Plant Encyclopedia
Discover plants for your garden — filter by sun, water, bloom time and more.
58 plants
ShrubsAbelia x grandiflora
Glossy Abelia
Glossy Abelia is a graceful, semi-evergreen shrub producing an abundance of small, fragrant white-pink bell-shaped flowers from June to October. Bronze-tinted young foliage and persistent red calyces after flowering extend the decorative season. One of the longest-blooming garden shrubs.
ShrubsAronia melanocarpa
Black Chokeberry
Black Chokeberry is a compact, versatile shrub with year-round interest. In May, clusters of white blossom appear, followed by glossy black berries rich in antioxidants. In autumn, the foliage turns a spectacular red to deep purple. The plant is extremely hardy and tolerates variable soil conditions.
ShrubsBerberis thunbergii
Japanese Barberry
Japanese Barberry is a compact, thorny shrub that captivates year-round with purple-red foliage, yellow spring flowers and red autumn berries. The plant excels as an informal hedge or a solitary accent. Thorns make the shrub a natural barrier.
ShrubsBuddleja davidii
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush is the ultimate butterfly magnet with long, fragrant flower spikes in purple, pink or white from July to September. The shrub grows quickly and flowers abundantly, even in poor soil. On every warm summer day, dozens of butterflies flock to the honey-sweet blooms.
ShrubsBuxus sempervirens
Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy dark green leaves that is ideal for topiary and hedging. The plant grows slowly and can live for hundreds of years. Small green-yellow flowers appear in April and May, attracting early bees.
ShrubsCallicarpa bodinieri
Beautyberry
Beautyberry is a striking shrub that truly shines in autumn and winter thanks to clusters of glossy, violet-purple berries along its bare branches. In summer, modest pink flowers appear and the green foliage turns yellow in autumn. Plant several specimens close together for optimal berry production.
ShrubsCallistemon citrinus
Crimson Bottlebrush
The crimson bottlebrush is a striking Australian shrub with cylindrical, vivid red flower spikes that look exactly like bottle brushes — hence the name. The flowers are packed with nectar, attracting bees and birds. The narrow, leathery leaves release a lemon scent when bruised. A spectacular container plant for sunny terraces.
ShrubsCamellia japonica
Japanese Camellia
Japanese camellia is a stunning evergreen shrub with glossy dark green foliage and spectacular, rosette-shaped flowers in red, pink or white appearing from January to April — a welcome splash of colour in early spring. The elegant blooms resemble roses and can be double or single-petalled.
ShrubsCeanothus thyrsiflorus
California Lilac
California Lilac is a spectacular, evergreen shrub covered in masses of sky-blue flower panicles in spring. The small, glossy dark green leaves provide an attractive backdrop year-round. One of the few shrubs that produce truly blue flowers.
ShrubsChaenomeles speciosa
Japanese Quince
Japanese Quince is among the earliest-flowering shrubs in spring. From February, fiery red, pink, or white flowers can appear on still-bare branches. Later, small, hard quince fruits follow that are edible when cooked. The thorny branches also make the plant suitable as an informal hedge.
ShrubsChoisya ternata
Mexican Orange
The Mexican orange is an evergreen shrub with glossy, trifoliate leaves that release a delightful orange scent when touched. In April and May masses of star-shaped white flowers appear that are equally fragrant. A versatile shrub for both sun and partial shade.
ShrubsCistus ladanifer
Gum Rockrose
The gum rockrose is an aromatic evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean with sticky, resin-scented leaves and large, papery white flowers with a striking dark blotch at the base of each petal. Each flower opens for just one day, but the plant produces new buds for weeks through May and June.
ShrubsCornus kousa
Japanese Dogwood
Japanese Dogwood is an elegant large shrub or small tree with striking white bracts that sit like stars on the branches in June and July. In autumn, raspberry-shaped red fruits appear and the foliage turns deep crimson. The horizontal branching pattern gives the tree year-round character.
ShrubsCornus sanguinea
Common Dogwood
Common dogwood is a native shrub with white flower clusters in June, dark blue berries in late summer, and striking red foliage and red stems in autumn and winter. The blood-red winter stems in particular make this shrub a valuable asset for the winter garden.
