When you think of low-growing hedges, it’s probably boxwood that comes to mind. We love boxwood, but there are so many other shrubs that top out at about three feet. It's a shame to limit your plant palette. Use these low-growers to edge a walkway, contain a flowery border, or cover the bottom of a fence. You can also create a softer visual barrier between you and the neighbors. Look for shrubs that are ideally evergreen, slow-growing or tolerate trimming. Ones that are happy being planted cheek by jowl with others. Here are 10 shrubs perfect for keeping a low profile. (Shown: Boxleaf Euonymus)
Grayswood Pink Rock Rose
Cupped, pink, single flowers appear in mid-spring to summer against grey-green foliage. Water-wise and a magnet for pollinators. Reaches up to 3 feet tall. Zones: 8 -10
Soft Touch Compact Holly
A dense evergreen shrub with soft, glossy green leaves that have an interesting silver mid-vein. Blackberries last all winter for cool-season interest. Reaches up to 3 feet tall. Zones: 5 – 9
Boxleaf Euonymus
Deep green, dense foliage on a compact plant gives a beautiful, formal appearance with minimal trimming. Tolerant of heat, poor soils and salt spray. Reaches up to 2 feet tall. Zones: 6 – 9
Checkmate Rhododendron
Slow growing, dwarf cultivar with small lavender-pink flowers in early spring and evergreen foliage that turns dark mahogany in winter. Reaches up to 2 feet tall. Zones: 5 – 8
Prostrate White Abelia
Graceful, arching branches highlighted by clusters of fragrant white flowers on this low, spreading variety. Reaches up to 2 feet tall. Zones: 6 – 9
Danica Arborvitae
Versatile, dwarf, globe-shaped evergreen with bright emerald foliage that turns bluish green in winter. Smaller than Hetz Midget Arborvitae. Reaches up to 2 feet tall. Zones: 4 – 8
Cream De Mint™ Dwarf Mock Orange
Glossy, mint green leaves with creamy-white edges on a dense, compact evergreen petite shrub that requires little maintenance. Reaches up to 3 feet tall. Zones: 8 – 11
Ashdown Forest English Lavender
Aromatic pale purple flowers on upright, slender stems cover this compact evergreen in the summer. Soft grey-green foliage. Reaches up to 2 feet tall. Zones: 5 – 9
Compact Oregon Grape Holly
Low maintenance shrub with bronze-red new growth, turning to glossy, deep green; purple-red foliage adds winter interest. Reaches up to 3 feet tall. Zones: 5 – 9
Georgia Petite Indian Hawthorn
Prized for its strong disease resistance and dense compact habit. Abundant white flowers followed by dark blue berries. Reaches up to 3 feet tall. Zones: 7 – 10