Elizabeth is a Permaculture Garden Designer, Sustainability Consultant and Professional Writer, working as an advocate for positive change. She graduated from the University of St. Andrews with an MA in English and Philosophy and obtained a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design from the Permaculture Association.
Reviewed By DAN ORI
Dan has over 27 years’ under his belt caring for plants and gardens. Working as a Horticultural Instructor and Consultant, he draws on a diverse range of experience that includes working as a Head Gardener, Tree Surgeon, Garden Centre Trouble Shooter, and writer of academic papers. Dan has a Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture and is currently a candidate for the RHS’s most prestigious award – The Master of Horticulture.
I find that low-growing shrubs can be very useful to create ground cover in beds or borders or to create low boundary hedges between different parts of your garden.
When chosen carefully they can be very useful, adding interest and appeal to your garden all year-round.
To narrow down your choices somewhat, the first things to think of include:
- Climatic conditions in your garden.
- Your soil type and the properties of the soil where you live.
- Whether you are looking for a small shrub for full sun, partial or deep shade.
You will also need to consider where and how exactly you would like to grow your low-growing shrubs.
I typically use low-growing and small shrubs in the garden for:
- Creating low bed edging, boundaries between different ‘garden rooms’ or low hedges.
- Bringing structure in the middle or towards the front of beds or borders.
- Growing in containers to bring interest to a patio or courtyard area.
“When planting low-growing shrubs in your garden, you have a great opportunity to knit together the existing planting by using a selection technique called ‘something different, something the same'” shares Horticultural Consultant Dan Ori.
“For example, if you have a Weigela florida ‘Nana Variegata’ in your border, you could then plant the blue flowered variegated leaf Vinca major ‘Variegata’ near it.
“After, plant something else blue or variegated to match the Vinca major and something pink to match the Weigela florida.”
Once you have decided how you would like to use small shrubs and where you will be growing them, you can begin to think about how the shrubs might look throughout the year.
Consider when they have their main season of interest, and also, what the shrubs might offer for you, wildlife, and other plants growing in your garden.
Any list of low-growing and small shrubs must of course be highly selective, but here are fifteen of my favourite picks for interest and utility throughout the year:
Shrubs For Spring Interest
1) Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens
- COMMON NAME(S): Creeping Blue Blossom
- HARDINESS RATING: H4
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Blue
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
- EXPOSURE: Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Clay, loam, sand; Alkaline or neutral pH
- SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 2.5-4m spread
Ceanothus can be a useful plant because it is not only beautiful, with stunning blue flowers, but it also fixes nitrogen.1Russell, S., & Evans, H. (1967, June). The Nitrogen-Fixing Capacity of Ceanothus velutinus. Oxford Academic: Forest Science. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://academic.oup.com/forestscience/article-abstract/12/2/164/4709415
This can potentially be beneficial for other plants growing close by.
It is also a great ground cover plant for sheltered and sunny positions, as it grows well on slopes and can reach up to around 90cm in height.
I have a large Ceanothus at the foot of my garden and it is absolutely swarming with bees when in flower (usually at the beginning of June).
While this usually only lasts a few weeks, it typically flowers again in late September – though I must admit this bloom is far less showy than its early summer show.
2) Cytisus × beanii
- COMMON NAME(S): Bean’s Broom
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Deciduous
- FLOWERS: Yellow
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
- EXPOSURE: Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; any pH
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
In the Fabaceae plant family, Bean’s broom is another nitrogen-fixing plant.2Wheeler, C., Helgerson, O., Perry, D., & Gordon, J. (1987, April). Nitrogen Fixation and Biomass Accumulation in Plant Communities Dominated by Cytisus scoparius L. in Oregon and Scotland. JSTOR. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.jstor.org/stable/2403800
It is a semi-prostrate shrub which can be grown even in areas with poor soils, in free-draining conditions in full sun.
With its green, linear leaves and bright, cheerful yellow flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer, it can be useful for a range of tricky garden spots.
