Types of Shrubs for the Southeastern U.S.
Shrubs found in the Southeast vary greatly in size, shape and color because this is a large area with varying climates. The hardiness zones for this region range from 5b to 10b as the Southeastern U.S. covers a range of landscapes and temperatures that support both evergreen and tropical shrubs. Areas closer to the ocean support different types of shrubs than woodland or forest areas. Does this Spark an idea?
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Shrubs Growing to 3 Feet Tall
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Small or dwarf shrubs thrive in Southeastern states such as Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. The kingsville dwarf (Buxus microphylla japonica) is a boxwood shrub that only grows to 1 to 2 feet tall and works well along a front walkway or garden border. The Japanese littleleaf boxwood (Buxus microphylla) produces deep green foliage and grows to 3 feet tall.
Evergreen Shrubs
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Evergreen shrubs also flourish throughout the southeastern United States. These shrubs have foliage that doesn't fall off during the winter months, although the leaves may change color. The sweet pepper bush (Clethra alnifolia), William Penn barberry (Berberis gladwynensis) and the juniper gray owl (J. virginiana) are common evergreen shrubs in Southeastern states. The foliage textures and shapes vary greatly between evergreen shrubs. The sweet pepper bush has dark green oval leaves with pointed tips along with white and pink flowers in the spring. The William Penn barberry has dark green spiny foliage. The gray owl juniper has silvery-gray foliage with branch tips that turn purple in the winter.
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Tropical Shrubs
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Tropical shrubs such as the Jamaican caper (Capparis cynophallophora) are found in Florida, Georgia and other areas that border the ocean. The foliage for the Jamaican caper is light green, glossy and oval-shaped. The shrub produces white flowers from April to July; each flower has dozens of white filaments with tiny anthers that shoot out from the center. From July to September the plant produces seed pods that are brown on the outside with red seeds on the inside. This shrub can grow up to 18 feet tall.
The hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is another flowering tropical shrub that grows well in some parts of the Southeastern region. Found in zones 9 and 10, hibiscus foliage varies greatly in color and texture depending on cultivar. The red leaf hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) has burgundy and red leaves. Most types of hibiscus bloom with vibrant yellow, red, orange or purple flowers.
Shrubs Growing 8 Feet or Taller
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Tall shrubs are used to create backyard privacy. The flame azalea (R. calendulaceum) grows well in Georgia, Virginia and other East Coast states. It can reach heights of up to 8 feet tall. The burning bush (Euonymus alatus) can spread up to 10 feet wide and grow up to 12 feet tall. The burning bush has fire red foliage in the fall and green leaves throughout the rest of the year.
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- Photo Credit Hibiscus image by Cédric FROEHLICH from Fotolia.com
