Discover the Perfect Shrubs for Your Garden

Shrubs are the backbone of any garden, providing structure, texture, and year-round interest. Whether you’re designing a new garden or enhancing an existing one, shrubs offer a versatile solution that fits any landscape style. In this article, we’ll explore what shrubs are, the types that thrive in the United Kingdom, and how they can transform your garden into a vibrant, dynamic space.

Shrubs are a diverse group of woody plants that range in size from low-growing ground covers to taller specimens that can reach heights of several metres. Unlike trees, which typically have a single trunk, shrubs usually have multiple stems growing from the base. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and growth habits, from upright and bushy to low and sprawling.

Botanically, shrubs are defined by their size and structure, often classified as woody plants with a height of less than 6 metres (20 feet). This distinguishes them from herbaceous plants, which die back to the ground in winter, and trees, which generally have a taller and more dominant trunk. The ability of shrubs to maintain their structure throughout the year makes them invaluable in garden design, where they can be used to create hedges, borders, and focal points.

In the natural world, shrubs play an essential ecological role. They provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, from birds and insects to mammals. In a garden setting, this ecological value can be harnessed to support biodiversity, making shrubs an environmentally friendly choice for any landscape.

The United Kingdom’s climate, characterised by mild temperatures and relatively high rainfall, is well-suited to a wide variety of shrubs. When selecting shrubs for your garden, it’s important to consider their seasonal characteristics, growth habits, and whether they are evergreen or deciduous.

Evergreen shrubs retain their leaves throughout the year, providing constant colour and structure even in the depths of winter. Deciduous shrubs, on the other hand, lose their leaves in autumn, but often compensate with stunning foliage displays, flowers, or berries. Both types of shrubs have their place in a well-rounded garden.

For year-round interest, it’s important to choose shrubs that shine at different times of the year. Some shrubs bloom in spring, offering a burst of colour after the long winter months, while others are prized for their autumn foliage or winter berries.

• Spring: Forsythia, with its bright yellow flowers, and Ribes sanguineum (flowering currant) are classic spring bloomers.
• Summer: Hydrangea varieties are summer garden stars, offering large, colourful blooms.
• Autumn: Shrubs like Cotinus coggygria (smoke bush) provide stunning autumn foliage.
• Winter: Skimmia japonica and Viburnum tinus offer winter interest with their evergreen leaves and clusters of berries.

Native shrubs, such as Sambucus nigra (elderberry) and Cornus sanguinea (dogwood), are well adapted to the UK climate and support local wildlife. Non-native shrubs, like Rhododendron and Buxus (boxwood), can also thrive in the UK, offering a wider range of colours, shapes, and sizes.

When it comes to selecting shrubs for your garden, the choices can be overwhelming. Here are some popular options that do particularly well in the UK climate, divided by their characteristics.

Evergreen shrubs are a reliable choice for year-round interest, providing a constant backdrop of green foliage.

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are prized for their large, vibrant flowers that bloom in spring. They have thick, leathery leaves that stay green year-round. These shrubs prefer acidic, well-drained soils and are often planted in woodland gardens.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is a fragrant shrub with silvery-green leaves and spikes of purple flowers. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations. Lavender is commonly used in borders, herb gardens, and for attracting pollinators.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Holly is a traditional British shrub known for its glossy, spiky leaves and bright red berries in winter. It’s a popular choice for hedging and can be grown in sun or shade. Holly is also valued for its wildlife-friendly qualities.

Yew (Taxus baccata)

Yew is a slow-growing evergreen with dark green, needle-like foliage. It’s commonly used for formal hedges and topiary due to its dense growth habit. Yew thrives in both sun and shade and is highly tolerant of pruning.

Pyracantha (Firethorn)

Pyracantha is known for its thorny branches, glossy green leaves, and clusters of white flowers followed by bright red, orange, or yellow berries. It’s often grown as a hedge or wall shrub and provides excellent security due to its spines.

Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus)

Euonymus is a versatile evergreen shrub with glossy green or variegated leaves. It’s low-maintenance and can be used in hedges, borders, or as ground cover. Euonymus is tolerant of a variety of soils and can grow in both sun and shade.

Photinia (Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’)

Photinia is prized for its striking red new growth, which contrasts with its mature dark green leaves. It’s a popular choice for hedging or as a specimen shrub. Photinia prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil.

Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)

Skimmia is a compact, shade-loving shrub with glossy green leaves and fragrant white or pink flowers in spring, followed by red or white berries in autumn. It’s ideal for borders, containers, or woodland gardens.

Choisya (Choisya ternata)

Also known as Mexican orange blossom, Choisya has aromatic, glossy green leaves and white, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring. It’s a hardy shrub that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium)

Mahonia is a hardy evergreen shrub with spiky, holly-like leaves and bright yellow, fragrant flowers in late winter to early spring. It’s shade-tolerant and often used in woodland gardens or as a structural plant in borders.

Camellia

Camellias are evergreen shrubs known for their glossy, dark green leaves and large, showy flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. They prefer acidic soil and a sheltered position with partial shade.

Deciduous shrubs offer seasonal changes that add dynamism to the garden.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are known for their large, showy flower heads that come in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. The flower colour can change based on the soil pH. These shrubs bloom from summer to autumn and thrive in moist, well-drained soil with partial shade.

Forsythia

Forsythia is one of the earliest spring-flowering shrubs, producing a profusion of bright yellow flowers on bare stems before the leaves appear. It’s a fast-growing, hardy shrub that does well in full sun and well-drained soil.

Weigela

Weigela is a reliable shrub with arching branches and tubular, pink, red, or white flowers in late spring to early summer. It’s easy to grow and prefers full sun to partial shade. The foliage can be green, purple, or variegated.

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Lilacs are beloved for their fragrant clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers in late spring. They are easy to grow and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Lilacs are often planted in cottage gardens or as a feature in mixed borders.

Spiraea

Spiraeas are versatile shrubs with clusters of white or pink flowers that bloom in spring or summer, depending on the variety. They are hardy, low-maintenance plants that thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. The foliage often turns vibrant shades of red or orange in autumn.

Berberis (Barberry)

Berberis is a spiny shrub with small, yellow or orange flowers in spring, followed by red or purple berries. The foliage varies in colour, with some varieties turning brilliant shades in autumn. It’s ideal for hedging or adding colour to a mixed border.

Ribes (Ribes sanguineum)

Also known as flowering currant, Ribes produces clusters of pink or red flowers in early spring, followed by blue-black berries in summer. It’s a hardy, easy-to-grow shrub that does well in full sun or partial shade.

Buddleja (Butterfly Bush)

Buddleja is a fast-growing shrub that produces long, fragrant flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, white, or yellow in summer. It’s a magnet for butterflies and bees and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.

Kerria (Kerria japonica)

Kerria is a cheerful shrub with bright yellow, pom-pom-like flowers that bloom in spring. It’s a tough, shade-tolerant plant that’s perfect for brightening up a shady spot in the garden.

Dogwood (Cornus alba)

Dogwoods are valued for their colourful stems, which provide striking winter interest in shades of red, orange, or yellow. In spring, they produce clusters of small white flowers, followed by white or blue berries. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are often used in mixed borders or winter gardens.

Deutzia

Deutzia is a reliable shrub that produces masses of small, star-shaped white or pink flowers in late spring to early summer. It’s low-maintenance and does well in full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for borders or as a standalone feature.

Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)

Viburnum opulus is a native shrub with white, lace-cap flowers in late spring, followed by clusters of bright red berries in autumn. The foliage turns a striking red in autumn, adding seasonal interest. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade.

Philadelphus (Mock Orange)

Philadelphus is known for its strongly scented white flowers that bloom in early summer, reminiscent of orange blossom. It’s a hardy shrub that thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for cottage gardens.

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

Although often thought of as a tree, many Japanese maples are small enough to be considered shrubs. They are prized for their delicate, deeply lobed leaves, which can turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

Flowering shrubs are key to adding colour and attracting pollinators to your garden.

Abelia x grandiflora

Abelia x grandiflora is a semi-evergreen shrub with delicate, arching branches covered in clusters of small, fragrant white or pink flowers. It’s a versatile plant that can be used in mixed borders or as a low hedge. The glossy leaves often take on a bronze hue in autumn, adding seasonal interest.

Hypericum ‘Hidcote’

Hypericum, also known as St. John’s Wort, is a hardy shrub that produces bright yellow flowers with prominent stamens. The variety ‘Hidcote’ is especially popular for its long flowering period and compact form. It’s ideal for filling gaps in borders or as ground cover, and it thrives in a range of soil types.