3) Genista tinctoria
- COMMON NAME(S): Dyer’s Greenwood
- HARDINESS RATING: H6
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Deciduous
- FLOWERS: Yellow
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; any pH
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
Another nitrogen-fixing shrub is commonly known as ‘Dyers greenweed’.
As the name suggests, this plant is also useful for a good quality yellow dye obtained from its flowers and young shoots.3Dyeing with Dyer’s Greenweed. (n.d.). Wild Colours Natural Dyes. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from http://www.wildcolours.co.uk/html/greenweed.html
Placing the plants around 45cm apart can give good ground cover.
It is also not only ornamental but also great for wildlife in your garden.
It grows well in light and even poor soil in a sunny position and is H6 hardy.
4) Skimmia japonica ‘Nymans’
- COMMON NAME(S): Skimmia ‘Nymans’
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: White
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring
- FRUIT SEASON(S): Autumn
- SUNLIGHT: Full Shade / Partial Shade
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam; any pH
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 1-1.5m spread
There are a number of smaller Skimmias that can be great choices if you are looking for a small and low-growing shrub.
‘Nymans’ is one great option to consider.
It has narrow, elliptical, dark green, evergreen foliage and bears clusters of white flowers in spring, as well as bright red berries in autumn.
It is great for attracting wildlife to your garden in moist but well-drained soil or growing medium in full or partial shade.
5) Vinca major ‘Variegata’
- COMMON NAME(S): Variegated Greater Periwinkle
- HARDINESS RATING: H6
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Blue and purple
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer / Autumn
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Full Shade / Partial Shade
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; any pH
- SIZE: 0.1-0.5m in height, 1.5-2.5m spread
This evergreen sub-shrub has beautiful, variegated foliage and violet flowers which open from spring to autumn.
It is H6 hardy in the UK.
It is ideal for a huge range of situations, from full sun through to full shade and can spread to create an excellent ground cover.
For example, I would typically use Vinca major as a good choice for creating cover below deciduous trees.
Shrubs For Summer Interest
6) Caryopteris × clandonensis ‘Heavenly Blue’
- COMMON NAME(S): Bluebeard ‘Heavenly Blue’
- HARDINESS RATING: H4
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Deciduous
- FLOWERS: Blue
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
- EXPOSURE: Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; any pH
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 1-1.5m spread
This beautiful shrub with small blue flowers that bloom in the late summer and into autumn is a great choice for a sheltered and free-draining site in full sun.
It is H4 hardy and is a good pick for attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects to your garden.
‘Heavenly Blue’ particularly will thrive in a small courtyard garden, in a container, or in a position near a sunny, warm wall.
7) Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’
- COMMON NAME(S): English Lavender ‘Hidcote’
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Purple
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
- EXPOSURE: Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; any pH
- SIZE: 0.1-0.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread
Lavender is one of the best-known low shrubs.
It can be perfect in full sun and free-draining conditions, for creating bed edging or for growing alongside pathways.
Lavender is wonderful for wildlife and also has a wide range of uses inside your home.
8) Ruta graveolens ‘Jackman’s Blue’
- COMMON NAME(S): Rue ‘Jackman’s Blue’
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Yellow
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer
- FRUIT SEASON(S): Autumn
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Partial Shade
- EXPOSURE: Exposed
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Loam, sand; any pH
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 0.5-1m spread
Rue can be an excellent companion plant for fruit trees, fruiting shrubs, and roses, amongst others.
It will grow in any moderately fertile and well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, and is also H5 hardy.
‘Jackman’s Blue’ is one popular cultivar to consider.
It has traditionally been thought of as good for repelling certain pest species which is why it is commonly used as a companion plant.4Tirreell, R. (1973, July 29). Rue and Tansy Protect Crops As Natural Insecticides. The New York Times. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/29/archives/rue-and-tansy-protect-crops-as-natural-insecticides.html
9) Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Erectus’
- COMMON NAME(S): Rosemary ‘Miss Jessopp’s Upright’
- HARDINESS RATING: H4
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Blue
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
- EXPOSURE: Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; any pH
- SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 1-1.5m spread
Rosemary is of course a well-known Mediterranean culinary herb.
