Abelia x grandiflora

A vigorous, semievergreen shrub with glossy dark green foliage and an abundance of fragrant, pink-flushed white flowers from midsummer to mid-fall. Plant either as a freestanding shrub, or as an informal hedge. It is best fan-trained against a sunny wall in colder areas. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 12 ft (4 m)

Acer palmatum Dissectum Atropurpureum Group

Most Japanese maples are low-growing and shrubby, and look their best at the front of a border; many have beautiful foliage and fiery fall color. A. palmatum var. dissectum forms a mound of narrow, very finely-toothed leaves, and Dissectum Atropurpureum Group has red-purple leaves. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’

Hardy evergreen shrubs, spotted laurels are easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions—shade, dry sites, and even areas with polluted air. ‘Crotonifolia’ has large, glossy green leaves speckled with yellow marks. In mid-spring, small red-purple flowers appear, followed by red berries. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Berberis darwinii

This vigorous, dense, mounded evergreen shrub has glossy dark green foliage on prickly stems. During spring, it bears drooping clusters of bright orange flowers, which are followed by round blue-black fruit. It makes an attractive informal hedge, and tolerates heavy clay soils. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Berberis julianae

A handsome evergreen shrub with spiny-margined, glossy deep green leaves, this plant is often used as a screen. From spring to early summer, clusters of scented yellow or redtinged flowers are produced, followed by egg-shaped, blueblack fruits. It is best planted where its scent will be appreciated. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Buddleja crispa

Perfect for planting in the shelter of a sunny wall or fence, this deciduous shrub has striking leaves covered in soft, grayish-white down and woolly white young shoots. Small, fragrant, lilac-pink flowers appear in long, dense clusters from mid- to late summer. Attractive to bees and butterflies. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Buddleja ‘Lochinch’

An attractive cultivar of the butterfly bush, ‘Lochinch’ has arching stems and soft gray-green leaves. In late summer, it bears long, tapering plumes of violet-blue flowers with orange eyes. Deadhead regularly to promote further flowering. Attractive to butterflies and ideally suited to wildlife gardens. Height 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Camellia japonica ‘Bob’s Tinsie’

Camellias make elegant evergreen flowering plants for gardens with acid soil. New variations of C. japonica appear every year and there is a huge range of cultivars to choose from. ‘Bob’s Tinsie’ has an upright habit, and bears small, clear red flowers from early to late spring. Shelter from cold, drying winds. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 3 ft (1 m)

Ceanothus ‘Concha’

Ceanothus are cultivated for their flowers, which may be blue, white, or pink. C. ‘Concha’ is a good choice for a warm, sunny wall or fence. It forms a dense evergreen shrub with finely toothed, dark green leaves and produces masses of reddishpurple buds in late spring that open up to dark blue flowers. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Moerloosei’

Ornamental quinces make reliable garden shrubs, and can even be trained against a shaded wall or fence. This variety (also sold as ‘Apple Blossom’) bears large clusters of white flowers, flushed dark pink, in spring and early summer, followed by aromatic fruits. Prune after flowering. Height 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 15 ft (5 m)

Choisya x dewitteana ‘Aztec Pearl’

A compact, elegant example of Mexican orange blossom, this pretty evergreen shrub with slim dark green leaves is suitable for a small yard or container. Fragrant clusters of white star-shaped flowers emerge from pink buds in late spring, and appear again in smaller numbers in late summer and fall. Height 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’

A shrub for a border or rock garden, D. bholua is best planted in a sheltered position where the richly fragrant flowers will be appreciated. This cultivar is vigorous, evergreen, and bears clusters of deep purple-pink flowers, white inside, over a long flowering season in late winter. Mulch to retain moisture. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 5 ft (1.5 m)

Erica arborea var. alpina

This tree heath makes a dense, compact, upright shrub, crowded with needle-shaped, bright green evergreen leaves. Masses of tiny, fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers appear in spring. Grow it in acid soil for the best results, and prune hard after flowering to keep it in shape and encourage new growth. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 36 in (90 cm)

Escallonia ‘Apple Blossom’

Tolerant of maritime conditions, this attractive evergreen shrub with glossy dark green leaves is a good choice for a coastal garden. It is compact and bushy, and produces clusters of pink and white flowers, similar to apple blossom, from early to midsummer. Grow as a hedge or windbreak. Height 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’

Pure white, showy, saucer-shaped flowers on arching branches cover this spreading evergreen shrub in late spring, making a beautiful display. Mound-forming and wider than it is tall, it is suitable for growing as a specimen plant, although it can also be grown in a shrub border. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Fuchsia magellanica

