Beautify Your Gulf Coast Home’s Landscape With These Lovely Old Standbys

Always beautiful, the following shrubs should be taken into consideration when you want to improve your home’s landscaping. These shrubs were found on almost every homestead owned by our grandparents. They have not fallen out of favor for any reason, only forgotten in the excitement that came with the many new cultivars that are now available.

• Hydrangea: Tolerant of most soil types but sensitive to drought and hot sun, this shrub has many flower colors available and the newer ‘Endless Summer’ series bloom all summer long.
• Spirea: Tolerant of most soils, these hardy deciduous shrubs come in many colors and show mounds of flowers come springtime that last all summer long.
• Lilac: Hundreds of cultivars are available, but most prefer neutral soil and some shade. Known for their heady scented flowers, they make great vase cuttings.
• Viburnum: With their beautiful springtime display, these smell wonderful and are favored by birds. If you do choose one, leave room for expansion as they tend to spread wider than their height.
• Hibiscus:  Rose-of-Sharon never disappoint with their gorgeous late-summer flowers. They are very adaptable and easy to grow.