Shrubs are a must have in the garden. Larger than perennials and smaller than trees, shrubs play an important role. They define boundaries, create privacy, make great foundation plantings, and add aesthetic appeal with color, flowers, texture, and fragrance.
Growing shrubs for the first time can be intimidating, but it’s totally doable, even for novice gardeners. It’s all about the choice of bush. These forgiving and low maintenance shrubs they are ideal starting points for novice gardeners.
Let’s dig in and explore the easiest shrubs for beginner gardeners!
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1. Spirea
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spirit is a large genus of flowering, deciduous shrubs that are very popular in landscaping. Spirea bushes are easy to grow and maintain and include a wide variety of readily available species and varieties. A few popular types of spirea they include birch-leaf spirea, a native spirea known for its fall color, Japanese spirea, which includes many, many varieties, and bridal wreath spirea, a large species with striking white flowers.
Grow spirea bushes indoors USDA zones 4 through 8 in a spot with sunny and neutral soil that drains well. Once established, there is no need to water or feed your coil except during drought.
‘Glow Girl Birch Leaf Spirea, available from Green Promise Farms through Walmart; it’s a beautiful native coil which means it will be even easier to grow. The red buds open to reveal cheery white flowers in spring, and the foliage adds color and interest year-round.
2. Boxwood
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Almost as popular as spirea, boxwood bushes it’s a great, easy option for year-round greenery. This broadleaf greens will give you color all winter in zones 5 to 9. Grow boxwood as a border or low hedge. It grows densely and can be cut into the desired shape.
Stick with newer varieties of boxwood, which are the easiest to grow. They do not require as much pruning as older types. ‘Green Velvet’ is a good choice. Your boxwood will grow easily in sun or partial shade and will tolerate neglect. Find ‘Green Velvet’ boxwood shrubs in Fast Growing Trees to get started on that fence you’ve always wanted!
3. Weigel
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Weigela bushes are increasingly popular in landscaping for dense, attractive foliage and spring and summer flowers. Native to Asia, you can easily grow weigela bushes zones 4 to 8. Weigela is related to honeysuckle, grows quickly and attracts pollinators with an abundance of beautiful flowers.
Weigela bushes grow best in full sun, but can tolerate some afternoon shade in warmer climates. The soil can be any type, but it should drain well. Once established, you will not need to water this plant again. Weigela ‘Sonic Bloom’, available from Fast Growing Trees, is a bright pink rebloomer that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies and is deer resistant, to boot!
4. Oakleaf hydrangea
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Hydrangeas are extremely popular landscaping shrubs, particularly for their profusion of long-lasting flowers. Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is the easiest type to grow and ideal for beginner gardeners. Native to North Americayou can grow it in zones 5 through 9.
Oakleaf hydrangea is a medium-sized shrub that blooms in spring and summer with large clusters of small white or pink flowers. Give it a spot in full sun or partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Apply mulch to keep the soil moist and you don’t need to water it much once the bush is established. Find wonderful oak hydrangea varieties at Wayside Gardens.
5. Rose of Sharon
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Rose of Sharon (Syrian hibiscus) is a popular garden choice for its reliable and long-lasting flowers with little effort. Suitable for zones 5 to 8, rose of Sharon will give you large, tropical flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, red and blue.
Rose of Sharon grows tall and wide, so make sure you have room for it. Plant it in a sunny area and rich, well-draining soil. Once established, Rose of Sharon doesn’t need much care. Water only during periods of severe drought and only use fertilizer if your soil is poor. Rose of Sharon ‘Starburst Chiffon’, available from Wayside Gardens; it has variegated flowers with double petals for a unique take on a classic.
6. Smoke Bush
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Tobacco bush (Constant concussion) is a unique choice for an easy-to-grow shrub. Many gardeners use it as a specimen and it can be grown as a shrub or cut into a small tree. The flowers of the tobacco bush give it its name. They grow in feathery clusters that, when in bloom, give a sense of smoky haze around the bush.
Tobacco bush is suitable for zones 4 to 9. It tolerates even poor soil, but needs a spot in full sun for best results. Water your tobacco deeply and regularly as it becomes established. Then, it will be drought tolerant and will need little maintenance. A’Royal Purple tobacco bush, from Home Depot, it will add a dramatic feel to your landscape.
7. Red Twig Dogwood
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For an easy shrub that gives you color even in winter in the coldest climates, you can’t beat it red dogwood branch. This native deciduous shrub provides four-season visual interest zones 2 to 7. It blooms in the spring with white flowers, has beautiful, variegated leaves in the summer, produces berries in the fall, and has red stems that add color in the winter.
Grow red sprig in full sun or partial shade. The soil must remain consistently moist. As long as you plant it in a place that retains moisture, you should not water your pooch. It also does not require regular feeding. Random pruning helps it regenerate and look healthy. Red twig bushes, available at Home Depot, they are also great plant pollinators.
8. Coral Bean
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For hot climate gardenstry coral bean (Herbacea Erythrina). Being a native makes coral bean easy to grow in zones 8 through 11. It needs only moderate soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it grows best with minimal watering.
Coral Bean is a spectacular summer, with bright red flowers on tall flower stalks. As a bonus, the flowers will attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard. In autumn, the flowers develop pots that open to reveal bright red seeds. Be aware, however, that the seeds are highly toxic. Coral bean plants can be purchased from Plant Delights Nursery.
Buy essentials for planting shrubs
Ace
Little Pal Utility Shovel
The perfect size for digging holes for solid shrubs. And it won’t fill your garden shed either!
WIRE
Leather gardening gloves
Cute, abrasion resistant so you don’t get scratched when planting new bushes.
Veg
Collapsible hose reel
This collapsible hose reel will make watering new shrubs and flower beds so easy!
