Ornamental shrubs – a step-by-step guide for inspiration


Ornamental shrubs – a step-by-step guide for inspiration


Ornamental shrubs are one of the most versatile plant groups in the garden. They can be used as solitary plants, hedges or as colourful features in flower beds, and they come in a wide range of shapes, colours and sizes. Whether you want floral splendour, evergreen foliage or decorative berries, there is an ornamental shrub that suits your garden and your wishes.
In this article, you will get an overview of what you should consider when choosing ornamental shrubs, as well as inspiration for different types and brands that can help you create a harmonious and vibrant garden.
The article presents a wide selection of ornamental shrubs representing different types, uses and price ranges. The aim is to provide an overview of the many options so you can more easily find the plants that suit your garden. The information about the products is based on descriptions from manufacturers and retailers and is summarised to provide an informative and inspiring overview.
Factors to consider when buying ornamental shrubs
When choosing ornamental shrubs, it is important to consider both aesthetics, growing conditions and maintenance. Here are some of the most important factors to take into account.
1. Location and light conditions
Some ornamental shrubs thrive best in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Check the plant’s light requirements to ensure optimal growth and flowering. Sun-loving shrubs such as lavender and butterfly bush require plenty of sun, while rhododendron and hydrangea do better in light shade.
2. Soil and drainage
The type of soil has a major impact on the plant’s well-being. Some shrubs require acidic soil, while others prefer chalky soil. Ensure good drainage, as many ornamental shrubs cannot tolerate standing water around their roots.
3. Size and growth habit
Consider how much space the shrub will have to spread. Small gardens benefit from compact varieties, while larger gardens can accommodate more vigorous shrubs. Also think about whether you want an upright, rounded or trailing growth habit.
4. Flowering and seasonal effect
Ornamental shrubs can add colour and structure all year round. Choose shrubs that flower at different times so the garden always has something to offer. Combine, for example, spring-flowering lilacs with autumn colours from Japanese maple.
5. Maintenance and pruning
Some ornamental shrubs require regular pruning to maintain their shape and flowering, while others are almost self-sufficient. Consider how much time you want to spend on care before choosing.
Products in focus

Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) is a medium to large shrub with an upright to spreading growth habit and many thin branches, giving the plant a light and elegant appearance. It typically grows to about 1.5–2 metres tall and 0.9–1.2 metres wide.
In May, the shrub is covered with a wealth of small, white flowers that sit closely together in round clusters along the young branches. The flowers have a light fragrance and create a striking, bright expression in the garden. After flowering, small, dry seed capsules develop, which remain in clusters.
The foliage consists of small, lobed green leaves with serrated edges. In autumn, the leaves turn golden to orange shades, giving the shrub decorative value throughout the season.
The plant thrives best in sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. It is fully hardy and tolerates pruning, making it suitable both as a free-standing shrub, in groups, or as a clipped hedge. When planting, watering and possible soil improvement are recommended to ensure good establishment.
- Abundant flowering: Covered in May with many small, white flowers in dense clusters.
- Decorative foliage: Green leaves with beautiful golden to orange autumn colours.
- Versatile use: Suitable as a hedge, in groups, or as a solitary plant.
- Hardy and easy: Thrives in most soil types and requires only limited care.
- Growth habit: Upright and well-branched with many thin branches.
Pros and cons
- Abundant flowering and decorative throughout the season
- Tolerates pruning and can be shaped as a hedge
- Hardy and easy to grow
- Beautiful autumn colours
- Untrimmed hedges can become wide and require space
- Performs poorly in waterlogged soil
- Requires watering during the establishment phase
Pros and cons
Pros
- Abundant flowering and decorative throughout the season
- Tolerates pruning and can be shaped as a hedge
- Hardy and easy to grow
- Beautiful autumn colours
Cons
- Untrimmed hedges can become wide and require space
- Performs poorly in waterlogged soil
- Requires watering during the establishment phase
Pros
- Abundant flowering and decorative throughout the season
- Tolerates pruning and can be shaped as a hedge
- Hardy and easy to grow
- Beautiful autumn colours
Cons
- Untrimmed hedges can become wide and require space
- Performs poorly in waterlogged soil
- Requires watering during the establishment phase
Specifications
- Botanical name: Spiraea x vanhouttei
- Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub
- Height: approx. 150–200 cm
- Width: approx. 90–120 cm
- Flowering: May–June
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green, with golden to orange autumn colours
- Growth habit: Upright and well-branched
- Light conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Use: Hedge, groups, free-standing shrub
- Planting density as hedge: approx. 3 plants per linear metre
- Soil type: Most well-drained soils
- Fertiliser level: Medium

The star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a slow-growing shrub or small tree with a broad, rounded, and often multi-stemmed growth form. It typically reaches 2–3 metres in height and about the same in width.
