Shrubs are the backbone of any well-designed garden. They add structure, texture, and—most importantly—color to your landscape. Whether you’re looking for deep purples, fiery reds, cheerful yellows, soft pinks, cool blues, or crisp whites, shrubs can provide a burst of vibrant beauty that lasts throughout the seasons.
Choosing the right shrubs isn’t just about aesthetics. Many colorful shrubs also attract pollinators, provide shelter for wildlife, and change hues as the seasons progress. Whether you’re planting them as foundation plants, along borders, or as eye-catching focal points, these shrubs will elevate your garden’s appeal.
Below, we’ve organized 30 colorful shrubs by color, so you can create the perfect palette for your yard.
Purple Shrubs
Purple shrubs add a touch of drama and elegance to any garden. Their rich, deep hues contrast beautifully with greens and other bright colors, creating a sense of depth and sophistication. Some purple shrubs offer stunning foliage throughout the growing season, while others bloom with breathtaking purple flowers.
1. Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena)
This deciduous shrub is a favorite for its striking purple foliage that holds its color from spring through fall. In early spring, it produces delicate pinkish-white flowers that contrast beautifully against its dark leaves. It’s a compact, low-maintenance shrub that works well as a hedge or focal point.
2. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Beautyberry lives up to its name with stunning clusters of vibrant purple berries that appear in late summer and last into winter. While its foliage is unassuming during the warmer months, the fall berry display is nothing short of spectacular. Birds love the berries, making this shrub an excellent choice for wildlife gardens.
3. Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’)
With its dark burgundy-purple leaves and unique, smoke-like plumes of airy flowers, smokebush creates an ethereal effect in the landscape. It provides a bold contrast when planted alongside green or yellow foliage and offers year-round interest with its colorful leaves and striking winter silhouette.
4. Purple Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’)
This rugged, easy-to-grow shrub features dark purple foliage and delicate pinkish-white flowers in early summer. As a bonus, its peeling bark adds winter interest. Purple ninebark is a fantastic choice for creating contrast in mixed borders or as a striking hedge.
5. Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
This fast-growing shrub or small tree produces fragrant spikes of purple-blue flowers in late summer. It’s a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soil make it an easy-care option for many landscapes.
Red Shrubs
Red shrubs bring warmth, vibrancy, and energy to your garden. Whether it’s fiery red foliage, brilliant blooms, or striking berries, these shrubs create bold focal points that demand attention. Some red shrubs change color with the seasons, shifting from deep green in spring to rich crimson in autumn. Others provide year-round interest with bright stems or long-lasting berries.
6. Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
This eye-catching shrub is known for its brilliant red stems, which stand out dramatically in winter landscapes, especially against a backdrop of snow. In spring and summer, it features green foliage and small white flowers that turn into clusters of white berries in fall. Red-twig dogwood is perfect for adding color to the colder months when most other plants have lost their leaves.
7. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’)
This compact, thorny shrub is a great choice for low-maintenance landscapes. It boasts deep red to burgundy foliage that lasts throughout the growing season. In autumn, the leaves turn even more vibrant before dropping, and bright red berries persist into winter, adding additional seasonal interest. It works well as a hedge, border plant, or groundcover.
8. Scarlet Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)
Scarlet firethorn is an evergreen shrub known for its clusters of brilliant red berries that persist from fall into winter. The berries attract birds, making this a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. It also produces small white flowers in spring and has dense, thorny growth that makes it an effective security hedge.
9. Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
As its name suggests, this shrub truly ignites in autumn when its foliage turns an intense, glowing red. During the rest of the year, it has lush green leaves that provide a nice contrast in mixed plantings. Burning bush is a popular choice for hedges or standalone specimens in gardens where a show-stopping fall display is desired.
10. Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
This early bloomer bursts into color in late winter or early spring, producing dazzling red flowers before its leaves emerge. It’s a tough and resilient shrub, thriving in a range of conditions. While some varieties have thorny branches, they make excellent security hedges while also providing nectar for early pollinators.
Yellow Shrubs
Yellow shrubs bring a sense of warmth and brightness to your garden, creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere. Whether they produce golden foliage, vibrant flowers, or glowing berries, these shrubs add a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with greens, reds, and purples. Many yellow-flowering shrubs are among the first to bloom in spring, signaling the arrival of warmer days, while others maintain golden hues throughout the growing season.
11. Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)
Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom in early spring, often before its leaves emerge. Its bright yellow flowers cover bare branches, creating a stunning golden display when little else is in bloom. This fast-growing, easy-care shrub is perfect for hedges, borders, or foundation plantings.
12. Golden Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis ‘Aurea’)
This elderberry variety features striking golden-yellow foliage that provides contrast in any landscape. It produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in summer, followed by dark purple berries that attract birds. The berries are also edible and can be used for making jams, syrups, and wines.
13. Goldflame Spirea (Spiraea japonica ‘Goldflame’)
This compact, deciduous shrub is a showstopper with its bright yellow-orange new growth in spring. As the season progresses, the leaves mature to green before turning bronze-red in fall. Pinkish-purple flowers appear in summer, creating a stunning contrast against the golden foliage.
14. Golden Barberry (Berberis thunbergii ‘Aurea’)
Golden barberry is a tough, low-maintenance shrub with small, golden-yellow leaves that brighten up borders and foundation plantings. In fall, the leaves take on an orange hue, and small red berries appear, adding seasonal interest. Its spiny branches make it an effective security hedge.
15. Golden Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius ‘Aureus’)
Golden mock orange combines stunning foliage with fragrance. Its bright yellow leaves provide season-long color, while clusters of highly fragrant white flowers bloom in late spring or early summer. This shrub is a great choice for sensory gardens or planting near walkways where its sweet scent can be enjoyed.
