Low Growing Shrubs

Blue Star Juniper

• Those who want a low-maintenance shrub can consider the blue star juniper. It requires no pruning and grows slowly, reaching a mature height of up to 3 feet and a width of up to 4 feet. It can handle drought conditions and a variety of soil but it must have full sun. The blue star juniper forms a mound shape and displays blue cones that look like berries. This evergreen's branches have a silver-blue hue. It is suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.

Cotoneaster Tom Thumb

• Another low- and slow-growing shrub is the cotoneaster Tom Thumb, which reaches only 12 inches high when mature. Its spreading growth pattern can span 6 feet. This deciduous option is also low-maintenance, needing little or no pruning. This plant likes dry soil and full or partial shade. It has shiny green leaves that convert to a striking red in the fall. It may produce white flowers in the late spring. You can plant this shrub in Zones 5, 6 and 7 and use it as a ground cover.

Blackfoot Daisy

• Those in Zones 4 through 11 can consider the blackfoot daisy, a clumping shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. From late spring to early fall, this plant is covered with white and yellow daisies that smell like honey. The blackfoot daisy must have full sun, and it likes a medium moisture level. It grows at a moderate pace and needs soil with very good drainage. This shrub can produce flowers in the winter in mild climates.

Lesser Calamint

• This small bush grows in a spreading pattern, with a mature height and width of up to 3 feet. Lesser calamint is covered with glossy green leaves that are joined by small pink or purple flowers in late August; the flowers remain for up to six weeks. This member of the mint family offers fragrant leaves and attracts butterflies. This drought-tolerant shrub can handle full sun or partial shade, with dry to somewhat moist soil. It grows at a moderate pace in Zones 5 through 10. The dense growth habit of lesser calamint can suppress weeds.

Rock or Sun Rose

• One benefit of this shrub is that it is not prone to problems like insects or mildew. The rock or sun rose produces pink or purple flowers in the summer. Each flower lasts only a day, but they appear in large quantities. This evergreen shrub can be a fit for homes in Zones 8 through 10. It needs full sun and medium moisture. The rock or sun rose reaches a mature height and width of 3 feet.