In March and April, the plant is covered with many white, lightly scented flowers with star-shaped petals that appear before the leaves. After flowering, large, matte green leaves develop, giving a fresh appearance throughout the summer.
In autumn, the leaves turn a light yellow colour before falling off. The plant thrives best in sheltered locations and in deep, humus-rich but well-drained soil. It tolerates both sun and partial shade but should not be too exposed to wind.
The star magnolia is often used as a solitary plant or as part of an ornamental shrub planting, where it contributes early flowering and a harmonious appearance throughout the growing season.
- Early flowering: White, star-shaped flowers in March–April before leaf emergence.
- Decorative growth form: Broad, rounded, and often multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.
- Summer and autumn interest: Matte green leaves in summer and light yellow autumn colours.
- Placement: Thrives best in shelter, in sun or partial shade, in well-drained and nutrient-rich soil.
- Suitable use: Ideal as a solitary plant or in ornamental shrub borders in gardens and parks.
Pros and cons
- Early and striking flowering
- Lightly scented flowers
- Decorative throughout the growing season
- Suitable for smaller gardens and parks
- Should be planted in shelter to avoid damage from wind and frost
- Slow-growing and requires patience before reaching full size
Pros and cons
Pros
- Early and striking flowering
- Lightly scented flowers
- Decorative throughout the growing season
- Suitable for smaller gardens and parks
Cons
- Should be planted in shelter to avoid damage from wind and frost
- Slow-growing and requires patience before reaching full size
Pros
- Early and striking flowering
- Lightly scented flowers
- Decorative throughout the growing season
- Suitable for smaller gardens and parks
Cons
- Should be planted in shelter to avoid damage from wind and frost
- Slow-growing and requires patience before reaching full size
Specifications
- Botanical name: Magnolia stellata
- Type: Ornamental shrub / small tree
- Height: 200–300 cm
- Width: 200–300 cm
- Flowering: March–April
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green, light yellow in autumn
- Flower size: 10–12 cm
- Fragrance: Yes
- Growth form: Upright, broad, and rounded
- Growth rate: Moderately growing
- Placement: Sun / partial shade
- Soil type: Deep, humus-rich, and well-drained
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Use: Gardens and parks

Snowball, botanically known as Viburnum opulus 'Roseum', is a broad and stiff-branched shrub with arching branches. It typically grows 2–3 metres tall and about as wide, giving it a distinctive and rounded shape in the garden.
The shrub is especially known for its large, spherical flower clusters consisting of white, sterile flowers. The flowering occurs from May to June and provides a striking, almost snowball-like appearance, which has given the plant its Danish name.
Snowball thrives best in ordinary garden soil and does well in both full sun and partial shade. It is fully hardy and requires only limited maintenance, making it suitable for both private gardens and larger landscapes.
After flowering, the plant develops red fruits, and the foliage takes on a bronze tone in autumn. It can be used as a specimen plant, in groups, or as part of shrub borders, where it contributes structure and seasonal variation.
- Decorative flowering: Large, spherical white flower clusters from May to June.
- Robust growth: Fully hardy and thrives in ordinary garden soil.
- Flexible placement: Suitable for both sun and partial shade.
- Seasonal variation: Red fruits and bronze-coloured autumn foliage provide colour changes throughout the year.
- Versatility: Suitable as a specimen plant, in groups, or shrub borders.
