Assorted evergreen and flowering shrubs forming a layered, year-round foundation planting in a Bay Area garden

Shrubs

Structure, color, and low-fuss beauty—year-round shrubs for Bay Area gardens.

Shrubs are the backbone of a great landscape—adding year-round structure, screening, and repeat color without the constant upkeep of seasonal flowers. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the right shrubs can handle everything from summer-dry sun to coastal wind and partial shade, while still looking polished.

Shop this collection for:

  • Evergreen foundation shrubs for clean, “finished” curb appeal

  • Flowering shrubs for seasonal impact (and pollinator value)

  • Low-water & Mediterranean-friendly shrubs for resilient gardens

  • Hedge and privacy shrubs for boundaries, sound buffering, and screening

  • Shade-tolerant shrubs for side yards and under-tree planting

Need help choosing? Use the filters (sun exposure, water needs, mature size) to narrow down fast.

Evergreen Shrubs
Evergreen shrubs in Bay Area garden border

Evergreen Shrubs

Deciduous Shrubs
Deciduous Shrubs

Deciduous Shrubs

Flowering Shrubs
Flowering shrubs are the backbone

Flowering Shrubs

Foliage Shrubs
Flowers come and go—foliage is what you live with every day

Foliage Shrubs

Fragrant Flowering
Fragrant Flowering

Fragrant Flowering

Low Shrubs
Low shrubs are the easiest way

Low Shrubs

Medium Shrubs
Medium shrub hedge line in a Bay Area front yard

Medium Shrubs

Tall Shrubs
Tall shrubs over 5 feet for privacy screening

Tall Shrubs

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Active filters:

  • Pope John Paul II Rose

    Pope John Paul II Rose

  • Mister Lincoln Rose

    Mister Lincoln Rose

  • Julia Child Rose

    Julia Child Rose

  • Twilight Zone Rose

    Twilight Zone Rose

  • Compacta Carolina Cherry Laurel

    Compacta Carolina Cherry Laurel

  • Carolina Cherry Laurel

    Carolina Cherry Laurel

  • Schipka English Laurel

    Schipka English Laurel

  • Royal Purple Smoke Bush

    Royal Purple Smoke Bush

  • California Horse Chestnut

    California Horse Chestnut

  • White Leaved Mallee

    White Leaved Mallee

  • Banana Shrub

    Banana Shrub

  • Dynamite Crape Myrtle

    Dynamite Crape Myrtle

  • Tuscarora Crape Myrtle

    Tuscarora Crape Myrtle

  • Natchez Crape Myrtle

    Natchez Crape Myrtle

  • Cat Palm

    Cat Palm

  • Lady Palm, Bamboo Palm

    Lady Palm, Bamboo Palm

  • Dusty Miller

    Dusty Miller

  • Mexican Bush Sage

    Mexican Bush Sage

  • May Night Wood Sage

    May Night Wood Sage

  • Jerusalem Sage

    Jerusalem Sage

  • Coastal Woollybush

    Coastal Woollybush

  • White Chiffon Rose of Sharon

    White Chiffon Rose of Sharon

  • Blushing Bride Rose of Sharon

    Blushing Bride Rose of Sharon

  • Album Elegans Rhododendron

    Album Elegans Rhododendron

Frequently asked questions

Q1: What’s the best shrub for privacy in the Bay Area?
A: For privacy, choose evergreen shrubs with dense branching and a mature height that matches your screening goal. If you want a clean hedge, pick varieties that respond well to pruning; for a softer look, choose naturally dense shrubs and space them for overlap.

Q2: How do I choose shrubs for low-water landscapes?
A: Look for shrubs labeled drought-tolerant once established. In the Bay Area, many Mediterranean-climate shrubs thrive with deep, infrequent watering after the first season—especially in full sun with well-drained soil.

Q3: Do shrubs do well in coastal wind or foggy areas?
A: Many do—especially tougher evergreens. If you’re near the coast, prioritize shrubs known for wind tolerance and salt/fog resilience, and avoid tender, thin-leafed options unless protected.

Q4: What’s the best time to plant shrubs in Northern California?
A: Fall through spring is ideal. Cooler weather helps roots establish before summer heat. If planting in summer, plan on consistent watering during establishment.

Q5: How far apart should I plant shrubs for a hedge?
A: A practical hedge spacing is about 50–70% of the plant’s mature width (closer for faster fill, wider for more airflow). We recommend checking the mature width on each product page.

Q6: Can you help with placement, spacing, or a full planting plan?
A: Yes—if you’re building a hedge, foundation layout, or refreshing beds, we can help you choose the right shrubs and quantities for a clean, professional finish.