Shrubs can form the foundation of a landscape, delineating beds and boundaries, and separating planting spaces from one another. If you have a small yard or if you want to plant shrubs near other small plants, shrubs under 2 feet tall can complement your garden. There are a variety of dwarf shrub cultivars available. Most don't grow more than 3 feet tall, and many can thrive in containers, planter boxes or other small areas.
Full Sun
Video of the Day
The dwarf purple leaf barberry (Berberis thunbergii atropurpurea 'Crimson Pygmy') only grows up to a foot tall with an equal spread. This small deciduous shrub has reddish-purple foliage and produces red fruits. The dwarf purple leaf barberry thrives in full sun.
Video of the Day
The bearberry cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) is an evergreen shrub hardy to zone 5. This fast-grower reaches heights up to 2 feet but can spread up to 6 feet wide. Bearberry cotoneasters prefer moist, well-drained soil and produce white spring blossoms.
The creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) also thrives in full sun. A small evergreen, the creeping juniper spreads to 4 feet wide but only grows to a foot tall. This drought-tolerant shrub is hardy to zone 5.
Light Shade
The Nana dwarf yaupon (Ilex vomitoria nana) grows up to 2 feet tall with an equal spread. This member of the holly family has glossy, broadleaf foliage and grows slowly to moderately. Nana dwarf yaupons are between zones 7 and 10 and tolerate a range of soil conditions.
The dwarf bamboo (Bambusa sasa pygara) only grows to a foot tall. This tiny evergreen spreads in clumps. Dwarf bamboo tolerates cold temperatures and can thrive in containers.
Partial Shade
The Gumpo dwarf indica azalea (Rhododendron eriocarpum 'Gumpo') grows from 1 to 2 feet tall with an equal spread. An evergreen, this shrub flowers in late summer and is hardy from zones 6 through 8.
The creeping gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans') also grows from 1 to 2 feet tall but only spreads to 3 feet. This evergreen thrives in acidic, well-drained soil. Creeping gardenia is hardy to zone 7b and blooms in late spring with fragrant, white flowers.
Full Shade
The holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) thrives in full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Holly ferns grow slowly up to 18 inches high. Plant this hardy evergreen in a container or in a cool, shaded spot.
The aspidistra (Aspidistra elatior) also prefers shade. A broadleaf evergreen, this slow-growing plant reaches heights up to 2 feet. Aspidistra is hardy between zones 7 and 10.