Pros and cons
- Beautiful and striking flowering in early summer
- Hardy and easy to grow in ordinary garden soil
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Provides colour and structure through several seasons
- Requires space due to its broad growth habit
- The sterile flowers do not produce edible berries
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beautiful and striking flowering in early summer
- Hardy and easy to grow in ordinary garden soil
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Provides colour and structure through several seasons
Cons
- Requires space due to its broad growth habit
- The sterile flowers do not produce edible berries
Pros
- Beautiful and striking flowering in early summer
- Hardy and easy to grow in ordinary garden soil
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Provides colour and structure through several seasons
Cons
- Requires space due to its broad growth habit
- The sterile flowers do not produce edible berries
Specifications
- Botanical name: Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'
- Danish name: Snowball
- Plant category: Ornamental shrubs
- Height: 200–300 cm
- Width: 200–300 cm
- Flowering: May–June
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green to dark green, bronze-coloured autumn foliage
- Fruit colour: Red
- Growth habit: Arching, broad and stiff-branched
- Light conditions: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil type: Ordinary garden soil
- Fragrance: Yes
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Use: Specimen, groups, shrub borders, gardens and parks

Grey Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster franchetti) is a larger, densely branched shrub with overhanging branches, giving a natural and light expression in the garden. Over time, it develops into an inverted pyramid shape when given space to grow freely.
The leaves are oval, 4–5 cm long and have a characteristic grey-felted underside, giving the plant a silvery-green hue. In autumn, the foliage takes on beautiful colours, and in sheltered locations, many leaves can remain on the plant throughout the winter.
In June, the shrub is covered with many small pink flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Later in the season, small dark red berries form, which remain well into winter and serve as food for birds.
The plant thrives best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and tolerates both sun and shade. It is very hardy and suitable for solitary planting, hedges and windbreaks, even in more exposed growing sites.
- Decorative shrub: Combines flowers, berries and foliage colours throughout the season.
- Pollinator-friendly: The many small flowers attract bees and insects.
- Bird-friendly: The red berries provide food for birds in the winter months.
- Hardy and undemanding: Thrives in most soil types and tolerates both sun and shade.
- Suitable for hedges and solitary planting: Can be used both as an ornamental plant and as part of a living hedge.
Pros and cons
- Robust and easy-to-grow shrub
- Beautiful autumn colours and winter berries
- Attracts bees and birds
- Can be used as a hedge or solitary plant
- Thrives in both sun and shade
- Requires well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can become wide and require space at full growth
Pros and cons
Pros
- Robust and easy-to-grow shrub
- Beautiful autumn colours and winter berries
- Attracts bees and birds
- Can be used as a hedge or solitary plant
- Thrives in both sun and shade
Cons
- Requires well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can become wide and require space at full growth
Pros
- Robust and easy-to-grow shrub
- Beautiful autumn colours and winter berries
- Attracts bees and birds
- Can be used as a hedge or solitary plant
- Thrives in both sun and shade
Cons
- Requires well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can become wide and require space at full growth
Specifications
- Botanical name: Cotoneaster franchetti
- Plant type: Ornamental shrub
- Category: Cotoneaster
- Main category: Ornamental shrubs
- Growth form: Larger shrub with well-branched and overhanging growth
- Leaf colour: Green with grey-felted underside
- Flower colour: Pink
- Flowering period: Spring (June)
- Fruit: Small dark red berries with long durability
- Light conditions: Full sun or shade
- Soil type: Nutrient-rich and well-drained garden soil
- Hardiness: Very hardy
- Use: Hedge, windbreak or solitary shrub
Product descriptions

Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei) is a medium to large shrub with an upright to spreading growth habit and many thin branches, giving the plant a light and elegant appearance. It typically grows to about 1.5–2 metres tall and 0.9–1.2 metres wide.
In May, the shrub is covered with a wealth of small, white flowers that sit closely together in round clusters along the young branches. The flowers have a light fragrance and create a striking, bright expression in the garden. After flowering, small, dry seed capsules develop, which remain in clusters.
The foliage consists of small, lobed green leaves with serrated edges. In autumn, the leaves turn golden to orange shades, giving the shrub decorative value throughout the season.
The plant thrives best in sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. It is fully hardy and tolerates pruning, making it suitable both as a free-standing shrub, in groups, or as a clipped hedge. When planting, watering and possible soil improvement are recommended to ensure good establishment.
- Abundant flowering: Covered in May with many small, white flowers in dense clusters.
