{"id":11850,"date":"2022-08-29T11:29:21","date_gmt":"2022-08-29T11:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=11850"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:52:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:52:24","slug":"flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Flowering Shrubs That Will Make Your Landscape Pop"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Hydrangeas bloom the longest (mid-spring to early fall), but need watering 3 times a week.<br>\u2022 Forsythia, Spirea, and Lilac are among the most <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-drought-tolerant-shrubs\/\">drought-tolerant<\/a> and low-maintenance picks.<br>\u2022 If you love azaleas, Camellia, and Daphne offer similar showy blooms with slightly different growing conditions.<br>\u2022 Caryopteris is the best option for blue flowers and is a top <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/why-pollinators-are-important-for-your-garden\/\">pick for pollinator<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-butterfly-garden\/\">butterfly gardens<\/a>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flowering shrubs do a lot of work in a yard \u2014 they add color across seasons, attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and some even help ward off unwanted wildlife. The 8 most popular flowering shrubs are lilac, daphne, rhododendron, hydrangea, spirea, caryopteris, camellia, and forsythia.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are planning a garden or want to add more visual interest to your landscape, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/gardener\">Lawn Love&#8217;s local gardening pros<\/a> can help you choose the right shrubs for your zone.&nbsp;<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-e2dde7ba-4663-4c5b-a58b-60bed044c1d9\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#0-which-flowering-shrub-blooms-when\" style=\"\">Which flowering shrub blooms when?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#1-1-lilac\" style=\"\">1. Lilac<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#2-2-daphne\" style=\"\">2. Daphne<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#3-3-rhododendron-or-azaleas\" style=\"\">3. Rhododendron or azaleas<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#4-4-hydrangeas\" style=\"\">4. Hydrangeas<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#5-5-spirea\" style=\"\">5. Spirea<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#6-6-caryopteris\" style=\"\">6. Caryopteris<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#7-7-camellia\" style=\"\">7. Camellia<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#8-8-forsythia\" style=\"\">8. Forsythia<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/flowering-shrubs-for-your-landscape\/#9-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-which-flowering-shrub-blooms-when\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"which-flowering-shrub-blooms-when\">Which flowering shrub blooms when?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Planting shrubs with varying bloom times creates year-round color, but only if you group them by their water, light, and soil needs.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Staggering bloom times with a spring spirea into a summer hydrangea is genuinely achievable,&#8221; says Andrew Day, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/aql4u.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Advanced Quality Lawn<\/a> in Richfield, Ohio. You just can\u2019t ignore specific light and planting depths required for each shrub.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tatiana Egorova, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/flowersnbaskets.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flowers N Baskets<\/a> in Tampa, FL, agrees that for plants to thrive, you must match their water and light needs first, then harmonize the colors.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe mistake I see is treating it like a flower arrangement rather than a living system,\u201c she says.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Shrub<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Bloom Season<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Bloom Months<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Lilac<\/td><td>Spring to early summer<\/td><td>Early May to mid-June (planting early, mid, and late varieties extends the season)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Daphne<\/td><td>Winter to early spring<\/td><td>January\u2013April for most classic varieties;<br>Specific hybrids can sporadically rebloom from spring through fall<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rhododendron or Azaleas<\/td><td>Spring (with some summer\/fall reblooming types)<\/td><td>&#8211; Broadly April\u2013June;&nbsp;<br>&#8211; Early types can bloom December\u2013March in mild climates,<br>&#8211; July\u2013September in Southern growing zones<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hydrangeas<\/td><td>Late spring to summer<\/td><td>June\u2013September; some cultivars may have a second flush extending into early fall<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spirea<\/td><td>Spring to mid-summer<\/td><td>March\u2013August, depending heavily on the species (early types bloom in spring; bumalda types bloom in summer)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Caryopteris<\/td><td>Late summer to early fall<\/td><td>July\u2013October<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Camellia<\/td><td>Late fall through spring<\/td><td>October\u2013April, depending on the species<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Forsythia<\/td><td>Early spring<\/td><td>Mid-March to mid-April, depending on your climate zone<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 id=\"1-1-lilac\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"1-lilac\">1. Lilac<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1lilac_and_garden_326398053.jpg\" alt=\"Purple lilac blossoms fill the foreground of a lush garden, with green trees, flowering shrubs, and bright spring sunlight behind.