Landscape designers share their 5 favorite colorful shrubs

Part of the beauty of gardening is that your yard can be anything you want it to be. If your heart desires a garden abundant with flowers and paved paths, it is more than possible. Or if something with lots of greenery and trees is calling your name, planting new vegetation will only take an afternoon.

Gardeners often try to incorporate tasteful colors into their yard to enhance the visual appeal of the space even more. These accents stand out in a great way, whether it’s to purposely create a focal point or to provide a sense of contrast from the rest of your yard’s color palette.

If you’re interested in adding a little more color to your yard, you’ve come to the right place. I asked a variety of plant professionals for their top colorful bush recommendations that will instantly add something extra to your outdoor space. Read on to hear their top picks and why they’re perfect for upgrading your backyard design.

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1. Oakleaf hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a great choice of shrubs to add color to a yard, but if you’re going to choose just one variety for impact Taylor Olberding, co-owner of Heroes Lawn Care in Omaha and holds a degree in Turf and Landscape Management, would highly recommend “Oakleaf”.

Taylor explains:Oakleaf hydrangeas they are my number one choice because they give you something to see all year round. In summer, they produce large, creamy white flowers, followed by rich burgundy foliage in fall. Even in winter, the peeling bark adds texture, so the landscape never feels empty.”

Oak hydrangeas are hardy USDA zones 5 to 9. It is a highly adaptable plant, able to withstand colder climates as well as climates on the hotter and more humid side. For an Oakleaf hydrangea bush to thrive, be sure to water it regularly, but don’t overwater the plant. Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is also key points of care.

Find an impressive one Hydrangea bush ‘Gatsby Pink’ on fast growing trees. Rich pink blooms in summer give way to burgundy foliage in fall.

2. ‘Royal Purple’ Smokebush

tobacco bush showing plumes of pink flowers

Taylor is also a big fan of ‘Royal Purple’ Smokebush, also called American tobacco tree. It is another stunning shrub that changes with the seasons and as its name suggests brings a beautiful shade of purple to the garden.

He says: “If you want more colour, go for smoky ‘Royal Purple’. It has deep, velvety foliage that turns vibrant orange-red tones in autumn, and its airy, smoky blooms add a soft, almost hazy texture during summer.”

Royal Purple Smokebush is hardy in zones 4 to 9, thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Despite being highly sought after by gardeners for its beauty, it is actually a rather low-maintenance shrub choice. Just make sure not to overwater it as it is naturally drought tolerant.

Royal Purple can be purchased from Fast Growing Trees for stunning color delivered straight to your door.

3. Azalea

Azalea is another great shrub for elevating a yard through color as they come into bloom so many bright varieties. From bright reds and yellows to bold pinks and purples, whatever color you think your space is missing can probably be fixed by adding one of these plants.

Gene Caballero, its co-founder GreenPal and part of the landscaping industry for over 25 years, shares, “Azaleas have beautiful spring colors and are very low maintenance. They perform best in groups near entryways or pathways or as foundation plantings that create a strong visual focal point immediately when people approach the home.”

Different varieties of azalea grow best in different plant hardiness zones, so there’s probably something out there to suit where you live. Although be sure to do your research before planting to help you find the best fit.

‘Autumn Majesty’ azalea bushes, available from Lowe’s, you have almost electric purple flowers that will light up any shady corner of the yard!

4. Lavender

large lavender bush growing in a garden bed with bright purple flowers

Lavender is a much-loved classic in the plant world, but many gardeners don’t realize that it counts as a shrub AND can bloom in colors other than purple! Known for its signature scent, it’s a great way to add color to your space while at the same time attracting local pollinators.

Angelika Zaber, lawn care and gardening specialist at Online Turfsays: “Lavender comes in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, violet, pink, and even white. It’s a great shrub if you want to attract butterflies and other pollinators in your garden, as it is rich in nectar, their main food source, while also adding an infusion of color to your yard.”

According to Angelika, lavender can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 11. If you live in hardiness zones 5 through 9, consider growing English lavender for best results. And for zones 10 and 11, French lavender is usually an excellent choice. French lavender can also be grown in zones 8 and 9 if you prefer it to the English variety.

True English Lavender Seeds from Seed Needs, a family business, you can find it on Amazon.

5. Rosemary

Flowering rosemary herb plant in pollinator garden

Rosemary it grows beautiful small flowers from late winter to late spring, the color depending on the variety you choose. If you enjoy herb gardening, growing rosemary is a great way to double your herb collection while adding color.

Angelika shares: “This perennial shrub has needle-like leaves and produces a fresh, herbal scent that can waft through your garden, making it smell nice and repel many pests, such as mosquitoes. When allowed to flower, rosemary produces beautiful, small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink or white from late winter to late spring.’

For best results, plant rosemary in zones 8 through 11 along your paths for a fresh scent every time you walk through the yard and prune it to maintain a beautiful shape. Be careful how often you water your rosemary though – although it loves full sunlight, it doesn’t need to be drowned in water as it is naturally drought tolerant! Seed Needs also offers heirloom rosemary seeds through Amazon.