A hedge featuring various types of flowering shrubs in bloom.

Woody Shrubs

Would you like to add a beautiful splash of color and texture to your garden? Look no further than ornamental woody shrubs! These stunning plants are incredibly easy to care for, boasting vibrant flowers during the spring months and providing gorgeous foliage throughout the rest of the year. Use our guides down below to choose the right varieties for your home garden and learn how to plant and care for them.

How to Grow Flowering Quince for Early Spring Color

A close up horizontal image of bright red Chaenomeles flowers growing in the garden, pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Flowering quince is an easy-care shrub that produces vibrant flowers in late winter to early spring. Shades of pink, red, orange, and white adorn the thorny branches, signaling the end of winter, and some varieties even produce edible fruit. Learn how to plant and grow flowering quince in your garden. Read more now.

7 Common Reasons Why Forsythia Fails to Bloom

A close up horizontal image of the bright yellow blooms of spring-flowering forsythia pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Forsythia is a vigorous shrub that is best known for having bright yellow blossoms in early spring, when most plants are still dormant. But what happens when they fail to bloom? Learn about 7 of the most common reasons why your forsythia may not bloom, and what you can do about it in this guide. Read more now.

21 of the Best Japanese Holly Varieties to Grow at Home

A close up horizontal image of Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine.

Japanese hollies are easy-care, evergreen shrubs that come in an astounding array of shapes and sizes, with leaves that range from dark green and petite to large and yellow. Some varieties have columnar growth habits and others are low-growing shrubs. Learn about 21 of the best Japanese holly cultivars in this guide.

How to Manage Winter Damage in Evergreen Shrubs

A horizontal image of a garden filled with evergreens covered in a light dusting of frost.

Whether due to cold temperatures, excess snow pileup, or even misplaced sidewalk salt, an evergreen shrub can experience a plethora of wintertime injuries. In this guide, you’ll learn about the most common forms of winter damage, how to manage the injuries sustained, and how to prevent such problems in the first place.

13 Salt-Tolerant Evergreen Shrubs for the Sidewalk Strip

A horizontal image of a street and sidewalk with formal plantings of trees, lawn, and perennials.

If you need an attractive evergreen for that barren space between the sidewalk and the street, you need to find something that’s salt-tolerant, and able to withstand the effects of deicing roads in the winter. Learn about 13 of the best evergreen shrubs to plant next to the street in our roundup. Read more now.

21 of the Best Azalea Varieties for Your Garden

A close up horizontal image of colorful azalea shrubs growing in a garden border.

Bright and beautiful, azaleas add gorgeous colors in spring, summer, and fall. Tidy, low maintenance shrubs, they’re suitable for light shade to full sun and sparkle in borders, containers, foundations, flowering hedges, woodland edges, and more. Discover 21 of the best azaleas for your garden and yard in this guide.

19 of the Best Fragrant Flowers and Shrubs to Grow in the Garden

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Are you looking for scented flowers to grow in your garden or liven up your patio containers? Heady, intoxicating, sweet, fruity, and spicy, the scent of a flower is incomparable! In this guide, we roundup 19 of the best annuals, perennials, and shrubs that provide incomparable scent when they are in bloom. Read more now.

25 of the Best Early Spring Blooming Flowers

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Rejuvenate the bare gardens of winter with the fresh blossoms of spring. Discover 25 of the best early spring flowering bulbs, perennials, and shrubs. Boost your curb appeal and welcome visitors with bold, vivid colors that invigorate, or pastels that soothe. Say goodbye to winter and find your new favorites now.

How to Care for Cold-Damaged Forsythia

A close up horizontal image of forsythia branches in bloom covered in snow pictured on a soft focus background.

If your spring forsythia display isn’t up to par, it could be because the shrubs have suffered cold weather damage. Unusually low temperatures and frozen precipitation can wreak havoc on plant tissue. Read on to discover the warning signs and steps you can take to try to restore your forsythia to its former glory.

15 of the Best Shrubs for Hedges

A close up horizontal image of a hedge growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine.

From a curtain of arborvitae around the pool to a knee-high boxwood square around the rose garden, hedging is a landscape technique that adds beauty and function to any garden setting. Whether you want privacy screening, windbreaks, or decorative borders, learn about 15 of the best plants for hedges in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Forsythia Shrubs

A close up of the densely packed bright yellow blooms of the spring flowering forsythia, with blue sky and clouds in the background.

Forsythia is an early spring flowering woody shrub with bright yellow blossoms on gracefully arching branches. Let it take its own shape, or prune it as desired, for the perfect backdrop to colorful bulbs, or a perimeter hedge. Read on to find all you need to know to cultivate and maintain forsythia in your landscape.

How to Grow and Care for Persian Shield

A close up horizontal image of the foliage of Persian shield plants.

Are you looking for a vibrant new plant for the house or garden that’s a cut above the rest? Consider Persian shield, a unique tropical variety with amazing, iridescent purple leaves. Learn all about this exceptional tropical plant in this guide. Read more now.

