10 Small Shrubs That Will Make a Big Statement in Your Yard

Home with assortment of shrubs — Photo:
Tetiana Mykytiuk / Getty Images

Whoever said big things come in small packages must have been talking about their home’s landscaping. Regardless of your yard’s size, it’s easy to assume your garden needs an oversized tree or large patch of vibrant flowers to stand out. But in reality? Tiny touches like small shrubs can totally transform a yard or garden. “They are perfect for compact spaces where larger shrubs wouldn't fit, allowing gardeners to include a diverse array of colors and textures even in limited areas,” says Sam Niemann, founder of San Diego-based landscaping firm Grown by Design. “As gardens increasingly trend toward smaller sizes, these shrubs offer a versatile solution for creating visual interest and variety,” says Niemann.

Small shrubs can make a big impact, so how do you find the best species for your needs? We have you covered by sharing these top, gardener-approved options worth planting. While you should always consider factors like water, light, hardiness zones, and size requirements, the list below will offer plenty of inspiration to create a statement-making outdoor space.

Sam Niemann, founder of San Diego-based landscaping firm called Grown by Design.
Tony O’Neill, author, expert horticulturist, and founder of Simplify Gardening.
Pim Dickson, horticulturist expert at a garden retailer in the United Kingdom called Mr Fothergill’s.

01 of 10

Sprinter Boxwood

Think of a sprinter boxwood (Buxus Microphylla) as a consistent crowd-pleaser—one that can adapt to a range of different climates and needs. “Sprinter boxwoods are exceptionally versatile, able to thrive in diverse light conditions,” Niemann says. “They are hardy, forgiving, and long-lived, making them a great choice for both formal and informal gardens.” Though sprinter boxwoods are slow-growing shrubs—it can typically take three to five years for them to reach maturity—their smaller, denser leaves create a full look that can be trimmed into a bevy of shapes and sizes. In other words, it’s art al fresco.

Zones: 5 to 9
Mature size: 2 to 4 feet wide and tall
Care requirements: Full shade to full sun; thrives in a wide range of conditions but prefers evenly moist soil

02 of 10

Bollywood Azalea

Some small shrubs make a splash with their leaves, while others “wow” with their flowers. However, if you want to lean into the “more is more” aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with a Bollywood azalea (Rhododendron ‘Farrow’). This option might be small—it only grows to be about 3 feet tall—but it has variegated leaves and bright pink flowers that command attention. Another thing to love about this semi-evergreen? It’s a total magnet for bees and butterflies, which will give your space an idyllic edge.

Zones: 6 to 9
Mature size: Up to 3 feet tall x 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun or partial shade; well-draining, slightly acidic soil

03 of 10

Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce

dwarf blue spruce — John Nordell / Getty Images

Spruces might be an obvious option for the holidays, but the dwarf globe blue spruce (Picea Pungens ‘Globosa) proves that they’re a great choice year-round. This smaller conifer might take a while to grow to its mature size, but it’s relatively easy to care for and deer-resistant. Let’s not forget that they look good, too. “The dwarf globe blue spruce stands out for its striking icy blue foliage, providing a vivid contrast to other garden plants,” Niemann says. “Its compact size is ideal for smaller flower beds, allowing gardeners to enjoy the unique blue color without needing space for a full-sized spruce.”

Zones: 2 to 8
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 5 feet wide
Care requirements: Part sun to full sun; can tolerate slight drying between waterings; thrives best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil

04 of 10

Little Lime Hydrangea

Craving a “wow” moment? Though these shrubs only grow to be 3 to 5 feet tall, their poofy, conical clusters of flowers are the horticultural equivalent of costume jewelry. “They produce beautiful pale green and white flowers that transition to light pink and mauve in the fall, providing extended seasonal interest,” Niemann says. “These blooms dry well, offering winter beauty and making excellent cut flowers.”

