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Shrubs: plants for full sun

These plants want 6 or more hours of direct sun a day: the brightest beds, south-facing borders and open plots.

86 plants

Shrubs

Abelia

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 6–9

Abelia is a genus of flowering shrubs in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), known for its ornamental appeal and versatility in…

Arborvitae

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja, is a genus of coniferous trees or shrubs belonging to the Cupressaceae family. Commonly…

Barberry

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–8

Barberry, belonging to the Berberis genus, is a group of deciduous or evergreen shrubs native to various regions, including parts of North…

Beautyberry

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 6–9

Beautyberry (Callicarpa) is a genus of deciduous shrubs that are well-known for their striking ornamental qualities, particularly their…

Bluebeard

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–9

Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis) is a hardy, herbaceous perennial shrub known for its attractive blue flowers and aromatic foliage…

Broom

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–8

Broom, primarily referring to the genus Cytisus in the legume family (Fabaceae), is a group of flowering shrubs known for their bright…

Burning Bush

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

The Burning Bush, scientifically known as Euonymus alatus, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its vibrant, fiery red foliage in the fall…

Callicarpa

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–9

Callicarpa, commonly known as beautyberry, is a genus of deciduous shrubs belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It encompasses around 140…

Calycanthus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–9

Calycanthus, commonly known as sweetshrub or Carolina allspice, is a genus of flowering shrubs in the family Calycanthaceae. Native to the…

Caragana

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 2–7

Caragana, commonly known as Siberian peashrub or pea shrub, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). Native to Asia…

Caryopteris

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–9

Caryopteris, commonly known as bluebeard or blue mist shrub, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. This…

Ceanothus

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 7–10

Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac, is a genus of flowering shrubs native to North America, particularly abundant in…

Chaenomeles

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Chaenomeles, commonly known as quince or flowering quince, is a genus of deciduous shrubs belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to East…

Choisya

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 7–10

Choisya, commonly known as Mexican orange blossom, is a genus of flowering shrubs belonging to the Rutaceae family. This evergreen plant…

Chokeberry

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Chokeberry, belonging to the genus Aronia, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. Known for its hardiness and resilience, the plant…

Cistus

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

Cistus, commonly known as rockrose, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cistaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, Cistus…

Colutea

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–8

Colutea, commonly known as bladder senna, is a genus of flowering plants within the legume family (Fabaceae). This genus is native…

Cornus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Cornus, commonly known as dogwood, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cornaceae. It comprises about 30 species, which include…

Cotoneaster

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the Rosaceae family, commonly recognized for its ornamental value and adaptability in…

Deutzia

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–8

Deutzia is a genus of flowering plants in the Hydrangeaceae family, native to Asia and the Americas. Known for their beautiful, often…

Elaeagnus

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 3–9

Elaeagnus, commonly known as oleaster or silverberry, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae. This versatile genus…

Elderberry

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Elderberry (Sambucus) is a genus of flowering plants in the Adoxaceae family, commonly recognized for its clusters of small white or…

Escallonia

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 8–10

Escallonia is a versatile, evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Escalloniaceae family. Native to South America, particularly…

Euonymus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–9

Euonymus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Celastraceae, comprising about 130 species of shrubs and small trees. Native to…

Exochorda

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Exochorda, commonly known as the pearlbush, is a genus of flowering shrubs belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). Originating primarily…

Fothergilla

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Fothergilla is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, commonly known for its ornamental appeal. Native to the eastern…

Garrya

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 7–9

Garrya, commonly known as the silk tree or the winter flowering shrub, is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the…

Griselinia

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 8–10

Griselinia is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the family Griseliniaceae. There are approximately five species…

Hamamelis

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–8

Hamamelis, commonly known as witch hazel, is a genus of deciduous shrubs and small trees belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae…

Heath

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–8

Heath, belonging to the genus Erica, is a group of small, often shrub-like plants commonly found in acidic and well-drained soils…

Heather

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–7

Heather, scientifically known as Calluna vulgaris, is a versatile and hardy flowering plant belonging to the Ericaceae family. Commonly…

Hebe

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 8–10

Hebe, commonly known as the speedwell or false hebe, is a diverse genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. Native…

Hypericum

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–9

Hypericum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. There are about 400…

Juniper

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 3–9

Junipers belong to the genus Juniperus, which is part of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). These coniferous plants are prevalent in…

Kolkwitzia

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Kolkwitzia, commonly known as the beauty bush, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). Native to China…

Lavender Cotton

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Lavender Cotton, scientifically known as Santolina chamaecyparissus, is a perennial shrub valued for its aromatic foliage and vibrant…

Ligustrum

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–9

Ligustrum, commonly known as privet, is a genus of about 50 species of shrubs and small trees belonging to the Oleaceae family. Found…

Lonicera

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Lonicera, commonly known as honeysuckle, is a genus of flowering plants within the Caprifoliaceae family. This diverse genus comprises…

Myrica

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water

Myrica is a genus of shrubs and small trees belonging to the family Myricaceae, commonly found in temperate and subtropical regions across…

Myrtle

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 8–11

Myrtle, scientifically known as Myrtus communis, is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It is native to…

Nandina

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 6–9

Nandina, often known as heavenly bamboo, is an ornamental shrub belonging to the Berberidaceae family. Despite its common name, it is not…

Ninebark

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its striking foliage and distinctive bark. It…

Oleander

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 8–11

Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an evergreen shrub or small tree renowned for its vibrant and fragrant flowers, often found in gardens…

