When we think of shrubs, most of us picture foundation plants or a shrub border. Of course shrubs are naturals for these situations, but there is another setting for shrubs — especially blooming ones — that we don’t always consider: the perennial garden. Blooming shrubs lend the beauty of their flowers to the perennial garden, and also supply something else that most perennial gardens need: “bones,” or a sense of structure.
Here’s a list of perennial shrubs to help you pick the right plant for the right place.
Azalea
No Southern garden is complete without beautiful, beloved azaleas. These evergreen perennial shrubs grow as tall as 15 feet, depending on the variety, and are covered in blooms in pink, purple, white or pink in the spring. They’re in the rhododendron family and there are varieties that will grow in nearly every region.
The best time to plant azaleas is in late spring or early fall. Evergreen azaleas do well in partial shade with some wind protection. Deciduous varieties flower more profusely in full sun.
Spirea
This easy-to-grow perennial shrub grows four to 10 feet tall and blooms in spring or summer, depending on variety. Spring bloomers bear flowers cascading on arching stems. Summer bloomers are shorter plants with clusters of flowers at the end of branches. Flowers can be white, blue or pink.
Their long-lasting blooms and ability to serve a variety of landscape functions — from mass plantings and perennial borders to groundcovers and informal hedges — have made them a staple in gardens of all sizes. If you’re only familiar with the traditional bridal wreath spirea, a large shrub that can become ungainly if not pruned, you’ll love the versatility and carefree nature of the newer spirea cultivars showcased here. They not only have tidier growth habits but also more vibrant foliage, so they provide seasonal interest even when not in bloom.
Hardy Hibiscus
These giant perennial bushes grow to seven feet tall and produce showy blooms the size of dinner plates all summer. Hardy hibiscus looks like a tender tropical plant but can survive winters to Zone 5. Flowers come in jewel tones of red, pink, white and yellow.
Roses
For adding color to the perennial garden, don’t forget roses. There are countless types available in myriad of colors, shapes, and sizes. One that makes a stunning statement and is seldom planted is the Redleaf rose (Rosa rubrifolia). It grows 4 to 6 feet high and is covered with rich maroon foliage the entire summer. Soft pink, single blossoms emerge midsummer, followed by orange-red rose hips that remain through the fall and winter.
Bluebeard (Caryopteris)
Bluebeard comes on strong in spring with silvery, almost-white toothed foliage, followed by the clearest blue, starry flowers in late summer. Together these colors are magnificent. There are cultivars available with dark purple flowers and light powder-blue flowers as well. Give it full sun and well-drained soil.
Camellia
This gorgeous evergreen shrub grows eight to 15 feet tall, depending on the variety. It bears rose-like blooms in red, pink or white, depending on the type. Camellias are a fixture in old-fashioned southern gardens where they bloom midwinter. They’re a great cut flower, but only winter hardy to Zone 6.
Viburnum
This spring blooming shrub grows to 15 feet high and bears fragrant flowers in pink and white. These perennial flowering shrubs are tough plants with more than 150 species, some of which can survive winters to Zone 3 (that’s southern Alaska.) Some varieties bear small berries that birds love. Plant a stand of viburnum in the back of a border for a natural screen.
Mock Orange
An easy-to-grow shrub, mock orange grows three to 15 feet tall and up to six feet wide, depending on variety. These perennial bushes bear white flowers in the spring with a heavenly fragrance you can smell a foot away. They tend to be lanky and make excellent screen plants.
Hydrangea
One of the most popular perennial shrubs, hydrangea produces big, showy clusters of flowers on a plant that grows from three to 20 feet high, depending on the variety. They like light shade and need a medium amount of water. Hydrangea blooms in blue, pink, white and purple-blue. They make good specimen plants or arranged in groupings.