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Shrubs, also called bushes, are important in landscaping.
Both flowering and non-flowering shrubs are the “bones” of the landscape because they provide structure.
Shrubs are also more versatile thantreesand can be planted in more areas.
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They are also easier totransplantif necessary in the future.
Since there are many options, focus on easy-to-grow shrubs that will reliably thrive in your climate.
All of the 18 shrubs listed here are cold-hardy to at leastUSDA zone 5.
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Tip
There are all sorts of ways to categorize the different varieties of shrubs.
Bright green leaves adorn these shrubs in the summer and turn yellow or yellow-orange in the fall.
This small shrub has an upright and fairly rounded shape with glossy, dark green leaves.
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Black chokeberry has a slow to moderate growth rate.
Bottlebrush buckeye attracts pollinators.
The shrub is toxic to humans and pets.
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One such plant is the commonlilac bush.
Lilac starts as a fast-growing shrub but slows down as it matures.
Doublefile Viburnum
Classifying shrubs as deciduous or evergreen is not the only way to group them.
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Another characterization is based on what conditions the plants need: sun or shade.
A standoutshrub for a sunny spotis thedoublefile viburnum.
Its name says it all: The flowers line up in two rows along the branches.
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The resulting look is not only unusual, but it’s also quite showy for this moderate-growing shrub.
Once its spring flowers drop off, the bush has little to offer.
Dwarf flowering almond is toxic to humans and pets.
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Some varieties do a good job of retaining this bright color during the summer as well.
The compact, slow-growing cultivar Golden Mop is one of them.
It keeps its golden color provided the shrub receives enough sun.
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At the lower end of its zone range, it is prone to winter burn.
All parts of the mountain laurel shrub are highly toxic to humans and pets.
This is a tough, evergreen shrub that holds up well to road salt and dry conditions.
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It is not even especially bothered by poor soil.
Plant several in a row if you desire aprivacy screen.
It has a suckering, dense growth habit that produces trumpet-shaped yellow flowers over a long period through summer.
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Unlike non-native honeysuckles, this shrub is not regarded as invasive.
The slow-growing shrub also bears large flower heads in summer.
Even during the winter and spring, it is not without interest, due to its attractive peeling bark.
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All hydrangeas are toxic to humans and animals.
Red-Twig Dogwood
Red-twig dogwoodis valued for the color of its bark.
As a bonus, the ‘Elegantissima’cultivarsports bicolored leaves (green with white edges).
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Rose Bushes
Among the best deciduous shrubs are the various types ofrose bushes.
The fast-growingrosehas been a favorite for centuries.
Like lilac shrubs, rose flowers often combine good looks with a great smell.
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Blooms have a prominent stamen and often a dark-colored throat.
This flowering shrub only requires regular watering and feeding when it’s young.
As it matures, it becomes low-maintenance and it is drought and heat-tolerant.
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Azaleas are toxic to humans and pets.
It has arching stems and a rounded growth habit.
From late spring to midsummer, it produces cylindrical drooping flowers.
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In the fall, the leaves change into attractive shades of red, orange, and gold.
It is slow-growing but readily suckers and spreads to form large thickets.
Winterberry holly is toxic to humans and animals.
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Evergreen shrubs are excellent for year-round interest, especially if you areusing them as privacy screens.
But there are also deciduous shrubs that look fabulous during the winter, such as red twig dogwood.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Prunus glandulosa.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Laurel.ASPCA.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Hydrangea.
National Capital Poison Center.
North Carolina State University Extension.