- Decorative foliage: Green leaves with beautiful golden to orange autumn colours.
- Versatile use: Suitable as a hedge, in groups, or as a solitary plant.
- Hardy and easy: Thrives in most soil types and requires only limited care.
- Growth habit: Upright and well-branched with many thin branches.
Pros and cons
- Abundant flowering and decorative throughout the season
- Tolerates pruning and can be shaped as a hedge
- Hardy and easy to grow
- Beautiful autumn colours
- Untrimmed hedges can become wide and require space
- Performs poorly in waterlogged soil
- Requires watering during the establishment phase
Pros and cons
Pros
- Abundant flowering and decorative throughout the season
- Tolerates pruning and can be shaped as a hedge
- Hardy and easy to grow
- Beautiful autumn colours
Cons
- Untrimmed hedges can become wide and require space
- Performs poorly in waterlogged soil
- Requires watering during the establishment phase
Pros
- Abundant flowering and decorative throughout the season
- Tolerates pruning and can be shaped as a hedge
- Hardy and easy to grow
- Beautiful autumn colours
Cons
- Untrimmed hedges can become wide and require space
- Performs poorly in waterlogged soil
- Requires watering during the establishment phase
Specifications
- Botanical name: Spiraea x vanhouttei
- Type: Deciduous ornamental shrub
- Height: approx. 150–200 cm
- Width: approx. 90–120 cm
- Flowering: May–June
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green, with golden to orange autumn colours
- Growth habit: Upright and well-branched
- Light conditions: Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Use: Hedge, groups, free-standing shrub
- Planting density as hedge: approx. 3 plants per linear metre
- Soil type: Most well-drained soils
- Fertiliser level: Medium

The star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) is a slow-growing shrub or small tree with a broad, rounded, and often multi-stemmed growth form. It typically reaches 2–3 metres in height and about the same in width.
In March and April, the plant is covered with many white, lightly scented flowers with star-shaped petals that appear before the leaves. After flowering, large, matte green leaves develop, giving a fresh appearance throughout the summer.
In autumn, the leaves turn a light yellow colour before falling off. The plant thrives best in sheltered locations and in deep, humus-rich but well-drained soil. It tolerates both sun and partial shade but should not be too exposed to wind.
The star magnolia is often used as a solitary plant or as part of an ornamental shrub planting, where it contributes early flowering and a harmonious appearance throughout the growing season.
- Early flowering: White, star-shaped flowers in March–April before leaf emergence.
- Decorative growth form: Broad, rounded, and often multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.
- Summer and autumn interest: Matte green leaves in summer and light yellow autumn colours.
- Placement: Thrives best in shelter, in sun or partial shade, in well-drained and nutrient-rich soil.
- Suitable use: Ideal as a solitary plant or in ornamental shrub borders in gardens and parks.
Pros and cons
- Early and striking flowering
- Lightly scented flowers
- Decorative throughout the growing season
- Suitable for smaller gardens and parks
- Should be planted in shelter to avoid damage from wind and frost
- Slow-growing and requires patience before reaching full size
Pros and cons
Pros
- Early and striking flowering
- Lightly scented flowers
- Decorative throughout the growing season
- Suitable for smaller gardens and parks
Cons
- Should be planted in shelter to avoid damage from wind and frost
- Slow-growing and requires patience before reaching full size
Pros
- Early and striking flowering
- Lightly scented flowers
- Decorative throughout the growing season
- Suitable for smaller gardens and parks
Cons
- Should be planted in shelter to avoid damage from wind and frost
- Slow-growing and requires patience before reaching full size
Specifications
- Botanical name: Magnolia stellata
- Type: Ornamental shrub / small tree
- Height: 200–300 cm
- Width: 200–300 cm
- Flowering: March–April
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green, light yellow in autumn
- Flower size: 10–12 cm
- Fragrance: Yes
- Growth form: Upright, broad, and rounded
- Growth rate: Moderately growing
- Placement: Sun / partial shade
- Soil type: Deep, humus-rich, and well-drained
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Use: Gardens and parks

Snowball, botanically known as Viburnum opulus 'Roseum', is a broad and stiff-branched shrub with arching branches. It typically grows 2–3 metres tall and about as wide, giving it a distinctive and rounded shape in the garden.
