Planting shrubs in boxes isn’t just about making your outdoor space look better. Shrubs can create privacy, bring in birds and butterflies, and change with the seasons for added interest. While some gardeners opt for high-maintenance plants, there are easy-to-care-for shrubs that do well with little attention.
The secret to picking the right shrubs for your planter boxes is choosing low-maintenance types that fit your local weather and growing conditions. Whether you have a sunny spot or a shaded area, there are shrubs that can thrive in your planters.
Here are 15 easy-care shrubs that will add beauty to your planter boxes.
Boxwood
In order to promote ideal root establishment, boxwood is typically planted in the early spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate. Because of its slow to moderate growth rate, this evergreen shrub is perfect for shaping into topiaries or hedges. Certain cultivars, such as ‘Green Mountain’ and ‘Winter Gem,’ are highly valued for their resilience to common diseases like leaf spot and boxwood blight,’ which guarantees their durability in a landscape setting.
Lavender
U.S. Hardiness Zones 5 through 9 are ideal for lavender growth, giving gardeners considerable climate flexibility. Planting is best done in the spring to give the roots a chance to establish before the heat of summer. It grows at a leisurely pace, taking a few seasons to reach its full height of one to three feet. Well-known cultivars such as ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ have different bloom colors and sizes; ‘Hidcote’ is distinguished by its shorter stature and deep purple blossoms.
Hydrangea
The variety of hydrangeas is noteworthy, as each variety adds unique qualities to gardens. The well-liked ‘Endless Summer’ cultivar is renowned for its propensity to bloom repeatedly during a season, producing an abundance of vibrant flowers. It is ideal to plant hydrangeas in the early spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the roots may easily take hold. They are hardy in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, so gardeners in a variety of climates can incorporate these plants into their landscapes.
Rosemary
Many gardeners choose rosemary because it requires no maintenance and grows well in well-drained soil. With the right conditions, it can grow up to five feet at a leisurely pace, and its compact size makes it a good choice for container gardening. Well-known cultivars such as ‘Arp’ are prized for their resilience to cold, while ‘Tuscan’ is appreciated for its strong flavor and scent, making it perfect for cooking. Furthermore, the evergreen needles of rosemary maintain their uniform green color all year round.
Holly
The holly tree, which is widely planted for its glossy, dark green leaves and vivid red berries, varies greatly in terms of growth rate depending on the type. Some species develop slowly, gaining only a few inches a year, while others may reach a moderate growth rate and quickly establish themselves. Holly is well-known for its hardiness and has a strong root system that frequently allows it to tolerate a variety of environmental stresses. Notably, certain types, such as American Holly, grow well in US Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, which are suitable for a range of temperatures.
Spirea
Since spirea is a hardy shrub that grows in many US Hardiness Zones, it may adapt to a variety of temperatures. It is appealing to gardeners seeking speedy results because of its modest growth rate, which allows it to reach its full size in a matter of years. Among the popular varieties, ‘Gold Flame’ is noted for its golden spring foliage and pink flowers, while ‘Anthony Waterer’ impresses with its crimson blossoms, both options showcasing unique seasonal colors.
Azalea
US Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 are ideal for azalea growth, which produces vibrant flowers that start in late spring and frequently last into early summer. Most kinds grow to a height of 3 to 6 feet over several years, with a moderate growth rate. Well-known cultivars like as “Girard’s Pleasant White” are known for their compact growth and pastel blossoms, while “George L. Tabor” is a bigger variety with similar flowers. Both types work effectively in areas with moderate temperatures and enough soil moisture.
Privet
Privet is a popular choice for quickly establishing hedges or privacy screens because of its rapid growth rate. Because of its resilience, it can adapt to a range of US Hardiness Zones and flourish in a variety of climates. Popular types like ‘Cheyenne’ and ‘Sinense’ are often selected for their toughness and dense foliage, each with unique qualities. ‘Cheyenne’ is prized for its resilience, while ‘Sinense’ is appreciated for its compact shape.
Pieris
A popular shrub in many landscapes, Pieris japonica is a dependable option for gardeners due to its resistance to disease. It does especially well in US Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, where it can adapt to several weather and yet stay healthy. The plant’s foliage changes with the seasons, bringing color variation to any garden with new bronze or red growth in the spring, green through the summer, and occasionally revealing a reddish hue once more in the fall.
Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina)
Heavenly bamboo has discernible seasonal variations and is frequently used in landscape designs. It is renowned for its ever-changing foliage, which as the winter months draw nearer changes from green to crimson and occasionally even purple. Planting usually takes place in the spring or fall so that roots can grow in an environment free from severe weather. One of its distinguishing characteristics is its slow to moderate growth rate, which enables it to keep its size and form in gardens without frequent pruning.
Euonymus
Euonymus shrubs are popular because of their colorful foliage. During the fall, their green leaves frequently turn crimson, purple, or yellow. Well-known cultivars with distinctive leaf patterns and moderate growth rates, such as “Emerald Gaiety” and “Manhattan,” provide visual interest throughout the year. These plants are hardy enough to survive in US Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, which means they can withstand a wide range of climates and are therefore adaptable choices for gardens across a variety of regions.
Camellia
A perennial favorite in many gardens, camellias are best planted in the early spring or fall to give their roots time to grow before harsh weather. USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 are normally ideal for this flowering plant because they have the right climate for it to flourish. It is well-known for its modest growth rate and for growing into a dense shrub that offers evergreen leaves all year round. Depending on the type, it can also produce noticeable blossoms in a variety of hues.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Little Alberta Spruce grows slowly; it usually gains just 2 to 4 inches of height per year, which makes it perfect for container gardening or tiny areas. Planting in the spring or fall permits the roots to take hold before summer heatwaves or winter cold snaps. Because of its compact root structure, it doesn’t take up much room, which is useful in small gardens or when incorporating several plants into a landscape.
Kalmia (Mountain Laurel)
Although it may grow in several US Hardiness Zones, mountain laurel is most at home in Zones 4 through 9. This plant, well-known for its resilience to disease, can withstand numerous common illnesses that other garden shrubs struggle with. Selecting an acidic soil that drains well will help establish plants and promote strong development. Because of its shallow but extensive root system, it requires careful management of watering and mulching in order to avoid stress and wind disruption.
Gardenia
Because gardenias grow best in US Hardiness Zones 8 through 11, they are ideal for areas with warmer temperatures. Rich green foliage and fragrant white flowers, which blossom from late spring to early summer, are brought forth by seasonal variations. Popular varieties like as ‘August Beauty’ are prized for their long flowering season and profusion of blossoms, but ‘Kleim’s Hardy’ has the benefit of cold tolerance, making it suitable for a wider range of gardening conditions within these zones.