shearing and partial shade, is not afraid of the wind, and is undemanding to the soil. Keep in mind that boxwood is very easy to care for. He does not need annual pruning. Cut out only dry and thickening branches, and also shorten the elongated shoots.
  • Calmia is a beautiful flowering shrub that pleases with its flowering in May - June. In a non-flowering state, Calmia is similar to a rhododendron, plants are easily distinguished by flowers. Kalmia has buds similar to Chinese lanterns, the edges of the petals are corrugated. Likes moist acidic soil and light partial shade. nine0295
Calmia
boxwood
Yew

Garden Shade Shrubs

They are often used to create a smooth transition from grass cover to canopy. Shade-loving shrubs are also needed to create a beautiful design for fences and the shady side of a private house. The most common shade-tolerant shrubs are listed below. nine0003

  • Cotoneaster. One of the most important ornamental beautiful fruit-bearing shrubs in the garden. The genus includes plants of different shapes and sizes, most of them evergreen or semi-evergreen. The leaves are oval, with a solid edge, pink buds in May or June open to white flowers. In autumn, beautiful fruits ripen, which are practically not pecked by birds. Some cotoneasters have beautiful fall foliage. Strongly overgrown bushes are pruned in the spring. Valued for the unusual dark green color of glossy leaves. They tend to change color to red when autumn comes. nine0295

Cotoneaster

  • Rhododendrons are beautiful flowering shrubs that prefer to be sheltered from the midday sun. Traditionally, representatives of the genus are divided into rhododendrons and azaleas. Rhododendrons growing in the shade on average reach a height of 1.5 meters, bloom in May, however, there are plants of both 30 cm and 6 m, blooming both in early spring and in autumn, in August. The color of the flowers is varied, with the exception of blue, the leaves are oval or oblong, wintering. All rhododendrons are characterized by shallow roots, so the soil under the plants is mulched, and watered abundantly in dry weather. nine0295

Rhododendrons

  • Garden jasmine grows well in the sun and in the shade, but in the second case, its flowering will not be so intense. There are two groups of jasmine: bushy with weak stems, grown in wall plantings, and jasmine - creepers that are able to climb the wall, support themselves. Flowering time depends on the species. Grow in moderately fertile soil in partial shade.

Garden jasmine (shrub)

  • Privet tolerates polluted air well, so it is most often grown in the hedges of private houses that overlook city streets. There are variegated varieties. It is characterized by the fact that it does not tolerate severe winter frosts, therefore it requires shelter. grows in any moderately fertile soil, in a sunny or shady place. propagated by lignified cuttings in open ground in late autumn. Of care, a haircut is required - hedges are cut in May and August.
  • nine0296

    Aureum oval-leaved Privet

    • Thunberg Barberry are those decorative flowering perennial shrubs that are beautiful, low and hardy. They are widely used in garden decoration, as they are represented by a large range of varieties. Various types of barberry are very common and popular. Barberry Thunberg grows up to 1.5 meters. The leaves of the shrub turn red in autumn, the berries ripen red. This beautiful shrub blooms in April - May. 9029five

    Thunberg Barberry

    Fast growing shrubs

    Gardeners choose them when a hedge needs to be grown in a short time. Often such plantings are made combined from different types of shrubs. In this case, you should carefully consider the issue of the future size of an adult plant and its relationship to a haircut.

    The most popular fast growing shrubs are:

    • dogwood and barberry ;
    • viburnum vesicle — unpretentious shrub with a rounded crown shape;
    • Blackthorn does not need careful pruning, it is done only when denser vegetation is needed;
    • honeysuckle sanitary pruning is required in the first seven years, and then it remains only to form a hedge of the desired shape;
    • climbing rose , it is recommended to start shaping it in the second year of growth in a permanent place. nine0295
    vesicle
    climbing rose
    Honeysuckle

    Low-growing and frost-resistant garden shrubs

    The former are characterized by the fact that they do not grow above one meter. They are usually planted on the borders. They decorate flower beds. List of low-growing ornamental shrubs for the garden:

      • Japanese quince (low) throughout the warm season decorates the cottage with an orange or golden color, first with flowers, then with fruits;
      • already mentioned above Potentilla a;
      • common heather is also an evergreen shrub that blooms most of the summer;
    • elegant action , her flowering shrubs are the center of attraction, but she is whimsical to excess moisture, severe frosts and cold winds.
    Japonica
    Heather

    • blood red hawthorn - grown as a shrub, small tree or hedge, able to grow in almost any conditions, both on dry and waterlogged soil, in the sun and in the shade; nine0295
    • silver goof — grown not for fragrant, but nondescript flowers, but because of the beautiful foliage;
  • red elderberry with beautiful foliage, which develops red fruits after the flowers.
Goof silver
Elder
nine0393
Hawthorn

Mixborder of conifers and shrubs scheme

The word "mix" leads us to mixing. The second part of the word - border - sends to the borders. It turns out that in such a landing there are no boundaries. But this is not true. It just seems so. In fact, everything here must be carefully thought out and planned.

Plants in a mixborder are supposed to have dense groups that smoothly flow into one another. Moreover, it must contain elements that will remain visible in the cold season. They are shrubs and conifers. They are also called the skeleton of the composition. nine0003

Any mixborder must be divided into three parts. They will not be the same in size and shape. In the background are planted tall plants with interesting leaves. The second row is filled with flowers that are characterized by straight and tall stems. They are covered with medium height with a small number of leaves. And stunted and ground cover plants come to the fore. Plantings of annual flowers are usually placed in front of them.

Here is one example of a perennial mixborder placed along a wall or fence. Its background is decorated with plants: lafanthus, purple echinacea, chatma and clematis. The middle is filled with shrubby cinquefoil, yarrow, fennel polygon, vervain bonar, boxwood, decorative wormwood and onions.


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