When homeowners think about landscaping, they often imagine patios, retaining walls, or dramatic trees—but one of the most important elements of any beautiful landscape is the decorative shrub. Shrubs create harmony, provide visual structure, fill empty spaces, and bring color and texture throughout the seasons. Whether you want a refined, manicured look or a soft, natural garden feel, decorative shrub planting is essential.
Shrubs are the backbone of your landscape’s “middle layer,” tying the height of trees to the softness of perennials and groundcovers. They enhance curb appeal, frame walkways, define spaces, and give your landscape a polished, complete look. And with the right varieties, shrubs are extremely low-maintenance and long-lasting.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of decorative shrub planting, the best shrubs for Michigan, design tips for creating balanced plant beds, and why Driftwood Landscape is the perfect choice for high-quality shrub installation.
Shrubs do far more than fill empty spaces—they are a vital structural element.
Shrubs provide:
They anchor your landscape and make planting beds look full and intentional.
Many shrubs look beautiful through multiple seasons:
Your landscape stays vibrant all year long.
A well-designed shrub layout enhances your home's architecture, creating:
This adds value and makes your home feel complete.
Many shrubs require:
They’re perfect for homeowners wanting beauty without constant upkeep.
Some shrubs grow tall and dense enough to create:
A natural alternative to fencing.
Birds, butterflies, and pollinators love shrubs for:
Enhancing your landscape’s ecosystem.
Driftwood Landscape plants high-quality shrubs selected for Michigan’s climate and your landscape’s needs.
Classic evergreen shrub ideal for structured, formal landscapes.
✔ Year-round color
✔ Great for hedges & borders
✔ Easy to maintain
A show-stopping flowering shrub with massive blooms.
✔ Beautiful summer color
✔ Many varieties (Limelight, Annabelle, etc.)
✔ Works as a focal point or mass planting
Compact, colorful, and extremely hardy.
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Repeat blooming
✔ Great in foundation beds
A versatile shrub offering flowers, berries, and fall color.
Perfect for structure and subtle screening.
A stunning shrub with deep purple or bronze foliage.
✔ Adds bold color
✔ Hardy and adaptable
✔ Beautiful in modern landscapes
Year-round texture and compact form.
Adds elegance, color, and soft texture.
Shrub planting isn’t just about picking pretty plants—it’s about design strategy.
A balanced planting bed has:
This creates depth and fullness.
Mix:
Texture contrast keeps the design interesting.
Shrubs add color through:
Color variety creates a dynamic landscape.
Driftwood selects shrubs that fit your space when fully grown, preventing:
A properly sized shrub is easier to maintain and looks better long term.
Some shrubs love shade, others need full sun. Correct placement ensures strong growth.
Shrubs pair beautifully with sweeping, natural bed shapes.
Decorative shrubs enhance:
They bring life and structure to every corner of your yard.
Driftwood Landscape installs premium shrubs that bring structure, color, and lasting beauty to your yard.