13 of the Best Forsythia Varieties for Glorious Spring Color

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Forsythia is a deciduous shrub with bright yellow flowers that have become synonymous with spring. One of the earliest shrubs to bloom, it is sure to chase the winter blues away. Learn about 13 of the best forsythia varieties and choose your favorites, for sturdy plants that will reward with vivid color. Read more now.

35 Favorite Poinsettia Varieties for Your Home

A close up horizontal image of a selection of different poinsettia cultivars in all different colors growing in pots arranged in a nursery.

From red to pink to green to yellow, poinsettias are available in a wide array of vibrant hues and a dazzling choice of intriguing patterns. We’ve made a list of 35 of our favorite poinsettia varieties including those in traditional holiday colors, and others that offer unique alternatives. Read more now.

25 of the Best Rose of Sharon Varieties

A close up horizontal image of three and pink and red rose of Sharon flowers growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a perennial shrub that offers reliable summer and fall blooms in a wide range of sizes, colors, and forms. Many modern cultivars are sterile and easy to maintain, making them suitable for any landscape. Discover 25 of the best rose of Sharon varieties in this guide. Read more now.

How to Plant and Grow Juniper

A close up horizontal image of the foliage of a juniper shrub growing in the landscape.

Hardy, reliable, and surprisingly multi-purpose, juniper shrubs are garden staples for a reason. They can stand up to brutal environmental conditions like drought and heat while providing food, medicine, and alluring visual impact. Learn how to grow this outstanding plant in your garden in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Tropical Flowering Ixora Shrubs

A close up horizontal image of bright red ixora aka soka flowers growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Ixora is a genus of flowering shrubs native to tropical regions of Asia suited to Zones ranging from 9 to 12. There are numerous species and cultivated varieties with clusters of bold flowers in orange, pink, red, white, or yellow hues. Learn how to grow this ornamental shrub in your outdoor living space in this guide.

23 of the Best Variegated Shrubs for Your Landscape

A close up horizontal image of a shrub with green and white variegated leaves growing in the garden.

Shrubs are plants that work hard to fill mid-height positions in the landscape. However, when they are not blooming or sporting autumn hues, they often fade into the background. Not so with variegated types. Read on to discover 23 of the best variegated shrubs that make a bold statement throughout the growing season.

21 of the Best Cotoneaster Varieties for Your Landscape

A close up horizontal image of red cotoneaster growing next to a path as ground cover.

Cotoneaster is a multi-season plant loved for its vivid fall colors, bright red winter berries, and wonderful versatility in the landscape. From ground covers to hedges to slope stabilizers and even bonsai, there’s a species suitable for most locations. Learn about 21 of the best cotoneaster varieties in this guide.

23 of the Best Lilac Varieties for Your Landscape

A close up horizontal image of purple lilac flowers growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine on a soft focus background.

If you love lilacs you may not know that there are a number of different types, in shades of pink, purple, and white. Some boast delicate blossoms while others dazzle with double petaled blooms. There are majestic tree types and compact shrubs suitable for container growing. Discover 23 of the best lilac varieties now.

How to Grow Toyon (California Holly)

A close up horizontal image of a cluster of bright red berries of California holly (Heteromeles arbutifolia) pictured on a soft focus background.

Intrinsic cultural and habitat value shape the history of the California toyon plant. Small, white, rose-like flowers in summer lead to vibrant red berries in winter, providing abundant nectar and forage for pollinators and birds. Fire resistant and drought tolerant, this plant is a chaparral and oak woodland staple.

How to Grow and Care for Burning Bush

A close up horizontal image of the bright red foliage of the burning bush aka Euonymus alatus in fall.

Burning bushes are deciduous shrubs that light up autumn landscapes with their scarlet foliage. However, in some states, non-native species have been declared invasive. Read on to learn how to grow burning bushes, and get a recommendation for a beautiful native variety to cultivate where non-native species are banned.

How to Grow and Care for Russian Olives

A close up horizontal image of a large Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) shrub growing in the landscape.

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a striking, fast-growing shrub or small tree with silvery foliage, fragrant spring flowers, and sweet, olive-like fruit. Though beautiful and drought-tolerant, it’s considered invasive in many regions as it spreads aggressively. Learn how to grow Russian olive in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Japanese Skimmia

A close up horizontal image of clusters of bright purple buds of a skimmia shrub growing in the garden.

Japanese skimmia is a compact shrub that thrives in partial shade, offering year-round interest with evergreen foliage, fragrant white spring flowers, and vibrant red berries. Ideal for borders, containers, or woodland gardens, it adds bold texture and color to the landscape. Learn how to grow skimmia in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Sweet Almond Bush

A close up horizontal image of the flowers and foliage of a sweet almond bush (Aloysia virgata) growing in the landscape.

