Complete Gardening
Discover the perfect shrubs for planting at different times of the year. Explore the benefits of selecting the right shrub for early summer versus fall planting, ensuring your garden thrives with vibrant blooms and lush greenery all year round.
1. Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)
Bigleaf Hydrangea, with its iconic, voluminous blossoms, transforms any garden into a picturesque haven. Best planted just after blooming, it allows roots to settle before next year’s flower buds emerge.
This timing ensures vibrant, full blooms each season. Originating from Japan, Hydrangeas have a storied history in both Eastern and Western gardens.
Whether adding a touch of romance to your garden path or creating a vivid border, the Hydrangea’s adaptability and charm make it a cherished choice. Its ability to shift colors based on soil acidity adds a magical touch to gardening.
2. Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
Rose of Sharon, with its exotic, tropical-like blooms, is a stunner in any summer garden. Thriving in warm soils, this shrub quickly rebounds when transplanted in early summer.
Did you know? It belongs to the mallow family, sharing lineage with both hibiscus and cotton! Its long blooming period ensures your garden stays colorful well into fall.
With minimal care, Rose of Sharon offers a burst of color and a hint of the tropics. Its ability to adapt to different environments makes it a versatile choice for gardeners everywhere.
3. Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea)
Japanese Spirea, a stalwart in the garden, dazzles with its constant summer blooms. Known for being tough and drought-tolerant once established, it’s a prime choice for early summer planting.
This shrub compensates any mild planting stress with a profusion of flowers. Originating from Japan, its resilience speaks volumes about its suitability for diverse climates.
Whether you’re combating dry conditions or simply want a low-maintenance plant, Japanese Spirea’s beauty and hardiness make it a garden favorite. Its ability to thrive with minimal attention ensures lasting appeal.
4. Weigela florida (Weigela)
Weigela, with its profusion of bright blooms, brings an explosion of color to any garden. Planting in early summer encourages vigorous new wood growth, setting the stage for next spring’s floral display.
This shrub, native to Asia, has gained popularity worldwide for its robustness and adaptability. Did you know? Weigela’s vibrant flowers are not just eye-catching; they’re also a favorite among hummingbirds!
Whether you’re looking to attract wildlife or simply enjoy a burst of color, Weigela is a versatile addition that promises to brighten your landscape.
5. Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark)
Ninebark, with its distinctive peeling bark, adds texture and interest to any garden. Its deep, fibrous roots handle transplanting shock well when soils are warm and moist, making early summer ideal.
Originating from North America, Ninebark offers year-round interest with its foliage, flowers, and unique bark. It’s a resilient option, thriving in various soils and conditions.
Whether you’re aiming for a natural, woodland look or a structured garden space, Ninebark’s versatility and hardiness make it a compelling choice. Its multiple seasons of interest ensure it’s never out of place.
6. Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush)
The Butterfly Bush, with its alluring colors and irresistible nectar, invites a parade of butterflies into your garden. Its rapid growth and heat-loving nature make it ideal for early summer planting.
This shrub blooms profusely the first season, bringing a splash of color when watered consistently. Did you know? This beloved shrub originates from Asia but has become a favorite in gardens worldwide. Its resilience and beauty ensure it remains a staple in many landscapes.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, the Butterfly Bush is a delightful addition, requiring minimal care once established.
7. Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)
Crape Myrtle, famed for its stunning flowers and smooth bark, is a summer garden favorite. Loving the heat, this shrub’s woody growth is strengthened when planted in the warmer months.
Did you know? Crape Myrtle is often called the “lilac of the South” for its abundant, colorful blooms. Its adaptability to different climates and soil types makes it a popular choice across regions.
Whether lining a driveway or accenting a patio, Crape Myrtle’s vibrant colors and graceful form make it a showstopper. Its long-lasting blooms ensure a lively garden display.
8. Rosa spp. (Shrub Roses)
Shrub Roses, with their timeless elegance, bring classic beauty to any garden. Choosing disease-resistant varieties ensures a healthy display, while mulching helps keep roots cool in summer.
Did you know? Roses have been symbols of love and beauty for centuries, adored by poets and gardeners alike. Their resilience and ability to rebloom make them a perennial favorite.
Whether creating a romantic garden border or a fragrant retreat, Shrub Roses offer both beauty and fragrance. Their varied colors and forms provide endless possibilities for garden design.
9. Ceanothus spp. (California Lilac)
California Lilac, with its vibrant blue blooms, is a striking addition to any garden. In regions without severe summer drought, early summer planting allows it to establish before winter rains.
Did you know? This shrub is native to North America and is celebrated for its drought resistance. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators, adding life and movement to your garden.
Whether you’re in a dry region or just want a low-maintenance shrub, California Lilac’s vibrant color and easy care make it an ideal choice. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions is truly inspiring.
10. Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball Viburnum)
Japanese Snowball Viburnum, with its lush, white blooms, is a captivating sight in any garden. Adapting quickly, it’s best planted after flowering to avoid cutting off this season’s bloom buds.
Originating from Asia, this shrub has made its way into gardens worldwide, loved for its showy, snowball-like flowers. Its easygoing nature and adaptability make it a favorite among gardeners.
Whether used as a stand-alone feature or part of a mixed border, the Viburnum’s elegance and charm ensure it remains a garden staple. Its reliable performance adds a touch of grace to any landscape.
