Recommended shrubs for Colorado landscapes.
A selection resource for the shrub layer — the plants that carry structure, screening and seasonal interest between the trees and the turf.
Shrubs absorb more site stress than most homeowners expect: reflected heat off walls and drives, downspout runoff, snow load from roofs and shovels, and irrigation designed for turf rather than beds.
The species below are the recommended shrub inventory carried on the existing Great Western resource library. Individual profiles are being migrated into the Shrub Library.
- Mature size
- Most shrub failures are planting failures — the plant was correct, the spacing was not.
- Exposure
- South and west foundation beds behave like a different climate than the rest of the property.
- Water zone
- Grouping shrubs by water need is what makes an efficient irrigation plan possible.
- Seasonal interest
- Bloom, fruit, fall color and winter structure — a good bed carries more than one season.
Recommended shrub inventory
Carried on the current production resource. Each will receive a full Shrub Library profile as it is migrated and reviewed.
- Anglo Japanese Yew
- Barberry
- Burning Bush
- Cheyenne Privet
- Common Boxwood
- Common Lilac
- Common Privet
- Diablo Ninebark
- Golden Currant
- Panicle Hydrangea
- Shrubby Potentilla
- Spirea
- Spreading Euonymus
- Viburnum
Already in the library
Species with a complete profile in The Root. Remaining recommendations are being migrated and reviewed.
Common Lilac
Syringa vulgarisCommon lilac thrives in Colorado's climate, handling cold winters and dry air with ease. Known for its fragrant spring blooms and long lifespan, it's a dependable, low-maintenance shrub that adds classic color and character to Front Range landscapes.
Panicle Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculataPanicle hydrangea is one of the most reliable hydrangeas for Colorado, thanks to its strong cold hardiness and tolerance for full sun. With large, long-lasting summer blooms and low maintenance needs, it brings bold seasonal color and structure to Front Range landscapes.
Anglo Japanese Yew
Taxus x mediaThe Anglo-Japanese yew is a hardy, evergreen shrub that thrives in Colorado's cold winters and alkaline soils. With year-round deep green color, shade tolerance, and low maintenance needs, it's a reliable choice for structure and privacy in Front Range landscapes.
Barberry
Berberis thunbergiiBarberry is a compact, thorny, drought-tolerant shrub that holds color through the Colorado growing season and tolerates the alkaline, low-organic soils common along the Front Range.
Burning Bush
Euonymus alatusBurning bush is grown for one thing above all: intense scarlet fall color. It is dependable in Colorado landscapes when given full sun, consistent moisture and room to reach mature size.
Cheyenne Privet
Ligustrum vulgare 'Cheyenne'Cheyenne privet was selected for high plains conditions and is the most cold-tolerant privet used along the Front Range. It makes a dense, fast-establishing hedge in exposed sites.
Common Boxwood
Buxus sempervirensBoxwood provides year-round evergreen structure and formal geometry, but it is one of the more site-sensitive shrubs in Colorado — winter exposure and soil moisture determine success.
Common Privet
Ligustrum vulgareCommon privet is a fast, inexpensive hedge shrub that fills quickly and shears cleanly. It is best used in sheltered Front Range sites where winter exposure is limited.
Diablo Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo'Diablo ninebark carries deep purple foliage all season and tolerates the cold, wind and alkaline soils of the Front Range with very little input. It is one of the most forgiving color shrubs available here.
Golden Currant
Ribes aureumGolden currant is a Colorado native shrub with fragrant yellow spring flowers, edible summer fruit and genuine drought tolerance — a strong choice for low-water and wildlife-oriented landscapes.
Shrubby Potentilla
Potentilla fruticosaShrubby potentilla blooms from early summer into fall on almost no supplemental water. It is one of the most dependable low-maintenance shrubs for Colorado landscapes and commercial plantings.
Spirea
Spiraea japonicaSpirea is a compact, hard-working flowering shrub that tolerates Colorado's alkaline soils and temperature swings while blooming through much of the summer with minimal care.
Spreading Euonymus
Euonymus kiautschovicusSpreading euonymus is a low, wide, semi-evergreen shrub used for foundation cover and slope planting. It tolerates shade better than most Colorado landscape shrubs.
Viburnum
Viburnum spp.Viburnums offer spring flowers, summer fruit and strong fall color in a single plant. Several species perform well along the Front Range when given consistent moisture and protection from harsh winter exposure.
Looking up a specific plant instead?
Shrub Library answers what a species is — growth habit, requirements, structure and common problems. This page answers what to plant.
Open the Shrub LibraryChoosing what to plant is a site decision
Soil, exposure, space and water availability decide which species will actually thrive. A Great Western arborist can walk the property before anything goes in the ground.