Old-Fashioned Shrubs That Give Your Landscape An Old-Money Look

If watching shows like "Bridgerton" or "Downton Abbey" has you dreaming of promenading along your park-like property, there is a way to re-create the look. And no, you don't need to inherit a castle, or move to the English countryside for that matter. There are ways to achieve an old-money aesthetic right in your backyard. You can get an aristocratic update to your outdoor space just by choosing to plant old-fashioned flowering shrubs like forsythia, common lilac, and hydrangeas.

These eye-catching plants can turn your yard into a lush landscape that harks back to an older, more genteel era. Along with a throwback nod, these floral plantings also add some timeless curb appeal. You can use forsythia instead of pavers for a beautiful driveway edge, but there are so many ways to put this iconic shrubbery to good use. So grab your sun umbrella and let's take a tour of the perfect classic shrubs for an old-money garden.

Hydrangeas are a beautiful option to bring an old-money feel to your yard. Oak leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) bloom with white flowers that turn from pink to tan in the fall. This flowering phenom grows well in full sun but can handle partial shade, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Another popular hydrangea variety with its colorful globe-shaped flowers is the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), hardy to zones 6 through 11. It also does well in partial shade, but will require protection from the afternoon sun. Both hydrangea types need well-draining soil. If you can plant these close together while balancing their sunlight needs, they create a beautiful blooming border.

If you're looking to plant a fragrant flowering shrub, common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) stands out with its dramatic vibrant clusters of purple flowers that deliver a sweet smell. It's hardy to USDA zones 3 through 7 and has a long history in the U.S., with the oldest reported lilacs planted at a governor's estate in the 18th century. Forsythia is an adaptable plant that comes in many varieties. Its yellow springtime flowers bloom best in full sun, but forsythia will make do in partial shade. It's suitable for hardiness zones 5 through 8.

To work these old-fashioned shrubs into your landscape design, look to how they were planted in the past — shrubs were sometimes planted near old homes to obscure their foundations, but if you go this route, keep your bushes at least three to five feet from your house depending on their fully- matured size. They can also be landscaped as a standalone hedge, or as a garden border. In short, these shrubs are a delightful yard addition with old-world flair.