Welcome spring with the classic sunny blooms of forsythia. This 'Show Off Starlet' selection comes in an updated, dwarf package. 'Show Off Starlet'’s branches are smothered in bright yellow blossoms. Like all forsythia, this dwarf version is deer resistant, growing 2-3 feet tall and wide. Hardy in Zones 5-8.

Bottlebrush-like blooms open at branch tips in early spring, before leaves appear. Flowers provide an early-season nectar source for pollinators. Fall color is breathtaking. Landscape use: Tuck into beds with perennials or other shrubs. Makes a natural hedge or thicket because it suckers. Include in native or wildlife gardens. Hardy in Zones 4 to 8.

Spring explodes with color when you include azaleas in your yard. Flowers open in a rainbow of hues — you can find any color you want. Shrub size varies from ankle-high to over 20 feet. Landscape use: Plant small varieties as bed edging or to line a walkway. Use larger types for hedges, or in wildlife or woodland gardens. Hardy in Zones 4 to 9.

A native plant, mountain laurel has pink buds in spring that open to white cup-shape flowers. This native typically grows 5 to 8 feet tall and wide. Mountain laurel is a stand-out evergreen shrub because it tolerates shade (although best flowering occurs in light shade). Look for varieties with red, pink or bicolor blooms, double or large flowers, and buds that stay tight, adding an interesting texture to the shrub. Hardy in Zones 4-9.