8 Easiest Shrubs to Grow for Effortless Beauty, Even if You’re A Beginner Gardener

Shrubs are a must-have in the garden. Larger than perennials and smaller than trees, shrubs fill an important role. They define boundaries, create privacy, make great foundational plantings, and add aesthetic appeal with color, flowers, texture, and aroma.

Growing shrubs for the first time can be intimidating, but is completely doable, even for newbie gardeners. It’s all about the choice of shrub. These forgiving and low-maintenance shrubs are ideal starting points for beginner gardeners.

Let's dig in and explore the easiest shrubs for beginner gardeners to grow!

1. Spirea

Spirea is a large genus of flowering, deciduous shrubs that are very popular in landscaping. Spirea shrubs are easy to grow and maintain and include a wide variety of readily available species and cultivars. A few popular types of spirea include birchleaf spirea, a native spirea known for its fall color, Japanese spirea, which includes many, many varieties, and bridal wreath spirea, a large type with spectacular white flowers.

Grow spirea shrubs in USDA zones 4 through 8 in a spot with full sun and neutral soil that drains well. Once established, you shouldn’t need to water or feed your spirea unless during a drought.

'Glow Girl' birchleaf spirea, available from Green Promise Farms through Walmart, is a gorgeous native spirea which means it will be even easier to grow. Red buds open to reveal cheery white blooms in spring and foliage adds color and interest all year.

2. Boxwood

Nearly as popular as spirea, boxwood shrubs are a great, easy option for year-round green. This broadleaf evergreen will give you color all winter in zones 5 through 9. Grow boxwood as a border or low hedge. It grows densely and can be trimmed into a desired shape.

Stick with newer cultivars of boxwood, which are the easiest to grow. They don’t require as much pruning as older types. ‘Green Velvet’ is a good choice. Your boxwood will grow readily in full sun or partial shade and tolerate neglect. Find 'Green Velvet' boxwood shrubs at Fast Growing Trees to start on that hedge you've always wanted!

3. Weigela

Weigela shrubs are increasingly popular in landscaping for dense, attractive foliage and spring and summer flowers. Native to Asia, you can easily grow weigela bushes in zones 4 through 8. Weigela is related to honeysuckle, grows quickly, and attracts pollinators with an abundance of pretty flowers.

Weigela bushes grow best in full sunlight but will tolerate some afternoon shade in hotter climates. The soil can be any type, but it should drain well. Once established, you shouldn’t need to water this plant again. 'Sonic Bloom' weigela, available from Fast Growing Trees, is a bright pink rebloomer that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies and is deer resistant, to boot!

4. Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are extremely popular landscaping shrubs, particularly for their abundance of long-lasting flowers. Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is the easiest type to grow and ideal for beginner gardeners. Native to North America, you can grow it in zones 5 through 9.

Oakleaf hydrangea is a medium-sized shrub that blooms in spring and summer with large clusters of small white or pink flowers. Give it a spot with full sun or partial shade and moist soil that drains well. Apply mulch to help keep the soil moist and you shouldn’t need to water it much once the shrub has become established. Find gorgeous oakleaf hydrangea varieties at Wayside Gardens.

5. Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a popular garden choice for its dependable and long-lasting flowers with little effort. Appropriate for zones 5 through 8, rose of Sharon will give you large, tropical-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, red, and blue.

Rose of Sharon grows tall and wide, so make sure you have room for it. Plant it in an area of full sun and rich soil that drains well. Once established, rose of Sharon doesn’t need much care. Water only in times of serious drought, and use fertilizer only if your soil is poor. 'Starburst Chiffon' rose of Sharon, available from Wayside Gardens, has variegated flowers with double petals for a unique take on a classic.

6. Smoke Bush

Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) is a unique option for an easy-to-grow shrub. Many gardeners use it as a specimen, and it can be grown like a shrub or trimmed into a small tree. The flowers of the smoke bush give it its name. They grow in feathery clusters that, when in bloom, give a sense of a haze of smoke around the shrub.

Smoke bush is suitable for zones 4 through 9. It tolerates even poor soil but does need a spot in full sun for the best results. Water your smoke bush deeply and regularly as it gets established. Then, it will be drought-tolerant and need little maintenance. A 'Royal Purple' smoke bush, from the Home Depot, will add a dramatic flair to your landscape.

7. Red Twig Dogwood

For an easy shrub that gives you color even in winter in the coldest climates, you can’t beat red twig dogwood. This native deciduous shrub provides four-season visual interest in zones 2 through 7. It blooms in spring with white flowers, has pretty, variegated leaves in summer, produces fall berries, and has red stems that provide winter color.

Grow red twig dogwood in full sun or partial shade. The soil should stay consistently moist. As long as you plant it in a spot that retains moisture, you shouldn’t have to water your dogwood. It also doesn’t require regular feeding. Occasional pruning helps it rejuvenate and look healthy. Red twig dogwood shrubs, which can be found at Home Depot, are also wonderful pollinator plants.

8. Coral Bean

For warm climate gardens, try coral bean (Erythrina herbacea). The fact that it’s native makes coral bean easy to grow in zones 8 through 11. It only needs average soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade. Once established, it grows best with minimal watering.

Coral bean is a summer stunner, with bright red blooms on tall flower stalks. As a bonus, the flowers will attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard. In fall, the flowers develop seed pots that split open to reveal bright red seeds. Be aware, though, that the seeds are very toxic. Coral bean plants can be purchased from Plant Delights Nursery.

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