Small Shrubs

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Big Idea:

Low-maintenance shrubs with seasonal interest are a great choice for filling in small or awkward spaces in your yard.

This area of the Garden looks to address the homeowners’ questions regarding small spaces such as under windows, small lots or in front of larger shrubs/trees. We give alternatives to high-maintenance shrubs such as Boxwood (annual pruning, disease), arborvitae (pruning to size), Burning Bush (invasive, boring), or Yews (insects, disease, pruning for size and shape).  “Why have boring evergreens when you can have ‘Franky Boy’”?

Perennials have been added for pollinators and color ideas to complement the shrubs. 

All shrubs meet the following requirements:

• A height of no more than 4 ft.  Width may vary, but we try for 4-5 ft.
• A natural shape and size to avoid any pruning, shearing, or regular maintenance. Round, pyramidal, prostrate.
• Seasonal interest. The shrubs must have at least two seasons of interest: Spring/Summer blooms, Fall color, or Winter structure. We have also tried to find pollinator-friendly plants.
• Plants are sourced locally and are budget-friendly.
• Plants are all hardy in this zone (6a) and require little to no winter care.
• Once established, plants will require little or no additional watering.  Unlike annuals and perennials, shrubs tend to have low water needs.

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Small Shrubs Plant List