Landscape Designers Share Their 5 Favorite Colorful Shrubs to Elevate Any Front Yard – and Make Neighbors Jealous!

Part of the beauty of gardening is that your yard can be whatever you want it to be. If your heart desires a garden abundant with flowers and paving stone pathways, it's more than possible. Or if something with lots of greenery and trees is calling your name, planting up some new growth will only take an afternoon.

Gardeners often look to incorporate tasteful pops of color into their yard to enhance the visuals of the space even further. These accents stand out in a great way, whether it's to purposefully create a focal point or to provide a sense of contrast from the rest of your yard's color palette.

If you're interested in adding some more color to your yard, you've come to the right place. I asked an assortment of plant pros for their top colorful shrub recommendations that will instantly add an extra something to your outdoor area. Read on to hear their top picks, as well as why they're ideal in terms of elevating your yard's design.

1. Oakleaf hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are an amazing choice of shrub for adding color to a yard but if you're going to pick just one variety for impact Taylor Olberding, co-owner of Heroes Lawn Care in Omaha and a degree holder in Turf and Landscape Management, would highly recommend "Oakleaf".

Taylor explains: "Oakleaf hydrangeas are my number one choice because they give you something to look at year-round. In summer, they produce large, creamy white blooms, followed by rich burgundy foliage in the fall. Even in winter, the peeling bark adds texture, so the landscape never feels empty."

Oakleaf hydrangeas are hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. They're a highly adaptable plant, able to withstand colder climates as well as climates on the more hot, humid side. For an Oakleaf hydrangea shrub to thrive, make sure to regularly provide it with water but do not overwater the plant. Well-drained, slightly acidic soil are also key points of care.

Find an eye-catching 'Gatsby Pink' oakleaf hydrangea shrub at Fast Growing Trees. Rich pink blooms in summer give way to burgundy foliage in fall.

2. 'Royal Purple' Smokebush

Taylor is also a huge fan of the 'Royal Purple' Smokebush, also called American smoke tree. It's another stunning shrub that shifts with the seasons, and as its name suggests it brings a beautiful hue of purple into a garden.

He says: "If you want more color, go for ‘Royal Purple’ smokebush. It has deep, velvety foliage that shifts into vibrant orange-red tones in fall, and its airy, smoke-like blooms add a soft, almost hazy texture during the summer."

The Royal Purple Smokebush is hardy in zones 4 through 9, thriving in full sun and well-draining soil. Despite being very sought-after by gardeners due to its beauty, it's actually a rather low-maintenance choice of shrub. Just be sure not to overwater it, as it's naturally drought-tolerant.

Royal Purple can be purchased from Fast Growing Trees for stunning color shipped straight to your door.

3. Azaleas

Azaleas are another great shrub for elevating a yard through color as their blooms come in so many bright varieties. From bold reds and yellows to punchy pinks and purples, whatever color you feel your space is missing can likely be remedied through the addition of one of these plants.

Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal and part of the landscaping industry for over 25 years, shares: "Azalea's have beautiful spring colors and are very low maintenance. They do best in clusters near entryways or pathways or as foundation plantings that create a strong visual focal point immediately when people approach the home."

Different varieties of azaleas grow best in different plant hardiness zones, so there's probably something out there to match where you live. Though make sure to do your research before planting to help you find the best fit.

'Autumn Majesty' azalea shrubs, available from Lowe's, have almost electric purple flowers that will light up any shady corner of the yard!

4. Lavender

Lavender is a much-adored classic in the world of plants, but many gardeners don't realize it counts as a shrub AND can bloom in colors other than just purple! Known for its signature scent, it's a lovely way to add color to your space while also attracting local pollinators.

Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf, says: "Lavender comes in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, violet, pink, and even white. It is a great shrub if you want to attract butterflies and other pollinators into your garden, since it is rich in nectar, their main source of food, while also adding an injection of color into your yard."

According to Angelika, lavender can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 through to 11. If you live in hardiness zones 5 through 9, consider growing English lavender for the best results. And for zones 10 and 11, French lavender is usually an excellent choice. French lavender can also be grown in zones 8 and 9 if you prefer it over the English variety.

True English lavender seeds from Seed Needs, a family-owned business, can be found on Amazon.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary grows beautiful little flowers from late winter through to late spring, with the color depending on which variety you opt for. If you enjoy herb gardening, growing rosemary is a great way to double up expanding your collection of herbs while adding color.

Angelika shares: "This perennial shrub has needle-like leaves and produces a fresh, herbal scent that can spread around your garden, making it smell lovely and repelling multiple pests, including mosquitoes. When left to bloom, rosemary produces beautiful, small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white from late winter through to late spring."

For the best results, plant rosemary in zones 8 through 11 along your pathways for a fresh hit of fragrance every time you walk around the yard, and prune it to maintain a beautiful shape. Be careful how often you water your rosemary though - despite loving full sunlight it doesn't need drowning in water as it's naturally drought-tolerant! Seed Needs also offers heirloom rosemary seeds through Amazon.

Supplies for Shrub Success