1. Rhododendron & Azalea spp.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with their striking blooms, thrive when planted in the cool, acidic soils of fall. These conditions help establish shallow feeder roots, readying them for next summer’s heat.
Originating from Asia, these shrubs have captivated gardeners worldwide with their vivid colors and lush foliage. Their preference for cooler planting conditions makes fall the optimal time.
Whether adding a pop of color to shady areas or creating a vibrant woodland retreat, Rhododendrons and Azaleas offer unmatched beauty. Their ability to thrive in specific conditions adds a rewarding challenge for gardeners.
2. Ilex spp. (Holly)
Holly, with its iconic red berries and glossy leaves, is a winter garden favorite. Early fall planting coincides with berry set, allowing roots to restart growth in late winter for a spring foliage flush.
Did you know? Holly has been a symbol of Christmas for centuries, valued for its festive appearance. Its resilience and adaptability make it a versatile choice for various garden styles.
Whether used as a privacy hedge or a festive focal point, Holly’s year-round interest and holiday charm ensure it remains a garden staple. Its ease of care and visual appeal are hard to beat.
3. Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood)
Boxwood, with its evergreen elegance, is a timeless choice for gardens. Fall’s mild temperatures minimize transplant shock and reduce water demand, making it an ideal planting time.
Did you know? Boxwood has been used in formal gardens for centuries, prized for its versatility and neat appearance. Its adaptability to shaping and pruning adds to its appeal.
Whether creating structured hedges or whimsical topiaries, Boxwood’s ease of maintenance and classic look make it a favorite. Its ability to complement various garden styles ensures it remains popular among landscapers and gardeners alike.
4. Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape)
Oregon Grape, with its spiky leaves and yellow flowers, adds unique texture to gardens. Fall planting allows it to establish its deep, drought-resistant root system over winter.
Did you know? This shrub is native to the Pacific Northwest and is beloved for its low maintenance and adaptability. Its berries are edible, though tart, making it a favorite for wildlife.
Whether used as ground cover or a specimen plant, Oregon Grape’s distinctive appearance and resilience make it a standout. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions is a testament to its hardiness.
5. Pieris japonica (Japanese Andromeda)
Japanese Andromeda, with its cascading flower clusters, is a graceful addition to gardens. Preferring to be planted when soil is still warm but air temperatures cool, it avoids leaf scorch under summer sun.
Originating from East Asia, this shrub has been cherished for its beauty and delicate flowers. Its preference for specific planting conditions makes it a unique choice for discerning gardeners.
Whether enhancing a rock garden or adding elegance to a shaded area, Japanese Andromeda’s charm and resilience make it a garden favorite. Its ornamental appeal and adaptability are truly captivating.
6. Camellia japonica
Camellia japonica, with its glossy leaves and showy flowers, needs fall planting to set next season’s flower buds in well-moistened soil. This timing ensures vibrant blooms come spring.
Did you know? Camellias have been cultivated in Asia for centuries, prized for their beauty and symbolism. Their preference for specific planting conditions makes them a rewarding challenge for gardeners.
Whether adding elegance to a shaded border or creating a focal point, Camellia’s timeless beauty ensures it remains a garden favorite. Its resilience and charm make it a cherished addition to any landscape.
7. Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)
Witch Hazel, with its unique, spidery flowers, blooms in early winter on well-anchored branches. Developing roots in autumn ensures a spectacular display when other plants are dormant.
Did you know? Witch Hazel has long been used for its medicinal properties, valued for its astringent qualities. Its distinctive flowers and winter bloom time make it a standout in gardens.
Whether brightening a winter landscape or providing year-round interest, Witch Hazel’s charm and resilience make it a garden favorite. Its ability to bloom in the cold months is truly remarkable.
8. Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla)
Dwarf Fothergilla, with its fluffy flower spikes, offers a spectacular spring display. Fall planting guarantees root establishment, ensuring robust growth and blooms come spring.
Did you know? This shrub is native to the southeastern United States and is valued for its unique flowers and vibrant fall foliage. Its adaptability to various soils makes it a versatile choice.
Whether adding interest to a mixed border or creating a focal point, Dwarf Fothergilla’s beauty and resilience make it a garden favorite. Its seasonal appeal and low maintenance ensure it remains popular.
9. Cornus alba (Red Twig Dogwood)
Red Twig Dogwood, with its vibrant stems, offers striking winter interest. Roots take hold through autumn rains, promoting bright stems and vigorous spring foliage.
Originating from North America, this shrub is celebrated for its hardiness and visual appeal. Its ability to provide color when many plants are dormant makes it invaluable in winter gardens.
Whether used as a hedge or a standalone specimen, Red Twig Dogwood’s vibrant colors and easy care make it a favorite. Its seasonal interest and adaptability ensure it remains a staple in many landscapes.
10. Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)
Summersweet, with its fragrant flower spikes, adds sensory delight to gardens. Fall’s cooler nights and moist soils encourage strong root growth for its midsummer flowers.
Did you know? This shrub is native to the eastern United States and is valued for its adaptability and fragrant blooms. Its late-summer flowers attract a variety of pollinators, adding life to your garden.
Whether enhancing a damp area or adding fragrance to a garden path, Summersweet’s beauty and resilience make it a cherished choice. Its sensory appeal and easy care ensure lasting enjoyment.