Landscaping Shrubs

There are many shrubs which can be used for the purpose of 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 given (landscaping) plant in the garden by taking into account shade/light requirement. Landscaping shrubs need a soil that is well-drained. It is necessary to add compost to the soil before planting these shrubs. These plants require plenty of water for a healthy growth. Let us understand more about shrubs and bushes for landscaping through descriptions presented below.

Landscaping Shrubs and Bushes

The names of important shrubs which are used for landscaping are presented in following paragraphs. These plants are commonly used for the purpose of landscaping.

Boxwood: The boxwood is amongst common shrubs used for landscaping. It is commonly used as a hedge plant. The hardiness zones 5-9 as specified by USDA are suitable for growing boxwoods. The boxwood shrubs flourish in shade however, can also grow in bright sunlight. The Buxus sempervirens is a commonly used dwarf variety of boxwood. The boxwood 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 3-8. 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 holly is also quite versatile; the different types of holly bushes are used as a hedge, foundation and screening plants. It grows well in both shade and sunlight. One would have to plant male and female plants of holly. since it is dioecious in nature. The prickled leaves provides protection; berries produced by the holly plants should help feed birds. The holly is therefore, one of the shrubs used for landscaping for privacy.

Rhododendron: The Rhododendron catawbiense is a commonly used species of this plant. The rhododendrons are characterized by shiny and leathery leaves that have a large size. Flowers of rhododendron which bloom in the spring/summer season possess a shape that resembles a trumpet.

Juniper: This landscaping shrub is basically 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. The juniper 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 above descriptions.

Shrubs for Landscaping

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

The information discussed in this article describes different shrubs used for landscaping used in gardening. With proper care and maintenance, it is possible to grow healthy shrubs and bushes for landscaping.