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Small Shrubs

Shrubs are the backbone of any great landscape. They provide structure, color, privacy and year-round interest—and with so many options available, there’s truly something for every space.

The key to success? Choosing the right shrub for the right place. Understanding a plant’s mature size, growth habit and needs will help you create a landscape that looks great and stays manageable over time.

(Key: H = height, W = width at maturity)

Low-Growing Shrubs (Under 3 Feet)

Perfect for edging, groundcover and smaller spaces, these shrubs stay compact while still adding texture and color.

Bird’s Nest Spruce (H: 2’ | W: 3’)
A slow-growing evergreen with a soft, spreading shape. Best in moist, well-drained soil and cooler locations.

Dwarf Boxwood (H: 2’ | W: 2’)
A classic for low hedges and borders. Tolerates sun to light shade and responds well to pruning.

Japanese Dwarf Holly (H: 2’ | W: 3’)
A boxwood alternative with glossy leaves. Easy-care and adaptable.

Creeping Juniper (H: 1’ | W: 6’)
Tough and drought-tolerant, ideal for slopes or difficult areas.

Wintercreeper (H: 2’ | W: 6’)
A versatile evergreen that can spread or climb. Grows in sun or shade.

Medium Shrubs (3–8 Feet)

These shrubs are great for foundation plantings, hedges and mixed borders.

Abelia (H: 4’ | W: 4’)
Graceful, arching branches with soft pink-white flowers in summer.

Dwarf Alberta Spruce (H: 8’ | W: 5’)
A slow-growing, cone-shaped evergreen—perfect for formal accents.

Pieris Japonica / Japanese Andromeda (H: 8’ | W: 6’)
Evergreen with early spring flowers and colorful new growth.

Arborvitae (H: 4’ | W: 6’)
Rounded evergreens that work well in many landscapes.

Azalea & Rhododendron (H: 3–12’)
Spring-blooming favorites that thrive in acidic soil and partial shade.

Bluebeard (H: 3’ | W: 3’)
A pollinator favorite with soft blue flowers in summer.

Burning Bush (H: 8’ | W: 8’)
Known for its brilliant red fall color.

Red/Yellow Twig Dogwood (H: 6’ | W: 6’)
Adds winter interest with colorful stems.

Forsythia (H: 7’ | W: 10’)
One of the first signs of spring with bright yellow blooms.

Inkberry Holly (H: 6’ | W: 8’)
A durable evergreen for hedges or foundation plantings.

Summersweet (H: 5’ | W: 6’)
Fragrant summer flowers and excellent tolerance for wet soils.

Viburnum (H: 5–8’)
A versatile group known for flowers, berries and fall color.

Weigela (H: 6’ | W: 8’)
A reliable bloomer with pink, red or white flowers in spring.

Winterberry (H: 5’ | W: 5’)
A standout for bright red berries in winter, especially in wet areas.

Yew (Varies)
A classic evergreen for structure and foundation plantings.

Large Shrubs (8+ Feet)

These are ideal for privacy screens, back borders or statement plantings.

Arborvitae (H: up to 30’ | W: 12’)
Excellent for tall hedges and screening.

Blue Holly (H: 8–12’)
Evergreen with blue-green foliage and bright red berries (with proper pollination).

Honeysuckle (H: 10’ | W: 10’)
Fragrant flowers and colorful berries make it a wildlife favorite.

Lilac (H: 8–12’)
A classic with fragrant spring blooms.

Mountain Laurel (H: 8–12’)
Evergreen with stunning late spring flowers; prefers partial shade.

Privet (H: up to 12’)
A fast-growing option for hedges and screens.

Witch Hazel (H: up to 20’)
Unique fall-blooming shrub with delicate yellow flowers.

Tips for Success

No matter which shrubs you choose, keep these basics in mind:

• Match the plant to the space (check mature size!)
• Provide well-drained soil unless the plant prefers wet conditions
• Consider sun vs. shade requirements
• Protect sensitive plants from harsh winter winds
• Give plants enough room to grow naturally

A little planning upfront can save a lot of pruning and maintenance later.

Shrubs are one of the most versatile and valuable additions to any landscape. From low-growing groundcovers to tall privacy screens, they help create structure, define spaces and provide year-round beauty.

By choosing the right shrubs for your space and understanding their needs, you’ll set your landscape up for long-term success and enjoy a garden that looks great in every season.