Sweet almond bush is suited to cultivation in Zones 8 to 11 and prefers full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. The terminal ends of the slender arching branches display spiky clusters of fragrant white blossoms from summer to fall. Learn how to grow these ornamental shrubs in your outdoor living space in this guide.

How to Plant and Grow Sweet Myrtle

A close up horizontal image of sweet myrtle flowers with bright white petals and fuzzy interiors pictured on a dark background.

Sweet myrtle (Myrtus communis) offers fragrant foliage, airy white blooms, and edible berries, flowers, and leaves. It’s drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and perfect for borders, containers, or hedges where its year-round appeal can be appreciated. Learn how to grow and care for sweet myrtle in this guide. Read more.

How to Grow and Care for Mickey Mouse Plants

A close up horizontal image of the red flower and green and black fruits of a Mickey Mouse plant growing in the garden.

The Mickey Mouse plant is a South African native for Zones 9 to 11. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and average soil. The shiny black berries and bold red petal-like sepals resemble the famous cartoon character’s outfit. Learn how to grow this semi-evergreen ornamental shrub in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Texas Sage (Barometer Bush)

A close up horizontal image of the purple flowers and silvery foliage of Texas sage, aka Leucophyllum frutescens.

Texas sage (Leucophyllum) is a tough evergreen shrub with silvery-green foliage and purple flowers that bloom in response to barometric changes. Native to the arid southwest, this species thrives in full sun and sandy, well-draining soil, and is ideal for xeriscaping. Learn how to grow Texas sage in this guide. Read more.

How to Grow Hardy Summersweet (Sweet Pepperbush)

A close up horizontal image of a coastal pepperbush aka hardy summersweet shrub in full bloom in the garden.

Native to eastern North America, hardy summersweet is a wonderful choice for a wildlife or rain garden. Producing thousands of tiny, sweetly fragrant white flowers in late summer, this low-maintenance beauty is tolerant of a variety of soils and garden conditions. Learn how to grow pepperbush in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Carolina Allspice (Sweetshrub)

A close up horizontal image of a single maroon Calycanthus floridus flower aka Carolina allspice or sweetshrub, pictured on a green soft focus background.

Carolina allspice is a native flowering shrub for Zones 4 to 9 that prefers full sun and fertile loam but tolerates partial shade and clay. This easy-care shrub is water-wise once established and resistant to pests and pathogens. Learn how to grow and care for sweetshrub in your outdoor living space in this guide.

15 of the Best Dwarf Lilacs for Your Landscape

A close up horizontal image of a dwarf lilac shrub growing in the garden.

With beautiful, scented flowers in rich colors, lilacs are a treat in the spring garden, but their size can make them unsuitable for smaller spaces. But you can find dwarf varieties that give you all the grace of standard lilacs but in a more compact form. Learn about 15 of the best dwarf lilac varieties in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Japanese Andromeda (Pieris)

A close up horizontal image of the bright red new growth of a large Japanese andromeda (Pieris japonica) growing in the garden.

For unparalleled year-round interest, consider Pieris japonica. These shrubs provide fragrant panicles of pretty flowers, outstandingly showy new foliage in vibrant colors, glossy evergreen foliage, and clusters of pearly flower buds that stay all winter. Learn how to grow Japanese andromeda in this guide. Read more now.

How and When to Prune Boxwood Shrubs

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Proper pruning is essential for a beautiful-looking boxwood shrub, and helps to keep it free of diseases. In our guide, you’ll learn about the necessary pruning tools along with the why, when, and how of pruning. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped with the necessary know-how and ready to prune a boxwood yourself.

Creeping Thyme: Plant and Grow this Aromatic Ground Cover

A close up horizontal image of purple flowering creeping thyme (Thymus praecox) growing over a rockery.

With its dense, mat-like form, creeping thyme makes for a beautiful and aromatic living mulch between stepping stones. Come summertime, lilac flower clusters attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Drought tolerant, low maintenance, and edible, this plant is sure to put a smile on your face in any season.

7 Tips for Growing Formal and Informal Forsythia Hedges

A close up of a hedge with bright yellow flowers, pictured in the sunshine on a soft focus background.

Forsythia is an ornamental shrub best known for having bright yellow flowers in early spring. Its serrated leaves are green in summer, turning bronze in fall. Grow it as an informal hedge with natural contours, or manicure it with regular pruning, for a more formal shape. Read our 7 top tips to grow forsythia as a hedge.

How to Grow Azaleas in Pots and Containers

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If you love the bright, elegant flowers of azaleas but don’t have room in your garden, why not try growing them in containers instead? You can also liven up your porch, deck, or patio with the luxurious bursts of color. Learn how to grow azaleas in pots and discover our top container-friendly cultivars in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Weeping Forsythia Shrubs

A close up horizontal image of two large weeping forsythia (F. suspensa) shrubs in full bloom growing by a pathway with trees in soft focus in the background.

