Located in Oklahoma’s USDA Zone 7, Linda’s front garden has an intense South and West facing exposure, which means plenty of baking hot sun in the summer months! From the must-have shrubs that survive and thrive in her yard to proven picks that flourish in other sunny Southern regions, here are Linda’s top shrubs for sunny spaces:
Miss Lemon™ Abelia
Earlier in the season, Linda designed a quaint corner of her garden filled with cheerful yellow hues that she aptly dubbed “Linda’s Lemon Lane.” One of the cornerstone plants for this lively area is Miss Lemon™ Abelia. With bright variegated foliage contrasting against burgundy stems, this evergreen shrub shines in areas with filtered afternoon sun. To add a little dappled shade haven, Linda incorporated a row of hollies adjacent to her Western horizon. Ideal for Zones 6 – 9.
‘Sunshine’ Ligustrum
‘Sunshine’ Ligustrum gleams in the sunlight with vibrant golden foliage that radiates even in harsh lighting conditions. This luminous evergreen shrub is stunning when planted en masse or as a hedge. Linda has strategically planted them throughout her front landscape in groups of three. This adds a burst of bold color that contrasts against her garden’s primary color palette of pink, purple, and white. Ideal for Zones 6 – 10.
Chef’s Choice Culinary Rosemary
Linda loves plants with a comforting fragrance, especially when they can double as a refreshing beverage or dish ingredient… and even contribute to a cut flower arrangement! Chef’s Choice® Culinary Rosemary is a mounded, compact evergreen variety with fragrant foliage that elevates the charm of any sunny space. Ideal for Zones 7 – 10.
Here are some of Linda’s suggestions for sunny spaces in Zones 7 and further south:
Delta Eclipse Crapemyrtle
Crapemyrtles are remarkably sun tolerant and thrive even in intense heat. Delta Eclipse™ Crapemyrtle creates a dazzling display in the summer landscape with dark burgundy leaves that are accented with clusters of lavender blooms. Ideal for Zones 7 – 9.
Twist of Pink™ Variegated Oleander
Twist of Pink™ Variegated Oleander brings a graceful and striking presence to the landscape with deep pink blooms and creamy white variegated foliage. This versatile evergreen shrub can be used as an accent or container plant, mass planting or hedge, or even in tough spots such as a slope. Ideal for Zones 8 – 10.
Bayou Bliss™ Distylium
Bayou Bliss™ Distylium is an alluring yet tough evergreen shrub with lush foliage and is a great easy-care alternative to boxwood or holly. It is resistant to diseases and insects and is also water-wise once established. Ideal for Zones 7 – 9.
From vibrant blooms to lush foliage, these resilient, sun-loving shrubs can transform your landscape into a lively oasis. Keep sunny areas picturesque and cool with shrubs that will shine brilliantly all summer long.
Download Linda’s Sun Loving Shrub guide here.