The Best Small Shrubs

Grey Owl Juniper

• The Grey Owl Juniper has blue-grey foliage that spreads wide with droopy branches. The foliage is soft to the touch, making it an excellent counterbalance to hardwood trees. Grey Owl Juniper can also be planted along sidewalks or in garden islands since it only grows up to 3 feet high. It prefers lots of sun but can grow in almost any soil when watered at least once every two weeks.

Blue Pacific Juniper

• The Blue Pacific Juniper is a great small shrub to cover a low and wide area. Although it only grows to about 1 foot high, its branches can spread 5 to 9 feet wide. Pacific Junipers are good for lining pool areas because of the teal and green tones in the foliage. You can also plant them under Japanese maples. Put them in well-drained soil in a location that gets full sun. When feeding these shrubs, fertilize lightly using a wide-spread method such as by hand or with a spreader.

Harbor Dwarf

• The Harbor Dwarf provides small shade for gardens, growing to 2 feet high and spreading to 2 1/2 feet wide. Harbor Dwarf plants also attract birds with their red berries and white, star-shaped blooms that last throughout the winter. The Harbor Dwarf foliage turns dark red during the winter months, adding even more color to your landscape or entryways. Despite the berry growth, Harbor Dwarf shrubs don't attract insects. It also has low maintenance needs; just prune off any broken branches and water once every two weeks.

Harland Dwarf

• Harland Dwarf shrubs, when left untamed, can grow up to 5 feet high. However, the plant is still effective as a small shrub when trimmed to between 2 and 4 feet. Harland Dwarf shrubs can provide a full, compact border hedge for the driveway or along the house's front wall. The leaves are dark and tough, making it very pest-tolerant. The best feeding time is in the spring after new growth emerges. Use shrub fertilizer or organic plant food for best growth results.