12 Shrubs for Full Sun

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Beautyberry

Beautyberry shrubs, Callicarpa sp., are grown for their berries, which appear in late summer and early fall in lilac-colored clusters along the stems.

When purchasing, choose a native or Asian beautyberry, or hybrid varieties, like ‘Pearl Glam.’ The latter, in Zones 5 through 8, will grow four to five feet tall and wide. In colder zones, beautyberry may die back a bit. Dead stems can be cut back to a live bud.

The native beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, is only hardy in Zones 6 through 10.

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St. John’s Wort

Many people think of St. John’s Wort as an herb, but there are also small shrubs with this common name.

Hypericum frondosum ‘Sunburst,’ hardy in Zones 5 through 8, grows up to three feet tall and wide, with bright yellow flowers appearing in early summer. In warmer climates, it’s considered an evergreen. In colder climates, it will drop its blue-green leaves in fall. Although not all St. John’s Wort herbs and shrubs are native to North America, this particular one is.

After flowering, St. John’s Wort produces unique seed heads almost as interesting, although not as bright, as the flowers.

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Summersweet

Summersweet, Clethra alnifolia is a sun-loving shrub native to North America. Specifically chosen varieties like Clethra alnifolia ‘Crystalina,’ sold as ‘Supertina,‘ begin flowering as summer begins in June.

This shrub, hardy in Zones 4 through 9, grows up to three feet tall and wide. As one might guess from its common name, the white blooms are highly scented. The green foliage turns to yellow in fall.

Prune only to shape it up; otherwise, leave it alone. Prune in early spring before the flower buds form. Summersweet also prefers moist soils, so mulch it and water as needed during dry spells.