Some shrubs are easier to grow than others. These easy care choices tend to need less pruning as well as less fertilizer and fewer pest and disease problems.

Sweetspire

Native to the East, sweet spire is mostly 3 to 5 feet in height, but it is sometimes larger. Also called Virginia willow, the shrub spreads freely by means of suckers .

Eventually, this species mature to form a large mound. It has slender upright branches, which are red when young.

The oval, slender foliage turns vivid red to purple in the fall and keeps its color for a long time. The leaves are 2 to 3 inches long.

During the summer in June and July, the creamy white, scented, showy blooms appear. These form six inch long clusters. Dwarf cultivars are widely available, including some that are only 2 feet or 3 to 4 feet in height.

This native species is found from New Jersey southward to Florida and westward. Hardy to zone 3, this is an adaptable plant. It does best in a rich, moist soil.


The Viburnums

The viburnums can be trees or shrubs, according to the species. Easy to grow, they’re wonderful additions to the garden.

Some are evergreen, while others can be semi-evergreen or deciduous, depending on the climate. The snowball types are most popular. Generally, many viburnums have
white blossoms.

Choose a viburnum that is suited to your region, soil type, and the space that is available.

These plants have showy blooms, which can be scented. The bloom time does vary greatly. These are borne in terminal clusters.

The viburnums also bear showy fruits, which are drupes, with the color varying widely. Birds are generally fond of the fruits.

Certain viburnums require an acid soil, while others are tolerant of a range of soil conditions and soil types.

All of the viburnums bring beautiful fall color. The leaves are opposite.

The plants come in a wide range of heights and sizes. The bloom time can vary as well. Many species are cultivated.


Wax Myrtle

This plant is also called bayberry and tallow shrub. Wax myrtle is a native species. It is found from New Jersey to Florida westward to Arkansas and Texas.

The plant fixes nitrogen. Wax myrtle does best in poor dry or sandy soils. It is most suited to zones 6 through 9. This is suitable for seaside gardens.

Mostly evergreen, this can be a large shrub or a small tree. The fast growing plant is 15 to 20 feet tall, and in some cases even larger. However, dwarf cultivars are available.

It bears whitish-gray fruits that form dense clusters. The wax on the berries is used in candles due to the wonderful scent of the waxy fruits. The shiny, oval to lance-like olive green leaves are 3 inches long.

The plant blooms from late March into April. The blooms form catkins.

Wax myrtle can withstand both wet and dry soils. Moderate watering is recommended. This plant requires little care. It will withstand wet soils.