Shrubs, which are more compact than trees and feature several main stems emerging from the soil, are swift to outpace their towering relatives in development, especially during their initial stages, making them perfect for quickly transforming outdoor spaces.

According to guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society, container-grown shrubs provide the versatility to be planted throughout the year, offering gardening enthusiasts countless chances to improve their outdoor areas.

Whilst those contemplating their next plant purchase might be drawn to seasonal options like fuchsia or buddleia, Alan Titchmarsh, the renowned gardening expert, champions a more enduring approach.

During his programme, Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh, he suggested: "Summer flowers are all very well for giving you instant appeal, but what every garden needs really, is year-round structure."

Alan, who also presents Love Your Garden, emphasises that shrubs can easily meet this requirement, with numerous varieties excelling at providing gardens with "form, colour and interest, right the way through the year", reports the Express.

Eucalyptus Azura

Eucalyptus Azura maintains its leafy appearance throughout all seasons.

Originating from Australia, this fragrant evergreen can reach heights of up to eight metres without regular trimming; however, its striking foliage makes it a superb option for the enthusiastic gardener. Alan suggests harvesting branches for floral displays throughout the year and encourages a vigorous prune in spring to manage size.

He recommends keeping the eucalyptus as "young and low" to ensure the silver-toned leaves remain prominent.

However, due to its sturdy root system, it's sensible to avoid planting eucalyptus azura near drains or foundations. It flourishes best when placed openly in a protected area bathed in sunlight.

The plant can withstand temperatures as low as minus 10C and even colder, making it hardy against the UK's chilly winters.

Dogwood

Among the plentiful selection available in nurseries, Dogwood is Alan's top pick. Known as Cornus Alba Sibirica, it can reach heights of 2.5m and thrives best in a garden spot bathed in sunshine, though it doesn't mind light shade.

This shrub, known for its red stems and lush foliage, promises to be more than just a seasonal joy.

Dogwood offers a trio of colourful attractions for any keen gardener: pure white blossoms in spring, lush foliage in summer, and "vibrant crimson" stems come winter. The cornus is ideal for those gardeners eager to sprinkle their gardens with autumnal hues that stand out amongst evergreens during the cooler months.

Gardening enthusiast Alan emphasises that a thorough prune in March is crucial for encouraging the bright new growth dogwoods display each year.

Mexican orange blossom

The robust green foliage of this plant, also called Chosya 'Sundance,' produces clusters of delicate white flowers in spring. Alan notes that "nothing is brighter" than the yellow-leaved variety of the Mexican orange blossom.

Even juvenile plants display vivid yellow-toned foliage, with more vibrant green shoots appearing as the plant develops. Amongst shrubs, this one develops quickly and takes on a rounded form.

Trimming is simple. You can regularly prune the orange blossom and cut it back quite severely in spring to promote upward development.

Alan describes this as a "plump cushion" of a plant that reaches around shoulder height, but you can easily maintain it low if you wish.

Euonymous japonicus

Ideal for an exposed or protected location, the Euonymous japonicus can reach between 2.5m and 4m in height. With its dense evergreen growth, Alan suggests it as a lower-maintenance substitute for topiary.

This containerised lollipop plant is positioned on a tall, sturdy stem and produces dark green oval foliage with small green blooms. For a dramatic effect, Alan suggests positioning three or four euonymous japonica along a walkway.

One of the finest qualities of this type is its durability. It's ideal for seaside planting or hedging and thrives in well-drained earth in sun or shade.

Rhododendron

Finally, there's the Rhododendron, particularly the Cosmopolitan variety which thrills with shiny, evergreen foliage and stunning pale pink flowers in spring, assuming they get proper care to encourage flowering.

Rhododendrons, beloved for their vibrant green leaves formed into a dome-shaped bush, prefer a sheltered spot with filtered shade and acidic soil conditions.

Luckily, most British earth tends to be more acidic, and gardeners will rapidly spot if the soil pH is too balanced or alkaline: the foliage will yellow, warned Alan.

Unlike eucalyptus and dogwood, rhododendron creates "vast clusters" of white, yellow, purple, and crimson flowers.

Whilst the bush has the capacity to reach up to 20ft tall, most grow to head-height and are "easy to keep in check".

Alan Titchmarsh names 5 plans that give colourful flowers 'all year round' - The Mirror