Weeping forsythia is a late winter to early spring sensation with its gracefully arching branches covered in little yellow flowers. It’s easy to grow in full sun and well-draining soil in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. Read on for pro tips to guide you in cultivating healthy, show-stopping shrubs in your landscape.

7 Reasons Why Your Hydrangea May Not Bloom

Hydrangea with purple, pink, and light blue blooms.

Is there anything more disappointing than when it’s well into summer and your hydrangeas still aren’t blooming? In this guide, we’ll help you figure out what on earth went wrong, whether it’s a pruning issue or you have a light problem, and what you can do to fix it so you can enjoy those magnificent blossoms again.

5 Ways to Propagate Your Own Forsythia

A close up horizontal image of a forsythia hedge in full bloom in the spring garden, pictured on a soft focus background.

Forsythia is a deciduous shrub for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8, best known for its yellow blossoms and for being one of the earliest spring bloomers. These grow best in locations with full sun and well-draining soil. Read on to learn how to propagate more from the ones you have, and fill your yard with springtime cheer.

How to Plant and Grow Feverfew: A Medicinal and Visual Delight

A close up horizontal image of Tanacetum parthenium flowers growing in the garden.

Widely considered by herbalists to be a natural remedy for headaches, feverfew also happens to be an attractive landscaping plant. With white and yellow daisy-like flowers atop green feathery stems, this colorful herb is a fantastic addition to the garden. Learn how to plant and grow feverfew in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Bay Laurel Trees from Seed

A close up of a bay leaf tree with bright green leaves and fruit developing, with water droplets covering the foliage, pictured on a soft focus background.

Looking to grow bay laurel from seed? This guide will help you through the process of harvesting the seeds, encouraging them to germinate, and transplanting seedlings to the garden. We’ll also help you figure out what went wrong if you run into trouble. All you need is a little patience and this article to get started.

Tips for Growing Dwarf Cornel (Bunchberry)

A close up horizontal image of the flowers and foliage of dwarf cornel aka bunchberry (Cornus suecica) growing in a shady spot.

Did you know there are teeny tiny, low-growing dogwoods? Dwarf cornel aka bunchberry (Cornus suecica) have similar spectacular flowers and foliage as their larger cousins but in a petite, ground covering plant. Ideal for filling spaces under trees and shady spots. Learn how to grow dwarf cornel in this guide. Read more.

How to Grow Fire Ball Seedless Burning Bush, a Sterile Cultivar

A close up horizontal image of a Euonymus alatus Fire Ball Seedless burning bush growing in the landscape surrounded by some bark mulch.

Burning bushes (Euonymus alatus) are appreciated for their bright, vibrant fall color. But thanks to their tiny seeds, the shrubs can pop up where they aren’t wanted, earning them the status of invasive in some areas. There’s now a sterile option available, Fire Ball Seedless. Learn more about this cultivar now. Read more.

How to Grow and Care for Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus)

A horizontal image of a curl leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus) growing wild, pictured on a sunny day with a blue sky background.

Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus spp.) is a water-wise shrub or tree native to semi-deserts and arid shrublands in the western US. These drought-tolerant plants need very little care once established, and provide evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and rugged good looks. Learn how to grow mountain mahogany in this guide.

11 Ways to Use Elderflowers for Food and Medicine

Harvested elderflowers in a wooden bowl and a wooden mortar and pestle.

Did you know that like the berries, elderflowers are both edible and medicinal? These tiny aromatic blossoms have a myriad of interesting uses. Head to Gardener’s Path for harvesting tips, as well as suggestions on ways to prepare and use elderflowers. Read more now.

21 of the Best Native Vines for Your Landscape

A horizontal close up of Virginia creeper vine growing on a wall with autumnal colored leaves.

Transform your garden with native vines that support local wildlife. From the butterfly-attracting crossvine to the fragrant American wisteria, these 21 indigenous climbers add vertical interest and natural charm to any landscape. Find the perfect vine for your region, with options for every growing zone and garden style.

How to Grow and Care for Poinsettia Plants

A close up horizontal image of wooden shelves with a number of pots containing Euphorbia pulcherrima plants, the front ones with red bracts and the ones in the back with white bracts.

When a bright poinsettia arrives in your home for the winter months, it’s time to celebrate! Not sure how to keep your plant happy? Whether you enjoy it just through the holidays, or you want to keep it as one of your cherished houseplants, your poinsettia needs proper care – and a little understanding. Read more now.

How to Winterize Lilac Shrubs

A horizontal close up of a light purple lilac shrub in bloom with bright green leaves under the blooms.

Lilacs are some of the best perennial flowering shrubs for cold regions, and easily handle freezing temperatures. But a bit of preparation ahead of winter can help to prevent damage such as heaving roots, limb breakage, or bud kill from a late freeze. Learn how to winterize lilac shrubs in this guide. Read more now.

21 of the Best Cold-Hardy Shrubs for Winter Interest

A horizontal image of a colorful winter landscape with a variety of trees and shrubs.

