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Are you looking to add some life to your garden that gets a lot of sun? You are in luck! Here are 15 shrubs that love soaking up the rays and will keep your garden looking bright and beautiful.
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Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
If you love butterflies, this is the shrub for you. It grows quickly and comes in colors like purple, pink, and white. Just give it a trim in early spring to keep it looking fresh. Butterfly bushes, or B. davidii species, are pretty tough and can handle the cold down to USDA Zone 5.
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Forsythia
This one is a real show-stopper with bright yellow flowers that pop up in spring. It is super easy to care for and perfect for adding a splash of color. Forsythia has an upright-arching growing habit and has long, thin, arched branches. Their height varies from 2 ft. to 8 ft.
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English Lavender (Lavandula)
Everyone seems to adore the scent of lavender. It is perfect for those sunny spots in your garden and does not demand much water. It is also a magnet for bees and butterflies, which is a big plus for your garden health. You can even dry the flowers to make your home smell wonderful.
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is more than just a kitchen herb. It is a stunning addition to any garden. It has fragrant leaves and beautiful blue flowers. It thrives in the sun and is pretty low maintenance when it comes to watering. Plus, using its branches for cooking adds an extra kick to your dishes.
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Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Hydrangeas are real stars with their large blooms that come in white, pink, or red. They soak up the sun and keep your garden looking vibrant from summer to fall. The most amazing thing about them is that the flower colors can change based on the soil pH level. They also make for gorgeous bouquets and dried arrangements.
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Barberry (Berberis)
Barberry is a small but mighty shrub that brings a burst of color with its red, green, or golden leaves. It is tough, loves the sun, and is super easy to care for. You can use it to create a hedge or just as a standalone plant for a splash of color. People used to use it as a medicine for digestive issues back in the day.
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Spirea (Spiraea)
Spirea is the friend in your garden that does not ask for much. It is great for adding color and attracting butterflies with its small pink, white, or red flowers. It usually blooms in late spring or early summer, and some types might even give you a second round of flowers in the fall.
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Juniper (Juniperus)
Juniper is an evergreen that is perfect for sunny spots. It comes in many forms, from groundcovers to tall trees. It is drought-tolerant and adds year-round interest to your garden with its needle-like or scale-like foliage. Plus, its wood and berries are used in cooking and medicine.
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Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa)
Potentilla is a cute shrub that keeps your garden colorful all summer with its buttercup-like flowers. It is easy to care for, does not need much water, and is great for attracting bees and butterflies. It’s also pretty tough and can adapt to various soil types.
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Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Tropical hibiscus is the star of the show with its big, bold flowers. It can grow tall in warm climates but might need some protection in cooler areas. The flowers are edible and can be used in food and drinks. Plus, they attract hummingbirds, adding more life to your garden.
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Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)
Yucca adds an exotic touch with its spiky leaves. It’s great at handling dry conditions and can fit into different garden styles. The tall, white flowers are a beautiful addition, and the plant is known for its resilience in various conditions. These are great additions to home gardens.
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Boxwood (Buxus)
Boxwood is your go-to for creating neat hedges or shapes in your garden. It loves the sun and can be planted almost anywhere. It gives your garden a clean, tidy look and is easy to shape. Plus, it grows slowly, so you don’t have to trim it too often.
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Rose (Rosa)
Roses are pretty versatile and can grow in almost every USDA zone, except for the super chilly Zone 1. They come in all sizes, from tiny shrubs to massive climbers that can reach up to 50 feet. Roses love basking in the full sun, but in really hot places, a bit of shade in the afternoon can help them out.
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Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage, or Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a real gem for any garden that gets a lot of sun. Its lavender-blue flowers are a feast for your eyes, and the silvery leaves add a cool, calming touch. It keeps blooming from the middle of summer right into fall, so your garden stays colorful for ages.
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Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Crape myrtle is a popular choice among gardeners around the world, especially in hotter climates. They have lush, dark green leaves and stunning pink blooms that add a splash of color to your garden. They are best suited for zones 6 to 9 and prefer soil that is neutral or a tad acidic and drains well.
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