Best Shrubs For Zone 8 (2024 Update)
If you’re looking for the best shrubs for zone 8, there are several factors to consider before adding them to your garden. Zone 8 has a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters, making it perfect for a wide variety of shrubs. However, you need to take into account the amount of sunlight and moisture the plants will receive, as well as the soil type and pH levels in your area.
When choosing shrubs for your garden, it's important to think about their purpose. Do you want them to add privacy to your outdoor space? Do you want them to be ornamental and add color to your garden? Or do you want them to attract birds and other wildlife? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the best shrubs for your needs.
To help you narrow down your options, you can ask yourself some key questions about the shrubs you’re considering. What is the mature size of the shrub? Does it need full sun, partial shade, or full shade? Is it drought-tolerant or does it require a lot of moisture? Does it have any special care requirements? Answering these questions will help you choose the perfect shrubs for your zone 8 garden.
10 Best Shrubs For Zone 8
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This product is ideal for those looking for fragrant, outdoor white flowers that are easy to plant and care for.
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This product is ideal for adding pink blooms to a garden or landscape.
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The product is ideal for adding a touch of greenery to small spaces and creating an evergreen statement.
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Ideal for adding a fragrant and flowering shrub to your garden or landscape.
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This shrub is ideal for adding color and texture to a garden or landscape.
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Ideal for adding evergreen shrub with glossy foliage to outdoor gardens or landscapes that receive full sun to part shade.
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The product is ideal for gardening enthusiasts who want a reblooming hydrangea shrub with pink or blue flowers.
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Ideal for landscaping and attracting birds with its white flower clusters and dark berries in fall. Suitable for hardiness zones 4-8.
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9
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It is ideal for adding color and interest to a garden or landscape with its variegated foliage and white flowers.
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10
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This product is ideal for adding color to gardens or landscapes with its live flowering plants.
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1. Rose Gardens: Fragrant White Gold Shrub
Heirloom Roses takes pride in offering roses that are of exceptional quality and value. Their roses are own-root, which means that they are propagated from cuttings instead of being grafted onto a rootstock. This method produces roses that are more resilient, have a longer lifespan, and are true to their variety.
All roses are delivered in one-gallon containers with rich soil, and are approximately 12-16 months old. This ensures that the roses are mature enough to produce a bountiful display of blooms throughout the growing season. These roses are also very fragrant, making them a delightful addition to any garden.
Heirloom Roses offers roses that are hardy and easy to grow. These roses are perfect for gardeners who want low-maintenance plants that will bloom non-stop throughout the growing season. They are hardy in zones 6-9, meaning they can withstand a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.
At full maturity, these roses will reach a size of approximately 3' x 2'. Upon delivery, the roses will be roughly 12-15 inches tall, allowing them to be easily transplanted and established in their new environment.
All of Heirloom Roses' products are subject to Amazon's 30-day warranty. Please note that this warranty is void if granular fertilizer products have been used.
2. Proven Winners Weiprc1106101 Sonic Bloom Pure Pink Live Shrub 1 Gallon
This shrub is a perfect addition to any garden, with its mature height and width ranging from 3 to 5 feet. It requires full sun exposure, which means a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. It is hardy in zones 4-8, so it is important to check your USDA zone to ensure that it will thrive in your area.
When you purchase this shrub, you will receive a 1-gallon plant that is approximately 1 year old and 6-14 inches tall. Please note that the size may vary depending on the season and the specific plant.
This shrub is a great choice for those who want to add some greenery to their garden without having to spend a lot of time maintaining it. It is easy to care for and requires minimal pruning. With its attractive foliage and ability to withstand different weather conditions, it is sure to be a standout in your garden.
If you are looking for a hardy shrub that will add beauty to your outdoor space, this is an excellent choice. Its optimal height and width, full sun requirement, and hardiness in specific zones make it a reliable and worthwhile investment for any garden enthusiast.
3. Dwarf Hinoki Cypress 'nana' – Miniature Evergreen Shrub – 3 Gallon Pot
This miniature evergreen specimen is a delightful addition to any garden. It boasts attractive, soft leaves on twisting branchlets that create a unique and charming appearance. Please note that the plant's size may vary from the picture provided.
