Nothing inspires pride of ownership more than a well-curated and welcoming landscape around our homes. Diverse textures, colors, and forms create dazzling dimension, beauty, and visual harmony.
But sometimes, when that spring show begins, something seems to be missing and you can’t put your finger on what it is.
In my experience, what’s usually missing is color contrast. My recommendation for introducing bright pops of low-maintenance color is yellow shrubs.
By the time you complete this article, you’ll be familiar with 16 of the very best yellow shrubs – both flowering and evergreen that do just that.
- Evergreen Yellow Shrubs & Bushes
- Shrubs with Yellow and Green Leaves
- Shrubs with Yellow Flowers
- Yellow Foundation Bushes for Front of House
- Yellow Landscaping Shrubs
- Small Yellow Shrubs
- Yellow Ornamental Shrubs
- Considerations When Landscaping With Yellow Bushes
- Best Yellow Shrubs For Yards and Gardens Final Thoughts
Evergreen Yellow Shrubs & Bushes
Yellow evergreens are fantastic for warm and cold climates, with each cultivar preferring specific hardiness zones.
Let’s take a look at two incredibly versatile, low-maintenance options that provide stunning contrast and form to various landscape styles, such as feature plantings, hedges, or globe topiaries.
Golden Euonymus Shrub
(Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureomarginatus’)
Tree Summary
With vibrant variegation, the dwarf and original Golden Euonymus cultivars expand their planting versatility with mature sizes between 3ft and 10ft tall, in zones 6-9. Adaptable to different soil types, this prefers loose, well-draining loam and dappled sunlight.
Tree Appeal
Year-round foliage, in a kaleidoscope of patterns, perfectly complements flowering plants that bloom in colors opposite their own on the color wheel.
Tree Care
Water well, until established. A triple 10 fertilizer can be applied in early spring. Pruning should only be done in early spring, prior to the onset of new growth.
Sunshine Ligustrum Shrub
(Ligustrum sinense)
Tree Summary
This eye-catching Ligustrum cultivar releases glossy, golden leaves, in mid-spring. In zones 6-10, it can potentially mature to 6ft tall by 4ft wide, when grown in full sun and well-draining soil.
Tree Appeal
This evergreen can easily handle heavy pruning when grown as a topiary or hedge. Best yet, this Chinese privet variation is non-invasive and will not re-seed. Plant it among your agapanthus or red daylilies for maximum effect.
Tree Care
Water well, until established and more drought tolerant. Apply a triple 10 fertilizer, at half-dose, and prune only in early spring.
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Shrubs with Yellow and Green Leaves
Of course, that gorgeous yellow and green color combination isn’t limited to evergreens. Some fascinating deciduous shrubs have adapted to grow in a variety of climates and thrive in some surprising conditions. All pairing these happy colors in some very creative ways!
Japanese Gold Dust Aucuba Shrub
(Aucuba japonica ‘Gold Dust’)
Tree Summary
Maturing 10ft tall and wide, this magical Aucuba is the jewel of shade gardens in zones 6-10. Its speckled patterns remain clear and colorful in full to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil.
Tree Appeal
Rich green leaves dusted with soft yellow and gold, reveal tiny purple flowers in spring. These blooms develop into bright red, glossy berries as leaves fall away in autumn.
Tree Care
Maintain consistently moist soil. Apply a 3-1-2 NPK ratio when growing in containers and prune only to remove dead branches and leaves.
Variegated Century Plant
(Agave americana marginata)
Tree Summary
Long, undulating arms, lined with green and yellow stripes, unfold on this architectural agave. Growing to 6ft tall by 10ft wide, this makes a bold statement in the sandy, well-draining soil of zones 8-11.
Tree Appeal
The foliage on this stunning succulent features sharp spikes that rise from a central stalk. These arch outward to reveal a single yellow flower, on a tall stalk, that only blooms once.
Tree Care
Water only when the soil completely dries out and rainfall is scarce. Pruning and fertilizing is not necessary for this very low-maintenance plant.
Shrubs with Yellow Flowers
Research studies, documented at the National library of medicine, suggest that colors have unique effects on the human psyche. Yellow flowering trees and shrubs can inspire happiness, optimism, and creativity, as our brains associate them with the warmth and healthful effects of sunshine. Take a look at these dazzling examples.