Cistus (Rock Rose)

Cistus, or Rock Rose, is a sun-loving evergreen shrub that produces delicate, papery flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple. These drought-tolerant plants are perfect for coastal gardens or rockeries where soil is well-drained and alkaline. The flowers are short-lived but are produced in abundance over several weeks.

Escallonia

Escallonia is a versatile, evergreen shrub that produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. It’s highly tolerant of salty air, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens. Escallonia also works well as a flowering hedge or as part of a mixed border.

Ceanothus (Californian Lilac)

Ceanothus, or Californian Lilac, is an evergreen shrub that produces a stunning display of blue flowers. It’s a sun-loving plant that thrives in well-drained soil, making it ideal for planting against a sunny wall or in a south-facing border. Some varieties, such as Ceanothus ‘Concha’, are particularly hardy and well-suited to UK gardens.

Fothergilla major

Fothergilla major is a deciduous shrub that produces fragrant, bottlebrush-like white flowers in spring. The foliage turns a spectacular mix of orange, red, and yellow in autumn, providing multiple seasons of interest. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and is perfect for woodland gardens.

Cotinus (Smoke Bush)

Cotinus, or Smoke Bush, is known for its striking purple or green foliage that turns a vivid orange or red in the autumn. In summer, the shrub produces large, airy clusters of tiny flowers that resemble puffs of smoke, giving the plant its common name. Cotinus prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and it makes a dramatic focal point in any garden.

Pieris Japonica

Pieris Japonica, also known as the Lily of the Valley shrub, is an evergreen shrub that produces cascades of small, bell-shaped white or pink flowers. It thrives in acidic soil and is perfect for adding early spring color to a garden. The new foliage is often a striking red or bronze, adding year-round interest.

Caryopteris

Caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard, is a deciduous shrub that offers clusters of fragrant, blue to violet flowers. Its late flowering season makes it a valuable addition for extending garden interest into the autumn. The shrub prefers well-drained soil and full sun, and it’s particularly attractive to bees and butterflies.

While flowers often steal the show, some shrubs are prized for their stunning foliage.

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum tenuifolium is a versatile evergreen shrub with small, shiny leaves that create a dense, elegant structure in the garden. Some cultivars, such as ‘Silver Queen,’ have variegated foliage, adding a silvery sheen to the garden. This shrub is perfect for hedging, mixed borders, or as a standalone specimen. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.

Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel)

Aucuba japonica, or Spotted Laurel, is an evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves that are often speckled with bright yellow, giving it a striking appearance. This plant is highly tolerant of shade and is often used to brighten up darker garden areas. It’s also low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil types.

Fatsia japonica

Fatsia japonica, also known as the Japanese Aralia, is an evergreen shrub with large, deeply lobed leaves that give it a tropical appearance. The bold, glossy green leaves are a striking feature in any garden, providing an exotic, architectural presence. Fatsia japonica is shade-tolerant and prefers moist, well-drained soil, making it a great choice for adding drama to shaded areas.

Leucothoe

Leucothoe is an evergreen shrub known for its colorful foliage, which changes with the seasons. In spring, the leaves emerge in shades of red or bronze, maturing to a deep green in summer, and often turning purple or burgundy in autumn. This shrub thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and is perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as ground cover.

Hebe ‘Red Edge’

Hebe ‘Red Edge’ is a compact, evergreen shrub with small, grey-green leaves that are edged in red, especially in cooler weather. This shrub is ideal for coastal gardens due to its tolerance of salt and wind, and it also works well in containers or as edging in a sunny border. Its neat, rounded shape and colorful foliage make it a popular choice for adding year-round interest.

Osmanthus heterophyllus

Osmanthus heterophyllus, also known as False Holly, is an evergreen shrub with dark green, holly-like leaves. The foliage is dense and glossy, providing excellent cover for hedging and privacy screens. This shrub also produces fragrant white flowers in autumn, adding seasonal interest. It’s easy to grow and can tolerate a range of soil types and conditions.

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ is a highly prized evergreen shrub known for its striking variegated foliage and intoxicating fragrance. The glossy, dark green leaves are edged with a golden-yellow margin, adding year-round visual interest. In late winter to early spring, this compact shrub produces clusters of small, pale pink to white flowers with a powerful, sweet scent that fills the garden. Ideal for shaded or partially shaded areas, it thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Its modest size makes it perfect for borders, containers, or as a focal point in smaller gardens.

