Weeping redbud (Cercis canadensis)  produces tiny pink-hued blooms in the spring, and 'Pink Heartbreaker' is a dwarf cultivar of this favorite tree. "Bower & Branch introduced 'Pink Heartbreaker' about 15 years ago, and the original discovered plant is still only 7 feet tall and about 15 feet wide," says Eaton. "These trees are more hardy than regular redbuds [and] are a great focal point, patio tree, or window tree!"

A slow-growing deciduous shrub, dwarf fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenia) has a compact, mounded habit. Terminal bottlebrush-like spikes produce white flowers and yellow anthers that fill gardens with interest in April and May. "This plant has suckers. They need to be removed if you do not want colonies of these shrubs," says Langelo.

Dwarf chenille (Acalypha reptans) is a heat-loving, trailing evergreen shrub with crimson flower spikes above ovate dark green leaves. Langelo recommends deadheading the flower buds immediately after the blooms die to stimulate re-bloom.

Dwarf bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis) is a showy evergreen shrub with elongated flower spikes and long bristle-like stamens—hence the name says Langelo. This beautiful, low-growing shrub provides nectar for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Dwarf crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a deciduous shrub with terminal, crepe-papery inflorescences of showy flowers with crimped petals, says Langelo. The leaves emerge as green with a tinge of red and fade to yellow-orange-red by fall. "Be sure to water at ground level as watering the foliage can scorch it," says Langelo.

Garland flower (Daphne cneorum) is a beautiful shrub with spoon-shaped leaves and fragrant pink flowers that put on a show until fall. "Deadhead spent blossoms after flowering to encourage reblooming," says Langelo.

A multi-stemmed evergreen shrub, minuet mountain laurel (Lalmia latifolia  'Minuet') has a rounded habit with cup-shaped flowers that bloom from May through June. This plant can tolerate a broad range of light conditions, so you can plant it just about anywhere in your garden.

Snow girl gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'WAH-LM') has finely textured, glossy, dark green leaves that form a spreading mound in the garden. "It has an abundant display of fragrant, single, white flowers that bloom in early summer, then periodically until frost," says Kristen Pullen, woody ornamental portfolio manager for Star Roses and Plants.

Butterfly bush is a pollinator-friendly plant that will welcome bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden. For a low-growing variety, try Dapper Lavender Buddleia (Buddleia davidii 'Buddaplav'). "A rounded, compact habit makes this Buddleia a perfect fit for a variety of uses," says Pullen. "Light purple flowers are formed in early summer and continue to re-bloom into the fall. Spent flowers are hidden by new blooms, reducing the need for deadheading."

For winter interest, try 'Soft Caress' Mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’ PP20183). "An evergreen that produces cheery yellow flowers in winter, its soft bamboo-like foliage, low height, and shade tolerance mean it can be planted near shaded outdoor seating areas and patios without the painful prickles of traditional mahonia varieties," says Linda Vater on behalf of Southern Living Plant Collection and Butterfly Cand Buddleia. "Its slender, feathery foliage catches the breeze, creating a unique textural and movement element in the landscape."