Bush the boundaries
Forget fussy flowers, it’s time to let fancy foliage come to the fore. These troublefree shrubs are the perfect way to bring colour to your beds
Shrubs bring structure, variety and shape to our beds and borders. But if you think that’s where it ends, and the only way to add colour to the garden is through flowers, think again.
The colourful foliage of a plant can be a fantastic way to provide interest for a much longer period of time – and sometimes even right through the whole year.
Whereas flowers can be short-lived, foliage sticks around much longer.
Strikingly coloured shrubs in reds and purples can create a dramatic backdrop for a floral display – while variegated leaves are able to lift the shadiest of corners.
And the great thing is that shrubs tend to be low maintenance in comparison to showy flowers – so it’s well worth dotting a few in your beds and borders.
It’s an easy way to add diversity to your planting scheme.
Pieris ‘Forest Flame’
This striking plant is a fantastic evergreen shrub with colour-changing leaves. Young foliage starts out a bright shade of red, gradually fading to pink and cream before finally turning green. You’ll also get pretty cream clusters of flowers in spring. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot, and is ericaceous (ie acidloving) so will not grow well in chalky soils.
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Surprise’
You’ll get year-round colour with this evergreen shrub, which sports sensational green leaves edged in sunshine yellow. It’s a great option to brighten up the borders throughout winter, and to add to a summery colour scheme in warmer months. It’s happy in any soil, in sun or dappled shade.
Salvia officinalis ‘Purpurascens’
Otherwise known as purple sage, this semi-evergreen dwarf shrub has aromatic foliage in an unusual smoky purple. The leaves can also be snipped off and used for recipes calling for regular sage. It’s perfect for a sunny spot at the front of your borders.
Photinia ‘Red Robin’
Photinia is a quick-growing evergreen, great to give privacy or as a stand-out border feature. Young leaves sprout rich red in spring, giving amazing contrast against more mature deep green foliage. Grows easily in full sun or partial shade.
Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’
Also known as dogwood, this deciduous shrub is famed for its brightly coloured stems, which become a real feature once the plant loses its greyish-green variegated leaves. The crimson stems are at their best in full sun against an evergreen backdrop.
Young leaves sprout a rich red against more mature green foliage
Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’
This large deciduous shrub makes a focal point of any border. Commonly referred to as a “smoke tree” thanks to its sprays of feathery flowers that appear against the brooding burgundy leaves. Try it in sun or partial shade.
Ilex crenata ‘Golden Gem’
This low-growing shrub is a great choice for smaller gardens, where its happy, bright yellow foliage should help to make your space feel larger. It’s an unfussy plant that requires plenty of sun and a little room to spread.
Weigela ‘Looymansii Aurea’
Also bearing pretty pink flowers from spring onwards, this weigela has golden leaves that appear lime green when shaded. It’s easy to grow in any soil type or aspect, and will even brighten up a very shady corner of your garden – although it can grow in full sun as well.
Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’
This large shrub is a most unusual choice, with its gothic deep purple foliage that resembles the intricate details of a black lace gown. Fantastic sprays of pink flowers are offset by the dramatic foliage in spring, shortly followed by clusters of edible dark fruit. You’ll also be rewarded with a rich red autumn display – try it in full sun in moist but well-drained soil.
Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’
Also called the flamingo willow, this deciduous shrub has flamboyant foliage that first emerges pink then a dappled pink and white with speckled green. The leaves will green through summer before they drop in autumn and reveal orange red stems. Give this spectacular plant a sunny spot.