When purchasing this plant, it will be shipped via UPS and arrive fully rooted in a 3-gallon pot. It will also be pruned seasonally to ensure optimal growth. Upon arrival, it is recommended to unpack the plant and water it immediately. If you have any questions or concerns, the seller is readily available for assistance.
For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant this specimen in full sun to light shade. It is suitable for USDA zones 4-8, making it adaptable to a variety of climates. It is important to note that the shrub's size will vary by season, and the plant received may not be the exact one pictured online.
4. Perfect Plants Frostproof Gardenia Live Plant, 1 Gallon Pot
The Live 1 Gallon Frost Proof Gardenia is a delightful addition to any garden or landscape with its deep green spindle leaves and fragrant white flowers. This shrub emits a refreshing and inviting aroma during the blooming season, making it a perfect choice for those who love to enjoy the scents of nature.
The Frost Proof Gardenia thrives in full sun exposure and partial shade throughout the day, making it an ideal planting option for mulch beds along the front entryway, next to mailboxes or benches, or in fragrant gardens. This gardenia shrub is easy to maintain, and you do not need to prune to keep its shape intact.
The mature height of this gardenia is 5 feet, with a mature width of 4 feet. Its narrow, shrub-like branching sprouts deep green foliage and fragrant white flowers in the spring, adding a touch of beauty to your garden.
One of the best things about Frost Proof Gardenia is that it is deer-resistant, making it a great option for those who live in areas where deer may frequently visit. Additionally, this gardenia relies on rainfall for hydration, making it a low maintenance option for those who do not want to spend a lot of time watering their plants.
To ensure that your Live 1 Gallon Frost Proof Gardenia thrives, it comes with easy-to-use plant food. This product is truly a must-have for anyone who wants to add a touch of beauty and fragrance to their home landscape or garden.
5. Mountain Tuff Red Hydrangea – Compact Beauty
The plant offered on this listing is shipped in a #3 size container and is fully rooted in the soil, making it ready for planting upon arrival, provided that the weather conditions permit. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to plant the product within USDA zones 5-9. The mature height of this plant typically ranges from 2-4ft, while the mature spread is around 2-3ft.
One of the most unique features of this plant is its incredibly hardy stems and buds, which are able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Additionally, its deep pink/red lace cap flowers are eye-catching and will rebloom until the first frost in the fall.
This plant is versatile in terms of sun exposure, thriving in both partial sun and full shade. It is important to note that during the winter months, the plant will be dormant and have no leaves, which is a natural occurrence. However, come springtime, the plant will leaf out and continue to grow beautifully.
6. Southern Living Bronze Beauty Compact Shrub.
Introducing the Ternstoemia Gymnanthera Conthery PP#11735, a stunning evergreen shrub that is perfect for adding privacy and beauty to your landscape. This live plant is available for shipping in a pot with soil, but please note that it cannot be shipped to Hawaii or Alaska.
With a mature size of 8-10' H x 5-6' W, this shrub is a great solution for hedges, mass plantings, foundation plantings, and privacy plantings. The Ternstoemia Gymnanthera Conthery PP#11735 boasts new foliage that has a red-bronze hue which will eventually mature to a beautiful emerald green color. During the fall season until the next spring, the foliage will shift back to bronze.
To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to plant the Ternstoemia Gymnanthera Conthery PP#11735 in a location that receives full sun to part shade. This stunning evergreen shrub is USDA Zones 7-10.
The Ternstoemia Gymnanthera Conthery PP#11735 is part of the Southern Living Plant Collection, known for its stunning and dependable plants. It ships from the Alabama Gulf Coast, so you can be assured that it will arrive in perfect condition.
7. Reblooming Hydrangea: Endless Summer Collection
This plant is an excellent addition to any garden or landscaping project. Upon arrival, the fully rooted plant can be planted immediately, weather permitting. To ensure optimal growth, the shipment will include detailed planting and care instructions.
For optimal results, it is recommended to plant this hydrangea in zones 4-8. At maturity, this plant can reach a height and spread of 5-6ft, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a medium-sized plant to add to their landscape.
This hydrangea is a reblooming variety, which means that it will produce beautiful light blue flowers throughout the growing season. Its popularity as a landscape plant is well-deserved, thanks to its stunning blooms and easy-to-care-for nature.