ShrubsCotinus coggygria
Smoke Tree
The smoke tree is a spectacular ornamental shrub with cloud-like, fluffy flower plumes in shades of pink appearing in June and July, giving the tree its 'smoky' appearance. Cultivars with dark purple foliage provide dramatic colour throughout the season. Autumn colour is equally impressive.
ShrubsCotoneaster horizontalis
Wall Cotoneaster
Wall Cotoneaster is a versatile shrub with a distinctive herringbone branch pattern. Tiny pink flowers appear in June attracting bees, followed by masses of bright red berries in autumn. The small leaves turn a beautiful red before falling.
ShrubsCytisus scoparius
Common Broom
Common Broom is a cheerfully flowering shrub that becomes smothered in bright yellow, butterfly-shaped flowers in May and June. The fine, broom-like green stems give the plant an airy look, even in winter. Broom is especially suited to dry, poor soil and enriches the ground with nitrogen through root nodules.
ShrubsDaphne odora
Winter Daphne
Winter daphne is a compact evergreen shrub with leathery dark green foliage and exceptionally fragrant pink-white flowers that appear in the depths of winter, from February to March. The penetrating, sweet scent can be detected metres away. A jewel for the sheltered garden.
ShrubsDeutzia gracilis
Slender Deutzia
Slender deutzia is a graceful, compact shrub that becomes covered in clusters of pure white, star-shaped flowers in May and June. The slender, arching branches bow under the weight of blooms, creating an elegant cascading effect. This small shrub fits any garden and is particularly suited to front gardens.
ShrubsElaeagnus × ebbingei
Ebbinge's Silverberry
Ebbinge's Silverberry is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub with leathery, silver-green leaves that are brilliantly silver on the underside. In October and November, small, creamy-white, wonderfully fragrant flowers appear. The plant is remarkably versatile: excellent as a hedge, windbreak, or specimen. Tolerates sea wind and urban conditions.
ShrubsEuonymus alatus
Burning Bush
The burning bush is a broadly spreading shrub famous for its spectacular, vivid red autumn colour — one of the most intense of all garden plants. The branches display distinctive cork-like wings. After leaf fall, small pink-orange fruits appear that attract birds.
ShrubsEuonymus fortunei
Wintercreeper
Wintercreeper is a versatile evergreen shrub that can function as both ground cover and climbing plant. The variegated foliage with green and white or golden margins provides year-round colour. The plant is particularly suited to filling shady spots in the garden.
ShrubsFatsia japonica
Japanese Aralia
Japanese aralia is a tough evergreen shrub with spectacularly large, glossy dark green, palmate leaves that create an exotic, tropical feel. In October and November rounded clusters of creamy-white flowers appear, followed by black berries that attract birds. Excellent as a structural plant in shady gardens.
ShrubsForsythia × intermedia
Border Forsythia
Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring with an explosion of bright yellow flowers along bare branches. From March to April, this robust shrub turns the garden golden before the leaves appear. Forsythia grows quickly, is fully hardy, and makes a stunning specimen or hedge plant.
ShrubsGenista lydia
Lydian Broom
Lydian Broom is a compact, dome-shaped shrub that becomes completely covered in small, bright yellow flowers in May and June. The fine, densely branched green stems arch gracefully and form a tight cushion. The plant is ideal for rock gardens, slopes, and the front of dry borders.
ShrubsHamamelis mollis
Chinese Witch Hazel
Chinese Witch Hazel is a remarkable shrub that blooms in the depths of winter with fragrant, spider-like yellow flowers on bare branches. The delicate blooms withstand frost and bring welcome colour to the darkest months. In autumn, the large leaves turn spectacular yellow and orange.
ShrubsHibiscus rosa-sinensis
Chinese Hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus is a tropical shrub with glossy dark green foliage and large, funnel-shaped flowers in fiery red, pink or orange that can appear year-round. Each flower lasts only one day, but the plant continuously produces new buds. As a container plant it brings tropical flair to terraces and conservatories.
ShrubsHippophae rhamnoides
Sea Buckthorn
Sea Buckthorn is a robust, thorny shrub with narrow, silver-green leaves that lend a distinctive coastal look. In autumn, female plants produce striking orange berries rich in vitamin C that birds love. The plant is exceptionally wind-resistant and tolerates salt spray.
ShrubsHydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangea
Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.
ShrubsHydrangea paniculata
Panicle Hydrangea
Panicle Hydrangea is a robust, deciduous shrub with large, cone-shaped flower panicles that open white and gradually turn pink to deep rose. The spectacular blooms from July to September and dried flower heads provide winter structure. One of the most versatile garden shrubs.
ShrubsKerria japonica
Japanese Rose
Japanese Rose is a cheerfully flowering shrub with bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers on graceful green branches in April and May. The green stems remain decorative in winter. An easy, versatile shrub that thrives in partial shade.
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
ShrubsLavandula stoechas
French Lavender
French Lavender is distinguished by its striking butterfly-like bracts atop compact flower spikes. The plant blooms from May to September, much longer than common lavender, and releases a delightful fragrance. The grey-green aromatic foliage is evergreen in mild climates.
ShrubsLigustrum vulgare
Common Privet
Common Privet is a versatile, semi-evergreen shrub with small, oval leaves and fragrant white flower panicles in June and July. The black autumn berries are a food source for birds. Excellent as a hedging plant thanks to its fast growth and good tolerance of pruning.
ShrubsMahonia aquifolium
Oregon Grape
Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub with glossy, spiny foliage that can turn bronze-purple in winter. In March and April, dense clusters of fragrant, bright yellow flowers appear, attracting early bees. Later, blue-black berries follow that birds adore. A rewarding, shade-tolerant plant.
ShrubsNandina domestica
Heavenly Bamboo
Heavenly bamboo is a graceful shrub with finely compound foliage that emerges reddish-bronze in spring, turns green in summer and colours spectacularly red again in autumn. In June plumes of small white flowers appear, followed by decorative red berry clusters that persist deep into winter. Despite the name, it is not a true bamboo.
ShrubsNerium oleander
Oleander
Oleander is a profusely flowering evergreen shrub with elongated dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant blooms in pink, white or red from June to September. An iconic Mediterranean plant, it thrives as a container specimen on sunny terraces even in cooler regions.
ShrubsOsmanthus fragrans
Sweet Olive
Sweet Olive is an evergreen shrub with dark green, leathery foliage and inconspicuous but wonderfully fragrant white flowers in September and October. The sweet, apricot-like scent carries far, making it one of the most fragrant garden plants. Slow-growing but eventually large.
ShrubsPhiladelphus coronarius
Mock Orange
Mock Orange is an uncomplicated shrub with abundant, pure white flowers that release an intense, sweet jasmine-like scent in May and June. The shrub grows vigorously and develops an arching habit. It is one of the most fragrant garden plants and makes every evening in the garden special.
ShrubsPhotinia x fraseri
Red Robin
Red Robin is a popular evergreen hedging plant that dazzles in spring with bright red young foliage. White flower clusters appear in April and May, followed by small red berries. The plant grows quickly and forms a dense, opaque hedge.
ShrubsPieris japonica
Japanese Andromeda
Japanese andromeda is an elegant evergreen shrub that captivates three times a year: in spring with graceful, drooping clusters of white bell-shaped flowers; then with spectacular red or bronze new foliage that gradually turns green; and year-round with its compact, glossy canopy. A jewel in the shade border.
ShrubsPittosporum tobira
Japanese Pittosporum
Japanese pittosporum is an evergreen shrub with dense, leathery dark green foliage and creamy-white, intensely fragrant flowers appearing in May and June. The scent is reminiscent of orange blossom. Supremely suited as a hedging plant or specimen in mild climates.
ShrubsPotentilla fruticosa
Shrubby Cinquefoil
Shrubby cinquefoil is a tireless bloomer producing an endless stream of buttercup-yellow flowers from June to September. This compact shrub is hardy to the coldest zones and makes virtually no demands on the soil. The fine, compound leaflets give the plant an airy appearance. Ideal for low hedges and borders.
ShrubsPrunus laurocerasus
Cherry Laurel
Cherry Laurel is a popular, evergreen shrub with large, glossy dark green leaves. It bears white flower racemes in April and May, followed by black berries loved by birds. Widely used as a hedging plant thanks to its fast growth and dense, year-round screen.
