Shrubs can really change how your walkway looks and feels. They add greenery and can make your property more inviting. But when you’re dealing with a narrow space, choosing the right shrubs is crucial. You don’t want plants that grow too big and block the path or roots that might damage the walkway.
Luckily, there are many attractive, low-maintenance shrubs that work well along walkways. You can find options that look good year-round, have nice flowers, or just add a neat touch to your entrance.
We’ve put together a list of 11 shrubs that are perfect for walkways, helping you make the most of your outdoor space while keeping it practical and nice-looking.
Boxwood
Boxwood is frequently used in landscaping because it has a solid, evergreen structure that looks well in a variety of seasons. This plant is remarkably disease-resistant and needs very little care to flourish in a healthy environment. Boxwood is most suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, but it can withstand a variety of climates and provides gardeners with versatility in a range of locations. This plant, which is well-known for growing slowly and keeping its shape, is a favorite for topiary and hedge projects.
Lavender
Grown for its unique scent and low maintenance requirements, lavender is excellent for several US Hardiness Zones. It usually has a long life span and thrives in well-drained soil with lots of sunshine with little maintenance. Due to their small size and rich oil content, ‘Munstead’ lavenders are a popular cultivar that are frequently used for both utilitarian and ornamental purposes. For gardeners looking for hardy perennials, lavender is a dependable option because of these qualities.
Hydrangeas
Because of their flexibility to various climates, hydrangeas grow over a variety of US Hardiness Zones, most typically between zones 3 and 9. Hydrangeas have shallow, fibrous roots that need regular watering but adequate drainage to avoid root rot. Growth rates can differ, but most species develop moderately to quickly in ideal circumstances. They typically achieve maturity in three to five years, especially when given rich, well-drained soil and steady precipitation.
Roses
Roses are planted in the spring or fall, which allows them plenty of time to take root before severe weather arrives. Roses are noted for their variable growth rates; the type and growing environment can cause sluggish to moderate development. Well-known cultivars like “Knock Out” are commended for their ability to withstand illness, which lessens the need for intensive chemical treatments. Some cultivars, like as ‘Peace,’ provide a subtle seasonal variation in hues ranging from pink to pale yellow.
Rhododendrons
Because they grow well in US Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, rhododendrons are adaptable to a variety of climates. ‘Percy Wiseman’ is renowned for its peach-pink blooms and compact growth in slightly milder zones, while ‘Nova Zembla’ is an interesting variety with vivid red flowers that thrives in colder climates. If you are going to plant, it is best to do so in the early spring or fall to allow the roots to get established before harsh weather arrives.
Spirea
Planting spirea in the early spring or fall gives it time to grow roots before severe weather strikes. This shrub, which is well-known for being resistant to disease, experiences fewer health issues than other ornamental plants, which lowers the need for regular interventions. With a rather quick growth rate, it can achieve maturity in a few years and quickly contribute greenery to landscapes. Spirea is great for a range of landscapes because it is low maintenance and fits in well with its surroundings.
Azaleas
In order to give azaleas time to establish roots before severe weather, they are usually planted in the early spring or early fall when temperatures are more stable. These shrubs are great for patient gardeners because they grow at a moderate pace, gradually increasing in height over time. Azaleas grow well in a variety of US Hardiness Zones, but they do best in areas with well-drained soil and some shade. In the right climate, they can flourish with little trouble at all.
Holly
Holly trees are tolerant of several temperatures since they grow well in a variety of U.S. Hardiness Zones, usually from zones 5 to 9. They are remarkably resistant to deer, who frequently avoid these trees in favor of other vegetation. The trees develop at a slow to moderate rate; it will take them several years to reach magnificent heights. For individuals seeking for controllable garden features that don’t require frequent trimming, this sluggish growth may be useful.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maple trees have beautiful foliage that changes color with the seasons. Bright green leaves appear in the spring, while blazing reds and oranges appear in the fall. Because these trees can tolerate temperatures that are relatively cold, they are suitable for US Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, which greatly increases their growth range. Popular cultivars like ‘Bloodgood’ are prized for their crimson color and deeply lobed leaves; this variety is a favorite among gardeners who want a reliable color and flexibility.
Juniper
Renowned for their wide variety of cultivars, juniper trees are particularly resistant to deer and rabbits, which makes them perfect for regions where these animals are common. The “Blue Star” species is especially well-known for its unusual foliage, which is silvery-blue and stays that way all year round. Because of their generally strong and fibrous root systems, they can adapt well to a variety of soil types and have exceptional drought tolerance. They are therefore a sensible option for landscaping in difficult areas.
Smoke Bush
The foliage of the deciduous smoke bush shrub changes dramatically with the seasons, from deep purple to red, orange, or yellow in the fall. The species needs well-drained soil to flourish and grows to a maximum height of 10 to 15 feet at a moderate rate. It can tolerate a variety of climates in U.S. Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, though shelter from severe winters is advised for best growth.