Some shrubs like to get an early start on the season. Even though it is cold outside, and even snow on the ground, here are six shrubs that will start their bloom season in late winter (even as early as January). These shrubs will reliably bloom into early spring and some into late spring or […] More
Corylopsis-commonly called winter hazel–is a deciduous shrub that bears bell-shaped fragrant yellow flowers borne on pendent racemes in spring before the young leaves emerge. Corylopsis has a spreading habit; it grows from 5 to 15 feet tall and is commonly wider than it is tall. Leaves are pale to dark green. Corylopsis is a good […] More
Chimonanthus–commonly called wintersweet–is a mid-size deciduous shrub that blooms in late winter and early spring. Its small sulfur yellow flowers are very fragrant and are borne on bare branches. Lance-shaped, glossy, mid-green leaves emerge after the plant flowers. Chimonanthus can be grown as a late winter specimen plant; set it in front of evergreens for […] More
Ribes–commonly known as currant or flowering currant–is a genus of mostly deciduous shrubs; some are grown for their edible fruits that follow flowers, others are cultivated primarily for their spring flowers and summer foliage. Edible members of the Ribes genus include black currants (Ribes nigrum), red currants (R. rubrum), and gooseberries (R. uva-crispa). Ribes grown […] More
Coleonema–commonly called the pink breath of heaven–is an evergreen shrub cultivated for its wispy foliage and prolific small-pink blossoms. Coleonema gives a feathery, heath-like effect. It can be grown in borders or as a light, nearly see-through hedge. Coleonema has short, linear, narrowly lance-shaped bright green leaves that crowd its arching stems. It bears very […] More
Argyranthemum–commonly called Marguerite daisy–is a subtropical evergreen subshrub that is grown for its display of prolific daisy-like flowers. Argyranthemum is sometimes confused with and sold as chrysanthemums. Argyranthemum bears loose corymbs of daisy-like single, sometimes anemone-centered or double flowerheads in white, rose-pink, yellow, or apricot. Plants grow from 18 to 36 inches (45-90cm) tall and […] More
Alyogyne–commonly called blue hibiscus–is a fast-growing, upright, evergreen shrub grown for its large, trumpet-shaped, lilac-blue to deep purple flowers which grow to 4 inches (10cm) across. Alyogyne has an open, loose habit; it makes a bright addition of a shrub border. Flowers have a satiny texture. Flowers stand out against the plant’s palmate, bright green […] More
Rosmarinus–commonly called rosemary–is a warm-climate, evergreen shrub grown for its fragrant foliage and tiny, usually bright lavender-blue flowers. It is an excellent border or low hedge plant and herb garden plant. It can be grown as a container plant indoors or outdoors. Rosmarinus leaves can be used as a seasoning. Rosmarinus has leathery dark green […] More
Tibouchina is a tropical evergreen shrub grown for its showy deep-purple and satiny textured saucer- to cup-shaped, 5-petaled flowers. Tibouchina flowers appear among ovate or elliptic velvety mid- to dark green leaves. Tibouchina grows from 10 to 20 feet (3-6m) tall and 6 to 10 feet (2-3m) wide in tropical and subtropical regions. It is […] More
Justicia is a tropical shrub that bears tubular, two-lipped flowers surrounded by bracts. Flowers appear in spikes or panicles. Justicia has lance- to oval-shaped leaves. Plants grow from 12 inches (30cm) t 5 feet (1.5m) tall depending on the variety. Justicia can be planted in mixed borders in tropical regions, Where temperatures are cool in […] More
Ixora is a tropical shrub grown for its vibrantly colored, scented flowers. Ixora has shiny, leathery green leaves and four-lobed tubular flowers that can be red, yellow, orange, pink, or white. Ixora grows best outdoors in a warm, humid climate. It can be planted in a shrub border or grown as a free-standing specimen. Where […] More
Carissa–commonly called Natal plum–is a genus of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs, one species Carissa grandiflora is grown as a houseplant. Carissa has spiny stems and leathery leaves. It is cultivated most often for its white or pinkish fragrant flowers which bloom in clusters. Five-petaled star shape flowers are fragrant, especially at night. Flowers are […] More
Stephen Albert