Shrubs for a Kidney-Shaped Flowerbed

Climate, Soil and Sun

• Know your growing zone as determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Sunset Western Garden climate zone guide or another reliable agency. Climatic conditions include monthly average rainfall and humidity levels in addition to average temperature highs and lows. Soil varies from low, or acidic pH levels, to high, or alkaline levels. Many attractive garden shrubs thrive at or slightly above or below the neutral level. Simple testing kits are available at garden and home centers, or consult your local agricultural extension agency. Determine the daily sunlight exposure at the planting site, and whether the bed is exposed to drying winds.

Spring Flowering Shrubs

• Rhododendrons and azaleas thrive in dappled shade and moist, acidic soil. These compact to large shrubs are available with red, purple, coral, pink or white flowers. Spring-flowering lilacs are large at maturity and suitable as a backdrop for the bed. Persian lilacs are smaller. Viburnum shrubs produce displays of spring-blooming, often fragrant flowers. V. x burkwoodii "Mohawk" produces decorative red buds opening into fragrant white flowers in early spring and red fall foliage. Dwarf flowering almond displays wands of pink or white blossoms in early May. Large spring-blooming shrubs placed at the back of the bed provide a foliage backdrop for summer flowers. Smaller shrubs work well within the bed or as edging.

Summer Flowering Shrubs

• Butterfly bushes flower on new growth beginning in midsummer, filling out after spring-flowering bulbs and annuals such as pansies have finished. Roses, a classic summer-flowering shrub, can be planted within the bed or as anchors at the curves of the bed. Large rose bushes along the back of the bed provide a floral backdrop. Free-blooming floribunda roses are suitable within the bed. Continuously blooming miniature roses colorfully line the front of the bed. The large shrub Rose of Sharon flowers in late summer and is useful as a backdrop or anchor for the rounded ends of the bed.

Shrubs for Foliage Interest

• Many varieties of Japanese maple trees are shrubby in habit and small enough to be included within a large bed or to anchor a smaller bed from the sides or back. Foliage colorations in shades of pink, green, red or burgundy from spring through fall, with interesting branching habits, provide yearlong interest. Boxwoods may be shaped as topiary or allowed to grow in their natural form to line the bed or as evergreen accents within it. Japanese maple and boxwoods prefer partial shade, and are damaged by drying winds. Slow-growing and small, mugo pines are available in several varieties for including in a flowerbed. Semievergreen barberries are medium-sized shrubs available with burgundy-colored fall foliage.