1Dwarf Butterfly Bush
Jacky Parker Photography//Getty Images Newer types of dwarf butterfly bushes are well-behaved, topping out from 2 to 4 feet tall and will not become invasive. There are various colors and bloom shapes to choose from. And yes, they do attract butterflies all summer long! Look for little varieties such as Pink Micro Chip or Pugster, then enjoy their low-maintenance beauty.
Growing Conditions: full sun, well-drained soil
Size: 2-4 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
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2Dwarf Hydrangea
dianazh//Getty Images These gorgeous shrubs bloom from summer to fall, and most keep their dried flowers on during winter, too. They're one of the few shrubs that can be grown coast to coast in most climates. Hydrangeas come in a wide variety of sizes, but the dwarf types are designed for small gardens. Most hydrangeas need some morning sun to thrive, though a few are shade lovers.
Growing Conditions: part sun or full sun, well-drained soil
Size: 2-4 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
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3Dwarf Forsythia
Westend61//Getty Images The bright yellow blooms of forsythia appear in early spring before the shrub leafs out. New hybrids such as Show Off! Sugar Baby stay petite and pretty in small spaces, reaching about 30 inches tall at maturity. Give forsythia full sun.
Growing Conditions: full sun or part shade, well-drained soil
Size: 2.5 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 5-8
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4Dwarf Inkberry Holly
Diane Labombarbe//Getty Images Inkberry holly are petite, native evergreens with a dense ball shape—that will add luscious foliage to your yard. Look for types such as Gem Box which keep their shape better than others. They're a great substitute for boxwoods, which are sometimes prone to disease. They reach a max of 3 feet tall and prefer part to full sun.
Growing Conditions: full sun to part-sun, medium to wet soil
Size: 2-4 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
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5Dwarf Ninebark
Flavia Morlachetti//Getty Images Ninebarks have beautiful wine-colored foliage and small clusters of pink flowers in late spring. But they keep their beautiful color all season, making them a nice contrast against the shades of green in your garden. Some varieties are green or greenish-gold. Make sure to get a dwarf variety such as Tiny Wine, which tops out at 5 feet. They need full sun.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to light shade, evenly moist and well-drained soil
Size: 1-5 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 3-7
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6Arborvitae, Round Form
MaYcaL//Getty Images Arborvitae comes in many shapes and sizes, but the dwarf round variety, which maxes out at 1 to 3 feet tall, is a great evergreen for foundation planting. Plus, they add such a unique look to your space! Try types such as Mr. Bowling Ball and Tater Tot.
Growing Conditions: full sun, well-drained soil
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
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7Abelia
Chris Leaver//Getty Images Abelia has beautiful pink, purple, or peachy-colored bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring, spicy-sweet fragrance, colorful fall foliage, and cool seed pods. There's just so much to love! Plant it where you can enjoy its sweet buds and lovely scent.
Growing Conditions: full to partial sun and moist but well-drained soil
Size: 3-6 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 4-11
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8Caryopteris
Robert Kirk//Getty Images This lesser-known shrub has brilliant blue flowers that bloom in late summer to fall when many other flowering shrubs are done with their annual show. Bees and butterflies will flock to it! Give it full sun.
Growing Conditions: full sun, well-drained soil
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
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9Dwarf Lily of the Valley Shrub
Maria Mosolova//Getty Images Tiny bells dangle from the branches of this shrub in early spring. Lily of the valley shrub, also called pieris, is a lovely and less-recognized shrub for any garden. Dwarf options like the Cavatine top out at 2 to 4 feet tall and prefer part sun with afternoon shade.
Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil
Size: 2-4 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
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10Dwarf Mugo Pine
DEA / D.DAGLI ORTI//Getty Images Slow-growing so it won’t take over your garden, this hardy pine works beautifully in rock gardens, mass plantings, or as a foundation planting. It will reach 10 feet eventually, which is on the smaller side for most evergreens. You can also find dwarf varieties that won't grow quite as large. Mugo pine needs full sun.
Growing Conditions: full sun, moist and well-drained soil
Size: 2-5 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 2-8
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11Deutzia
Jacky Parker Photography//Getty Images This mounded shrub with arching branches is loaded with white or pinkish-blush flowers in spring with foliage that turns burgundy in fall. Look for dwarf or low-growing types, such as Yuki Cherry Blossom and Nikko that work as a beautiful groundcover. They prefer part sun.
Growing Conditions: full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil
Size: 2 to 5 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 5-8
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12Boxwood
dmf87//Getty Images Boxwoods are evergreens that can be sheared into shapes or left to remain natural. Look for new or dwarf varieties that maintain their forms without trimming and are more cold tolerant, such as North Star and Sprinter. Boxwoods will tolerate a wide range of light conditions from part shade to full sun.
Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil
Size: 1-5 feet tall
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
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Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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