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8 Best Shrubs to Grow in Garden This Year

Shrubs are woody perennials and can be distinguished from trees because of their shorter height and several main stems growing from the ground. They can be deciduous or evergreen, but whichever type is available, you can be sure that they are the perfect plants to give your landscape a bright and new perspective.

Most shrubs can be easily shaped, pruned, and maintained. On the other side, some may grow differently because of numerous natural factors, so choosing the right one for your garden is also essential. Listed below are some of the best shrubs you can plant in your garden.

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you, should you purchase through one of my links. Please see my disclosure for more information.

Boxwood Shrubs

Boxwood is a classic evergreen garden shrub that is perfect for landscaping designs and well-suited for woodcarving. One thing you need to know about this common hedge and topiary shrub is that it is very versatile. This is why it is often a gardener’s choice to create a bit of privacy for your residence and add to your home’s overall aesthetics.

 

The best time to plant boxwood shrubs is usually during the fall, but you can plant them in late winter or early spring. Just make sure you don’t decide to plant them in the summer when the sun is at its peak or in the middle of winter when the snow is at its coldest.

 

Inkberry Holly

Another great shrub to have in your yard is a Inkberry Holly. This slow-growing, dwarf, evergreen shrub can be used as an alternative if there is no boxwood available from where you are living. Inkberry hollies thrive most in rich, acidic, and consistently moist soils, making them ideal for wet sites with nearby ponds or streams. Their flowers turn greenish-white and bloom during springtime.

 

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Although related to giant white spruce varieties, a dwarf Alberta spruce usually grows to only a height of about 13 feet and grows very slowly. Nonetheless, it is still among the favorite foundation plant choices, as evidenced by its beautiful cone shape even without the necessary pruning. They rarely produce pine cones, though.

 

They are best grown in areas with a cold winter climate or cool summers. They also need to be exposed to full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Ideally, the soil must be well-drained, moist, and has slightly acidic to neutral pH.

 

Golden Euonymus

Add a shade of gold in your garden with Euonymus Japonicus. This oval, broadleaf variegated evergreen shrub has a deep green with bright golden-yellow edging that adds to its cheerful aura. Euonymus shrubs are great for foundation plantings and are used as a hedge, woodland margin, or specimen planting.

 

They are grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. They should also be planted in areas with moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soils and can tolerate full sunlight exposure. Still, they also appreciate partial shade, especially during the hot summers. If interested in more details, see more

 

Stewartstonian Azalea

Stewartstonian azalea is another type of an evergreen shrub with deep-green glossy leaves that turn to a bold reddish color by late fall, especially in regions with typically cold winters. They bring an instant display of spring flowers and a good fall vibe at the same time. 

 

This is a slow-growing shrub, but once it reaches its mature stage, it can last for up to 40 years at most, sometimes even more!

 

Goldflame Spirea

Among the different varieties of spirea, the ‘goldflame’ is one of the landscape shrub favorites. With its seemingly magical foliage that transitions from bronze-red in the spring to yellow-green in the summer, then finally, copper-orange in the fall, you would not wonder why it is one of the most sought-after plants to grow in the garden.

 

This compact, deciduous shrub is often used as a low hedge or a woodland border. 


Mountain Laurel

This shade-tolerant shrub is grown for its lovely pink or white flowers that bloom during the late spring and early summer, and the deep green leaves add to its attraction. They grow best in sun-dappled areas but are also tolerant in full sun to partial shade.

 

Just remember: mountain laurels can be poisonous because it contains diterpene compounds called grayanotoxins, which can cause vomiting, stomach pains, and other alarming symptoms like paralysis. It is important to take note that when handling this shrub, you should be very particular in washing your hands. It is also helpful to put a fence around it to keep your neighbors and children from going near.

 

Barberries

To make your garden look livelier and more colorful, you can add a touch of purple. Barberries are ornamental shrubs with beautiful purple leaves and are a great choice for display if you want an eye-catching garden. Other foliage color varieties include red, gold, and green. 

 

Just a word of caution, you still have to be careful, especially when children are playing because they contain thorns around their stems. 

 

Takeaway

In conclusion, as you can see from the shrubs mentioned above, their foliage is not only limited to shades of green but also range from golden-yellow, copper-red to bright purple. If you choose the right kind to plant, these shrubs can bring your garden back to life in no time, proving that height doesn’t matter when it comes to beautifying your garden.

 

Most of all, they are ideal for landscaping, a fun and engaging recreational activity you can do in the comfort of your residence.

 

 

This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you, should you purchase through one of my links. Please see my disclosure for more information.

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