There are many shrubs like lilac, boxwood, spirea, holly, etc., that can be used for landscaping. One should make a choice depending on the soil and climatic conditions.
The purpose for which a particular shrub is going to be used holds greater importance. One should determine the position of the landscaping plant in the garden by taking into account shade/light requirement.
Landscaping shrubs need a soil that is well-drained, therefore, it is necessary to add compost to the soil before planting them. These plants require plenty of water for a healthy growth. Let us understand more about shrubs and bushes for landscaping through descriptions presented ahead.
Boxwood
The boxwood is one of the most common shrubs used for landscaping. It is commonly used as a hedge plant. The hardiness zones 5 to 9 as specified by USDA are suitable for growing boxwoods.
They flourish in shade, but grow well even in bright sunlight. The Buxus sempervirens is a commonly used dwarf variety of boxwood. They can be pruned into different shapes like the angular, rounded mounds, etc.
Lilac
The long branches of lilac are its characteristic feature. This plant also produces a pleasant scent. The lilac plant can be used for screening and also grown separately.
It grows well in hardiness zones from 3 to 7. This plant flowers in spring season and the overall growth takes place well in bright sunlight. The lilac has flowers with a pale lavender color. However, there are hybrid varieties with colors like red and white.
Spirea
This is another commonly used landscaping shrub which can be grown in hardiness zones of 3 to 8. Spirea yanhoultei is the most popular variety which produces white colored flowers. The plant can reach a height of 6-8 feet.
Leaves of this plant are green-blue colored during the summer season. In the autumn season, these leaves turn yellow. The change in color of leaves proves to be useful for the purpose of landscaping. This plant is generally used for entryways; it grows well in average soils and also with moderate watering. Full sunlight promotes the growth of this plant.
Holly
This landscaping shrub can be grown year-round and in a variety of hardiness zones. The different types of holly bushes are used as a hedge, foundation, and screening plants.
Holly grows well in both shade and sunlight. One would have to plant male and female plants of holly, since it is dioecious in nature.
Rhododendron
The Rhododendron catawbiense is a commonly used species of this plant.
Rhododendrons are characterized by shiny and leathery leaves that have a large size. Flowers of this shrub bloom in the spring/summer season and they possess a shape that resembles a trumpet.
Juniper
This landscaping shrub is a coniferous evergreen plant. It grows in a variety of climatic conditions in a variety of height/size ranges.
Color of the juniper shrubs range from light-green to blue-green. It is used both, as stand-alone and hedge plant. This plant is resistant to pests and drought. It is not very difficult to care for juniper plants.
List of Landscaping Shrubs
Here is a short list of shrubs used for landscaping. These are the shrubs not included in the earlier descriptions.
Butterfly Bush
Rosa Rugosa
Forsythia Bush
Dwarf Burning Bush
Red-Tip Photinia
Liriope
Black Chokeberry
Common Witch Hazel
Red Chokeberry
Compacta Burning Bush
Sweetshrub
Red Rum Honeysuckle
Red Leaf Japanese Barberry
Variegated Yucca
Winter Honeysuckle
With proper care and maintenance, it is possible to grow healthy shrubs and bushes for landscaping.