Do you need some relief from the short, dark days of winter? Many woody shrubs provide colorful cold weather displays, including attractive bark, berries, colorful foliage, unique shapes, and perfumed flowers. Learn about 21 of the best cold-hardy shrubs for winter interest in this guide. Read more now.

How to Prepare Azaleas for Winter

A horizontal shot of azaleas growing along a fence covered in full bright pink blooms.

Winter can be a challenging time for many plant species, including azaleas. Drying winds, repeated freezing and thawing, or extreme changes in temperature can cause significant damage or even kill your shrubs. Learn how to prepare your azaleas for winter to protect them from the cold weather in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Pittosporum

A close up horizontal image of the small yellowish white flowers of Japanese pittosporum 'Nanum' growing in the garden pictured in light sunshine.

Pittosporum species are flowering evergreen shrubs or small trees for USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11, requiring full sun to partial shade and average, well-draining soil. Select from dwarf or full-size shrubs with green or variegated foliage. Learn how to grow and care for Pittosporum species in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for New Jersey Tea

A close up horizontal image of the pinkish flowers of a Ceanothus americanus shrub in full bloom.

Covered in fragrant flowers in spring to early summer, New Jersey tea is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives in dry, rocky locations where many species struggle. This North American native is a pollinator favorite, attracting bees, beetles, and butterflies to the garden. Learn how to grow New Jersey tea in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Pussy Willow

A horizontal photo of a pussy willow blossoms against a bright blue sky background.

Found growing wild in ditches, marshes, and river banks across North America and Eurasia, pussy willow is a lover of muddy, wet spots. Renowned for their pale, silky flowers which emerge as the winter retreats, the blossoms are a sure sign of spring’s arrival. Learn how to grow pussy willow in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Weigela Shrubs

A horizontal close up photo of pale pink flowers on a weigela shrub.

Weigela is a woody shrub for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8 with masses of trumpet-like pink, purple, red, white, or yellow blossoms in late spring to early summer. It prefers moderately moist, well-draining soil, and full sun but tolerates partial shade. Learn how to plant and grow weigela in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Ceanothus (California Lilac)

A close up horizontal image of the blue flowers of a Ceanothus California lilac growing in the garden.

Ceanothus aka California lilac plants are suited to cultivation in Zones 4 to 11. They thrive on neglect and produce heaps of blue, purple, violet, or white blossoms anytime from late winter to early summer, depending on the species. Learn how to plant and grow these delightful shrubs in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Fothergilla

A close up horizontal image of fothergilla in full bloom in the garden.

Fothergilla is a relative of witch hazel that enjoys full sun to partial shade and moist, organically rich soil. Suited to cultivation in Zones 4 to 8, these shrubs have fragrant, white, ribbon-like flowers in the spring and brilliant fall foliage. Learn how to plant and grow fothergilla in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Sea Buckthorn

A close up horizontal image of sea buckthorn foliage and berries growing in the garden.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is an easy-to-grow thorny shrub with willow-like foliage and nutritious sweet-tart berries. Cold-hardy and able to fix nitrogen in the soil, this versatile shrub is perfect for the home garden or acreage. Learn how to grow and care for sea buckthorn in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Holly

A close up horizontal image of the glossy green foliage and bright red berries of common or Christmas holly (Ilex aquifolium) growing in the garden.

Hollies make up a beautiful group of plants in the Ilex genus, from winterberries to the classic holly. Most species are evergreen, though some are deciduous, and they all have eye-catching berries and attractive foliage, providing year-round interest. Learn how to plant and grow holly in this guide. Read more now.

Are Spirea Shrubs Evergreen?

A horizontal close up of white flowered spirea branches on a bright spring morning.

Different species of flowering spirea are perennial in USDA Zones 4 to 8, but none of them are evergreen. Instead, these pollinator-friendly shrubs bloom profusely in spring or summer, sport vibrant, multicolor foliage in fall, and are dormant in winter. Will they work in your landscape? Our guide will help you decide.

How to Grow and Care for Bridalwreath Spirea

A close up horizontal image of bridalwreath spirea in full bloom pictured on a soft focus background.

Early flowering bridalwreath is a highly showy shrub with elegant, arching canes and masses of attractive, tiny white flowers in the spring garden.. Low maintenance and cold hardy, many varieties also provide vivid fall colors. Learn how to grow and care for bridalwreath spirea in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Magic Carpet Spirea

A close up horizontal image of the bright pink flowers of Magic Carpet spirea pictured on a soft focus background.

Magic Carpet spiraea is a beautiful, compact, and low-maintenance ornamental flowering shrub. This early bloomer welcomes us in spring with cheerful pink flowers and vibrant foliage. Its small stature is ideal for borders, rock gardens, and foundation plantings. Learn how to add it to your landscape in this guide.

How to Prune Upright Junipers

A horizontal photo of a narrow, columnar juniper shrub growing in front of a tan building. The shrub is in a bark mulched flowerbed surrounded by yellow daffodils.