Oregon Grape Holly Shrub
(Mahonia aquifolium)
Tree Summary
This show-stopping shrub presents clusters of warm, yellow blooms and matures to 6ft tall and wide. In zones 5-9, this is grown as a feature planting or ornamental hedge in partial sun and moist, well-draining soil.
Tree Appeal
Bronze leaves emerge, in spring, that mature to a rich green before ebbing to plum in autumn. Yellow flowers develop small purple fruit that supports wildlife.
Tree Care
Water only when the top 2” of soil is dry and fertilized in early spring, when necessary. Pruning is only required to maintain a tidy appearance.
New Gold Lantana
(Lantana x ‘New Gold’)
Tree Summary
The vibrant color of this low-growing Lantana radiates from clusters of yellow and peach florets, in full sun and well-draining soil. Potted plants, in zones 3-8, can be brought indoors. In zones 8-11, this perennial can grow 2ft high and wide.
Tree Appeal
Color abounds on this heat-loving, yellow shrub from spring to fall. Its trailing growth is exceptional for use as a groundcover or foundation planting.
Tree Care
Water regularly until established and fairly drought tolerant. Fertilizing is typically not needed and pruning is only necessary to remove weather-damaged branches.
Yellow Foundation Bushes for Front of House
Sometimes, we walk right by foundation shrubs without ever noticing them. Especially those chosen purely for functionality. That doesn’t have to be the case!
The next yellow shrub examples clearly demonstrate that foundation plantings can be pretty and practical at the same time.
Golden Jackpot Weigela Shrub
(Lantana x ‘New Gold’)
Tree Summary
Luminous golden foliage presents a striking background against which violet, trumpet flowers pop. Cold-hardy in zones 4-8, the Golden Jackpot thrives in full to partial sun and well-draining soil, maturing to 4-6ft tall and wide.
Tree Appeal
The amazing color of this shrub lasts through the summer heat until mid-fall. Frame your front elevation with multiples or illuminate corners with single plantings.
Tree Care
Fertilize just before new spring growth emerges. Water when the soil is dry down 2-3 inches and prune only after the second flowering stage.
Orange Jubilee Tecoma
(Tecoma x ‘Orange Jubilee’)
Tree Summary
In warm zones 8-11, this trumpeter heralds spring with large, yellow/orange blooms and vivid green leaves that can mature to 12ft by 8ft, when planted in full/partial sun and nutrient-rich soil.
Tree Appeal
Stunning sunset hues are reflected in each tropical bloom, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Frost and heat tolerant, this shrub can be grown as a hedge, small tree, or container feature.
Tree Care
Water only when the soil completely dries out and rainfall is scarce. Pruning and fertilizing is not necessary for this very low-maintenance plant.
Yellow Landscaping Shrubs
So far, I’ve shown you some fantastic examples of how yellow shrubs, in different shades and forms, can re-invigorate your landscape. But, what about usual situations like long, severe winters or sloping terrain around your home? These next two examples offer warm, energetic colors in unexpected times and places.
Common Witch Hazel Shrub
(Tecoma x ‘Orange Jubilee’)
Tree Summary
The cold-hardy Witch Hazel matures to a significant 10ft by 15ft while releasing masses of yellow fringe flowers from October to December. Preferring full/partial sun and loamy, acidic, well-draining soil, in zones 4-8.
Tree Appeal
Offering brilliant fall color and fruit, this tough shrub thrives in stream beds, rocky slopes, and wooded hillsides, on top of being virtually pest and disease free.
Tree Care
Water Witch Hazel deeply when soil is dry down to 2”. Fertilize every spring to encourage vigorous growth and winter blooming. Prune only to deadhead blooms and control shape.
Threadleaf Coreopsis
(Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’)
Tree Summary
Don’t let these delicate daisies fool you. This resilient shrub returns every spring from harsh zone 3 to more temperate zone 9. Maturing to just 2ft by 3ft, this Coreopsis cultivar thrives in full sun/partial shade and most soil types.
