A striking appearance during its peak—especially at times of year when other plants are not as showy More than one ornamental feature of note Multi-season interest
As for performance, the best low-maintenance selections will be cold-hardy to your USDA plant hardiness zone. The best choices will be fairly resistant to most pests and common disease. And, they will have modest feeding needs—thriving just as well with compost top-dressing as with commercial fertilizer. Here are ten good low-maintenance shrubs that fit the bill. Candy Oh! is disease-resistant and deer-resistant and can be pruned as little or as much as you want. This easy-to-care-for rose blooms for most of the summer and brightens the landscape with vibrant color.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: RedSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Well-drained loam
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Pink blossoms; golden foliageSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: Pink to redSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, medium to wet soils
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Color Varieties: PinkSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, well-drained soil
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USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: White, becoming purplish pinkSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Blue-green evergreen foliageSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Color Varieties: Orange-redSun Exposure: Part shadeSoil Needs: Average soil, acidic in pH
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: N/A; grown for the appearance of its stemsSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: Green and gold foliageSun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeSoil Needs: Average soil