The shrub is especially known for its large, spherical flower clusters consisting of white, sterile flowers. The flowering occurs from May to June and provides a striking, almost snowball-like appearance, which has given the plant its Danish name.
Snowball thrives best in ordinary garden soil and does well in both full sun and partial shade. It is fully hardy and requires only limited maintenance, making it suitable for both private gardens and larger landscapes.
After flowering, the plant develops red fruits, and the foliage takes on a bronze tone in autumn. It can be used as a specimen plant, in groups, or as part of shrub borders, where it contributes structure and seasonal variation.
- Decorative flowering: Large, spherical white flower clusters from May to June.
- Robust growth: Fully hardy and thrives in ordinary garden soil.
- Flexible placement: Suitable for both sun and partial shade.
- Seasonal variation: Red fruits and bronze-coloured autumn foliage provide colour changes throughout the year.
- Versatility: Suitable as a specimen plant, in groups, or shrub borders.
Pros and cons
- Beautiful and striking flowering in early summer
- Hardy and easy to grow in ordinary garden soil
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Provides colour and structure through several seasons
- Requires space due to its broad growth habit
- The sterile flowers do not produce edible berries
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beautiful and striking flowering in early summer
- Hardy and easy to grow in ordinary garden soil
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Provides colour and structure through several seasons
Cons
- Requires space due to its broad growth habit
- The sterile flowers do not produce edible berries
Pros
- Beautiful and striking flowering in early summer
- Hardy and easy to grow in ordinary garden soil
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Provides colour and structure through several seasons
Cons
- Requires space due to its broad growth habit
- The sterile flowers do not produce edible berries
Specifications
- Botanical name: Viburnum opulus 'Roseum'
- Danish name: Snowball
- Plant category: Ornamental shrubs
- Height: 200–300 cm
- Width: 200–300 cm
- Flowering: May–June
- Flower colour: White
- Leaf colour: Green to dark green, bronze-coloured autumn foliage
- Fruit colour: Red
- Growth habit: Arching, broad and stiff-branched
- Light conditions: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil type: Ordinary garden soil
- Fragrance: Yes
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Use: Specimen, groups, shrub borders, gardens and parks

Grey Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster franchetti) is a larger, densely branched shrub with overhanging branches, giving a natural and light expression in the garden. Over time, it develops into an inverted pyramid shape when given space to grow freely.
The leaves are oval, 4–5 cm long and have a characteristic grey-felted underside, giving the plant a silvery-green hue. In autumn, the foliage takes on beautiful colours, and in sheltered locations, many leaves can remain on the plant throughout the winter.
In June, the shrub is covered with many small pink flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Later in the season, small dark red berries form, which remain well into winter and serve as food for birds.
The plant thrives best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and tolerates both sun and shade. It is very hardy and suitable for solitary planting, hedges and windbreaks, even in more exposed growing sites.
- Decorative shrub: Combines flowers, berries and foliage colours throughout the season.
- Pollinator-friendly: The many small flowers attract bees and insects.
- Bird-friendly: The red berries provide food for birds in the winter months.
- Hardy and undemanding: Thrives in most soil types and tolerates both sun and shade.
- Suitable for hedges and solitary planting: Can be used both as an ornamental plant and as part of a living hedge.
Pros and cons
- Robust and easy-to-grow shrub
- Beautiful autumn colours and winter berries
- Attracts bees and birds
- Can be used as a hedge or solitary plant
- Thrives in both sun and shade
- Requires well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can become wide and require space at full growth
Pros and cons
Pros
- Robust and easy-to-grow shrub
- Beautiful autumn colours and winter berries
- Attracts bees and birds
- Can be used as a hedge or solitary plant
- Thrives in both sun and shade
Cons
- Requires well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can become wide and require space at full growth
Pros
- Robust and easy-to-grow shrub
- Beautiful autumn colours and winter berries
- Attracts bees and birds
- Can be used as a hedge or solitary plant
- Thrives in both sun and shade
Cons
- Requires well-drained soil for optimal growth
- Can become wide and require space at full growth
Specifications
- Botanical name: Cotoneaster franchetti
- Plant type: Ornamental shrub
- Category: Cotoneaster
- Main category: Ornamental shrubs
- Growth form: Larger shrub with well-branched and overhanging growth
- Leaf colour: Green with grey-felted underside
- Flower colour: Pink
- Flowering period: Spring (June)
- Fruit: Small dark red berries with long durability
- Light conditions: Full sun or shade
- Soil type: Nutrient-rich and well-drained garden soil
- Hardiness: Very hardy
- Use: Hedge, windbreak or solitary shrub
Other products

The dwarf purple-leaf plum (Prunus x cistena) is a slow-growing shrub that typically reaches about 2 metres in height and width. It has a dense and upright growth habit, making it suitable for both solitary planting and groupings in beds.