This plant thrives in partial sun, making it an excellent choice for those who want to add some greenery to areas with limited sunlight. It is important to note that the plant will be dormant (no leaves) during late fall and winter months, which is normal. However, it will leaf out again in the spring, ready to produce stunning blooms once more.
8. Arrowwood Viburnum: Glitter, Glow & Grow Shrub.
The plant cannot be shipped to AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, or WY due to state regulations. Orders to these states will be cancelled.
Introducing the Viburnum dentatum var. deamii 'Glitters & Glow' – a deciduous shrub that boasts lustrous glossy green foliage and produces an abundance of white cluster blooms in the summer, followed by attractive shiny blue fruit (berries) in the fall that birds will adore. The plant thrives in hardiness zones 4-8 and prefers full to partial sun and well-drained soil. It has a mid-sized growth habit, reaching heights of up to 4-5 feet tall and wide, making it smaller than other viburnum varieties. Maintenance requirements are relatively low, making it an ideal addition to any garden.
One of the standout features of this shrub is its ability to attract birds while not being as appealing to deer. Additionally, cross-pollination is not necessary for this variety to produce shiny blue fruit (berries) in the fall, as it is self-pollinating. The botanical name for this shrub is Viburnum dentatum var. deamii 'Glitters & Glow'.
9. Ivory Halo Variegated Dogwood Shrub In #3 Container
This stunning plant is a popular choice for enhancing any landscape, with its striking green and white foliage and attractive red stems that offer a lovely winter interest. It is delivered directly from the nursery in a 3-gallon trade pot, fully rooted in soil, and ready to be planted upon arrival, weather permitting. The plant comes with planting and care instructions, ensuring that it is easy to maintain and keep healthy.
For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant this beauty in USDA Zones 3-7. The mature height of the plant is 4-6ft, with a mature spread of 4-6ft, making it a great choice for filling out garden beds or adding a natural privacy screen. It thrives in full or partial sun, making it a versatile choice for different areas of your garden.
It is worth noting that the plant will enter a dormant phase during late fall through the winter months, during which it will have no leaves. This is completely normal, and it will leaf out again in the spring. It is advisable not to plant during frigid winter months or under drought conditions, as this may affect the plant's overall health.
10. Loropetalum Chinese Fringe Flower Plum Delight – 40 Live Flowering Plants
Florida Foliage offers a stunning evergreen shrub known as Loropetalum 'Plum Delight'. This shrub is a must-have for any garden enthusiast who desires a show-stopping piece. The plant produces dark pink, fringe-like flowers multiple times a year, which resemble those of Witch Hazel. It even has winter flowering during warmer spells, making it an all-season beauty.
'Plum Delight' boasts a tight growth habit, with an arching appearance, and can grow up to 6-8 feet in height and width, possibly taller without pruning. It is ideal for keeping as a hedge with frequent pruning. Moreover, the shrub's reddish-purple foliage remains vibrant year-round, unlike some of the other purple-leafed varieties that lose their coloration on old and new growth. However, like all Loropetalum, it will lose some leaves in the winter.
This evergreen shrub is hardy in zones 7-9 and probably adaptable to zone 6b if positioned out of the north wind. It thrives in full-sun to part-shade, but will grow in the shade with a looser habit and fewer flowers. As one of the best purple-leafed varieties, 'Plum Delight' impresses with both its foliage and flowers. Rapid growth can be expected; however, this plant can be damaged with late summer pruning if new growth does not harden off.
Loropetalum 'Plum Delight' is also known as 'Hines Purpleleaf' and 'Pizzazz' and is exclusively grown, packaged, and shipped by Florida Foliage. It works great as a large hedge and is a perfect choice for gardeners looking to add a pop of color to their landscape.
Best Shrubs For Zone 8 FAQs
What are the best evergreen shrubs for zone 8?
When it comes to evergreen shrubs for zone 8, there are many great options to choose from that will thrive in the area's climate and conditions. Some of the best evergreen shrubs for zone 8 include:
1. Boxwood: This classic shrub is beloved for its dense, compact growth and glossy green leaves. It's easy to prune and shape into formal hedges or topiaries.