Pruning an upright juniper is about supporting the plant’s natural shape. It’s not about trying to turn a squat shrub into a tall tree, but gently highlighting what’s already there. You’ll need a few tools, the right technique, and an idea of when to start cutting. Learn how to prune an upright juniper in this guide.

Tips for Growing Japanese Yews

A horizontal image of a Japanese yew bursting with light green and dark green needles outdoors.

If you’re searching for stunning evergreen shrubs that can look great throughout the landscape, try Japanese yews! With beautiful green needles and an easily-shapeable form, Taxus cuspidata is very easy to care for. Propagation, cultivation, maintenance, health care and more are all covered in our guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Japanese Spirea

A close up horizontal image of the bright pink flowers of Japanese spirea (Spiraea japonica) with foliage in soft focus in the background.

Searching for a beautiful, yet low maintenance flowering shrub for your ornamental garden? With eye-catching foliage, and flowers in vibrant colors that pop, Japanese spirea shrubs will not disappoint. Learn how to plant, grow, care for, and choose the best cultivar for your garden in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Hicks Yews

A close up horizontal image of a large mature Hicks yew growing outside an imposing stone residence.

Is your garden missing an anchor to keep everything grounded? Look no further. Dependable, low-maintenance, and multipurpose ‘Hicksii,’ aka Hicks yew is your new best friend. Grow it in a variety of conditions and prune it to suit your needs. Learn about this resilient, evergreen beauty in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Birchleaf Spirea Shrubs

A top down close up of a clump of white birchleaf spirea flowers.

An exceptionally hardy ornamental shrub even in northern climates, birchleaf spirea offers three-season interest. Its spring blooms, summer greenery, and multihued autumn foliage are ideal for borders, mass plantings, and erosion control. Learn how to grow and care for this pollinator-friendly spirea species now.

How to Grow and Care for Winterhazel

A horizontal picture of a Corylopsis aka winterhazel blooming with yellow flowers outdoors.

Beautiful, hardy, and easy to care for, winterhazel shrubs will add beautiful yellow blooms to an otherwise dormant winter landscape. This guide walks you through how to propagate, cultivate, and maintain species of Corylopsis shrubs, as well as where to place them in your landscape for maximum aesthetics. Read more.

How to Grow and Care for Oregon Grape Holly

A close up horizontal image of the bright red foliage and deep purple berries of Oregon grape holly (Mahonia) pictured on a soft focus background.

With gorgeous fall color, eye-catching berries, and bright yellow flowers, Oregon grapes are fantastic for landscaping. These shrubs come in various shapes and sizes, and can serve multiple purposes in your yard – plus their fruits are edible. Keep reading to learn more about growing and caring for Oregon grape.

How to Grow and Care for Smooth Hydrangea Bushes

A close up horizontal image of the white flowers of Hydrangea arborescens growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

With snow-white pom-pom inflorescence and exfoliating, textured bark, wild hydrangeas are sure to wow any garden aficionado. Hydrangea arborescens attracts pollinators, stabilizes slopes, and is a natural border plant with showy blooms that make for an elegant cut flower. Learn how to grow wild hydrangeas now.

How to Grow and Care for Cotoneaster Shrubs

Image of the glossy green foliage and bright red berries of perennial cotoneaster shrubs growing in the garden.

Cotoneaster is a showy, hardworking shrub that provides multi-season interest with deep green foliage and pretty flowers, followed by bright berries and fantastic fall colors. Attractive as groundcovers and hedges, in containers and rockeries, or against fences and walls. Learn how to grow cotoneaster in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Bay Laurel Trees

A close up horizontal image of bay laurel foliage pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Bay laurel is a beautiful and easy-care perennial evergreen that’s a popular ornamental for containers, hedges, privacy screens, and topiary specimens. Plus, the aromatic leaves are a must-have as a kitchen seasoning and for herb blends. Find all the details on how to grow and care for bay laurel right here. Read more.

How to Shape Your Hydrangea into a Tree

A horizontal image of a hydrangea that has been shaped into a tree form.

Sure, you can buy a tree form hydrangea plant at a nursery, but this is often a pricey option. Why not create your own? All you need is a little patience, since it can take a few years to get results, plus some know-how, which we’ll provide in this guide, and a pair of pruning shears to clip your plant into shape.

How to Propagate American Beautyberries

Close up of branches of American beautyberry with ripe berries in early fall.

Now on Gardener’s Path, learn how to propagate the lovely native American shrub beautyberry. You’ll want as multitutes of these graceful plants with their large, light-green leaves, arching branches, and eye-catching purple berries, and it’s easy to get more plants from seeds or softwood cuttings. Find out more now.

How to Propagate Hydrangeas from Cuttings

A close up horizontal image of glorious hydrangea flowers in blue, red, pink, and purple growing in the summer garden surrounded by deep green foliage.

