If you're looking for a low-maintenance shrub option, consider barberry. It's commonly grown in landscapes for its durability and adaptability to poor soils. "Varieties with reddish or golden foliage add an intriguing element to the landscape," says Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's agricultural center. While it's a great privacy shrub, keep in mind that it may be considered invasive in some zones, so do your research before planting.

Loropetalum boasts red, burgundy, or green foliage and flowers in a range of colors, from pinks and reds to purples and whites, says Abdi. It's an insect- and disease-resistant plant that will beautifully accent the other plants in your yard.

Pittosporum has evergreen leaves in tight whorls that form at the top of the branches, creating a pleasant texture in the garden, says Abdi. It provides white flower clusters that stand out against the shrub's foliage.

For a fragrant option, sweet olive (Osmanthus fragrans) has pleasant-smelling small flowers that bloom during fall, winter, and spring, adding subtle interest to the landscape. "The blooms are small and not super showy, but they definitely have an appealing scent," says Abdi.

Azaleas are known for their vibrant pink blooms, which add vibrant color to the garden. While not all azalea varieties are good for privacy, some can grow to be up to 10 feet tall and look beautiful as a living fence.

Camellias have very showy, pink, yellow, red, or white flowers—with some varieties even blooming during winter. This pollinator-friendly shrub has thick foliage that can create a beautiful privacy hedge in the landscape.

Whoever said big things come in small packages must have been talking about their home’s landscaping. Regardless of your yard’s size, it’s easy to assume your garden needs an oversized tree or large patch of vibrant flowers to stand out. But in reality? Tiny touches like small shrubs can totally transform a yard or garden. “They are perfect for compact spaces where larger shrubs wouldn't fit, allowing gardeners to include a diverse array of colors and textures even in limited areas,” says Sam Niemann, founder of San Diego-based landscaping firm Grown by Design. “As gardens increasingly trend toward smaller sizes, these shrubs offer a versatile solution for creating visual interest and variety,” says Niemann.

Think of a sprinter boxwood (Buxus Microphylla) as a consistent crowd-pleaser—one that can adapt to a range of different climates and needs. “Sprinter boxwoods are exceptionally versatile, able to thrive in diverse light conditions,” Niemann says. “They are hardy, forgiving, and long-lived, making them a great choice for both formal and informal gardens.” Though sprinter boxwoods are slow-growing shrubs—it can typically take three to five years for them to reach maturity—their smaller, denser leaves create a full look that can be trimmed into a bevy of shapes and sizes. In other words, it’s art al fresco.

Some small shrubs make a splash with their leaves,  while others “wow” with their flowers. However, if you want to lean into the “more is more” aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with a Bollywood azalea (Rhododendron ‘Farrow’).  This option might be small—it only grows to be about 3 feet tall—but it has variegated leaves and bright pink flowers that command attention. Another thing to love about this semi-evergreen? It’s a total magnet for bees and butterflies, which will give your space an idyllic edge.

Spruces might be an obvious option for the holidays, but the dwarf globe blue spruce (Picea Pungens ‘Globosa) proves that they’re a great choice year-round. This smaller conifer might take a while to grow to its mature size, but it’s relatively easy to care for and deer-resistant. Let’s not forget that they look good, too. “The dwarf globe blue spruce stands out for its striking icy blue foliage, providing a vivid contrast to other garden plants,” Niemann says. “Its compact size is ideal for smaller flower beds, allowing gardeners to enjoy the unique blue color without needing space for a full-sized spruce.”