The foliage is dark purplish-red to bronze-coloured and provides a striking contrast in the garden throughout the growing season. In May, the shrub blooms with pale pink flowers that later turn white, adding a light and elegant expression.
The plant thrives best in full sun or partial shade and prefers a nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. It is fully hardy under Danish conditions and requires only limited maintenance.
The dwarf purple-leaf plum is often used as a contrast plant in perennial and shrub beds, where its dark foliage highlights the colours of the surrounding plants.
- Decorative foliage: Dark purplish-red to bronze-coloured throughout the season.
- Flowering in May: Pale pink flowers that later turn white.
- Compact growth: Upright and slow-growing form, ideal for small gardens.
- Light conditions: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness: Fully hardy and easy to grow in well-drained soil.
Pros and cons
- Colourful foliage that provides contrast in the garden
- Suitable for small gardens and beds
- Easy to grow and requires minimal care
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Fully hardy under Danish conditions
- The flowering period is short and mainly in spring
- The colour of the foliage may become less intense in shady environments
Pros and cons
Pros
- Colourful foliage that provides contrast in the garden
- Suitable for small gardens and beds
- Easy to grow and requires minimal care
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Fully hardy under Danish conditions
Cons
- The flowering period is short and mainly in spring
- The colour of the foliage may become less intense in shady environments
Pros
- Colourful foliage that provides contrast in the garden
- Suitable for small gardens and beds
- Easy to grow and requires minimal care
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Fully hardy under Danish conditions
Cons
- The flowering period is short and mainly in spring
- The colour of the foliage may become less intense in shady environments
Specifications
- Botanical name: Prunus x cistena
- Category: Ornamental shrubs / Purple-leaf plum
- Growth form: Upright, slow-growing
- Height: 80–150 cm (up to approx. 2 m)
- Width: 60–90 cm
- Leaf colour: Red to purplish-red, bronze-coloured autumn foliage
- Leaf shape: Lanceolate
- Flower colour: Pale pink, later white
- Flowering time: May
- Fruit colour: Red
- Light conditions: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil type: Nutrient-rich, well-drained soil
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Fertilisation level: Medium

Dwarf Willow (Salix helvetica) is a compact ornamental shrub with a small, rounded, and broad-growing crown. It is grafted onto a stem at its final height, giving it a distinctive appearance in plantings.
The young leaves and shoots are white-felted, giving the plant a silvery-grey hue early in the season. Later, the leaves develop a more grey-green tone, creating a calm contrast to the surroundings.
The plant thrives best in full sun or light partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil. It does not tolerate prolonged drying out but is otherwise fully hardy under Danish conditions.
Dwarf Willow is particularly suitable as a ground-covering plant in gardens and parks, where it can form a low, dense plant cover. It can also be used as a decorative solitary plant in smaller beds or pots.
- Compact growth form: Small, rounded, and broad-growing crown that gives a dense appearance.
- Decorative foliage: White-felted young leaves that later turn grey-green.
- Suitable as ground cover: Forms a low and dense plant cover in sunny areas.
- Hardy plant: Tolerates Danish climatic conditions and requires minimal care.
- Thrives in moist soil: Prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.
