Bare-root shrubs are a budget-friendly and versatile way to transform any garden. Sold without soil and ready to plant, they make it easy to create a lush, diverse landscape while supporting local wildlife.
With the right selection, these shrubs can provide year-round beauty with minimal effort. Here are 25 must-have bare-root shrubs, plus 8 that are perfect for small spaces, so you can enjoy a thriving garden no matter the size.
1. Lilac
With stunning springtime blooms, this shrub can transform any garden. The lilac is celebrated for its fragrant, lavender-colored flowers that appear in late spring. These blossoms are not only attractive but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Plant it in well-draining soil with ample sunlight for the best growth. Regular pruning after flowering will help maintain its shape and promote vigorous blooming in subsequent years.
2. Forsythia
This plant is a harbinger of spring with its early blooms. Forsythia dazzles with bright yellow flowers before its leaves appear. It’s an excellent choice for hedges or borders.
To thrive, plant it in full sun or partial shade and ensure the soil is well-drained. Pruning immediately after flowering keeps it vigorous and encourages more blooms.
3. Rose
Renowned for its classic beauty, this shrub offers a range of colors. The rose is a favorite among gardeners for its elegant flowers and pleasant fragrance. It can be used in various garden styles.
Plant it in a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. Regular watering and pruning are essential to keep it healthy and promote blooming.
4. Hydrangea
Famous for its large flower heads, this shrub adds a splash of color. The hydrangea is versatile, thriving in both sunny and shady spots, with flowers that change color based on soil pH.
Ensure it has plenty of moisture and mulch to keep the roots cool. Pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain its shape and bloom quality.
5. Spirea
Offering a cascade of blooms, this hardy shrub is easy to maintain. Spirea features an array of small, vibrant flowers that create a stunning visual effect.
Plant it in full sun to partial shade, ensuring well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is required, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
6. Boxwood
Known for its evergreen foliage, this shrub is ideal for hedges. Boxwood is versatile, providing structure and greenery throughout the year. It can be shaped and maintained easily.
Plant it in well-drained soil with good access to sunlight. Regular trimming will help it maintain its shape and promote dense growth.
7. Butterfly Bush
This shrub attracts pollinators with its fragrant flowers. Known as the butterfly bush, it has elongated clusters of vibrant blooms that appear in summer.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning in early spring encourages more flowers and keeps the plant compact.
8. Azalea
With vibrant flowers, this shrub is a spring highlight. The azalea is known for its colorful blooms that appear before its leaves, adding interest to any garden.
Plant it in acidic, well-drained soil with partial shade for optimal growth. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells.
9. Rhododendron
This shrub is admired for its large, showy flowers. Rhododendrons produce clusters of blooms that range in color, making them popular in gardens.
They prefer well-drained, acidic soil and a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Protecting them from harsh winds will help them thrive.
10. Weigela
This easy-to-care-for shrub offers a burst of color in spring. Weigela produces tubular flowers that are a favorite among hummingbirds.
Plant it in full sun for the best flowering. Regular pruning after blooming helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
11. Dogwood
Famous for its spring blooms, this plant adds beauty to gardens. The dogwood is appreciated for its star-shaped flowers and attractive foliage.
It thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens. Pruning is minimal but can be done after flowering if needed.
12. Viburnum
Offering year-round interest, this shrub is versatile and hardy. Viburnum produces fragrant flowers in spring and colorful berries in fall.
Plant it in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth.
13. Holly
This evergreen shrub provides winter interest with its berries. Holly is known for its glossy foliage and vibrant red berries that appear in fall and winter.
It thrives in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Pruning in late winter helps maintain its shape and encourages berry production.
14. Barberry
This shrub offers colorful foliage and thorny stems. Barberry is appreciated for its red or purple leaves, providing contrast in garden designs.
Plant it in full sun for the best color and ensure the soil is well-drained. Minimal pruning is needed, making it a low-maintenance choice.
15. Elderberry
This plant provides flowers and berries that benefit wildlife. Elderberry produces white flower clusters and dark berries that attract birds.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular pruning in early spring helps promote healthy growth and fruiting.
16. Privet
Common in hedges, this shrub offers dense foliage. Privet is valued for its small leaves and adaptability to shaping, making it ideal for formal gardens.
Plant it in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Regular trimming is essential to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth.
17. Quince
Known for its early spring bloom, this shrub is eye-catching. The flowering quince produces bright, colorful blossoms that appear before its leaves.
It thrives in well-drained soil with full sun. Pruning after flowering helps control its size and shape.
18. Kerria
Offering bright, cheerful blooms, this shrub is a spring favorite. Kerria is known for its yellow flowers that appear in early spring.
It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is needed, making it an easy-care option for gardeners.
19. Ninebark
This rugged shrub adds texture with its peeling bark. Ninebark is valued for its white flowers and the unique appearance of its bark.
Plant it in well-drained soil with full sun for the best results. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
20. Witch Hazel
With winter blooms, this shrub stands out. Witch hazel produces yellow, spider-like flowers on bare branches in late winter.
It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning is minimal, but removing any dead wood helps maintain its health.
21. Summersweet
This plant is known for its fragrant summer blooms. Summersweet produces white flower spikes that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
It thrives in wet, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
22. Smoke Bush
This shrub offers unique foliage and flower plumes. Smoke bush is appreciated for its purple leaves and airy flower plumes that appear in summer.
It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning in late winter helps maintain its shape and encourages vibrant foliage.
23. Sweetshrub
Famous for its fragrant flowers, this shrub adds interest. Sweetshrub produces dark red flowers that are not only aromatic but also visually appealing.
It thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is needed, making it an easy-care option for shady areas.
24. Beautyberry
This shrub offers beautiful purple berries that add fall interest. Beautyberry is known for its striking purple berries that appear in autumn.
It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning in late winter encourages new growth and helps maintain its shape.
25. Japanese Maple
Known for its stunning foliage, this tree is perfect for gardens. The Japanese maple offers red or green leaves that change with the seasons.
It prefers partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Pruning in late winter helps maintain its shape and encourages healthy growth.
26. Serviceberry
This plant provides year-round interest with flowers and berries. Serviceberry produces white blossoms in spring and red berries in summer.
It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages fruit production.
27. Mahonia
This evergreen shrub offers winter interest with its berries. Mahonia is known for its yellow flowers and blue berries that appear in winter.
It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
28. Firethorn
Offering colorful berries, this shrub is a fall highlight. Firethorn produces orange or red berries that add vibrancy to gardens in autumn.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning after berrying helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
29. Fothergilla
This shrub offers fragrant flowers and fall color. Fothergilla is known for its white, bottlebrush-like flowers and vibrant autumn leaves.
It prefers acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade. Minimal pruning is required, making it an easy-care choice for gardens.
30. Daphne
With fragrant blossoms, this shrub is a spring delight. Daphne produces clusters of pink flowers that are both beautiful and aromatic.
It thrives in well-drained soil with partial shade. Minimal pruning is needed, but ensure good air circulation around the plant.
31. Deutzia
This shrub offers a profusion of spring flowers. Deutzia produces white or pink blossoms that cover the plant in late spring.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.
32. Mock Orange
Known for its citrus-scented flowers, this shrub adds fragrance. Mock orange produces white blossoms that are both beautiful and aromatic.
It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its shape and encourages blooming.
33. Cotoneaster
This hardy shrub offers colorful berries and foliage. Cotoneaster is appreciated for its red berries and dense, spreading habit.
It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Minimal pruning is needed, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.