Zone: 3 to 8
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet tall and wide
Care requirements: Part sun to full sun; needs evenly moist, acidic soil; regular fertilization and light pruning in early spring

05 of 10

Dwarf Korean Lilac

Tapping out at about 5 feet tall, dwarf Korean lilac (Syringa Meyeri 'Palibin') might be one of the bigger options on this list; however, several gardening pros said this option shouldn’t be overlooked. “The dwarf Korean lilac is known for its fragrant, lavender-pink flowers that bloom profusely in late spring,” says Tony O’Neill, author, expert horticulturist, and founder of Simplify Gardening. “It's a fantastic choice for adding fragrance and color to your garden." To make your lilacs stand out, O’Neill recommends pruning immediately after flowering to promote healthy growth and blooming.

Zones: 3 to 7
Mature size: 4 to 5 feet wide and tall
Care requirements: Full sun exposure; well-draining soil; regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods

06 of 10

Spirea

For a jolt of color that has a hint of whimsy, you might want to consider a spirea shrub or two. O’Neill is partial to the “gold mound” spirea (Spiraea Japonica), which has vibrant yellow foliage and clusters of pink flowers. Though this species only grows 2 to 3 feet, its can’t-miss scheme will make it stand out. “It's a low-maintenance shrub that adds a pop of color throughout the growing season,” he adds. It’s easy to manage, too: Once this shrub is established, it’s low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and requires minimal pruning.

Zones: 4 to 8
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil—can do well in acidic, alkaline, and neutral pH levels; trim lightly after blooming to maintain shape

07 of 10

Abelia 'Kaleidoscope'

Standing up to 2 to 3 feet in height, Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope') can be small; however, their vibrant palette will give your yard a very groovy touch. “Abelia 'Kaleidoscope' features variegated foliage that changes color throughout the seasons, along with fragrant white flowers,” O’Neill says. “It's an eye-catching addition to any garden." This small shrub does require some tender, loving care—think regular watering and pruning in the spring—but its bright, varied color is poised to be a very “far out” addition to your garden.

Zones: 6 to 9
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet wide and tall
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil; water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods

08 of 10

Buddleja Tutti Frutti

Speaking of animal-attracting shrubs, consider adding a buddleja tutti frutti to your garden. (These colorful, flowering plants are so notorious for drawing butterflies near them that it’s literally nicknamed “butterfly bush.”) Of course, there’s more to this option than its critter-commanding capabilities. “This wonderfully well-behaved, compact 'butterfly bush' only grows to a neat and compact 24 to 28 inches tall,” says Pim Dickson, horticulturist expert at a garden retailer called Mr Fothergill’s. “Reliable and easy to grow, with its luminously bright fuchsia-pink flower spikes, this is a stunning yet exceptionally versatile little shrub, ideal for any size planting scheme, patio borders, and containers.”

Another thing to love? “[They] are sterile, so they are non-invasive, and there's no worry they will self-seed all around the garden,” Dickson adds.

Zone: 5 to 10
Mature size: Up to 3 feet tall x 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun and fertile soil, but will grow in most conditions

09 of 10

Silverbush

As the Silverbush (Convolvulus Cneorum) proves, you don’t need bright blooms to make a statement. This compact shrub, which can typically grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, offers plenty of visual intrigue with its trumpeted flowers. “The leaves provide a lovely contrast to the green shades of other garden plants, to get the very best out of both,” Dickson says. “It shows good drought tolerance, so is perfect for patio containers or as a focal point in small borders or dots planted in larger schemes.” The only drawback to this shrub is it’s not fully frost-hardy, so it’s best to place it in a sunny, sheltered spot so it can survive the winter.

Zones: 8 to 10
Mature size: Up to 2 feet tall x 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil; moderate watering

10 of 10

Bearberry

Anyone who is looking to keep pesky weeds at bay will find a lot to love about a bearberry shrub (Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi). These low-slung perennials typically max out at 6 to 12 inches high, making them an excellent choice for ground cover. But don’t write this small shrub off as “strictly practical” just yet: This species often produces small, cherry-like berries that add to their curb appeal. (These berries are edible—and bears reportedly love them—but humans tend to find them tasteless.) Best of all? They’re relatively low-maintenance and are even salt-resistant, making them a great choice for anyone who lives near the ocean.

Zones: 2 to 6
Mature size: Up to 1 foot tall x 3 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade spaces; slightly acidic, well-drained soil

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