In frost-free regions, this deciduous shrub, the hardiest of the fuchsia species, can be grown on its own or as informal hedging. It carries small, lantern-like flowers with red tubes, long red sepals, and purple petals, from midsummer through into fall. The flowers are followed by black fruits. Height to 10 ft (3 m) – Width to 10 ft (3 m)

Hebe ‘Midsummer Beauty’

Hebes are adaptable evergreen shrubs that suit a wide range of growing conditions, including containers. ‘Midsummer Beauty’, an upright, rounded shrub with purplish-brown stems and bright green leaves, bears tapering plumes of mediumsized, lilac-purple flowers from midsummer to late fall. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 5 ft (1.5 m)

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’

Excellent as specimen plants or in groups, in a mixed border or in containers, hydrangeas are versatile garden shrubs. ‘Annabelle’, one of the most elegant cultivars, is deciduous and, from summer to early fall, bears large, spherical flowerheads, crowded with creamy-white flowers. Height 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Hydrangea aspera Villosa Group

An impressive deciduous shrub with lance-shaped, downy dark green leaves that form an attractive background for the flattened lacecap flowerheads. Produced from late summer to fall, the lacecaps have large, purple-blue central clusters with a ring of lilac-white flowers on the outer edge. Height 4–10 ft (1–3 m) – Width 4–10 ft (1–3 m)

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii Lilacina’

This rounded, deciduous shrub is grown for its mauve-pink to blue, showy lacecap flowers, which appear from mid- to late summer. It makes a fine freestanding shrub, and is also useful for mass planting in shady areas. Leave the flowerheads on over winter to protect the plant from frost damage. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Hydrangea quercifolia SNOW QUEEN

The oak-leaved hydrangea is grown chiefly for its deeply lobed, dark green leaves, which turn magnificent tints of bronze and purple in fall before dropping. From midsummer to fall, SNOW QUEEN, also known as ‘Flemygea’, produces large, white, conical flowerheads, which fade to pink as they age. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Indigofera heterantha

Elegant, fern-like, gray-green leaves clothe the arching branches of this spreading, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub. From early summer through to fall, small, purple-pink, pea-like flowers are carried in dense spikes. It thrives when fan-trained against a sunny wall, especially in colder areas. Height 6–10 ft (2–3 m) – Width 6–10 ft (2–3 m)

Jasminum nudiflorum

Winter jasmine has long, slender, arching, leafless shoots bearing bright yellow flowers from winter to early spring. Oval, dark green leaves emerge after flowering. It is ideal for training on a low wall or trellis. Prune once flowering has finished to maintain a neat shape. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Kolkwitzia amabilis ‘Pink Cloud’

A hardy, deciduous shrub, the beauty bush forms a dense twiggy shape. Bell-shaped pink flowers, with yellow-flushed throats, are borne in profusion from late spring to early summer. Pale, bristly seed clusters follow. It makes a fine freestanding shrub, but can be planted as an informal hedge. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 12 ft (4 m)

Lavatera x clementii ‘Barnsley’

Throughout the summer, this semievergreen mallow bears very pale, blush-pink, red-eyed flowers. The lobed leaves are gray-green and downy. The cultivar ‘Bredon Springs’ has a similar habit and flowering period, but the flowers are mauve-flushed and dusky pink. Both suit sandy soils. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 6 ft (2 m)

Magnolia liliiflora ‘Nigra’

One of the most reliable of all magnolias, this cultivar produces beautiful large, dark purple-red upright flowers in early summer and intermittently into the fall. It is compact and deciduous, with glossy dark green leaves that provide a foil to the flowers. Grow as a specimen plant for the best effect. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Magnolia stellata

This graceful, deciduous shrub is slow-growing but well worth the wait. The star magnolia bears pure white, sometimes pink-flushed, star-shaped flowers in early spring, before the leaves emerge. A compact shrub, it is initially bushy and then spreading. Spring frosts may damage early blooms. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 12 ft (4 m)

Mahonia japonica

Invaluable in a winter garden, this handsome evergreen shrub thrives in shady spots. Its spectacular, sharply-toothed, dark green leaves glow with rich red tints in winter. Arching spikes of fragrant, pale yellow flowers appear from late fall to early spring, followed by blue-purple berries. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Myrtus communis ‘Flore Pleno’

Myrtle is a sun-loving, evergreen Mediterranean shrub with aromatic foliage. Masses of pretty, fragrant white flowers appear in late summer. The double blooms of ‘Flore Pleno’ look like small pompons. It thrives in a sunny border and can also be planted in a container, but needs shelter in cold areas. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Nandina domestica

