Rebekah Pierce 
Found in most temperate and subtropical regions of the world, barberry bushes are robust evergreen or deciduous shrubs with bright green, red, orange, or burgundy foliage. Versatile and easy to grow, these shrubs are ideal as foundation plantings or standalone specimens. Learn how to plant and grow barberry in your garden.
Russian sage, a member of the mint family, has attractive purple-blue flowers and green-gray foliage. It looks much like lavender but has a beauty all its own, adding unique appeal to the ornamental landscape. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, Salvia yangii thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Read more now.
Boxwood shrubs are classics in the garden, first planted in the United States in the 1600s. They’re also easy to care for and add visual appeal to any landscaping design. Many boxwood shrubs are also disease-resistant, making them the perfect choice for gardeners interested in low-maintenance landscaping. Read more.
Baneberry offers beauty and elegance to a variety of landscapes in Zones 3 through 8. This low-maintenance ornamental can be used as a foundation planting, in a woodland border, or planted as an individual focal piece. Learn how to grow and care for your own perennial baneberry shrubs in this guide. Read more now.
Ornamental fountain grass is hardy in Zones 4-10. A low-maintenance option with year-round appeal in some areas, Pennisetum plants have finely textured blades and an elegant, mounding form. Their tapering foliage and flower plumes add all-season interest, the perfect easy-care addition to your home landscape. Read more.
Cleveland sage, often referred to as blue or fragrant sage, starts blooming just as spring transitions to summer. Growing well in Zones 9-11, this short-lived perennial thrives in full sun and requires little beyond some fertile, well-draining soil.. Learn how to plant and grow Cleveland sage in this guide. Read more now.
Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa) is a low maintenance flowering shrub that produces edible berries in the fall. Its fragrant white blooms surrounded by deep purple bracts are a striking addition to the garden. Learn how to plant and grow Himalayan honeysuckle in this guide. Read more now.
Italian cucuzza is a summer squash in the botanical family of Lagenaria. This edible plant is technically a gourd that is related to the calabash and other culinary squashes and gourds. A vigorous plant, its fruits grow rapidly. Eaten just like summer squash, it tastes delicious fresh off the grill. Read more now.
Astilbes provide a range of color options for the shade garden, and they look lovely when planted in tight groups. They offer a range of sizes and bloom times, appearing any time from late spring to late summer and provide reliable interest and appeal to your landscape. Discover 15 favorite astilbe varieties in our guide.
Red tip photinia is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with vibrant red and dark green foliage. Tough and vigorous, these ornamentals are easy to grow, and provide year round interest and functionality in the landscape as a hedge or privacy screen. Learn how to plant and grow red tip photinia in this guide. Read more now.