Pros and cons
- Low and compact growth requiring minimal pruning
- Decorative colour variation throughout the season
- Suitable for ground cover and border planting
- Fully hardy and robust in Nordic climates
- Does not thrive in dry soil and requires consistent moisture
- Growth is moderate, so covering larger areas takes time
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low and compact growth requiring minimal pruning
- Decorative colour variation throughout the season
- Suitable for ground cover and border planting
- Fully hardy and robust in Nordic climates
Cons
- Does not thrive in dry soil and requires consistent moisture
- Growth is moderate, so covering larger areas takes time
Pros
- Low and compact growth requiring minimal pruning
- Decorative colour variation throughout the season
- Suitable for ground cover and border planting
- Fully hardy and robust in Nordic climates
Cons
- Does not thrive in dry soil and requires consistent moisture
- Growth is moderate, so covering larger areas takes time
Specifications
- Botanical name: Salix helvetica
- Danish name: Dwarf Willow
- Category: Ornamental shrubs
- Subcategory: Willow
- Height: 50–100 cm
- Width: 90–120 cm
- Flowering period: April–May
- Flower colour: Orange-red to orange
- Leaf colour: Grey to grey-green
- Leaf shape: Elliptical
- Light conditions: Full sun or partial shade
- Growth form: Ground-covering, medium-growing
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Fertiliser requirement: Light
- Use: Gardens and parks, ground cover
Different types of ornamental shrubs
Ornamental shrubs come in many varieties, each contributing something unique to the garden. Here are some of the most popular types.
1. Flowering ornamental shrubs
Flowering shrubs such as lilac, hydrangea and forsythia add colour and fragrance to the garden. They are ideal as solitary plants or as eye-catchers in flower beds. Many species also attract bees and butterflies.
2. Deciduous ornamental shrubs
These shrubs lose their leaves in winter but make up for it with beautiful flowers or autumn colours. Examples include Japanese maple and spirea. They give the garden a lively expression through the changing seasons.
3. Evergreen ornamental shrubs
Shrubs such as boxwood, cherry laurel and holly keep their green foliage all year round and create structure in the garden – even in the winter months. They are suitable for hedges and topiary.
4. Berry-bearing ornamental shrubs
Shrubs such as barberry, firethorn and snowberry produce decorative berries that both adorn and attract birds. They can be used as natural fences or as colourful elements in the garden.
5. Fragrant ornamental shrubs
If you want to create a sensory experience in the garden, you can choose fragrant shrubs such as jasmine, honeysuckle or butterfly bush. They spread a pleasant aroma and make summer evenings extra cosy.
Different brands of ornamental shrubs
Several producers and nurseries offer a wide range of high-quality ornamental shrubs. Here are some of the best-known players on the market.
Plantorama
Plantorama is a nationwide chain offering a large selection of ornamental shrubs for both small and large gardens. The range spans from classic varieties to more exotic ones.
Jespers Planteskole
Jespers Planteskole is known for a wide selection of quality plants and advice on planting and care. Here you will find both common and rarer ornamental shrubs adapted to Danish conditions.
Lundhede Planteskole
Lundhede offers a large online range of ornamental shrubs, where you can find everything from small ground-covering shrubs to large solitary plants. The focus is on quality and easy ordering.
Plantetorvet
Plantetorvet.dk is a popular webshop for garden enthusiasts, with an extensive selection of ornamental shrubs delivered directly to your door. They offer detailed plant descriptions and guidance on choosing varieties.
Bilka Garden Centre
Bilka Garden Centre has a wide range of ornamental shrubs at reasonable prices. The range is continuously updated with the season’s most popular varieties, both online and in physical garden centres.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to plant ornamental shrubs?
The best time to plant ornamental shrubs is spring or autumn, when the soil is moist and the temperature mild. This gives the plants the best conditions to establish themselves.
How much should ornamental shrubs be watered?
Newly planted shrubs should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Once established, most manage with natural rainfall, but extra watering in hot summers can be beneficial.
How do you prune ornamental shrubs?
Pruning depends on the type of shrub. Summer-flowering shrubs are typically pruned in early spring, while spring-flowering varieties are pruned right after flowering. Remove dead and crossing branches to promote healthy growth.
Can ornamental shrubs be grown in pots?
Yes, many smaller shrubs such as dwarf lilac, lavender and Japanese azalea thrive well in large pots. Ensure good drainage and regular watering.
How do I choose shrubs that go well together?
Think about colour, flowering time and height so the plants complement each other. Combine, for example, early-flowering forsythia with later-flowering hydrangea for a varied look throughout the season.