The fruit, flowers, and foliage of this evergreen shrub give it a long season of interest. The leaves have warm red tints in spring and fall, and small star-shaped white flowers emerge in midsummer, followed by bright red berries. The cultivar ‘Fire Power’ is a compact form with bright red leaves. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 5 ft (1.5 m)

Osmanthus x burkwoodii

This hardy evergreen shrub is grown for its glossy dark green leaves, and clusters of tiny, creamy-white trumpet-shaped flowers, which are sweetly scented and appear from mid to late spring. Its dense habit makes it useful for hedging and topiary. Trim into shape after flowering. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Paeonia delavayi

In early summer, this magnificent tree peony produces single, cup-shaped, dark crimson flowers on long lax stems. The handsome, deeply cut, dark green leaves are tinged burgundy in spring. A stunning deciduous shrub for a mixed border; it does not tolerate being moved. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 4 ft (1.2 m)

Philadelphus ‘Belle Étoile’

Mock oranges are grown for their beautiful flowers, which are often scented and usually white. ‘Belle Étoile’ makes an arching, deciduous shrub with tapering leaves. Its fragrant white flowers are single with a maroon flush at the center, and are freely produced from late spring to early summer. Height 4 ft (1.2 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’

Grown chiefly for its attractive purple foliage and upright red stems, this spreading deciduous shrub also produces clusters of small pinkish-white flowers in late spring, followed by maroon fruit. The peeling bark gives additional winter interest. Cut down to the ground in spring to rejuvenate. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Pieris japonica ‘Blush’

A versatile evergreen shrub for acid soils, P. japonica has narrow, glossy leaves, which are an attractive coppery-red when young. Tassels of white flowers appear from early to mid-spring. The compact cultivar ‘Blush’ has dark green leaves and its pink-flushed white flowers open from dark pink buds. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 6 ft (2 m)

Ribes sanguineum ‘Pulborough Scarlet’

Fairly upright when young, this flowering currant becomes spreading with maturity. It is a vigorous, deciduous shrub, with aromatic leaves and clusters of dark red, white-centered tubular flowers in spring, followed by round, blue-black berries. It is ideal for the back of a mixed border. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Rosa ‘Geranium’

This spectacular shrub rose has arching branches and small, dark green leaves. A profusion of open, scarlet flowers,with prominent cream stamens is produced in summer, followed by blazing orange-red, bottle-shaped hips in fall, which extend the season of visual interest. Height 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 5 ft (1.5 m)

Rubus ‘Benenden’

An ornamental, deciduous member of the bramble family with arching, thornless stems, this shrub is grown for its large, pure white, rose-like flowers, which appear in abundance from late spring to early summer. It is suitable for a shady shrub border, and is very attractive to butterflies. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’

This graceful elder is attractive for most of the year. The dark purple lacy foliage provides color contrast in a mixed border. Showy pale pink, lemon-scented, flattened flowerheads appear in midsummer, followed by dark red elderberries. Full sun is best for foliage color. It is also sold as ‘Black Lace’. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 6 ft (2 m)

Sambucus racemosa ‘Plumosa Aurea’

A bushy plant with arching shoots; the deeply cut leaves, which are bronze in youth and mature to golden yellow, provide a bright splash of color in a border. Small, creamy yellow flowers appear in mid-spring, followed by round, glossy red fruits in summer. The foliage may scorch in hot sun. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 10 ft (3 m)

Spiraea nipponica ‘Snowmound’

At its peak in early summer, this spiraea presents a marvelous display, with clusters of bowl-shaped white flowers carried all along the upper sides of the arching stems. Deciduous, fastgrowing, and densely leaved, it forms a spreading shape and is perfect for growing near the back of a sunny mixed border. Height 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 8 ft (2.5 m)

Viburnum carlesii ‘Aurora’

Suitable for a border or woodland garden, this deciduous shrub is densely bushy with irregularly toothed, dark green leaves. ‘Aurora’ is mainly grown for its clusters of perfumed flowers, which emerge in mid-spring. The buds are initially red and then open up to the pink tubular blooms. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 6 ft (2 m)

Viburnum plicatum f. tomentosum ‘Mariesii’

This viburnum has distinctive extended horizontal branches that create a striking architectural effect, which is best appreciated when the shrub is grown as a specimen plant in a lawn. The flowers are white and the heart-shaped, dark green leaves turn red-purple in fall. Height 10 ft (3 m) – Width 12 ft (4 m)