You’ve seen them. You’ve even smelled them. The pungent and beautiful shrubs that line our sidewalks, parks, and yards. They might not be the most popular plant in town, but they can make all the difference in a landscape design or backyard garden. In zone 8, where temperatures vary widely and the winters can be harsh, it’s vital to choose shrubs that can withstand the elements. Luckily for you, different shrub varieties will do just fine in this climate. Let’s look at Zone 8 Shrubs!
Zone 8 Shrubs
Here is a list of some of the best zone-eight shrubs to consider for your landscape or garden:
Butterfly Bush
This popular shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and blooms with beautiful purple flowers from midsummer to fall. It’s drought-tolerant and does well in full sun or partial shade. You can guess from the name itself that the Butterfly Bush is a favorite among butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
When planting, be sure to give it room to grow. It can spread quickly, so it’s best to plant it in an area where it won’t crowd other plants.
Spirea
A low-maintenance shrub, Spirea grows in dense clusters and features small pink or white flowers. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Spirea is an excellent groundcover plant and can be used to fill in spaces between other shrubs.
It’s also resistant to deer and drought-tolerant, making it a perfect choice for zone 8 landscapes.
Forsythia
Known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring, Forsythia is a popular shrub for borders and hedges. It grows up to eight feet tall, providing a pop of color in the landscape before other plants have even begun to bloom.
Be sure to water Forsythia regularly during the first year after planting, as it can be susceptible to drought. After that, it’s a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much care.
Azalea
A favorite among gardeners, Azaleas are known for their beautiful flowers that come in various colors. They prefer acidic soils and do best in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun. Frequently, Azaleas are planted in areas that receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
Be sure to fertilize your Azalea plants regularly, as they need a lot of nitrogen to thrive. Mulching around the base of the plant will also help keep the soil moist and cool. One of the most popular varieties is the Encore Azalea, which blooms in the spring and fall.
Related Article: Why are my Azaleas Leaves Turning Yellow?
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are a type of Azalea and share many of the same characteristics. They’re known for their beautiful flowers, which can be white, pink, purple, or red. Known for being finicky, Rhododendrons prefer cool temperatures and must be protected from the hot afternoon sun.
Although they’re not beginner-friendly, Rhododendrons can be a beautiful and rewarding addition to any garden.
Mountain Laurel
A native plant to the southeastern United States, Mountain Laurel is an evergreen shrub that blooms with beautiful white or pink flowers in the spring. Despite its name, it does well in zones up to zone nine.
Mountain Laurel is a slow-grower and can take a few years to reach its full size. It’s best suited for areas with plenty of room to grow and prefers moist, acidic soils.
Pittosporum
A versatile shrub, Pittosporum can be used as a hedge, groundcover, or accent plant. It has dark green leaves and blooms with small white flowers. You’ll often see Pittosporum used in foundation plantings or as a low-maintenance alternative to boxwood.
Pittosporum is tolerant of most soil types but prefers well-drained soils. It’s also drought-tolerant and can tolerate salt, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
This shrub doesn’t require much pruning but can look just amazingly good with a light shearing once a year.
Hydrangea
With its large, showy flowers, Hydrangea is a popular shrub for both gardens and landscapes. It blooms in the summer and comes in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, purple, and white. Hydrangeas are popular among gardeners because they’re relatively easy to care for.
They prefer partial shade and need to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. One of the most popular varieties is the Endless Summer Hydrangea, which blooms from spring to fall.
Zone 8 Shrubs: In Summary
People living in zone 8 are lucky enough to have a wide range of shrubs to choose from when landscaping their home or garden. These shrubs provide color and interest throughout the year, and many of them are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for this climate.
The large varieties of Hydrangea and Rhododendron are perfect for those looking to add a big statement to their garden. At the same time, the smaller Pittosporum is an excellent choice for those with limited space. Forsythia is a perfect choice for early spring color, while Mountain Laurel can provide year-round interest with its beautiful white or pink flowers.