Philadelphus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Philadelphus, commonly known as mock orange, is a genus of flowering shrubs belonging to the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). This group…

Photinia

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 7–9

Photinia is a versatile and ornamental plant belonging to the Rosaceae family, renowned for its vibrant foliage and attractive flowers…

Physocarpus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Physocarpus, commonly known as ninebark, is a genus of deciduous shrubs in the rose family (Rosaceae) native to North America…

Pittosporum

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 8–10

Pittosporum is a genus of about 200 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the Pittosporaceae family. Native to…

Poncirus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–9

Poncirus, commonly known as the hardy orange or trifoliate orange, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rutaceae family. Its scientific…

Potentilla

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 2–7

Potentilla, commonly known as cinquefoil, is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family (Rosaceae), comprising around 300 species…

Privet

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Privet refers primarily to plants in the genus Ligustrum, which are part of the Oleaceae family. These hardy, deciduous or evergreen…

Quince

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–9

Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a deciduous fruit-bearing tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family, which also includes apples and…

Red Twig Dogwood

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea), also known as red osier dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to North America, particularly commonly…

Rhamnus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water

Rhamnus, commonly known as buckthorn, is a genus of about 100 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the…

Rhodotypos

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Rhodotypos, commonly known as black jetbead or blackhorn, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to East Asia…

Ribes

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Ribes is a genus of flowering plants that includes currants and gooseberries, which are popular among amateur gardeners for their edible…

Rockrose

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

Rockrose, scientifically known as Helianthemum, is a genus of flowering plants in the Cistaceae family, native to regions such as Europe…

Rosa

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–9

The Rosa plant, commonly known as the rose, belongs to the Rosaceae family and comprises over 300 species of flowering plants. Renowned…

Rose of Sharon

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–9

The Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a deciduous flowering shrub belonging to the Malvaceae family. Originating from East Asia, it is…

Rubus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Rubus is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the rose family (Rosaceae), which includes a variety of species commonly known as…

Salix

  • Full sun
  • High water
  • Zones 3–9

Salix, commonly known as willow, is a genus of about 300 species of deciduous trees and shrubs in the family Salicaceae. Willows are known…

Sambucus

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Sambucus, commonly known as elderberry, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. It includes several species, with Sambucus…

Santolina

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Santolina, commonly known as lavender cotton or cotton lavender, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Asteraceae family…

Serviceberry

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Serviceberry, belonging to the genus Amelanchier, is a versatile and attractive deciduous shrub or small tree, commonly found in North…

Smokebush

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Smokebush, scientifically known as Cotinus coggygria, is a deciduous shrub or small tree renowned for its striking foliage and unique…

Spirea

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Spirea is a genus of flowering shrubs in the Rosaceae family, consisting of around 80 species, primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere…

St. John's Wort

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–9

St. John's Wort, scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial herb renowned for its bright yellow flowers and medicinal…

Sumac

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 3–9

Sumac refers to a diverse genus of flowering plants known scientifically as Rhus. These plants are commonly found in temperate and…

Sweetfern

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 2–6

Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern North America, characterized by its unique aromatic leaves and…

Symphoricarpos

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Symphoricarpos, commonly known as snowberry, is a genus of flowering plants in the Caprifoliaceae family. It encompasses several species…

Syringa

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–7

Syringa, commonly known as lilac, belongs to the Oleaceae family and is cherished for its beautiful and fragrant flowers. This deciduous…

Tamarix

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–9

Tamarix, commonly known as tamarisk, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Tamaricaceae, consisting of about 75 species. These…

Teucrium

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

Teucrium, commonly known as germander, is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It comprises around 300…

Thuja

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Thuja, commonly known as arborvitae, is a genus of coniferous trees and shrubs in the Cypress family (Cupressaceae). The most popular…

Ulex

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Ulex, commonly known as gorse or furze, is a genus of spiny, flowering shrubs belonging to the family Fabaceae. Native to Europe and parts…

Vaccinium

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Vaccinium is a diverse genus of flowering plants known primarily for its edible berries, which include blueberries, cranberries, and…

Viburnum

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Viburnum is a diverse genus of flowering plants belonging to the Adoxaceae family, comprising over 150 species. These shrubs and small…

Vitex

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Vitex, commonly known as chaste tree or monk's pepper, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This deciduous shrub or small tree can grow…

Weigela

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–8

Weigela is a genus of deciduous shrubs in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), primarily native to East Asia. Known for their…

Winterberry

  • Full sun
  • High water
  • Zones 3–9

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly native to North America, particularly found in wetlands, swamps, and along stream…

Witch Hazel

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–8

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) is a deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its unique flower display and medicinal properties. Native to North…

Xanthoceras

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–7

Xanthoceras, commonly known as the Yellowhorn or Yellowhorned poppy, is a unique flowering shrub native to northeastern China. Belonging…

Xylosma

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 8–11

Xylosma, commonly known as Xylosma or velvet leaf, refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Salicaceae. The most well-known…

Yucca

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–10

Yucca plants are members of the Agave family and are native to arid regions of North and Central America. They are characterized by their…

Zanthoxylum

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 6–9

Zanthoxylum, commonly known as the prickly ash or Sichuan pepper, is a genus of flowering plants in the Rutaceae family. There are…

Zelkova

  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–8

Zelkova is a genus of deciduous trees in the elm family (Ulmaceae), native to parts of Asia and Europe. The most commonly cultivated…

Ziziphus

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Ziziphus, commonly referred to as jujube or red date, is a genus of flowering plants in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). There are about…