When you’re thinking about landscaping in East Texas, one of the best investments you can make is choosing shrubs and bushes that keep your yard looking vibrant throughout the year. Seasonal color is wonderful, but it’s even better when your landscape never looks dull, no matter the month. With the right selections, you can enjoy a mix of blooms, foliage, and textures that thrive in our East Texas climate.
Below, I’ll walk you through some of the best shrubs and bushes for year-round color in our region. I’ll also share a few tips on how to make the most of these plants so your yard continues to impress neighbors and visitors alike.
Evergreen Favorites That Hold Their Color
Evergreen shrubs are the backbone of any landscape because they provide structure and greenery when other plants go dormant. In East Texas, we’re lucky to have several options that not only keep their leaves but also add bursts of seasonal interest.
One top pick is the Holly shrub, especially varieties like Dwarf Yaupon or Nellie R. Stevens. These not only keep their dark green leaves all year but also produce bright red berries in the fall and winter, which add a cheerful touch during the colder months. Another reliable choice is the Indian Hawthorn, a hardy shrub that thrives in our climate. It produces clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring, while its glossy leaves stay attractive year-round.
If you want something low-maintenance and versatile, consider Boxwoods. Their rich green color lasts all year, and they’re easy to shape into hedges or accents. Pairing these evergreen shrubs with seasonal bloomers can give your yard both consistency and variety.
Flowering Shrubs for Seasonal Bursts
While evergreens provide structure, flowering shrubs are the ones that steal the show with vibrant displays. In East Texas, the long growing season means you can enjoy blooms for much of the year.
One of the most popular choices is the Azalea, which thrives in our acidic East Texas soil. Their brilliant pinks, purples, and whites light up the landscape each spring, and many newer varieties have extended blooming seasons. Another excellent option is the Camellia, a Southern favorite. Depending on the variety, Camellias bloom in the fall or winter, offering rich red, pink, or white flowers that stand out when most other plants have gone quiet.
Don’t forget about Crape Myrtles, often called the “lilacs of the South.” These small trees and large shrubs produce show-stopping flowers in the summer, and their fall foliage can be equally stunning in shades of orange and red. With so many color options available, you can choose one that complements your home’s exterior and other landscaping features.
Shrubs With Striking Foliage
Color doesn’t always have to come from flowers. Some shrubs provide visual interest simply through their leaves. In East Texas, where the seasons are distinct but relatively mild, you can take advantage of shrubs that put on a foliage show.
The Loropetalum, also known as Chinese Fringe Flower, is a standout. With its deep burgundy-purple leaves and bright pink blooms in the spring, it adds a rich splash of color that lasts through the year. Another favorite is the Nandina, sometimes called Heavenly Bamboo. While not a true bamboo, its delicate foliage changes throughout the year, ranging from bright green to fiery red and orange in the fall and winter.
For homeowners who love a tropical feel, the Cast Iron Plant is a tough contender. Its deep green, glossy leaves bring a lush vibe to shaded areas, thriving in spots where other plants might struggle. These types of foliage-focused shrubs keep your yard interesting, even when flowers aren’t in season.
Designing for Year-Round Color
Choosing the right shrubs and bushes is only half the story. To truly get year-round color in your East Texas landscape, it’s important to plan with intention. Think of your yard as a canvas: evergreens provide the background, flowering shrubs add highlights, and foliage plants bring texture and depth.
Layering is key. Place taller shrubs like Crape Myrtles or Camellias toward the back or as focal points, then use smaller shrubs like Azaleas or Indian Hawthorn as mid-level anchors. Groundcover plants or low Boxwoods can complete the design in the front. This layered approach creates balance and ensures your yard looks full and colorful no matter the season.
Also, keep in mind that East Texas weather can be unpredictable, with hot summers and occasional cold snaps. Choosing shrubs that are well-suited to this climate will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Most of the options above are hardy enough to handle our unique conditions when properly planted and maintained.
Bringing It All Together
When you invest in shrubs and bushes that provide year-round color, you’re not just improving your home’s curb appeal—you’re creating a welcoming environment that feels alive every season. With the right mix of evergreens, flowering shrubs, and foliage plants, your East Texas yard can be both beautiful and easy to maintain.
At Home Projex, we love helping homeowners bring their landscaping visions to life. If you’re ready to upgrade your yard with shrubs and bushes that thrive in East Texas, let us help you design and install the perfect combination for year-round beauty. Contact us today for a free quote and let’s turn your landscape into one that shines in every season.
