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Shrubs

Often considered an afterthought in the garden, shrubs can be so much more a hedge. Shrubs can be formal uprights, arching mounds, accent to other plants or amazing wild varities, shrubs can are a versitile and beautiful part of your landscaping. Shrubs can grow in all situations be it full shade or sun or a blend of the two. Many types shrubs trees are perfectly suited to be grown in Colorado. Here are just a few examples of shrubs that the gardening experts at O'Toole's Garden Center know will thrive here in Colorado.

Shade Shrubs

Hydrangea

A great way to add a splash of color to a shady spot. Hydrangeas bloom with big clusters of brilliant flowers. They come in a kaleidoscope of colors ranging from white to blue to pink. In fact, for some varieties, pink and blue flower color can be changed based on the soil pH. Acidic soils produce deeper blues, while alkaline soils produce pink hues. Hydrangeas are easy to care for, fast growing and look great as single plants, massed in groups or in pots.

Euonymus

Euonymuses are broadleaf evergreens that are prized for their foliage. Their glossy, often variegated leaves provide interest all year round. Mainly used to provide landscape structure in the form of backgrounds, hedges and dividers. Some varieties can even be used as groundcovers, vines or even topiary. Some of our more popular varieties are: Manhattan, Emerald and Gold, Moonshadow, Harlequin and Emerald Gaiety.

Oregon Grape Holly

Also known by its scientific name, mahonia, Oregon Grape Holly is the state flower of Oregon. Dense spikes of yellow flowers contrast with glossy green holly leaves. New growth comes out a reddish bronze color. Most varieties are drought tolerant once established.

Rhododendron

With over 800 species and nearly 10,000 varieties, rhododendrons are one of the most varied shrubs in the world. In our climate, rhododendrons prefer filtered shade and protection against the wind. They also like well-drained, acidic soil so they do best in raised beds. Rhododendrons bloom with all the colors of the rainbow; blues, purples, pinks, whites, oranges and reds.

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Part Sun/Part Shade Shrubs

Boxwood

Boxwood is a broadleaf evergreen with a dense growth habit that makes it ideal for edges, hedging and even topiary. Boxwoods are easy to grow and extremely adaptable. Of the most common varieties, Winter Gem and Julia Jane are the hardiest.

Burning Bush

Burning Bush gets its name from its fiery red fall color. Burning Bushes can easily be standalone accent plants or be incorporated into a low hedge. Their growth habits vary by variety. Some can grow as tall as 8 feet, while dwarf varieties stay around 1 to 3 feet. They're easy to grow and make a great contrast to yellow or orange fall foliage.

Viburnum

Viburnum are tall, upright shrubs with a dense growth habit. They make for great hedges, screens and windbreaks. They bloom with showy white flowers in the springtime that are redolent with spicy, gardenia-like fragrance. Most viburnum do best with moderate water and a little shade protection from the hottest summer sun. Some of our more popular varieties are: Burkwood, Mohican and Korean Spice.

Lilac

Prized for their big, fragrant flowers, Lilacs have been a garden staple for generations. Most are familiar with the classic purplish lilac flowers, but these shrubs also bloom in many shades of white and pink. Most varieties are also very fragrant. Some of our most popular varieties are: Common Purple, Common White, Korean Dwarf, Miss Kim and French Hybrid.

Daphne

Daphnes give you twice the bloom, with small clusters of pink, fragrant flowers appearing first in the spring and then again in the late summer. Daphnes stay relatively compact and respond well to pruning, making them very versatile in the garden. They are ideal for borders, beds, foundation plantings and especially by doors or windows where their sweet, floral scent is welcome. Our most popular variety is Carol Mackie Daphne.

Dogwood

Dogwoods are a varied group, but all provide attractive features to the garden. Many bloom with red flowers or bracts. Some also have attractive berries and brilliant fall foliage. Some, like Red Twig Dogwood, have bright red bark which makes a striking scene in contrast to winter snow. In general, dogwoods prefer fertile, well-drained soil and moderate water.

Althea

Also called Rose of Sharon, these hardy members of the hibiscus family are some of the showiest flowering shrubs. They bloom each summer with big, almost tropical looking flowers in a rainbow of colors including blues, whites, pinks and purples. Altheas are easy to grow and can tolerate some heat and drought conditions.

Summersweet

Summersweet is a great trouble-free, native shrub. In the summertime, each branch carries several 4 to 6 inch spires of pink or white flowers. These fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Another great shrub for shady, moist areas.

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Full Sun Shrubs

Mock Orange

Mock Orange is prized for its big, showy white flowers that exude a sweet orange blossom scent. It blooms in the summer, but its rich, green foliage provides interest until frost. Growth habit varies, with some types growing 8 feet tall and dwarf varieties staying between 3 to 4 feet.

Barberry

Barberries are dense, spiny-branched shrubs with attractive foliage of red, purple or green. Their dramatic foliage makes them great in borders mixed with other plants or grown together as small hedges. Barberries do well in full sun and can tolerate soil extremes. They are adaptable, but most species prefer moderate water. Some of our more popular varieties are: Crimson Pigmy, Golden Nugget, Red and Rosy Glow.

Potentilla

These tough, uncomplicated shrubs bloom throughout the summer with bold flowers of yellow, pink, red or orange. Potentilla are fairly trouble-free and bloom throughout the summer. They prefer a well-drained soil and many varieties are drought tolerant once established.

Spirea

Spirea are tough, easy to grow shrubs that provide color throughout the spring, summer and fall. Their main attraction is their clusters of delicate pink or white flowers. There are so many different kinds of spirea, it’s easy to find the perfect one for your yard. Some of our more popular varieties are: Blue Mist, Goldmound, Little Princess and Snowhite.

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

The most striking feature of the Purple Leaf Sand Cherry is its deep reddish purple leaves. In the spring, these dark leaves are contrasted beautifully with sprays of little white flowers. Some varieties will bear small black berries beloved by birds and useful in pies, jams and jellies. Sand Cherries are disease resistant and require only basic care.

Ninebark

Ninebark gets its name from its layered bark that peels away in striking patterns. Ninebark are similar to spirea and also bloom with small clusters of white or pinkish flowers in the spring. With striking foliage, bark, and flowers ninebark provides interest all year round.

Privet

With their dense growing habit, Privets are one of the best shrubs for hedges. Most varieties bear creamy white flowers in the early spring. Privets are also beloved by wildlife, their flowers attract bees while their small berries attract birds. Some of our more popular varieties are: Lodense, Cheyenne and Golden Vicary

Flowering Quince

Quince is one of the very first shrubs to bloom in the spring. Sometimes as early as January they will bust with crepe-like flowers of red, orange or pink. Quince is very easy to care for and virtually problem-free. Though growth habit varies between varieties, most are thorny and make prefect hedges or barriers. Some of our more popular varieties include: Texas Scarlet, Orange Delight

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