Amy Draiss
Flowering bushes and shrubs are nice additions to a yard or garden. They provide color and often a sweet fragrance. Flowers also attract pollinators. Shrubs can be hard work, but if you want flowering shrubs, low maintenance is possible. Here are some ideas to help you choose just the right type.
What To Consider When Choosing Low-Maintenance Flowering Shrubs
Low-maintenance and flowers are two excellent criteria for choosing shrubs for your yard, but there are other important factors to consider. The growing conditions you have to offer a shrub are essential. Consider the amount of sunlight available as well as the soil and drainage qualities.
Another good factor to think about is space. Do you need a large shrub to fill out a big space? Or are you working with a smaller space? If so, choose a smaller or dwarf variety or you’ll spend a lot of time pruning a shrub down to size. Here are some ideas for easy shrubs you can grow in a variety of settings and lighting conditions.
Low-Maintenance Blooming Shrubs For Small Spaces
These smaller flowering shrubs can be grown in tight areas or even in containers.
- English Lavender - You might not think of this as a shrub, but this fragrant herb has a compact and dense growth habit that makes it appear like a small bush. You can even use English lavender as a hedge, and it’s mostly hands-off.
- Abelia - Look for smaller varieties of abelia, which grow to about three or four feet (0.9 or 1.2 m) tall and wide. They flower throughout the summer and are easy to grow and maintain.
- Azalea - There are many varieties of this spring-blooming shrub, so you can easily find one for a small space. Some appropriate types of azalea for compact areas include 'Mandarin Lights,' ‘Autumn Bonfire,’ ‘Kimono May Snow,’ and ‘Raspberry Sundae.’
Low-Maintenance Flowering Shrubs For Full Sun
Full sun plants usually provide you with the most choice. If you have a nice sunny spot for a flower shrub, try these favorites.
- Buttonbush - This native species thrives in full sun and has the most unique flowers, round and spiky. Buttonbush bloom in early summer and are easy to grow, even in wet soil. 'Sugar Shack' is an excellent smaller variety and can be found in the Gardening Know How Shop.
- Smoke bush - Also called a smoke tree, this is another full sun shrub that is both easy to grow and that has unique flowers. Blooming in spring, the flowers appear on showy, feathery plumes that create a smoke-like effect.
- Crepe myrtle - This is a favorite, easy shrub known for its abundant summer blooms. Crepe myrtle is easy to grow in full sun, but it is only for warmer gardens. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10.
Easy Flowering Bushes And Shrubs For Partial Sun
Many shrubs that thrive in full sun tolerate some shade. Many flowering shrubs appreciate a little shade, especially in the afternoon.
- Ninebark - Ninebark shrubs are easy to grow because they are a native species. It can take full sun but also likes a little bit of shade. Enjoy ninebark for its spring flowers and the wildlife it attracts.
- Spirea - Spirea is an easy spring and summer flowering shrub that tolerates a lot of different conditions. There are a lot of varieties available, including several that grow well in partial sun. You can also choose the size and flower color that suits your garden.
- Forsythia - Forsythia shrubs provide a show-stopping display of yellow flowers in early spring. They also do well in partial shade and with their natural growth habit are easy to maintain with minimal trimming.
Low-Maintenance Shrubs With Flowers For Shade
Shade can be tricky, but there are some great options for woodland flowering shrubs that will thrive in your shady spots and require little care.
- Oakleaf hydrangea - Oakleaf hydrangea is an easy option for shady spots in your garden. This native hydrangea blooms in summer with white panicles that shift to pink toward fall.
- Azaleas and rhododendrons - These related species are both good choices for shady gardens. Azaleas and rhododendron naturally grow in wooded areas and do well even in deep shade. Look for species and varieties native to your region for the best results and6 the lowest maintenance options.
Gorgeous white blossoms that turn pink as the summer progresses give way to deep scarlet leaves in autumn. Find 'Alice' in the Gardening Know How Shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Easiest Flowering Shrub to Grow?
The easiest flowering shrub to grow depends on what is native to your area and suited to your growing conditions. Some examples include hydrangea, rhododendron, and spirea.
What is the Longest Lasting Flowering Shrub?
Some examples of shrubs that bloom most of the summer or longer include hydrangea, butterfly bush, spirea, and rose of Sharon.
What Flowering Shrubs Look Good All Year?
For year-round appeal, look for flowering evergreen shrubs, like some varieties of rhododendron and azalea. Deciduous flowering shrubs that have winter interest due to their flowers or bark include dogwood, oakleaf hydrangea, and ninebark.
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