Our Favorite Shrubs (Because They Just Work)

If you’re anything like me, you want your garden to look great all year long — but without fussing over plants that don’t play nice with the local vibe. That’s why I’m all about native shrubs. They’re tough, gorgeous, and the ultimate team players for Indiana’s ecosystems.

Here’s my personal hit list of native shrubs that I keep coming back to — whether I’m designing a client’s yard or my own outdoor space. These shrubs bring beauty, wildlife value, and serious staying power.

Tiny but Mighty

Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae   Small, neat, and forever adorable. This little evergreen holds its shape and stays compact, perfect when space is tight but you still want some green year-round. Size: 2–2.5 ft tall & wide | Sun: Part shade to sun

Itea ‘Little Henry’   A shade-loving sweetheart that shows off fragrant flowers in summer and flames red in the fall. Trust me, it’s a showstopper for shady spots. Size: 2–3 ft tall & wide | Sun: Part shade to shade

Sunburst Hypericum   Golden blooms, drought-tolerance, and a friendly vibe for pollinators. A sunny border’s best friend. Size: 2–3 ft tall & 3–4 ft wide | Sun: Full sun preferred

Mid-Size Marvels

Inkberry ‘Shamrock’   An evergreen that laughs in the face of shade. Smooth, dark leaves that make a perfect backdrop for other plants. Size: 3–4 ft tall & wide | Sun: Shade tolerant, part to full shade

Sweet Cherry Tea™ Ninebark   A little drama in a compact package. This rebloomer keeps things interesting with pink flowers and rich foliage. Size: 3–4 ft tall & wide | Sun: Full sun to part shade

Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea   Pink blooms that refuse to quit. Hydrangeas are classics, but this native-based cultivar feels like the ultimate upgrade. Size: 3.5–4 ft tall & wide | Sun: Part shade to sun

Blue Muffin® Viburnum   Nice and neat with a pop of blue berries that the birds adore. Works hard for pollinators and looks fantastic doing it. Size: 3–5 ft tall & 3–4 ft wide | Sun: Full sun to part shade

Big Players That Steal the Show

Clethra ‘Ruby Spice’   Fragrant, shade-tolerant, and a summer bloomer you’ll want to hug. Size: 4–6 ft tall & 3–5 ft wide | Sun: Part shade to full shade

Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea   Bold leaves, exfoliating bark, and creamy blooms that fade to pink. Adds texture and personality wherever it goes. Size: 5–8 ft tall & wide | Sun: Part shade to shade

Grey Owl Juniper   Silvery, sprawling, and a bit wild — this evergreen anchors slopes, gardens, and wildlife habitats with style. Size: 3 ft tall × 6 ft wide | Sun: Full sun only

Southern Arrowwood Viburnum   Reliable and native through and through. White flowers, blue-black berries, and a bird magnet you can’t ignore. Size: 6–10 ft tall & wide | Sun: Full sun to part shade

Bailey Red Twig Dogwood A native star that lights up winter with brilliant red stems, creamy white flowers in spring, and white berries that birds love. Size: 6–10 ft tall & wide | Sun: Full sun to part shade

Why I’m Rooting for Natives

Native shrubs aren’t just plants; they’re the backbone of healthy ecosystems. They bring pollinators, shelter birds, stabilize soil, and thrive with less effort and fewer chemicals. Plus, they just look right here.

If you want a landscape that’s as smart as it is stunning, these shrubs deserve a spot in your garden. Need a hand picking what fits your space best? I’m here with tips, tricks, and a whole lot of plant love.

Cheers to growing strong, beautiful gardens—one native shrub at a time.

— Robyn