Pink Shrubs
Pink shrubs bring softness and romance to any garden. Their delicate hues range from pastel blush tones to vibrant fuchsia, adding a sense of elegance and charm. Many pink-flowering shrubs attract pollinators, making them an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Whether you want a shrub that blooms in spring, summer, or even late into fall, there’s a perfect pink option for every landscape.
16. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
This hardy hibiscus shrub is a late-season bloomer, offering large, tropical-looking pink flowers from midsummer to early fall. Its long bloom period makes it an excellent choice for keeping your garden colorful when other shrubs have finished flowering. It also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
17. Pink Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer’)
The iconic hydrangea produces stunning pink blooms that vary in intensity depending on soil pH. This variety is a rebloomer, meaning it produces flowers throughout the growing season. It thrives in partial shade and works well as a foundation plant, hedge, or container specimen.
18. Pink Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Azaleas burst into bloom in spring, covering their branches with a profusion of pink flowers. Their evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, making them an excellent choice for borders and woodland gardens. They thrive in acidic, well-draining soil and look stunning when planted in groups.
19. Weigela ‘Pink Princess’ (Weigela florida)
This charming shrub features arching branches covered in bell-shaped pink flowers in late spring and early summer. Hummingbirds love its nectar-rich blooms, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. It’s also a low-maintenance shrub that can be pruned to maintain its shape.
20. Pink Flowering Almond (Prunus glandulosa)
This compact ornamental shrub produces masses of delicate pink blossoms in early spring before its leaves appear. Though it doesn’t bear fruit, its early-season floral display is breathtaking. It’s a perfect choice for small gardens or adding a splash of color to mixed borders.
Blue Shrubs
Blue is a rare and captivating color in the garden, offering a sense of tranquility and contrast against warmer tones like red, yellow, and pink. Blue shrubs often feature striking flowers or unique blue-green foliage that can cool down a bright color palette. These shrubs work well in cottage gardens, mixed borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
21. Bluebeard (Caryopteris) (Caryopteris x clandonensis)
This late-season bloomer produces clusters of deep blue flowers from late summer into fall. Bluebeard is a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a fantastic addition to pollinator gardens. Its silver-green foliage adds a subtle contrast, and its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
22. Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’)
One of the most iconic blue-flowering shrubs, this hydrangea produces large, vibrant blue blooms in acidic soil. Its color can range from soft sky blue to deep cobalt depending on soil pH. Blue hydrangeas are perfect for shaded areas and add a lush, cottage-garden feel to any landscape.
23. Blue Mist Spirea (Caryopteris incana)
Also known as “Blue Spirea,” this compact shrub is prized for its soft blue flower clusters that bloom in late summer. Its aromatic silver-green foliage adds contrast, and the flowers attract bees and butterflies. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for rock gardens or borders.
24. Blue Holly (Ilex meserveae)
This evergreen shrub features glossy, deep blue-green leaves and bright red berries that last through winter. Though not a true “blue” shrub, its unique blue-tinted foliage makes it stand out. Blue holly requires a male pollinator nearby to produce its signature berries, which attract birds during the colder months.
25. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Although technically a sub-shrub, Russian sage is known for its airy lavender-blue flowers and silvery-gray foliage. Blooming from mid-summer through fall, it provides long-lasting color and is a favorite among pollinators. It thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it perfect for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant gardens.
White Shrubs
White shrubs bring a sense of elegance, purity, and contrast to any garden. Their crisp, bright flowers stand out beautifully against darker foliage and create a stunning visual effect, especially in evening gardens where they seem to glow in the moonlight. White-flowering shrubs are also versatile, blending seamlessly with any color scheme and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your landscape.
26. Snowball Bush (Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’)
This stunning shrub produces large, globe-shaped clusters of white flowers in late spring, resembling oversized hydrangea blooms. As summer progresses, the flowers transition to a soft green before fading. The snowball bush is a fantastic choice for hedges or standalone specimen plants and adds a touch of classic charm to any landscape.
27. White Forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum)
Unlike its yellow-flowering cousin, white forsythia produces delicate, fragrant white blooms in early spring. It bursts into color before its leaves emerge, making it one of the first shrubs to provide garden interest after winter. It thrives in well-drained soil and looks stunning when planted in masses or along walkways.
28. White Spirea (Spiraea prunifolia ‘Bridal Wreath’)
A favorite in cottage gardens, bridal wreath spirea features cascading branches covered in small, white flowers in early spring. Its airy, graceful form adds movement and texture to borders and foundation plantings. This shrub is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.
29. Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
This elegant shrub (or small tree) is known for its drooping clusters of fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers in late spring to early summer. Its horizontal branching habit and dark green foliage provide excellent contrast to the delicate blooms. Japanese snowbell is ideal for adding height and elegance to a garden.
30. White Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
White azaleas provide a breathtaking floral display in spring, covering their branches with pure white blooms. Many varieties are evergreen, offering year-round interest. They thrive in acidic, well-draining soil and are perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or foundation plantings.
Colorful shrubs are a fantastic way to boost your home’s curb appeal and create a dynamic, vibrant garden. Whether you’re drawn to deep purples, fiery reds, cheerful yellows, soft pinks, bold blues, or crisp whites, there’s a shrub for every color palette and garden style.
Consider mixing and matching different hues to create striking contrasts or plant monochromatic groupings for a more harmonious look. No matter how you arrange them, these shrubs will bring beauty, texture, and year-round interest to your landscape.
