Easy-Care Flowering Shrubs

By Darcy Logan

Flowering shrubs are, in general, easy to grow and require little maintenance. However, the following is a list of some of the easiest to grow. These shrubs will not only provide you with flowers - they can also be used to provide privacy. They are also good to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as other wildlife. Be warned, most of these shrubs are very adaptable and grow in almost any zone, so it may be hard to choose just one. Of course, if you plant a couple that bloom in the spring next to a couple that bloom in the summer and fall, you are guaranteed flowers for most of the year.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia Davidii)

Butterfly bushes produce large, fragrant sprays of conical flowers that are renowned for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Blooms can be purple, pink, white, or red; all usually have an orange or yellow center. They will begin to bloom midsummer and continue into the fall. Most butterfly bushes grow to be about 6 to 12 feet tall and will have a spread anywhere from 4 to 15 feet. However, some varieties such as the Adonis Blue will only grow about 4 to 5 feet tall with a spread of 3 to 4 feet. All Buddleia need a full sun exposure but are adaptable to different soil and moisture types. Pruning this bush will not hurt it, and is almost essential since it is a fast grower. In fact, blooms tend to be larger and more prolific on its new growth. Butterfly bushes do best in zones 5-9, although some species have been known to grow in zones 3, 4, and 10. For best results, cut the bush back to 6 to 8 inches each spring.

Flowering Almond (Prunus Glandulosa)

The flowering almond produces small, ruffled pink blooms in the early to mid-spring. In the fall, its foliage turns copper and yellow. It grows to heights and spreads of about 3 to 5 feet. It is a fast grower that prefers exposures of full sun to partial sun. Although it prefers a well-drained soil, it will adapt to a wide variety of moisture types and soil types. It does best in zones 4-8, but will grow in zone 3 as well.

Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles Speciosa)

Flowering quinces are among the first shrubs to flower in the spring. They produce cup-shaped flowers that are pink, red, or white. They need partial shade to full sun and moderate watering. They can be grown in almost any soil type including sandy, loam, or clay. Flowering quinces have a moderate growth rate - they typically grow about 3 to 6 feet high, but can grow as high as 10 feet. Their spread can be any where from 6 to 12 feet wide. This plant should be thinned and shaped by removing about one-third of the wood, including the oldest branches and any weak growth, at ground level after flowering each spring. A few of its flowers will turn into aromatic fruits that can be made into preserves. The flowering quince does best when grown in zones 5-9, but will tolerate zones 4 and 10.

Forsythia (Forsythia Sp.)

Forsythia is one of the earliest blooming shrubs. It produces an abundance of vibrant yellow flowers that cover its branches. It is a fast growing shrub that can reach heights of 8 to 10 feet. However, some species will only grow to heights of about 1 to 6 feet. They thrive in full sun or light shade and are tolerant of virtually any growing condition and soil. Pruning should be done immediately after the shrub finishes blooming because forsythia flowers grow on the previous season's growth. Prune about one-fourth of the older stems about four inches from the ground. Failing to prune could stop it from blooming.

Fragrant or Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera Fragrantissima)

This honeysuckle has several names, including 'the sweet breath of spring' because of its strong lemony scent. It produces creamy white and pink flowers in the early spring, followed by red berries that mature in the early summer. It grows to heights of about 6 to 10 feet with an equal spread. It is very adaptable, growing in full sun or shade, and is willing to grow in almost any soil. It should be pruned to shape after flowering. It grows best in zones 4-9.

Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris)

Lilacs aren't always lilac - or light purple, rather. Lilacs also come in other shades of purple, as well as shades blue, red, white, pink, and even yellow. Regular lilacs grow about 8 to 10 feet tall with spreads about 10 to 12 feet wide. Dwarf versions grow about half that high. They enjoy full sun to partial shade exposure and will bloom in the early spring. They need soil that drains well. They are fast growers and should be pruned to maintain their shape just after flowering. Lilacs not only like the cold, they seem to prefer it because they do not grow as well in areas that do not have a good wintertime frost. They do best in zones 2-7.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus Virginalis)

Mock Orange is a fast grower that can grow as tall as 10 feet in only a few years. It yields beautiful white flowers that smell like orange blossoms. Flowers usually appear in the late spring or early summer. It can grow in exposures of full sun, partial sun, and shade and is adaptable to almost any soil or moisture level. Pruning should be done after the second year. At which time, old, flowered out wood should be removed right after the plant has finished flowering. Mock oranges grow best in zones 5-9.

Rose of Sharon Hibiscus (Hibiscus Syriacus)

The rose of Sharon has one of the longest bloom periods - from early summer until the fall. Its blooms can be red, pink, blue, or white. They grow about 8 to 12 feet tall with spreads about 6 to 8 feet wide. Although it typically benefits from pruning, it does not require it. Plant it in full sun or partial shade. The rose of Sharon will tolerate a variety of soil and moisture levels and is very tolerant of high heat and humidity. Typically does best in zones 5-9.

Variegated Weigela (Weigela Florida)

The variegated weigela produces one-inch bell-shaped pink flowers that are a favorite for hummingbirds. Not only does it have a longer blooming period, from the late spring into the fall, it has distinctive green leaves that are edged with cream and yellow. They will tolerate exposures from full sun to partial shade. It grows about 4 to 6 feet high and has a five foot spread. This shrub is very hardy and resistant to most pests and diseases. It grows best in zones 4-9.

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