ShrubsPyracantha coccinea
Firethorn
Firethorn is a vigorous, evergreen shrub that becomes covered in white blossom in May and June and bears spectacular clusters of red, orange, or yellow berries in autumn. The sharp thorns make the plant an excellent security hedge. Birds adore the berries as winter food.
ShrubsRhododendron catawbiense
Rhododendron
The Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that produces spectacular clusters of purple or pink flowers in May and June above glossy dark-green foliage. The shrub can grow quite large and makes an imposing presence in partial shade. Rhododendrons are iconic in woodland gardens and rural plantings.
ShrubsRibes sanguineum
Flowering Currant
The flowering currant is one of the earliest-blooming garden shrubs, with hanging clusters of pink to deep red flowers appearing as early as March and April. The aromatic, three-lobed leaves emerge alongside the blooms. An indispensable spring shrub that attracts bees and butterflies early in the season.
ShrubsRosa gallica
Gallica Rose
The Gallica Rose is one of the oldest cultivated rose species, grown since the Middle Ages. Its semi-double, vivid red-pink flowers appear in June and July and carry an intense fragrance. Decorative rose hips develop after flowering.
ShrubsRosa rugosa
Rugosa Rose
The rugosa rose is an exceptionally robust, thorny shrub with fragrant single pink or white flowers from June to September. After flowering, large bright red hips appear that are edible and rich in vitamin C. The wrinkled, dark green foliage turns yellow in autumn.
ShrubsSambucus nigra
Elder
Elder is a native large shrub or small tree bearing flat, creamy-white flower clusters in June that release a delightfully sweet fragrance. In autumn, glossy dark purple berries follow, beloved by birds. Both flowers and berries are edible and have been used for centuries in elderflower cordial and elderberry juice.
ShrubsSantolina chamaecyparissus
Cotton Lavender
Cotton lavender is a compact, silvery dwarf shrub with finely divided, aromatic foliage and round, button-like yellow flowers from June to August. The silver-grey leaves form dense, dome-shaped cushions that remain decorative even outside the flowering season. Excellent as a low hedge, border edging or in a herb garden.
ShrubsSkimmia japonica
Japanese Skimmia
Japanese Skimmia is a compact, evergreen shrub with aromatic dark green foliage, fragrant white flowers in March-April, and bright red berries in winter (on female plants). Providing year-round structure and colour, it is one of the most popular shrubs for shade and containers.
ShrubsSpiraea japonica
Japanese Spirea
Japanese spirea is a compact, free-flowering shrub with flat clusters of pink flowers from June to August. The shrub has a neat, rounded form and works perfectly in small gardens, low hedges, or as border edging. Some cultivars feature decorative yellow-green or bronze-tinted foliage.
ShrubsSyringa vulgaris
Common Lilac
The Common Lilac is a beloved spring bloomer with dense, cone-shaped flower clusters in purple or white that release an enchanting fragrance. It flowers in April and May and becomes a highlight of the spring garden. Lilacs can grow quite large and remain faithful for decades.
ShrubsTamarix ramosissima
Tamarisk
Tamarisk is an elegant, large shrub with fine, needle-like leaves that cast a blue-green haze over the plant. From June to September, feathery pink flower plumes appear, giving the plant an ethereal, dreamy look. Tamarisk is exceptionally wind- and salt-tolerant, making it a beloved coastal plant.
ShrubsVaccinium corymbosum
Blueberry
The blueberry is an attractive fruit shrub that offers interest year-round: white bell-shaped flowers in spring, delicious blue-black berries in summer, and spectacular red autumn foliage colour. The bush grows compactly and is perfect for the edible garden, a border or a large pot on the terrace.
ShrubsViburnum opulus
Guelder Rose
The Guelder Rose is a native shrub with broad, flat white flower clusters in May and June, followed by bright red berries in autumn. The foliage turns spectacular orange to red in the fall. The shrub provides food and shelter for birds and is a valuable addition for biodiversity.
ShrubsWeigela florida
Weigela
Weigela is a versatile ornamental shrub that becomes smothered in trumpet-shaped flowers in pink to deep red during May and June. The shrub has a broad, arching growth habit and makes an attractive backdrop in the border. Some cultivars feature striking dark red or variegated foliage that extends interest into autumn.