\" class=\"wp-image-11856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1lilac_and_garden_326398053.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1lilac_and_garden_326398053-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1lilac_and_garden_326398053-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1lilac_and_garden_326398053-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_1lilac_and_garden_326398053-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Purple lilac garden. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Lilac_and_garden_%28326398053%29.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">temporalata<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC-BY-SA-2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reaching 8-15 feet tall, lilacs create spectacular <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-ideas-backyard-privacy\/\">privacy screens<\/a>. You will love their iconic, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/most-fragrant-bushes-for-your-yard\/\">sweet-smelling flower<\/a> clusters and heart-shaped leaves set against deep-green foliage. As a bonus, this strong fragrance <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/deer-resistant-landscaping\/\">naturally deters deer<\/a>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because older shrubs often grow bare at the base, plant colorful daylilies around the bottom for a perfectly full and polished landscape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;For extended color after lilacs fade, we often use companion plants like hydrangeas or rose of Sharon in our &#8216;mixed border shrub&#8217; designs for continuous bloom,&#8221; Day says.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 3-7<\/li>    <li><strong>Color<\/strong>: Purple, lavender, magenta, pink, or white flowers<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun tolerance: <\/strong>Full sun<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance<\/strong>: Relatively high once established<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-pruning\/\"><strong>Prune<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> Immediately after flowering<\/li>    <li><strong>Water: <\/strong>Once every 10-14 days from spring until blooming ends<\/li>    <li><strong>When to plant<\/strong>: Late fall<\/li>    <li><strong>Bloom time<\/strong>: Spring to early summer (typically May)<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/fire-resistant-plants\/\">Fire-resistant Plants for Your Landscape<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"2-2-daphne\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"2-daphne\">2. Daphne<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_daphne-g3ad613b03_1280.jpg\" alt=\"Close view of a branch covered in soft pink daphne flowers and fresh green leaves against a smooth blurred green background.\" class=\"wp-image-11857\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_daphne-g3ad613b03_1280.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_daphne-g3ad613b03_1280-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_daphne-g3ad613b03_1280-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_daphne-g3ad613b03_1280-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pink daphne branch. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/de\/photos\/seidelbast-fr%c3%bchling-bl%c3%bcte-garten-1337665\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daphne is a compact shrub \u2014 often 2-3 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide \u2014 that is perfect for tight borders. It features star-like flowers and a sweet, fruity scent. However, it&#8217;s finicky; to prevent root rot, it requires well-drained, neutral-to-alkaline soil, making raised beds ideal.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201dFor daphne in smaller settings, I&#8217;ve seen hostas or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-care-for-ornamental-grass\/\">ornamental grasses<\/a> provide excellent textural contrast without overcrowding, fitting well into a &#8216;shrub garden beds&#8217; approach,\u201d Day says.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>4-9 (varies by species or cultivar)<\/li>    <li><strong>Color: <\/strong>Lavender, pink, or white flowers<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun tolerance: <\/strong>Full sun with afternoon shade in warmer climates<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance:<\/strong> High once established<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type: <\/strong>Slightly acidic soil and very well drained<\/li>    <li><strong>Prune:<\/strong> Lightly, if needed, after blooming<\/li>    <li><strong>Water: <\/strong>Keep evenly moist but never soggy; do not let it sit in wet soil<\/li>    <li><strong>When to plant<\/strong>: Spring to early fall<\/li>    <li><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Winter to early spring<\/li>    <li><strong>Note:<\/strong> Daphne plants hate being moved. Pick the perfect spot the first time and leave them there.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>*Warning:<\/strong> Daphne berries and leaves are poisonous. Keep this <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/poisonous-landscape-plants-for-dogs\/\">plant away<\/a> from young children and pets who might try to eat it.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"3-3-rhododendron-or-azaleas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"3-rhododendron-or-azaleas\">3. Rhododendron or azaleas<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_3602647047_8c37018468_c.jpg\" alt=\"Large flowering shrubs covered in pink and lavender rhododendron blooms stand side by side in a green garden setting.\" class=\"wp-image-11858\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_3602647047_8c37018468_c.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_3602647047_8c37018468_c-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_3602647047_8c37018468_c-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_3602647047_8c37018468_c-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_3602647047_8c37018468_c-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pink azaleas shrub. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/brostad\/3602647047\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bernt Rostad<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rhododendrons (which include azaleas) encompass over 1,000 species, ranging from low groundcovers to 20-foot shrubs.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People prize their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and dark-green evergreen foliage. While most lack a scent, some varieties produce a sweet, clove-like fragrance. If you love azaleas and want a companion shrub with similar appeal, consider camellia, daphne, or hydrangea.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip<\/strong>: Because these shrubs require consistent summer watering and winter frost protection, Day recommends spirea as an easier alternative. &#8220;For a beginner who loves azaleas but wants something more forgiving, I steer people toward spirea,&#8221; he says, noting it survives harsh weather without the \u2018drama\u2019 azaleas do.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>5-9, depending on variety.<\/li>    <li><strong>Color: <\/strong>Shades of pink, purple, crimson, yellow, and white flowers<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun tolerance:<\/strong> Partial shade to partial sun<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance: <\/strong>Low to moderate once established<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/what-is-acidic-soil\/\">Acidic<\/a>, well-drained soil rich in organic matter<\/li>    <li><strong>Prune:<\/strong> Lightly after flowering, or anytime for dead wood<\/li>    <li><strong>Water:<\/strong> Twice weekly until established, then regularly during dry spells<\/li>    <li><strong>When to plant<\/strong>: Fall or early spring<\/li>    <li><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Spring (with some summer\/fall reblooming types)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"4-4-hydrangeas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"4-hydrangeas\">4. Hydrangeas<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_blossom-plant-flower-purple-bloom-bush-1016535-pxherecom.jpg\" alt=\"Rounded hydrangea flower clusters in pastel blue, lavender, and pink crowd together among broad green leaves in a garden.\" class=\"wp-image-11859\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_blossom-plant-flower-purple-bloom-bush-1016535-pxherecom.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_blossom-plant-flower-purple-bloom-bush-1016535-pxherecom-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_blossom-plant-flower-purple-bloom-bush-1016535-pxherecom-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_blossom-plant-flower-purple-bloom-bush-1016535-pxherecom-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_blossom-plant-flower-purple-bloom-bush-1016535-pxherecom-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pastel hydrangea clusters. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/1016535\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hydrangeas reward you with massive, globe-like blooms in striking colors. Some varieties can reach up to 15 feet, creating lush, show-stopping hedges. They provide excellent cuttings for floral arrangements. However, these stunning shrubs demand heavy watering \u2014 sometimes up to 3 times a week.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Day says that &#8220;improper watering during dry spells and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/difference-between-pruning-and-trimming\/\">incorrect pruning<\/a>&#8221; are common mistakes. You need to know whether your plant blooms on &#8220;old wood&#8221; (growth from the previous year) or &#8220;new wood&#8221; (growth from the current season).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pruning hydrangeas also requires exact timing. Taylor Olberding, owner of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heroeslawncare.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Heroes Lawn Care<\/a> in Omaha, NE, warns against trimming bigleaf varieties in late fall or early spring.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;It often removes the buds set for the next season, leading to fewer \u2014 or even no \u2014 blooms,&#8221; he says.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone<\/strong>: 3-9, depending on variety<\/li>    <li><strong>Color: <\/strong>Pink, blue, shades of purple, green, and white flowers<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun tolerance:<\/strong> Partial to full sun, depending on variety and climate<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Poor<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type: <\/strong>Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil<\/li>    <li><strong>Prune:<\/strong> Immediately after flowering stops in the summer for old-wood types; late winter or early spring for new-wood types<\/li>    <li><strong>Water:<\/strong> About 1-1.5 inches a week, up to 3 times a week<\/li>    <li><strong>When to plant<\/strong>: Fall, early spring<\/li>    <li><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Late spring to summer<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"5-5-spirea\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"5-spirea\">5. Spirea<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_2018-05-13_117_spiraea_spiraea_at_bichlhausl_in_frankenfels_austria.jpg\" alt=\" A rounded spirea shrub is densely covered with cascading small white blossoms, standing alone on a lawn near open fields.\" class=\"wp-image-11860\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_2018-05-13_117_spiraea_spiraea_at_bichlhausl_in_frankenfels_austria.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_2018-05-13_117_spiraea_spiraea_at_bichlhausl_in_frankenfels_austria-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_2018-05-13_117_spiraea_spiraea_at_bichlhausl_in_frankenfels_austria-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_2018-05-13_117_spiraea_spiraea_at_bichlhausl_in_frankenfels_austria-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_2018-05-13_117_spiraea_spiraea_at_bichlhausl_in_frankenfels_austria-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">White spirea shrub. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:2018-05-13_%28117%29_Spiraea_%28spiraea%29_at_Bichlh%C3%A4usl_in_Frankenfels,_Austria.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GT1976<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC-BY-SA-4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spirea is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that delivers prolific, colorful blooms. Ranging from 1.5-8 feet tall, it works perfectly as a low border or a mid-size focal point.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To maximize your garden&#8217;s seasonal color, Day suggests pairing it with later-blooming plants.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Staggering bloom times with a spring spirea into a summer hydrangea is genuinely achievable,&#8221; Day says, noting he has seen it work beautifully in Northeast Ohio yards.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>3-8<\/li>    <li><strong>Color:<\/strong> Pink, purple, red, or white flowers with gold, chartreuse, or deep green foliage<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun tolerance:<\/strong> Full sun<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance: <\/strong>High<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Slightly acidic; well-drained soil<\/li>    <li><strong>Prune:<\/strong> After the first flowering for spring-blooming spirea; prune summer-blooming types in late winter or early spring<\/li>    <li><strong>Water<\/strong>: Once a week while establishing or during dry spells<\/li>    <li><strong>When to plant:<\/strong> Fall or early spring.<\/li>    <li><strong>Bloom time<\/strong>: Spring to mid-summer<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-what-shrubs-and-bushes-are-best-for-shaping\/\">What Shrubs and Bushes are Best for Shaping?<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"6-6-caryopteris\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"6-caryopteris\">6. Caryopteris<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"509\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Caryopteris.jpg\" alt=\"Clustered vivid purple flowers with fuzzy blooms and green leaves in soft focus, filling the frame against a blurred garden background.\" class=\"wp-image-45942\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Caryopteris.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Caryopteris-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Caryopteris-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Caryopteris-610x388.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Blue caryopteris flowers. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/clandon-bartblume-blauer-spatz-caryopteris-x-clandonensis\/216117891\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AnnaReinert<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring a striking pop of blue to your yard with caryopteris. This versatile shrub stands 2-4 feet tall and looks incredible along borders or in patio containers. Even better, its gorgeous, feathery blooms act as an irresistible magnet for <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-plants-for-attracting-butterflies\/\">butterflies<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-attract-bees-to-garden\/\">beneficial bees.<\/a><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone<\/strong>: 5-9 (in Zones 5-6, top growth may die back in winter)<\/li>    <li><strong>Color:<\/strong> Deep blue flowers<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun tolerance:<\/strong> Full sun<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance: <\/strong>High<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> Well-drained, neutral pH<\/li>    <li><strong>Prune<\/strong>: Early spring<\/li>    <li><strong>Water:<\/strong> Only if the ground is dry; rarely needs water once established<\/li>    <li><strong>When to plant:<\/strong> Fall or spring<\/li>    <li><strong>Bloom time: <\/strong>Late summer to early fall<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"7-7-camellia\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"7-camellia\">7. Camellia<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_800px-camellia_japonica_tomorrow_kz02.jpg\" alt=\"Bright red camellia blooms and glossy green leaves fill a sunlit shrub, with darker foliage and branches fading behind.\" class=\"wp-image-11864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_800px-camellia_japonica_tomorrow_kz02.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_800px-camellia_japonica_tomorrow_kz02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_800px-camellia_japonica_tomorrow_kz02-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/rsz_800px-camellia_japonica_tomorrow_kz02-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Red camellia blooms. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Camellia_japonica_%27Tomorrow%27_kz02.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC-BY-SA-4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Camellias offer the romantic, lush look of shrub roses without the high maintenance. They can survive in temperatures as low as 10\u00b0F and as high as 90\u00b0F, and they can get big \u2014 up to 25 feet, though most stay between 6-12 feet.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Best of all, they <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/winter-flowers-that-bloom-in-the-cold\/\">bloom in winter<\/a> when most other shrubs are dormant.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>7-10<\/li>    <li><strong>Color: <\/strong>Shades of pink and red, white flowers<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun tolerance<\/strong>: Full sun to part shade<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance:<\/strong> Mostly; needs ample water during the first year<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/plants-that-like-acidic-soil\/\">Slightly acidic soil<\/a><\/li>    <li><strong>Prune:<\/strong> After they flower each year<\/li>    <li><strong>Water<\/strong>: Deeply, twice a week<\/li>    <li><strong>When to plant:<\/strong> Fall or early spring<\/li>    <li><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Late fall through spring<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"8-8-forsythia\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"8-forsythia\">8. Forsythia<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Forsythia-flowers.jpg\" alt=\"Bright yellow forsythia shrubs in full bloom fill the foreground, with bare tree branches and patches of blue sky behind.