Most gardeners agree that shrubs require less primping than perennials do to look good. And lots of shrubs grow just fine without much help from you. But which ones do that, plus have interesting bark, beautiful blooms, or excellent fall color? If you’re looking to spend less time and effort into making your garden look great, it’s time to plant more shrubs. Shrubs can offer four-season appeal without a ton of work. This video highlights a few favorite low-care shrubs, grown in the gardens of Fine Gardening’s editors. Adding any one of these stars—or even several—to your beds and borders will create instant impact.

Featured shrubs

Invincibelle Wee White^® smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘NCHA5’)

Beautybush (Kolkwitzia amabilis)

Black Lace^® elderberry (Sambucus nigra ‘Eva’)

Diabolo^® ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Monlo’)

‘Ruby Spice’ summersweet (Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’)

Golden boxleaf honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’)

More articles about shrubs

Pruning the Unprunables

Best Low-Maintenance Shrubs

Regional Picks: Showy Shrubs