10 Shrubs That Are Perfect for First Time Gardeners
Two weekends ago I made the executive decision to pack up all of our winter gear. After a long winter here in Edmonton (and the coldest on record I might add), I’m done. My husband warned me it was too soon, but I’m so ready for warmer weather that I ignored him and proceeded to box up our jackets and unpack our flip flops. Sure enough, we’ve had several days of snow since and I’ve had to pull out our parkas and toques yet again.
Since it’s looking like it’s going to be awhile before we can really embrace all things spring, I thought I would use the time to start planning our front yard landscape. If you’ve been following along here for a while, you’ll know that our front yard is in need of some love.
There are several larger shrubs that I’m fairly certain have been dead for a while and need to be replaced, and a few bare patches within the planting beds that need to be filled. I’m a bit green (pun intended) when it comes to gardening so I want to make sure whatever I plant is easy to take care of and will live harmoniously with the existing shrubs.
I’ve done quite a bit of research, so today I thought I’d share some of best options I’ve come across. These robust shrubs are all fairly low maintenance in that they require no more then some annual pruning. I’ve also only included plants ranging from hardiness zones 2a-4a (Edmonton was recently re-classified as 4a) so they should all re-grow in the following years. With any luck, 4 months from now I’ll be sharing a front yard landscaping reveal post. Stay tuned!
Red Prince Weigela | Weigela florida ‘Red Prince’
A Red Prince Weigela is an easy to care for shrub featuring bright red trumpet shaped flowers from late spring into mid summer. These shrubs are a perfect addition to any garden as they have no significant negative characteristics and their bright red flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds.
These shrubs should be grown in full sunlight and do best in average to moist conditions. Minimal maintenance is required as these shrubs should only be pruned once a season after flowering.
Full Height: 3’
Full Spread: 30”
Hardiness Zone: 3b
Dwarf Korean Lilac | Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’
Another great addition to any garden, Dwarf Korean Lilac shrubs are easy to care for and excellent at attracting butterflies. These shrubs bloom in late spring and boost fragrant, purple flowers, which are excellent for cutting.
Dwarf Korean Lilacs do best in full sunlight but are very adaptable to both dry and moist conditions. Minimal maintenance is required as these shrubs should only be pruned once a season after flowering.
Full Height: 5’
Full Spread: 5’
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Flaming Mound Spirea | Spiraea japonica 'Flaming Mound'
Flaming Mound Spiraea is another great option as they are fast growing, require minimal maintenance, and are excellent at attracting butterflies.
These shrubs flower in late spring/early summer and the leaves turn coppery-bronze in the fall. They should only be grown in full sunlight, and prefer average to moist conditions. Under ideal conditions, these shrubs can live for up to 20 years.
Full Height: 24”
Full Spread: 30”
Hardiness Zone: 3b
Low Scape Mound Aronia | Aronia melanocarpa
These compact shrubs are really interesting because they feature glossy dark leaves and white flowers in the spring, but by fall will be covered in purple-black berries and have changed to a brilliant red. They are very adaptable and a great choice for edging as they do well in both sunny and partially shady locations.
These shrubs require minimal maintenance, and are best pruned in late winter after the threat of extreme cold has passed. They are incredibly robust and can tolerate both dry conditions and some standing water.
Full Height: 24”
Full Spread: 18”
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Ruby Spice Summersweet | Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’
The Ruby Spice Summersweet is incredibly adaptable and very easy to care for, making it a great option for first time gardeners. Deep pink flowers emerge in late summer and the leaves will change to a vibrant gold in the fall. It is also a great choice if you are wanting to attract bees and butterflies to your yard.
These shrubs prefer partial to full sun and do best in average to wet conditions. These robust shrubs can even tolerate some standing water. They prefer acidic soils and will do well when incorporated into evergreen landscapes.
Full Height: 5’
Full Spread: 4’
Hardiness Zone: 3b
Hidcote Lavender | Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Hidcote Lavender is actually not a shrub, it’s a herbaceous perennial, but it’s worth including in this list because it’s low maintenance and drought-tolerant so it’s perfect for a xeriscape landscape and inexperienced gardeners.
These perennials feature beautiful spikes of fragrant purple flowers from early to late summer, and look absolutely stunning when planted in groupings. At the end of the season this plant will die back to the crown, but as long as it’s not disturbed, will return in the spring.
Full Height: 18”
Full Spread: 18”
Hardiness Zone: 4a
Dart’s Gold Ninebark | Physocarpus opulifolius 'Dart's Gold'
This hardy shrub is incredibly tough, requires minimal maintenance, and has no negative characteristics. It features clusters of little white flowers from late spring to early summer and attractive foliage that emerges gold in the spring.
Dart’s Gold Ninebark does best in full sun to partial shade and is very adaptable to both dry and moist conditions. It grows at a medium rate and if well taken care of, can live up to 30 years.
Full Height: 4’
Full Spread: 4’
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Nannyberry | Viburnum lentago
This beautiful shrub is a excellent choice for first time gardeners as it is incredibly hardy and only requires occasional maintenance. Large clusters of white flowers will emerge by mid spring and it’s glossy, green leaves will turn to a vibrant red in the fall. This shrub also produces blue berries that will cling to the plant from late summer until late winter making it very attractive to birds.
Nannyberry bushes will do well in full sun and full shade. They are also very adaptable and can survive in and both wet and dry conditions.
Full Height: 15’
Full Spread: 10’
Hardiness Zone: 2b
White Snowberry | Symphoricarpos albus
White Snowberry is a durable and hardy shrub that is incredibly adaptable to poor conditions and can grow in full sun and full shade. It produces pink flowers in summer and white berries begin to emerge in early fall.
This shrub requires occasional maintenance, but is still a great option for beginner gardeners as it thrives in both moist and dry conditions. It also grows relatively quickly and can live for up to 20 years.
Full Height: 5’
Full Spread: 5’
Hardiness Zone: 2a
Blue Belle Honeyberry | Lonicera caerulea 'Berry Smart Belle’
Blue Belle Honeyberry is typically grown for it’s edible berries but is quite pretty and can be incorporated as an ornamental shrub as well. The navy blue berries are sweet to taste and are usually ready for picking from late spring to early summer. It is also great at attracting butterflies.
This shrub should be pruned annually, ideally in late winter after the threat of extreme cold has passed. Otherwise it has no significate negative characteristics. It does well in full sun to partial shade and tends to prefer dry to average moisture levels.
Full Height: 5’
Full Spread: 4’
Hardiness Zone: 2a
While this post is not sponsored, most of this information was collected from the Millcreek Nursery’s website. Millcreek Nursery is a family farm and tree nursery within Edmonton. I found their website to be super helpful in researching for this post so if you’re looking to get more information about what trees would be appropriate for your landscape I would definitely recommend checking them out.
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BY EMILY RADKIE
