Many of us don't think of using large shrubs in the landscape unless we need to screen an area. But they can be used as accent plants, much the same as small trees. If you need color in the landscape and have a place for a large shrub, try one of the ones listed below. If the nursery does not have the plant you're looking for in stock, all of them should be willing to order it for you.
Holly (Ilex attenuata) 'Savannah' - Evergreen holly that grows 15 to 20 feet tall with bright red berries. Good specimen for tall screens. Protect from the hot afternoon sun.
Holly (Ilex verticillata) Winterberry - Deciduous shrub growing to 10 feet. The female plant bears an enormous crop of bright red berries that ripen in early fall and last all winter. Needs a male to pollinate to produce berries. Tolerates wet soil. Plant in sun to partial shade.
Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis) 'Avondale' - Deciduous shrub or small tree 10 to 12 feet tall with superior form and abundant deep purple flowers in spring. Plant in full sun.
Amur Maple (Acer ginnala) - deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 20 feet featuring clusters of small, fragrant yellowish flowers in spring followed by bright red, winged seeds. Amur has striking red fall color. Plant in sun to partial shade.
Weeping Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) - Striking evergreen shrub or small tree with weeping branches and red berries. Plant in full sun.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - Deciduous medium to large shrub, sometimes tree-like, usually with spreading habit. Valued for its bright autumn foliage and interesting yellow-to-red blooms that appear in winter and continue for a long period. Plant in partial shade to shade.
All of these large shrubs can be seen growing in The IDEA Garden, located in the southeast corner of the Tyler Rose Garden.
Sue Adee, Smith County Master Gardener
Gardening Tips for Northeast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page