Woodie’s Picks: Lesser-Known Flowering Shrubs To Add Interest In The Early Summer Landscape
Everyone is familiar with classic early summer blooming shrubs like Azaleas, Lilacs, and Jasmine. Still, if you are looking to make a real splash in the landscape this season, we have some great, unique options for you that will add impeccable interest and have everyone in the neighborhood admiring your garden!
In this blog, we will highlight the impact of statement shrubs and share four unique options to bring unmatched beauty to your early summer landscape!
The Impact of Statement Shrubs
Aesthetic Impact
The most obvious impact of a unique flowering shrub is elevating the overall aesthetic of an outdoor space. Flowering shrubs create beautiful focal points in gardens, offering a range of colors, textures, and fragrances throughout the year. They can be used in a range of different designs, including framing structures, creating privacy screens, or planted on their own to draw the eye.
Environmental Impact
Flowering shrubs do more than just add beauty to your outdoor space. These gorgeous specimens actively work to provide food and nectar for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Some shrubs also provide shelter for small animals.
Curb Appeal
In addition to supporting local diversity, flowering statement shrubs significantly enhance curb appeal by adding visual interest, color, and texture to a landscape.
For Unique Flowering Shrubs For Early Summer
Now that we’ve covered the incredible impact of flower shrubs, it’s time to highlight a few unique early summer flowering varieties you may want to incorporate into your landscape this planting season!
Rugosa Rose
First on the list is the Rugosa Rose Bush. Praised for their resilience, ease of care, and multi-seasonal appeal, Rugosa Roses are a standout addition to any summer landscape. These shrubs are characterized by their large magenta flowers with honey golden centers, backed by lush green foliage. The summer blooms are the perfect accent to bring bold color and beauty to any summer yard.
These shrubs are best suited for growing zones 3-9 and grow to about 6 feet tall and wide at maturity. As a bonus, Rugosa Rose bushes are exceptionally tolerant of salt and sand, making them ideal for coastal landscapes and zones looking to stabilize and control erosion!
Snowball Viburnum
Next on the list of unique shrubs is the Snowball Viburnum. These shade-loving specimens resemble the well-known and loved macrophylla hydrangeas. However, they bloom earlier in the summer for those eager to see bold blooms earlier in the season! The Snowball shrubs are easy to grow and valued for their cut flower potential.
Snowball Viburnum grows well in zones 3-8 and can reach mature heights nearing 12 feet, so it is important to plant them in a space with ample room to grow!
Chardonnay Pearls Deutzia
Next on the list of unconventional bloomers is the Chardonnay Pearls Deutzia. These low-growing shrubs will first catch your attention in early spring as the plant emerges in a vivacious chartreuse foliage. But the real show begins when the Deutzia produces sweet, pearl-like buds that bring an upscale feel to any outdoor space. And then, of course, you will be witness to the explosion of the pure white blooms that open in late spring through the early summer!
Chardonnay Pearls Deutzia grows best in zones 5-8 and reaches maturity at a perfect 3 feet tall and wide. The shrub’s small form and unique color palette make it ideal for a range of projects, including use as foundation shrubs, lining walkways, and planting in containers.
Nova Zembla Rhododendron
Last on our list of gorgeous standout statement shrubs for the early summer landscape is the bold and beautiful Nova Zembla Rhododendron. Offering color, texture, and structure to your garden in addition to year-round interest with its evergreen foliage, what’s not to love about this magnificent shrub?! Known for its large clusters of bright red flowers in late spring, the Nova Zembla adds bold beauty to any outdoor space.
The Nova Zembla Rhododendron grows best in zones 4-8, reaching maturity at around 6-8 feet in height and width. The shrub is popular for use as a specimen plant, medium-sized privacy screen, or in foundation plantings.
Shop Summer Flowering Shrubs Online
Ready to break away from the ordinary and give your garden a dose of unexpected beauty? These lesser-known summer-flowering shrubs are just the ticket for elevating your early summer landscape. Whether you're drawn to the rugged charm of Rugosa Roses, the bold elegance of Nova Zembla Rhododendrons, or the delicate appeal of Deutzia and Viburnum, there's something here to inspire every gardener. Explore these unique picks and turn your yard into the neighborhood’s favorite summer showcase!