If you live in an area that receives a lot of sun, there are many good choices for shrubs for shade. Here are just a few of them: Hebe, Chinese witch hazel, Weigela florida, and Oleander. If you’re looking for more, check out this article on Hebe, Chinese witch hazel, and Weigela florida. You may also be surprised to learn that these plants grow very well in the same location as your house!
Hebe
The genus Hebe contains more than 90 species, ranging from dwarf shrubs to small trees. Some cultivars are adapted to particular climates, while others can grow well in a wide range of lighting conditions. The species are native to New Zealand, though some are also native to South America. Although most Hebe species will grow in full sun, they are also suitable for partial shade. This article will discuss some of the best Hebe shrubs for sun.
Hebe shrubs can be cultivated from cuttings. They flower during their first year of growth and will tolerate a variety of soil types. Hebe prefer average garden soil that drains well. Add organic matter to enrich the substrate. Alternatively, plant hebe in a pot with a layer of stones or polystyrene balls. Once rooted, the plant will be ready for planting within six months.
If your area gets cold winters, Hebe plants do well in the high mountains. High-alpine plants will typically be smaller and have smaller leaves than their lowland cousins. Those grown in cooler climates should protect their plants from harsh winds and move them to a more sheltered area. Hebe shrubs for sun do not require much pruning once they are established. Just remove any old, damaged growth once new growth emerges.
Oleander
If you want to plant an oleander shrub in your garden, make sure that you give it the proper amount of water. They require constant moisturisation during the early stages of their growth, but once established, they will grow rapidly without water. During a prolonged drought, oleander plants will need frequent watering. In addition, potted plants require more water than unpotted ones. They can also be damaged by too much drought.
If you live in a temperate climate or on the West Coast, there are small oleander specimens that you can plant in containers. Small specimens are great for a sunny patio or balcony. Medium-sized varieties will hide unsightly items like air conditioning units and propane tanks. They are also tolerant of a variety of soils, including acidic and alkaline. They will grow well primarily outdoors in Zones four through seven. If you live in a drier area, however, consider bringing them inside during the coldest months of winter.
There are several cultivars of oleander. The ‘Hardy Pink’ variety is the best cold-tolerant of the lot. It may be hardy to Zone 7b, but it does require a protected area. The ‘Petite Pink’ is a dwarf variety that grows up to three feet in height and three feet wide. This plant is easy to grow and is very fragrant.
Chinese witch hazel
The best place for growing Chinese witch hazel shrubs in the garden is in full sun. These evergreen trees have golden yellow tufts that don’t have leaves and emit a fragrant, citrus scent. Chinese witch hazel shrubs thrive in sun and provide a unique, calming effect to any garden or outdoor space. For medicinal purposes, witch hazel is highly valued, and it is one of only a handful of plants in the U.S. that has been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In full sun or partial shade, witch hazel plants thrive. In hotter climates, they prefer filtered shade. This shrub can thrive in both acidic and alkaline soil. The Chinese variety is the most fragrant, starting to bloom in early January. Its four-petaled flowers are butter-yellow, and the foliage turns a rich gold-orange in fall. The fragrant flowers have no seeds or thorns and can grow to 10 to 15 feet tall.
As a native of China, witch hazels are low-maintenance and require little care once they are established. It is recommended that you fertilize the soil before planting, as this helps the plants grow more quickly. In addition, it is recommended to dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball. When planting, be sure to add compost and fertilizer to the soil, as this helps the roots spread out more easily. Chinese witch hazel shrubs for sun
Weigela florida
Weigelas grow best in slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Mulch around the base of the plant to add nutrients and moisture. Occasionally, weigelas do not require supplemental watering. Weigelas are pest-free and disease-free, but some problems can occur, such as fungus disease and powder mildew. Weigela leaf spot and botrytis can also attack the plant.
Pruning weigelas is important, but it is best to wait until the last of the blossoms have faded to avoid damaging the plant’s blooms the following year. The reason for this is simple: blossoms form on wood that is one year old, so pruning after blooming will promote a greater number of blooms. Pruning weigelas can help control the shrub’s size, but do not prune too closely. When pruning, form a mental picture of the desired size of the shrub before beginning.
Weigelas are low-maintenance shrubs that grow between three and fifteen feet. Their large, tubular flowers attract Hummingbirds and are a great choice for sun-lovers. While you might have heard of the weigela, you may not have realized its benefits. Weigela florida shrubs are low-maintenance and need little water, but they are also incredibly beautiful.
Japanese barberry
A beautiful and versatile shrub, Japanese barberry can thrive in any type of climate, including hot, dry, or sunny. Despite the low-maintenance nature of barberry, they can suffer from insects and disease. Aphids and scale insects are common pests, sucking out plant juices. If you notice any insects on your Japanese barberry shrub, use a high-pressure garden hose to dislodge them or spray with horticultural oil to smother them. Other problems associated with Japanese barberry shrubs include verticillium wilt and powdery mildew. These two diseases can be irreversible and result in your shrub dying.
When dealing with Japanese barberry, it is important to remember that they produce seeds before July. Cut them back to just one inch before July to prevent them from producing seeds. Then apply glyphosate herbicide to the cut stumps. The herbicide is most effective from mid-July to mid-September. If you have trouble pulling them out, use a Weed Wrench. Afterward, cut the stumps to about an inch in diameter.
This shrub is native to Japan and is widely used as a hedgerow plant. It is prized for its bright red fall foliage and red berries. This spiny shrub grows up to eight feet and has zig-zag branches. Its small leaves are oval in shape and are thorny, making it a good choice for planting in the landscape. A barberry hedge should be protected from dogs and cats, as its spines are sharp and thorny.
California Lilac
If you live in a sunny area and want to have a shrub with a frosted appearance, look no further than the California lilac. This hardy shrub, an introduction from Rancho Santa Ana in the mid-1970s, grows eight to twelve feet tall and ten to fifteen feet wide. This plant blooms in late spring and has a spectacular display of frosted blue flowers. Despite being an upright shrub, this one is tolerant of heavy soils better than other Ceanothus trees. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and tolerates a variety of soil conditions.
A low-maintenance shrub, the California Lilac is a natural defensible space near a structure or home. You can contact your local fire protection district or state forestry agency for a property assessment to learn about the fire hazards and the firewise landscaping you can create. It is an excellent choice for growing in most parts of the country, from San Francisco to San Diego, and is a great option for a sun-loving garden.
Growing a California Lilac in the sun is an easy task. A good variety will provide you with a luscious shrub with gorgeous flowers all season long. Its flower clusters will attract attention from passersby. Its flowers will add a splash of color to your garden. The foliage is attractive, and it tolerates the heat well. The plants grow well in many soils and can be easily pruned.
