• Holly is often used for holiday decorations.Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  Popularity of landscaping shrubs depends on growing conditions in your location and the desired effect. Popular shrubs in desert areas will be different from those chosen in cooler or wetter climates. You might choose flowering shrubs for accents or formal hedges for privacy. Consider the shrubs' function and your climate and growing conditions when choosing which popular landscaping shrubs you use in your landscape.
  
  

Holly

• Among the hundreds of varieties of evergreen holly shrubs, you are sure to find one that will grow in your location. According to North Carolina State University, in the warmer locations of zones 7 to 9, the claredon spreading American holly (Ilex opaca) grows slowly to 12 feet tall. It forms small white flowers in summer, followed by red berries that persist through the winter and attract birds. Holiday decorations often include holly branches including the berries. This holly prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial sun.
  
  

Lilac

• A single common lilac shrub (Syringa vulgaris) can grow to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide, providing an impressive accent in your yard. Fragrant flowers cover the plant each spring. Although lavender flowers are most common, you can also grow plants that bloom in pink or white. When the flowers are gone, the still-attractive green shrub can provide accent or shade in your yard. The lilac needs at least partial to full sun and tolerates most soil types.
  
  

Forsythia

• Early forsythia (Forsythia ouata) grows up to 6 feet tall. The bright yellow flowers bloom in early spring, often the first flowers in the area. It prefers full sun and loose soil. The forsythia is drought-tolerant but prefers a cooler climate. This shrub can be planted as a hedge. Prune the forsythia right after it blooms, to preserve new growth for next year's flowers.
  
  

Boxwood

• The common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) grows slowly to 20 feet tall, with dense foliage all the way to the ground. The boxwood prefers full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant. Because you can prune this evergreen shrub to shape it or to keep it smaller, it works well as a foundation plant or a hedge.
  
  

Rosemary

• In the warmer climates of Arizona and California, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) will grow to 6 feet tall and spread arching branches out to 4 feet. According to Jeff Schalau of Arizona Cooperative Extension, although it likes hot, dry weather, this shrub will survive through a winter down to 10 degrees F. The needle-like aromatic leaves commonly provide flavoring for meats and sauces. Tiny blue flowers bloom in winter as the weather cools, or whenever the plant receives extra water. The rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but will tolerate light shade and periods of drought.