Creating a beautiful garden doesn’t have to mean endless hours of upkeep. If you’re looking for plants that provide year-round interest with minimal effort, low-maintenance shrubs are the perfect solution. Here are some of the best shrubs to grow in the UK for effortless beauty.
1. Lavender
Lavendula Hidcote
Not only does lavender smell incredible, but it’s also drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil. It requires little more than a light prune after flowering and provides a haven for bees and butterflies.
2. Hebe
Hebes are evergreen, compact, and come in a variety of sizes and colours. They flower from Summer to Autumn, need very little pruning, and tolerate a range of soil conditions.
3. Choisya
This glossy-leaved evergreen produces fragrant white flowers in Spring and sometimes again in Autumn. It’s tough, thrives in sun or partial shade, and needs little pruning.
4. Photinia Little Red Robin
Photinia Little Red Robin
A fantastic choice for adding colour to your garden, Photinia produces vibrant red new growth in Spring. It makes an excellent hedge or standalone shrub and requires just an occasional trim.
5. Daphne Odora Aureomarginata
If you love scented plants, Daphne is a must-have. It produces highly fragrant flowers in late Winter to early Spring and thrives in partial shade with little care.
6. Cornus
Cornus Midwinter Fire
Perfect for Winter interest, dogwoods have striking red or yellow stems that brighten up dull months. They require minimal pruning and look stunning when planted in groups.
