Choosing the right trees, shrubs, and plants for your landscape is essential to achieving a thriving, low-maintenance, and visually stunning outdoor space. At Great Estates Landscaping, we believe in selecting field-tested plants that flourish in Northeast Georgia’s climate, ensuring lasting beauty, resilience, and year-round interest.
Whether you’re looking to create a private, shaded retreat, add seasonal color, or enhance curb appeal, our team of experts has put together a curated list of trees, shrubs, and perennials that will make 2025 the year your landscape truly shines.
Let’s explore our top recommendations and why these selections are the best investment for your landscape this year.
Why Choosing the Right Trees, Shrubs, and Plants Matters
Your landscape is an extension of your home, and choosing the right plants ensures:
Long-term success – Selecting plants suited to our climate reduces maintenance and replacements.
Effortless beauty – The right combination of trees, shrubs, and perennials provides seasonal interest and lasting appeal.
Functional benefits – Whether for shade, privacy, or erosion control, the right plant choices add practical value to your outdoor space.
With so many options available, our experts have identified the best-performing landscape selections for Northeast Georgia.
Best Perennials for 2025: Year After Year Beauty
Perennials are a fantastic investment because they return each year, adding seasonal color, texture, and greenery without the need for replanting. Our top picks include options for sun, shade, and groundcover, ensuring every corner of your yard can flourish.
Perennials for Shade
- Hosta – Known for its lush foliage and striking texture, hostas thrive in shady garden beds and add a luxurious, layered look.
- Ferns – Low-maintenance and elegantly airy, ferns are perfect for wooded areas, borders, or container gardens.
Perennials for Sun
- Black-eyed Susan – A hardy, small perennial that produces bright yellow blooms throughout summer and attracts pollinators.
- Iris – A timeless garden favorite that thrives in sunny areas, offering delicate yet bold flowers in a variety of colors.
- Miss Huff Lantana – A large, sun-loving perennial that boasts vibrant flowers and attracts butterflies while thriving in Georgia’s summer heat.
Groundcovers
- Dwarf Mondo Grass (Shade) – A low-maintenance, evergreen groundcover that forms a lush, carpet-like texture, perfect for pathways and borders.
- Ajuga – A versatile and fast-growing groundcover that thrives in both sun and part shade, offering rich foliage and seasonal blooms.
Shrubs & Flowering Plants for 2025
Shrubs provide year-round interest, structure, and curb appeal. Whether you’re looking for seasonal flowers, evergreen foliage, or vibrant color, our expert-selected plants will enhance any landscape design.
Top Shrubs for Shade
- Sunshine Anise – A fragrant, shade-tolerant evergreen that adds year-round greenery and is deer-resistant.
Best Shrubs for Part Shade
- Encore Azaleas – Unlike traditional azaleas, these bloom multiple times a year, providing seasonal bursts of color with minimal maintenance.
Shrubs for Full Sun
- Camellia Sasanqua – A hardy, winter-blooming shrub that brings color to the landscape when most other plants are dormant.
- Limelight Hydrangea – Known for its stunning white-green blooms, this sun-loving hydrangea is heat-tolerant and low-maintenance.
Pro Tip: Pair Limelight Hydrangeas with Encore Azaleas to create a dynamic display of color from spring to fall.
Best Trees for 2025: Shade, Privacy & Year-Round Beauty
Trees are the anchors of any landscape, providing shade, screening, seasonal beauty, and even energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking to add privacy, enhance curb appeal, or create a picturesque backdrop, these selections are sure to thrive in Northeast Georgia.
Best Trees for Shade & Understory Planting
- Cherokee Princess Dogwood – A classic, elegant tree with showy white spring flowers, ideal for smaller yards or woodland settings.
- Camellia Japonica – A winter-blooming tree with rich, colorful flowers, perfect for adding year-round interest and structure.
Top Trees for Privacy & Screening
- Green Giant Arborvitae – A fast-growing evergreen that provides instant privacy and serves as a natural windbreak.
Best Trees for Small Spaces
- Little Gem Magnolia – A compact magnolia that offers classic Southern charm, glossy green leaves, and fragrant white flowers without taking up too much space.
Trees for Sun & Fall Color
- October Glory Maple – A stunning shade tree that provides brilliant red foliage in the fall and lush greenery in summer.
- Wildfire Black Gum – A low-maintenance, sun-loving tree that offers deep red fall foliage and attracts pollinators and birds.
Why Choose These Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials?
Proven Performance – Each selection has been field-tested and thrives in Northeast Georgia’s climate.
Low Maintenance Plants – These plants require minimal care while providing maximum beauty.
Seasonal Interest – Carefully selected for year-round color, blooms, and foliage.
Functional Landscape Benefits – Whether you need privacy, shade, erosion control, or pollinator-friendly options, these plants deliver results.
Professional Installation: The Key to a Thriving Landscape
Selecting the right plants is only part of the equation—proper installation is critical for long-term success. Our professional landscape team ensures:
Optimal Plant Placement – We assess sun exposure, soil conditions, and spacing for maximum growth potential.
Expert Soil Preparation – Proper soil conditioning promotes deep root development and plant longevity.
Irrigation & Drainage Solutions – We design custom watering strategies to prevent over- or under-watering.
Ongoing Maintenance Plans – From seasonal fertilization to trimming and pruning, we offer continued care for long-term beauty.
By working with Great Estates Landscaping, you ensure that your landscape investment thrives for years to come.
Upgrade Your Landscape with the Best Trees, Shrubs & Plants for 2025
Ready to transform your outdoor space? If you’re looking for privacy trees, low-maintenance perennials, or flowering shrubs, our expert team can design and install a landscape that enhances your home’s beauty and value.
Call us today to schedule a consultation!
A well-planned landscape isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about choosing the right plants that will thrive, enhance your outdoor space, and increase your home’s value. With these expert-recommended trees, shrubs, and perennials for 2025, you can create a low-maintenance, high-impact landscape that stands the test of time.
For homeowners looking for premium landscaping services, Great Estates Landscaping is your trusted partner in creating stunning, sustainable landscapes. Let’s bring your dream landscape to life. Contact us today.