Hypericum x moserianum ‘Tricolor’

Hypericum x moserianum ‘Tricolor’ is a compact, semi-evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, multicolored foliage. The leaves display a stunning mix of green, cream, and pink, providing year-round interest and a splash of color to borders and containers. In summer, this low-maintenance plant produces bright yellow, star-shaped flowers with prominent stamens, adding further visual appeal. Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, it’s an excellent choice for adding texture and color to small gardens or mixed borders. ‘Tricolor’ is also drought-tolerant once established, making it an easy-care option for any garden.

Pieris ‘Flaming Silver’

Shrubs are incredibly versatile and can serve multiple functions in garden design. Here’s how you can use them to enhance your garden:

Structural Role of Shrubs

Shrubs are essential for providing structure and definition in the garden. They can be used to create boundaries, such as hedges or borders, or to define different garden rooms and spaces. For example, tall, evergreen shrubs like Yew or Privetcan form dense, formal hedges that offer privacy and shelter.

Seasonal Interest

One of the great advantages of shrubs is their ability to provide year-round interest. By carefully selecting shrubs that flower, change foliage colour, or bear fruit at different times of the year, you can ensure that your garden remains vibrant and interesting in every season. Cornus (dogwood) is a great example, with its striking red stems providing winter interest, while its foliage and flowers shine in spring and summer.

Supporting Wildlife

Shrubs are invaluable for wildlife, offering food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, insects, and small mammals. Native shrubs, such as Hawthorn and Holly, are particularly beneficial, providing berries in winter and flowers in spring. Even non-native shrubs can support pollinators, especially those with nectar-rich flowers like Lavandula and Buddleja (butterfly bush).

Designing with Shrubs

Shrubs can be used in various ways in the garden. They can serve as the backbone of a mixed border, providing height and depth, or as focal points around which other plants are arranged. In a formal garden, shrubs like Boxwood can be clipped into geometric shapes, while in a more naturalistic garden, flowing, unpruned shrubs like Philadelphus (mock orange) create a softer, wilder feel.

Successfully growing shrubs in your garden involves choosing the right plant for the right place and giving it the care it needs to thrive.

Site Selection

Before planting, consider the light, soil, and moisture requirements of your chosen shrub. Some shrubs, like Rhododendron, prefer acidic soils, while others, like Lavandula, need well-drained, alkaline conditions. Ensure that your planting site matches the needs of your shrub to give it the best chance of success.

Planting Techniques

When planting a shrub, dig a hole that’s twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. This gives the roots room to spread out. Mix in compost or organic matter to enrich the soil, especially if it’s heavy clay or sandy. Water the shrub well after planting and mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Basic Care

Most shrubs are relatively low-maintenance once established, but they do require some basic care to thrive. Water newly planted shrubs regularly until they’re established, particularly during dry spells. Fertilise in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser, and prune as needed to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.

Even with the best care, shrubs can face challenges. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

Pests and Diseases

Shrubs can be susceptible to pests like aphids, scale, and spider mites. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control these pests. Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew or rust, are also common. Good air circulation and proper watering (avoiding wetting the foliage) can help prevent these issues.

Managing Overgrowth

Over time, some shrubs can become leggy or overgrown. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages new growth. For shrubs that have become too large, rejuvenation pruning—cutting back hard in late winter or early spring—can help restore their vigour.

Weather-Related Issues

The UK’s variable weather can pose challenges for shrubs. Frost damage is common in early spring, especially for tender new growth. Protect shrubs with fleece during cold snaps, and mulch around the base to insulate the roots. In contrast, drought can stress shrubs, particularly in sandy soils. Mulching and deep, infrequent watering can help shrubs survive dry periods.

Shrubs are an essential component of any garden, offering structure, seasonal interest, and support for wildlife. By carefully selecting the right shrubs for your garden, considering their needs, and providing proper care, you can enjoy the many benefits these versatile plants offer. Whether you’re looking to create a formal hedge, add a splash of colour, or support your local ecosystem, there’s a shrub that’s perfect for your garden.

So why not start planning your next planting project? With the right shrubs, you can transform your garden into a beautiful, dynamic space that thrives throughout the year.