Hydrangeas are perennial flowering shrubs that make a bold statement in the summer garden. If you can’t get enough of these beauties why not try propagating them yourself, instead of buying expensive potted shrubs? Learn how easy it is to propagate hydrangea cuttings in this step-by-step guide. Read more now.

How to Grow Mellow Yellow ‘Ogon’ Spirea: a Shrub for All Seasons

Morning light shining on blooming branches of Mellow Yellow ‘Ogon’ Spirea.

Ogon spirea is a mounding woody shrub that’s easy to grow in sunny locations in zones 4 to 8. Tiny white blossoms in early spring and colorful foliage in fall make it a striking focal point in hedges, mixed borders, or as a stand-alone specimen. Learn how to grow this attractive landscape plant now on Gardener’s Path.

How to Grow Hydrangea Flowers in Containers

A close up horizontal image of a dark gray planter with bright blue and pink flowers pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

If you love the big, colorful blossoms of hydrangeas but don’t have room in your garden, why not try growing them in containers instead? You can even bring the luxurious bursts of color to your porch, patio, or deck. Learn how to grow hydrangeas in pots in this guide, plus we’ll share our top container-friendly cultivars.

How to Grow and Care for Barberry Bushes

A close up horizontal image of different colored barberry shrubs growing in the garden. The one on the left has burgundy foliage and on the right, light green.

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.

How to Grow and Care for Russian Sage

A close up horizontal image of the lavender colored flowers of Russian sage (Salvia yangii) growing in the 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.

How to Grow and Care for Oakleaf Hydrangea

A close up horizontal image of a white oakleaf hydrangea flower growing in the garden.

For a tough and uniquely gorgeous plant, look no further than the oakleaf hydrangea. With beautiful oak-shaped leaves and conical blooms, Hydrangea quercifolia is a low-maintenance shrub that can tolerate full sun, full shade, and anything in between. In our guide, you’ll learn how to grow oakleaf hydrangeas at home.

Growing Heliotropes: Fragrant Vintage Charmers

A close up of a Heliotropium arborescens growing in the garden, with clusters of purple flowers, pictured in the sunshine on a soft focus background.

Would you like to grow a plant whose scent was a source of perfume for Victorian ladies? Whose purple clusters have graced gardens from Peru to Europe? The heliotrope is a showy garden flower that may also be cultivated indoors as a miniature potted tree. Learn all about it here on Gardener’s Path.

How to Grow and Care for Chaste Trees

A close up horizontal image of the light purple flowers of a chaste (Vitex agnus-castus) tree growing outside a residence.

For a drought-resistant, pollinator-attracting, and overall gorgeous plant that can rock both a shrub and tree shape, check out the chaste tree. We’ve whipped up a guide on Vitex agnus-castus that will teach a hopeful chaste tree grower everything they need to know, from propagation to cultivation to plant health care.

How to Grow and Care for Boxwood Shrubs

Close up of the leaves of a boxwood Buxus Sempervirens shrub.

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.

How to Grow and Care for Cherry Laurel Shrubs

A horizontal image of a blooming cherry laurel shrub growing outdoors.

If you’re looking for a tough evergreen shrub that can handle wind, salt spray, and a wide range of sunlight exposures, consider growing a cherry laurel! Prunus laurocerasus is gorgeous, attractive to wildlife, and very easy to care for. Check out our guide now to learn how to cultivate these fantastic shrubs.

How to Grow and Care for Salvia Flowers

Red salvia flowers with green teardrop-shaped leaves.

Looking for a durable plant that isn’t very thirsty or hungry and thrives in almost any soil? Try growing salvia. With many different varieties available, whether tall, short, annual, or perennial, you’ll get a tough plant softened by beautiful and profuse blooms in white, pink, red, coral, purple, blue, or yellow.

How to Grow and Care for Snowberry Bush

A close up horizontal image of white snowberries (Symphoricarpos albus) growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

With its bright white berries, snowberry bush will bring an element of fall and winter interest to your landscaping. And during spring and summer, this medium-sized shrub provides a showing of attractive bluish-green foliage and pinkish-white flowers. Learn how to grow and propagate snowberry bush now in our guide.

How to Grow and Care for Buttonbush

A close up horizontal image of a butterfly feeding from buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) flowers pictured on a soft focus background.

A buttonbush shrub blooms with beautifully spherical flowers and fruits, tolerates wet soil conditions, attracts a ton of wildlife, and can even control erosion. This guide will teach a buttonbush grower everything they need to know, including propagation protocols, cultivation tips, and maintenance requirements.

How to Identify and Treat 7 Common Lilac Diseases

A close up horizontal image of a deep purple lilac flower growing in the garden, with foliage in the background.

Lilacs are a garden favorite. The flowers smell lovely, and the plants are known for being tough and low-maintenance. But they aren’t totally immune to issues. When lilac diseases strike, they can spell disaster for your plants. Learn how to identify and address the seven most common lilac diseases in this guide.

How to Grow and Care for Spirea Bushes

Small clustered pink blooms of spirea flowers.

