Gardens and gardening is not always about vegetables and flowers. Many attractive gardens, especially some I have seen in Europe, include well-maintained and manicured shrubs. Perennial gardens designed to incorporate small trees and bushes can add a certain charm to your home, however, you want to make sure you chose the right shrubs to include in your perennial garden. Having shrubs that are too tall, too small or not the right color can make your perennial garden appear off-balance. Below is a list of ten shrubs, and how they might be used to accentuate a perennial garden.
Boxwood Bush – This comely but versatile shrub can add a look of elegance to any garden or landscape. Where and how it is used, depends on the variety a person chooses (there are about 30 species worldwide). They make excellent garden or walkway borders, can be used in topiaries, can be used in groupings with other species of Boxwood, and shaped into many different designs. They require little care if planted in well-drained soil, have access to full to partial sun, and have a yearly dose of organic fertilizer.
Lilac Bush – This fragrant bush not only adds color to a perennial garden, but also a delightful aroma. This bush can be planted in full sun or partial shade and is hardy from zones three to seven. It looks great next to a trellis or fence and its height (up to 20 feet) compliments small perennials. To prevent the Lilac bush from growing beyond its bounds, remove suckers as soon as they appear.
Butterfly Bush – Another beautiful bush to add to a perennial garden, this shrub also looks great next to a fence or trellis. Perennials that might help compliment this bush depends on the color of Butterfly bush you have, as they come in shades of purple, pink, and white. It prefers well-drained soil with full sun.
Baldsmith Laceleaf Japanese Maple – This beautiful small tree, with its autumn color, and delicate looking leaves (thus the name) grows quickly in well-drained soil. Its color variegates from orange, to reds, to pinks, to greens from spring to fall. Because of its changing color, it will work well in a perennial garden as long as it is not put next to a plant that will contrast it in color. It is hardy to zone five and prefers partial shade.
Azaleas – These beautiful bushes come in an assortment of species and colors, which makes them perfect additions for perennial gardens. They bloom in mid spring to early summer and prefer well-drained soil in a shaded area.
Hollybush – Depending on the variety, this shrub can be either deciduous or evergreen. Some people, for their winter gardens, prefer the evergreen varieties; however, there are a few deciduous varieties that look great with their lovely red berries. Hollybush likes well-drained soil and full to partial shade.
Emerald Gaiety – This four to five foot bush has lovely green leaves edged in white with just a hint of yellow. It is hardy from zones five to nine and loves the full sun. However, its ability to tolerate shade and dry soil makes it an excellent choice for any garden. It provides year-round color, which makes it a great addition for any perennial garden. It can also be used in garden borders or to line walkways.
Juniper Blue Point – This tall evergreen (10 to 20 feet) is excellent to use as backstops, windbreaks, or to add dimension to shorter shrubs such as the Emerald Gaiety. It is hardy from zones four to nine, and prefers full sun.
Nandina Harbor Dwarf – This is an excellent shrub for any season. Its leaves are green with a slight shade of pink in the spring and then change to shades of orange and red in the fall and winter. It only reaches a height of approximately 15 inches, which makes it a great shrub to use as groundcover or as a border surrounding larger perennials. It is hardy in zones six to nine.
Rose of Sharon – This bush is excellent for summer blooms, looks great next to a fence or trellis and compliments many perennial plants. Its flowers come in colors of pink, purple, white, and light blue and bloom mid to late summer. The taller species can reach a height of 10 feet, while the smaller ones only grow to five or eight feet. It loves the full sun and well-drained soil. It is easy to care for and can be pruned or trained to follow a specific shape.
Source: Trees, Shrubs & Hedges for Home Landscaping: Secrets for Selection and Care
