Why choose small shrubs for landscaping your Georgia yard? Is it really that big of a deal to pay attention to size? What difference does it make?
Read on to explore the many benefits of using small shrubs for landscaping as well as learn about a few shrub options that will work for nearly any yard!
Keep Things to Scale
Homeowners must consider the size and design of the space when choosing the type of plants to grow. Small spaces can easily look overwhelmed and unbalanced by large shrubs. Further, if the plant encroaches on a deck or patio, entertaining space is lost.
Don’t forget to keep the mature size of the plant in mind. It might look cute and dainty at the nursery, but every large plant started small. Crowding is a headache and leads to otherwise low maintenance plants requiring extra pruning and care.
Small Shrubs Are Manageable
The nice thing about using small shrubs for landscaping is that they are easy to manage. Homeowners won’t need to worry about balancing on top of ladders to trim the shrubs. Plus, there are decidedly fewer leaves falling from smaller deciduous plants, making them easier to clean up after.
There’s Room for Variety
Large shrubs fill up a space quickly, but small ones give homeowners the chance to get creative. Plant several shrubs to layer different colors and textures, giving the yard a sense of depth that it wouldn’t have with one or two larger shrubs.
Another advantage is the opportunity to plant shrubs with different seasonal strengths. Consider balancing spring flowers with autumn color for a yard that is beautiful all year long.
Popular Small Shrub Varieties
Here are some fantastic suggestions of small shrubs for landscaping to help homeowners get started!
Kaleidoscope Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’)
This stunning semi-evergreen shrub adds a pop of yellow-gold color to the landscaping most of the year with a dusting of white flowers in the summer. The shrub maxes out at about 3 feet high, loves full sun, and does well in the heat.
Compact Hydrangeas
Small hydrangea plants with their giant blooms add a powerful color punch in a small package. They only grow about 3 feet wide and may reach up to 5 feet tall. There are various types to choose from including the popular ‘Mini Penny’, ‘Little Lime’, and ‘Paraplu’ hydrangeas.
Creeping Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides ‘Radicans’)
The creeping gardenia is fantastic for ground cover. Like the full-size version, this plant produces about 1 to 2-inch white flowers that emit a luscious fragrance. However, the plant stays low to the ground at only about 2 feet tall with a 3-4 foot spread.
Spreading Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia)
Looking for some all-year green without the towering trees? The spreading plum yew is perfect. This dark-green plant grows between 2 and 4 feet high and thrives in shade to part sun.
Dwarf Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
This low-growing variety of wax myrtle reaches between 3 and 5 feet tall and wide and does well even in less than hospitable soil. It enjoys sun to part shade and is considered both drought and flood tolerant once established.
David Viburnum (Viburnum davidii)
For a different tone of green, choose the David viburnum with its dark blue-green leaves. Flower buds first emerge pink, and then white flowers appear in clusters. The shrub tops out between 3 and 5 feet high and enjoys sun to partial shade.
Mt. Airy Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)
This 4 to 5-foot plant adds an interesting texture to landscaping in the spring with its white bottlebrush flowers. In the fall, the foliage of this deciduous shrub turns bright colors before winding down for the winter. Plant in sun to part shade.
Dwarf Conifers for Landscaping
Dwarf conifers for landscaping projects are an excellent choice. They add interesting texture and most are evergreen and look great year round. Some can act as ground cover such as the Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis species). Others turn bold colors in the fall, such as the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum).
Warm Weather Dwarf Japanese Maples
Okay, these are technically trees, but Japanese maples for landscaping are a classic. The brilliant red-purple ‘Ever Red’ or ‘Red Dragon’ varieties can be pruned and trained to remain short. They do well in full sun or part shade.
The gorgeous color and texture that Japanese maples add to landscaping cannot be matched!
Find the Perfect Shrubs and Perennials for Your Yard
Still unsure about the best small shrubs for landscaping your Georgia yard? Don’t hesitate to contact our landscaping services experts here at Atlanta Turf & Tree. Our roots run deep with more than 35 years of combined experience in the industry.
Founded in 2007 and specializing in the greater Atlanta area, we know a thing or two about landscaping in Georgia. We can help you with all of your landscaping and lawn care needs, including choosing the best perennials for your yard!
