12 Best Shrubs With Non Invasive Roots

When landscaping near foundations, pipes, or paved areas, you need shrubs with non invasive roots. The last thing you want is destructive root systems cracking your foundation or busting water lines. Many shrubs have dense fibrous roots that don’t spread out or grow down deeply. These well-behaved shrubs are perfect choices for avoiding future root problems

Below are 12 of the top shrubs with non invasive roots perfect for planting near sensitive areas,

1. Boxwood

Boxwood shrubs are beloved for their neat, rounded shape and vibrant evergreen foliage. Their fine, compact root system doesn’t usually extend past the canopy width, making them ideal around foundations and driveways. Smaller varieties like Green Velvet and Green Mountain work well in tighter spaces. Larger boxwoods can be pruned to keep their size in check.

2. Japanese Holly

Japanese hollies are classic compact shrubs with glossy green leaves. They work beautifully as foundation plants, borders, and hedges. Japanese hollies have dense noninvasive roots that don’t wander far from the base of the plant. Their proper growth prevents future root-related problems.

3. Barberry

Barberries offer brilliant color, from golden foliage to red and purple leaves. These hardy shrubs make excellent hedges and borders. Their fine feeder root systems don’t invade nearby planting areas or structures. Use dwarf varieties like ‘Crimson Pygmy’ in confined spaces. Larger types can be pruned as needed.

4. Abelia

Abelia produces dainty white blossoms that butterflies love. These semi-evergreen shrubs keep a compact rounded shape. Their shallow roots won’t disturb patios, sidewalks or pool areas. For small spaces, choose mini white-flowered ‘Rose Creek’ abelia. Larger varieties can be pruned yearly.

5. Juniper

Evergreen junipers provide unique blue-green foliage and handsome shape. Varieties like Blue Point juniper work beautifully around foundations and walkways. Their fibrous noninvasive roots prevent problems. Upright junipers make excellent screens and borders. Keep them pruned for size control.

6. Viburnum

Viburnums shine spring through fall with fragrant blossoms, colorful berries and attractive foliage. Compact types like Popcorn viburnum won’t overtake a small yard. Their restrained roots are less likely to interfere with patios or pipes. Plant viburnums as specimen plants or informal hedges.

7. Hydrangea

Bigleaf, panicle, oakleaf and smooth hydrangeas provide gorgeous seasonal interest and flowers. Though some can reach 8 feet tall, regular pruning will keep them in check. Their compact root balls don’t usually stray far or run deep, making them ideal for placement along porches, fences and walkways.

8. Azalea

Azaleas light up spring gardens with their abundant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, purple and coral. These flowering shrubs thrive in acidic well-drained soil. Dwarf evergreen azaleas work beautifully in rock gardens and beds with their shallow fibrous roots. Larger types can be pruned to keep compact.

9. Rosemary

Rosemary is a tough evergreen herb that doubles as an ornamental shrub. Its narrow root system keeps it from becoming root bound, even in a pot. Rosemary won’t invade beds or crack walkways next to it. Upright varieties work well in containers or as petite foundation plants and hedges.

10. Spirea

Spirea offers vibrant seasonal interest with white spring blooms, colored summer foliage and fall hues. These classic shrubs are easy to grow. Varieties like Anthony Waterer red spirea and Goldflame spirea have roots that tend to be compact and don’t spread far. Keep them pruned to control their size.

11. Potentilla

Potentillas are rugged flowering shrubs that bloom all summer. Their five-petaled blossoms come in sunny hues of yellow, red, pink, orange and white. These tough plants have fibrous roots that shouldn’t disrupt nearby walkways or pipes. Use potentilla as flowering groundcovers, borders or foundation plants.

12. Boxleaf Euonymus

For evergreen structure, boxleaf euonymus is a top pick. The compact shrub works well clipped into crisp formal hedges or let loose in cottage gardens. Its dense mat of fine roots won’t invade lawn or garden areas. Dwarf Japanese euonymus is ideal for edges and containers. Larger boxleaf euonymus can be sheared as needed.

Tips for Planting Near Foundations

Here are some useful tips for planting shrubs with non invasive roots around your home’s sensitive areas:

• Allow ample space between plants and any paved areas where roots could potentially cause damage if they spread.

• Use containment solutions like rhizome barriers and root directing mesh when planting close to foundations.

• Prune shrubs regularly to keep growth compact and discourage large root systems.

• Water shrubs near foundations carefully to avoid excess moisture against the structure.

• Fertilize minimally to help restrict root overgrowth.

With the right plant picks, you can have beautiful, well-behaved shrubs that won’t overrun their space or turn into maintenance nightmares. Non invasive-rooted shrubs let you landscape problem areas with confidence.