2. Holly: With its spiky leaves and bright red berries, holly is a popular evergreen shrub for both landscaping and holiday decorating.
3. Camellia: This shrub produces beautiful flowers in shades of pink, red, and white, and its glossy green leaves stay attractive year-round.
4. Rhododendron: These shrubs come in a wide range of sizes and colors and produce large, showy flowers in the spring.
5. Azalea: Another spring-blooming shrub, azaleas offer bright, bold colors and a range of sizes and shapes.
These are just a few of the many evergreen shrubs that can thrive in zone 8. When choosing shrubs for your landscape, it's important to consider factors like soil type, sun exposure, and water needs to ensure the best results.
What are the best flowering shrubs for zone 8?
Zone 8 has a varied climate that can support a wide range of flowering shrubs. Some of the best flowering shrubs for this zone are Camellias, Azaleas, Gardenias, Hydrangeas, and Roses. Camellias are a popular choice for their glossy evergreen foliage and large, showy flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. Azaleas are another popular choice for their vibrant and colorful blooms that appear in spring. Gardenias are known for their fragrant blooms that appear in summer, and they require moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Hydrangeas are a versatile shrub that can produce large, showy flowers in varying shades of pink, blue, and white throughout the summer. Finally, roses are a classic choice for their beautiful blooms and fragrance, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. When choosing flowering shrubs for Zone 8, it's important to consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and water requirements to ensure the plants will thrive in your specific location.
What are the top 10 best shrubs for zone 8?
Zone 8 is a great climate for a variety of shrubs. Here are the top 10 best shrubs that thrive in zone 8:
1. Camellia – This evergreen shrub is known for its beautiful flowers that bloom in the winter months.
2. Azalea – Another popular evergreen shrub, the azalea produces colorful blooms in the spring.
3. Boxwood – This versatile shrub is great for hedges, topiaries, and as a foundation planting.
4. Hydrangea – With its large, showy blooms, the hydrangea is a favorite among gardeners.
5. Crape Myrtle – This deciduous shrub produces beautiful flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
6. Rose – Roses are a classic choice for any garden and come in a variety of colors and sizes.
7. Nandina – This evergreen shrub produces beautiful foliage and berries that change color throughout the year.
8. Viburnum – With its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage, the viburnum is a great addition to any garden.
9. Holly – This evergreen shrub produces beautiful red berries in the winter months.
10. Euonymus – This versatile shrub comes in a variety of colors and sizes and is great for hedges and borders.
Overall, these shrubs are great options for zone 8 gardens, providing year-round interest and beauty.
What shrubs are deer resistant and suitable for zone 8?
There are several shrubs that are known for their deer-resistant qualities and are suitable for growing in zone 8. One such shrub is the Japanese pieris, also known as the Lily of the Valley shrub. This evergreen shrub produces showy clusters of pink, white, or red flowers in the spring and has foliage that changes color throughout the year. Another option is the dwarf Alberta spruce, a slow-growing evergreen that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. It has a conical shape and dense foliage that makes it an excellent choice for landscaping. The beautyberry is another option that produces bright purple berries in the fall and has foliage that turns yellow in the autumn. Other deer-resistant shrubs suitable for zone 8 include the Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo), Boxwood, Ceanothus (California Lilac), and Viburnum. It's always a good idea to research the specific needs of each shrub before planting to ensure they thrive in your garden.
What shrubs are drought-tolerant and suitable for zone 8?
Zone 8 is a region that typically experiences hot and dry summers, which can make it challenging to maintain a thriving garden. However, there are a variety of shrubs that are well-suited for this type of climate. Some drought-tolerant shrubs that are ideal for zone 8 include:
1. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens): This shrub features silvery leaves and produces beautiful purple flowers that bloom in the summer.
2. Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica): A hardy evergreen shrub that produces clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring and summer.
3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): This fragrant herb is also a great shrub option, featuring blue or purple flowers and evergreen leaves.
4. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): A beautiful option with stunning flowers that comes in a range of colors, including pink, purple, and white.
5. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis): A tree-like shrub that produces beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and lavender.
When selecting shrubs for your zone 8 garden, it's important to look for varieties that are specifically labeled as drought-tolerant. Additionally, be sure to plant them in well-draining soil and provide plenty of water during the establishment period. Once established, these shrubs should require minimal watering and care.
