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What Are the Different Types of Flowering Bushes?

Page Coleman
Page Coleman

Flowering bushes come in a variety of types. Most are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves each year, and some types are evergreen. Certain types are heat and drought-resistant, and other types prefer wetter and cooler climates. Particular types are known for attracting or resisting different wildlife.

This versatile group of plants can add beauty and interest to outdoor environments. Before planting, gardeners should consider the regional climate, the amount of sunshine and shade, kind of soil, and drainage of the planting area. The types of plants chosen should be able to survive in the gardener's region, and the outdoor space should be designed so each type of flowering bush receives sufficient sunlight and water.

Some flowering bushes attract butterflies.
Some flowering bushes attract butterflies.

Different types of flowering bushes may bloom in different seasons. The gardener may wish to mix types such as early-spring blooming forsythia, mid- to late-spring blooming lilacs, and late summer and autumn blooming roses of Sharon. Gardeners in warmer zones may also plant camellia and select pink, purple, or red flowers for added winter color. By staggering bloom times, the garden looks fresh and interesting throughout the year.

A hydrangea blossom.
A hydrangea blossom.

Gardeners can also choose plants with various types of foliage to enjoy new looks each season. Some types of hydrangea have foliage that turns brilliant colors in the fall. Other plants, such as hollies, produce bright red berries, which is appealing against snowy-white winter backgrounds in colder climates.

Flowering bushes can also be used as hedges or screens to add privacy to a yard or garden. Different types of bushes that grow to differing heights can be combined to produce the desired screening affect as well as natural beauty and warmth, which a wood or brick fence may not. When using these shrubs this way, the gardener should take care that each will receive the amount of sun it requires.

Hibiscus bushes attract butterflies.
Hibiscus bushes attract butterflies.

Many gardeners are also concerned for wildlife, and some types of flowering bushes are especially noted for attracting wildlife. A common example is the butterfly bush, which may attract not only butterflies but also hummingbirds and bees. Hibiscus, azaleas, and rhododendrons are other shrubs that are noted for attracting butterflies.

Though butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees may be welcome gardens guests, many gardeners do not want deer eating their garden plants. Some types of plants are considered deer-resistant, in that they are less attractive to deer. The butterfly bush, certain types of forsythia, and hydrangeas are among the deer-resistant flowering bushes.

Discussion Comments

Grivusangel

My favorite flowering bushes are forsythia, bridal wreath and flowering almond.

There's nothing like seeing a profusion of golden forsythia blooms in the early spring, before anything else is blooming.

My mother loves to make arrangements from her yellow forsythia, white bridal wreath and pink flowering almond. They bring a breath of spring and beauty into the house. Plus, you don't have to do much to the plants to get them to thrive. They just seem to grow, regardless of the care, or lack thereof. Just get them started and every spring, you'll have a color show.

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    • Some flowering bushes attract butterflies.
      By: Mark_VB
      Some flowering bushes attract butterflies.
    • A hydrangea blossom.
      By: Ivonne Wierink
      A hydrangea blossom.
    • Hibiscus bushes attract butterflies.
      By: Subbotina Anna
      Hibiscus bushes attract butterflies.
    • Lilac bushes bloom in mid to late spring.
      By: Diana Taliun
      Lilac bushes bloom in mid to late spring.