It can also be useful, like lavender, for making low hedgerows, and can be beneficial as a companion plant in certain situations.
It thrives in full sun, in free draining conditions, and is H4 hardy.
10) Thymus vulgaris
- COMMON NAME(S): Common Thyme
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Pink and white
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Chalk, loam, sand; Alkaline or neutral pH
- SIZE: 0.1-0.5m in height, 0.1-0.5m spread
Another small shrub which is also a culinary herb is thyme.
There are many different cultivars and types to choose from.
Thyme can often be a great choice for the front of beds or borders, and for creating ground cover in a sunny and free-draining spot.
Shrubs For Autumn & Winter Interest
Winter heathers are other small shrubs which can be wonderful in a range of settings, flowering at a time of the year when there are often fewer blooms available.
They add winter interest to your garden and also bring benefits for early pollinators.
Here are my five favourites:
11) Erica x darleyensis ‘Darley Dale’
- COMMON NAME(S): Heather ‘Darley Dale’
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Pink
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Winter / Spring
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; any pH
- SIZE: 0.1-0.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread
‘Darley Dale’ is one attractive cultivar to consider.
It has pink and white tipped foliage in spring, and pink flowers borne from late winter into early spring.
Grow it in full sun, in well-drained soil or growing medium.
12) Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’
- COMMON NAME(S): Spindle ‘Emerald Gaiety’
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Green
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Partial Shade
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; any pH
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 1-1.5m spread
A great shrub and foliage plant for full sun or partial shade, Euonymus fortunei offers beautiful rounded leaves with white margins, which are pink-tinged in the winter.
It is H5 hardy and can spread to create an excellent ground cover.
Tolerant of clipping, this shrub is one of my favourites as it can also make a great formal low hedge.
13) Gaultheria procumbens
- COMMON NAME(S): Checkerberry
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Pink and white
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Summer
- FRUIT SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SUNLIGHT: Full Shade / Partial Shade
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Clay, loam, sand; Alkaline or Acid pH
- SIZE: 0.1-0.5m in height, 0.5-1m spread
This small evergreen shrub, also known as wintergreen, and by a range of other names, has leathery leaves, fragrant when crushed, which take on a reddish blush in winter.
The plant has small bell-shaped flowers in white or pink in summer, followed by bright red berries.
This is an excellent plant for ground cover in moist but well-drained acidic or neutral soil in full or partial shade, and it is H5 hardy.
This shrub is also great for wildlife.
14) Mahonia aquifolium ‘Apollo’
- COMMON NAME(S): Oregon Grape ‘Apollo’
- HARDINESS RATING: H5
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Evergreen
- FLOWERS: Yellow
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring
- FRUIT SEASON(S): Summer / Autumn
- SUNLIGHT: Full Shade / Partial Shade
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; any pH
- SIZE: 0.5-1m in height, 1-1.5m spread
This is a compact cultivar of the shrub known as ‘oregon grape’.
It has leaves which take on a somewhat purplish hue in winter and bears bright yellow flowers in late winter and into early spring, which are followed by edible berries.
A great choice for full or partial shade, this small shrub works very well in a forest garden like mine or in a woodland setting.
15) Potentilla fruticosa
- COMMON NAME(S): Shrubby Cinquefoil
- HARDINESS RATING: H7
- FOLIAGE TYPE: Deciduous
- FLOWERS: Yellow
- FLOWERING SEASON(S): Spring / Summer / Autumn
- SUNLIGHT: Full Sun / Partial Shade
- EXPOSURE: Exposed / Sheltered
- SOIL PREFERENCE: Any soil type; any pH
- SIZE: 1-1.5m in height, 1-1.5m spread
H7 hardy and able to cope with a wide range of conditions, shrubby cinquefoil can be a great choice for full sun or partial shade.
With flowers that are borne in early autumn, it can be great for pollinators and other wildlife.
This plant can work well as an informal low hedge and some forms work well as ground cover.
Of course, these are just a few of the many, many options for low-growing and small shrubs that you could consider, but perhaps they may help you find inspiration for your own garden.