What shrubs are low maintenance and easy to care for in zone 8?
Zone 8 is a great climate for a variety of shrubs, and there are many low maintenance options to choose from. One popular choice is the Japanese boxwood, which is an evergreen shrub that can be pruned into various shapes and sizes. It requires minimal watering and can tolerate both sun and shade.
Another low maintenance option is the dwarf yaupon holly, which is a small shrub that produces small berries and requires little pruning. It is also drought tolerant and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
The dwarf nandina is another great option for a low maintenance shrub in zone 8. It is an evergreen shrub with delicate leaves that change colors throughout the year. It can tolerate a range of soil types and requires minimal pruning.
Finally, the abelia is a beautiful and easy to care for shrub that produces fragrant flowers throughout the summer. It can tolerate both sun and shade, and requires minimal pruning and watering.
What shrubs attract wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, in zone 8?
Zone 8 is a great location for planting shrubs that attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies. Some of the best shrubs that you can plant in Zone 8 include:
1. Butterfly Bush – This shrub is known for attracting butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers. It blooms in late summer and can grow up to 10 feet tall.
2. American Beautyberry – This shrub produces bright purple berries in the fall that attracts birds. It grows up to 6 feet tall and prefers partial shade.
3. Elderberry – Elderberry produces clusters of small white flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and birds. It grows up to 12 feet tall and prefers full sun to partial shade.
4. Blueberry – Blueberry shrubs produce a sweet fruit that attracts birds. It grows up to 6 feet tall and prefers full sun.
5. Firebush – This shrub produces bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It grows up to 6 feet tall and prefers full sun.
By planting these shrubs, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that will attract a variety of birds and butterflies to your yard.
What shrubs grow well in full sun in zone 8?
Zone 8 is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. This means that plants that can tolerate heat and drought are best suited for this region. When it comes to shrubs, there are several options that thrive in full sun conditions in zone 8. One such option is the Rosemary shrub, which is not only heat-tolerant but also drought-resistant. The Oleander shrub is another great choice as it can tolerate both heat and cold. The Texas Sage is also an excellent option as it is known for its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions. Other shrubs that do well in full sun in zone 8 include the Crape Myrtle, Butterfly Bush, and the Heavenly Bamboo. It is worth noting that even though these shrubs can tolerate full sun, they still need regular watering to establish and thrive.
What shrubs have colorful foliage in zone 8?
Zone 8 is known for its hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal climate for a variety of shrubs with colorful foliage. Some common shrubs with colorful foliage that thrive in zone 8 include:
1. Japanese Barberry: This shrub has vibrant red or purple leaves that add a pop of color to any garden.
2. Smoke Bush: The smoke bush has unique foliage that changes color throughout the seasons, ranging from purple to orange to red.
3. Red-Tipped Photinia: This shrub has bright red leaves that add a bold statement to any landscape.
4. Golden Euonymus: This shrub has bright yellow leaves that add a sunny touch to any garden.
5. Burning Bush: The burning bush has fiery red leaves that make a bold statement in any landscape.
When selecting shrubs for your zone 8 garden, be sure to consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and water requirements to ensure the plants thrive in your specific location.
What shrubs provide privacy and screening in zone 8?
Zone 8 is a region with mild winters and warm summers, making it suitable for a wide range of shrubs that provide privacy and screening. Some of the best shrubs for this purpose include:
1. Leyland Cypress: This fast-growing evergreen is a popular choice for creating a dense privacy screen, as it can reach up to 60 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
2. Boxwood: This slow-growing evergreen is ideal for creating a hedge or border, as it can be pruned into various shapes and sizes.
3. Nellie Stevens Holly: This evergreen shrub has shiny, dark green leaves and produces red berries in the winter. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for creating a privacy screen.
4. Japanese Privet: This fast-growing evergreen can reach up to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it perfect for creating a dense hedge or screen.
5. Wax Myrtle: This evergreen shrub has fragrant leaves and can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It is ideal for creating a natural privacy screen.
When choosing shrubs for privacy and screening in zone 8, it is important to consider factors such as sun exposure, soil type, and water needs to ensure they will thrive in your specific location.