\" class=\"wp-image-45944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Forsythia-flowers.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Forsythia-flowers-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Forsythia-flowers-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Forsythia-flowers-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Yellow forsythia bush. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/forsythia-flowers-in-front-of-with-green-grass-and-blue-sky\/264041645\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Art_freeman<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring an intense pop of sunshine to your yard with fast-growing forsythia. While its bloom time is brief, this fast-growing shrub can reach 1-20 feet tall and 3-10 feet wide, providing a striking seasonal focal point.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because their rapid growth can <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/landscaping-how-to-trim-tall-and-overgrown-bushes\/\">sometimes become unruly<\/a>, Day recommends careful styling.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTo use forsythia without it looking messy, strategic placement within a &#8216;mixed border shrubs&#8217; design and careful pruning immediately after flowering helps maintain its form,&#8221; he says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe often pair them with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-landscape-with-shrubs\/\">evergreen shrubs<\/a> like junipers for year-round structure, and summer-blooming <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tips-for-planting-perennials\/\">perennials<\/a> to provide color after the forsythia&#8217;s initial display.\u201c<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 5-9<\/li>    <li><strong>Color:<\/strong> Yellow flowers<\/li>    <li><strong>Sun tolerance:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/li>    <li><strong>Drought tolerance<\/strong>: High<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil type: <\/strong>Neutral to slightly acidic<\/li>    <li><strong>Prune: <\/strong>After the blooms fade<\/li>    <li><strong>Water:<\/strong> Once a week<\/li>    <li><strong>When to plant:<\/strong> Late fall or early spring<\/li>    <li><strong>Bloom time:<\/strong> Early spring<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"9-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775981812005\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What&#8217;s the easiest flowering shrub to grow?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Camellia and rhododendron are up there, due to their hardiness and flexibility across many zones. Others that are reliably easy once established include lilac and spirea \u2014 all <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/drought-tolerant-landscaping-ideas\/\">drought-tolerant<\/a> and cold-hardy down to Zone 3.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775981818841\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What flowering shrub blooms the longest?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Hydrangeas bloom from mid-spring through early fall, nearly three seasons.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1775981825374\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which flowering shrubs are deer-resistant?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Daphne, forsythia, and lilac are known for their <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-deer-resistant-plants\/\">deer resistance<\/a>. Caryopteris is also generally deer-resistant due to its aromatic foliage. If deer are a concern, avoid hydrangeas \u2014 deer love their flowers.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"10-hire-a-local-gardening-pro\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hire-a-local-gardening-pro\">Hire a local gardening pro<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting the right shrubs in the ground takes more than just a nursery trip. Before you buy, evaluate your soil pH, bloom timing, and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/plant-hardiness-zones-and-your-yard\/\">hardiness zone<\/a>. Most importantly, always call 811 before digging to safely locate underground utilities.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;d rather leave the planning and planting to someone who does this every day, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/gardener\">Lawn Love&#8217;s local gardening pros<\/a> make it simple \u2014 get an instant quote, pick a time, and a local pro will handle the rest.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Colorful hydrangea shrubs brighten a lush garden border. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/beautiful-flowers-of-hydrangeas-in-a-brittany-garden-france\/329278414\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">aquaphoto<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experts advise staggering 8 top flowering shrubs\u2014such as lilac, spirea, and hydrangea\u2014to build year-round color that truly makes your landscape pop.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":45952,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-11850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Colorful-hydrangea-shrubs.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Luminita Toma","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/luminita-toma\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11850"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48245,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11850\/revisions\/48245"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45952"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}