Tree Appeal
Along with dark green, gossamer leaves and long-blooming, yellow flowers, poor soil tolerance and resistance to drought, deer, and cold weather add to its remarkable features.
Tree Care
Water new plants regularly until established. Only those planted in poor soil require fertilization. Pruning away spent flowers will stimulate the growth of new buds.
Small Yellow Shrubs
In large gardens, tiny pops of yellow, here and there, have just enough impact to spark that overall wow factor. In small spaces, a few tiny plants are all you need to achieve the same effect. These yellow shrubs make a big statement with ‘small scale’ growing habits.
Emerald N’ Gold Wintercreeper
(Eunonymus fortuneli ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’)
Tree Summary
One Wintercreeper plant will mature to 2ft high by 4ft wide in record time, in zones 5-9. Just a few can make a big difference. Bright, variegated foliage spills over rock walls and hillsides, taking on a pink tinge for winter interest.
Tree Appeal
This low-growing evergreen has a compact, mounding form with attractive leaf patterning and tiny, pale green flowers that bloom in summer.
Tree Care
Water deeply when the soil dries down to 2” and fertilize with an acidic NPK in early spring and mid-summer if the ground is nutrient-deficient.
Angelina Sedum
(Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)
Tree Summary
The smallest plant with the biggest impact is the Angelina sedum. Maturing to just 8” high, this shrub will quickly fill in empty spaces in zone 3-9 gardens. Yellow coloration becomes more prominent when planted in full sun and well-draining soil.
Tree Appeal
The cold-hardy Sedum is an evergreen perennial with golden sprays of star-shaped foliage, which turns copper-orange in winter. In midsummer, clusters of the small, yellow peak through.
Tree Care
Water Angelina Sedum well, just after planting. Once established, natural rainfall will be sufficient. Pruning and fertilizing aren’t typically required for ground-cover plants.
Yellow Ornamental Shrubs
Looking for something on a grander scale? Perhaps something bright that welcomes each day with its glorious color? Then, these final two options are for you. One is big and bold and can go on for miles. The other is more subtle and elegant and really brings home the cozy, quaint factor.
Lynwood Gold Forsythia
(Forsythia x intermedia)
Tree Summary
This wave of glowing color is the Lynwood Gold Forsythia. Maturing 10ft tall and wide, this dazzles as a cold-hardy privacy hedge, as a single feature, or even a pruned tree, in zones 4-8. Color is more vibrant when planted in full sun.
Tree Appeal
The rapidly-growing Lynwood welcomes spring with a sea of yellow, bell-shaped flowers on long branches. In fall, deep green foliage develops gold, orange, and red tones.
Tree Care
Once established, Lynwood Forsythias will only need watering when rainfall is scarce. Fertilize with phosphorus-rich NPK every spring for continued blooming.
Popcorn Drift Rose
(Rosa ”NovaFlora)
Tree Summary
My final yellow shrub recommendation is a familiar one. Yet, it blooms with a voracity I had not seen on a rose, before. Maturing to a compact 3ft tall and wide, this prolific bloomer thrives in a broad range of climates (5-11).
Tree Appeal
Soft, white, and yellow, double-blooms, paired with rich green leaves create a striking, elegant contrast. Self-cleaning and disease resistance only add to its appeal.
Tree Care
Water when soil is dry down 2”. Feed with an all-purpose rose fertilizer. Prune after the last spring frost to remove damaged bits and encourage new growth.
Considerations When Landscaping With Yellow Bushes
When adding yellow shrubs to your landscape, bear in mind that color vibrancy is usually dictated by sunlight availability. The more sunlight plants receive, the brighter their color.
Also, remember that a little goes a long way. A few shrubs in strategic places can invoke feelings of happiness, well-being, and creativity. Too much yellow, without proper contrast, may trigger emotions that are a bit less warm and fuzzy.
Best Yellow Shrubs For Yards and Gardens Final Thoughts
When you feel like your landscape needs something extra, yellow plants and shrubs will add diverse texture, appealing dimension, and visual cohesiveness.
Bright yellows will beautifully compliment dark green, burgundy, and purple plantings. The tall and small options we’ve seen give you all the versatility you need for a stunning and welcoming landscape around your home.