Woody shrubs give great structure to the garden, and ones that provide flowers as well as fall color are invaluable for multi-season interest. Spirea gives pretty spring flowers and bright green foliage that turns into vibrant fall color, and it’s fast and easy to grow! Get the full details here on Gardeners Path.

How to Grow and Care for Shrimp Plants

A close up horizontal image of a shrimp plant (Justicia brandegeana) growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

For an evergreen and everblooming tropical shrub with stunning white flowers and bracts that resemble shrimp, the shrimp plant is the obvious choice. With a plethora of planting options, this beautiful specimen is easy to grow. After reading our guide on how to cultivate it, doing so will be even easier!

How to Grow and Care for Mexican Honeysuckle

A close up horizontal image of the bright red flowers of a Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

If you garden in a warm climate, you’ll find Mexican honeysuckle is quite easy to cultivate and maintain. The vibrant orange-red flowered shrub has been used traditionally in herbalism and natural dyeing for generations in Mexico. Grow your own to experience all the benefits this pollinator-friendly plant has to offer.

Learn Three Ways to Propagate Spirea Bushes

A big, white-flowered spirea bush growing in a backyard setting.

Spirea is a flowering shrub that gives three season of reliable color to the garden. A low-maintenance plant that’s easy to grow, propagation is simple as well. Join us now for a look at the three easiest ways to multiply these landscape stalwarts, right here on Gardeners Path.

When and How to Prune Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo)

A close up horizontal image of the branches and foliage of a heavenly bamboo shrub growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

When they’re pruned the right way, heavenly bamboo shrubs can look absolutely fantastic in the landscape. In this guide to properly pruning Nandina domestica, you’ll learn why, when, and how to prune, and what you’ll need to get the job done. Read more now and you’ll be on your way to pruning mastery.

How to Grow and Care for Chinese Fringe Flower Shrubs

A close up horizontal image of bright pink Chinese fringe flowers (Loropetalum chinense) growing in front of a wooden fence.

Highly ornamental as a container plant, ground cover, hedge, screen, or specimen, low-care Chinese fringe flower features spidery pink flowers in early spring with beautiful burgundy/plum foliage all year long. A striking addition to mild-winter gardens, learn how to grow and care for Chinese fringe flower right here.

25 of the Best Hydrangea Varieties for Home Landscaping

Close up of clusters of blue hydrangea blossoms.

Hydrangeas are available in an exciting palette of colors. Some vary by soil acidity, and others change color as they mature. Whether you have patio pots or estate acreage, you can enjoy their cottage charm in your outdoor living space. From dwarf to tree-sized, here are our 25 favorite varieties. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Lilac Bushes

A close up horizontal image of deep pink lilacs growing in the garden pictured on a blue sky background.

With gorgeous purple flowers and a sweet perfume, lilacs are a classic in the spring garden and easily cultivated throughout the landscape. New cultivars make it possible to enjoy these beautiful woody shrubs even in areas with mild winters! Read our guide now for all the details on how to grow lilacs.

How to Grow and Care for Texas Mountain Laurel

A close up of a Texas mountain laurel shrub with purple flowers and developing seed pods in light sunshine, fading to soft focus in the background.

Perfume your garden, and your neighbors’ gardens, with the glorious scent of Texas mountain laurel. Come springtime, this evergreen shrub displays numerous spectacular clusters of aromatic purple flowers. The lovely plant is drought tolerant, deer resistant, and easy to grow. Get expert tips and advice now.

Azalea Bloom Times and Flowering Groups

A close up horizontal image of a variety of different colored azalea flowers growing in the garden.

Azaleas are a mainstay of the spring garden, but the show doesn’t have to end just because the season does. With several summer and fall flowering specimens, you can enjoy their gorgeous floral display right until frosty temperatures arrive. Read all about azalea bloom times and flowering groups for months of flowers.

How to Grow and Care for Japanese Tree Lilacs

A close up horizontal image of the flowers of a Japanese tree lilac.

If you love lilac shrubs but haven’t tried growing a lilac tree before, now’s the time to plant a Japanese tree lilac in your yard. These lovely trees grow tall and produce cream-white flowers every spring. In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow and care for these elegant specimens. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Camellia Flowers

A close up horizontal image of pink flowers growing in the garden surrounded by foliage.

Camellia has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years for uses ranging from privacy hedges and winter beauty to oil and tea. These plants can thrive for more than one hundred years with proper care in shrub, hedge, or tree form, bringing beauty to your garden when other plants are dormant, year after year. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for Oleander Shrubs

A close up horizontal image of bright pink Nerium oleander flowers pictured growing in the garden on a soft focus background.

Evergreen oleander shrubs add tropical flair to the garden, blooming for months in vibrant shades of pink and red or delicate white. These low maintenance beauties thrive in poor soil, drought, high heat, and salt air and are suitable for cultivation in Zones 8-10. Learn how to plant and grow oleander in this guide.