5 Great Early Blooming Shrubs (Southwest)

5 Great Early Blooming Shrubs (Southwest)

Well, something's pretty much always in bloom in sunny SoCal. In late winter that includes camellias and early azaleas such as Alaska. But what about some other fabulous flowering shrubs that also deserve a place in the winter-to-early-spring garden?

We’ve assemble five that you might consider as you plan and plot what to plant this spring. All are easy to grow, waterwise once established (where’s the rain, right?), and can take for the most part can tolerate some heat.

If you're not happy with your garden, spring planting is the perfect time to prep for this time next year.

(For even more choices, check out other regions as zones can overlap: Northeast, Southeast, South, Midwest ,Northwest)

Green-Leaved Euryops (Euryops pectinatus ‘Viridis’)

Blooms nearly year-round but the biggest show is in early spring. Perfect plant for filling open spaces in a hurry. Ideal for beds and borders where its too hot or dry for other shrubs. Pair with Russian sage for a killer display. Partial to full sun. Up to 6 ft. tall and wide. Zone: 8 – 11

Leon’s Purple Delight™ Lilac Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii ‘MonLeon’)

Leon’s Purple Delight™ Lilac Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii ‘MonLeon’)

A few tropicals have a place in every warm-zone garden. We love this for it's waterwise ways, the way it fills a container, and adds a pop to a border. Full sun. Up to 6 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide. Zone: 9 – 11

Alexander Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana ‘Alexandrina’)

Alexander Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana ‘Alexandrina’)

This medium sized tree or large shrub is unmatched for elegant beauty and old-fashioned charm. Blooms as the camellias are winding down. Full sun. Up to 20 ft. tall as a tree; smaller as a shrub. Zone: 5 – 9

Bottle Pop™ Neon Pink Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis ‘Neon Pink’)

Bottle Pop™ Neon Pink Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis ‘Neon Pink’)

Nearly constantly in bloom in the warmest zones, bottlebrush adds a whimsical note to hot, dry, minimal-care gardens. Pair with grasses and lavenders. Full sun. Up to 12 ft. tall and 10 ft. wide. Zone: 8 – 11

Azure Bush Germander (Teucrium fruticans ‘Azureum’)

Azure Bush Germander (Teucrium fruticans ‘Azureum’)

Let’s count the ways we love this–wonderful azure blue flowers in spring, drought tolerant, bee-magnet, tolerates poor soils, deer resistant. Pair with lavenders. Full sun. Up to 6 ft. tall and wide. Zone: 8 – 10

How about a few more?

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2018-02-01 01:10:00
Mary Mcintosh
I so look forward to Kate's mail. It's spot on for accuracy, thoroughness and things to think about when I have doubts. This gal has the answer I am always looking for. Many thanks to her and to a company that really does care about living plants - and the people that take care of them.
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betty
want a shrub that does not grow to tall.....something that will go with a phony creek bed. that kinda blends in....any suggestion
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Gloria
I live in 78501, please info on hardy plants and especially for my trellis.
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Betty Marsh
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Alfonso Barragan
You guys are doing great,,thank you for all the information.
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5 Great Early Blooming Shrubs (Midwest) | Grow Beautifully
[…] even more choices, check out other regions as zones can overlap: Northeast, Southeast, South, Southwest, […]
reply Reply
5 Great Early Bloom Shrubs (Northeast) | Grow Beautifully
[…] even more choices, check out other regions as zones can overlap: Southeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, […]
reply Reply

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