10 Edible Shrubs for a Beautiful (and Delicious) Garden, According to Experts

Blackberry

Although closely related to raspberries, blackberries are larger and shinier, and they aren't nearly as sweet. This late-season crop is a fall favorite of gardeners and foragers and is absolutely delicious fresh, or when baked into an autumn treat. Rubus fruticosus grows wild in the eastern half of the U.S. and on the Pacific coast, but you can cultivate domesticated varieties in your garden.

"The newer cultivars are bred for smaller spaces," says author, gardener, and podcast host Teri Speight. "There are even thornless varieties." Be aware that blackberry brambles do spread rapidly!

• Zones: 4 to 9, possibly zone 3
• Mature size: Can be about 3 to 6 feet tall depending on variety and age
• Care requirements: Full sun, loose soil, well-drained but properly fertilized
  

American Highbush Cranberry

Not to be confused with the lowbush cranberry that grows in bogs (Vaccinium macrocarpon), the highbush cranberry (Viburnum opulus var. americanum) is a large shrub that produces truly lovely white blossoms, followed by bright red berries in late summer.

These cranberries tend to be tart, but they can be quite tasty when made into jam or jelly. The European form of the highbush cranberry has bitter fruit that isn't edible, so be careful to choose the American species. 

• Zones: 2 through 7
• Mature size: Up to 12 feet tall x 10 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, moist soil

Blueberry

Blueberries (Vaccinium) are one of those super-delicious fruits that everybody seems to love. They're great when eaten fresh, but they also add a lot of flavor to muffins, pies, jams, and more. Theoretically, blueberries are easy enough to grow, but you may have to do some homework beforehand—and perhaps even some soil prep.

Blueberries need acidic soil with a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5, and getting the soil to this state can take some time and effort—you may have to work additives like sulfur in so that the microbes can convert them into sulfates.

However, once your blueberry bushes are established, you can enjoy the berries for years to come—with one caveat. "Growing berries can be easy," says gardening author and podcast host Kathy Jentz. "The hard part is beating the birds and other creatures to them so you can eat some too!" 

• Zones: 3 to 10
• Mature size: 2 feet tall (for low bush), 6 feet tall (for high bush)
• Care requirements: Full sun, acidic soil
  

Elderberry

The fairly large elderberry shrub adds a nice statement to your garden's landscaping with its aesthetic shape, compound leaves, and large clusters of white blossoms. And, of course, there are the berries, which shouldn't be eaten raw because of natural toxins but are often used in jams, wines, syrups, and similar recipes. Plus, these berries pack a real nutritional punch.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Mature size: 6 to 12 feet tall
• Care requirements: Full sun for fruit, partial shade is acceptable for decorative shrubs. Well-drained soil.

Raspberry

Like blackberries, raspberries belong to the genus Rubus, but unlike blackberries, raspberries are smaller and sweeter. For some, raspberries are the pinnacle of fresh summer fruit, but they're also incredible in jams and jellies. "Grow what you know you'll eat, and make certain it fits your growing space and zone," says Speight. 

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Mature size: 3 to 8 feet tall x 3 to 8 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil

Gooseberry

A gooseberry shrub produces large, 1 to 2 inch berries that almost look like tiny melons. "Plant these delicious berries in spring or fall," says Speight. She notes that Ribes hirtellum can work well as a container plant, but that you'll need rich soil for optimal growth, so it's important to add compost and keep the soil moist.

"If you want larger berries, consider random pruning and harvesting in early summer," she says. "This allows the shrub to form larger, juicy berries in late August. Make sure to cover with netting to keep the birds at bay."

• Zones: 3 to 7
• Mature size: 3 to 5 feet tall x up to 6 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained, moist soil

Serviceberry

Similar in appearance to blueberries, serviceberries (Amelanchier) are a little larger, often with a red or purple tinge. The shrub itself is delightful in appearance, especially when it's flowering, so for some gardeners, it's worth planting just for that reason. Serviceberries are good raw, used in desserts and baked goods, or mixed with other berries. They can also be dried and used like you use raisins. Serviceberry is a large shrub that can grow to be the size of a small tree. However, it can be pruned to shrub size if desired. 

• Zones: 2 to 8
• Mature size: Up to 25 feet tall x 15 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun or shade, but berry production is better with sun. Well-drained soil.

Rosemary

This Mediterranean herb pairs beautifully with beef, pork, poultry, or lamb, and it's also a delicious addition to baked goods and soups. Plus, it's easy to grow! "Rosemary is my 'plant-it-and-forget' herb, even though it is known as the herb of remembrance," says Speight.

She notes that Rosemarinus officinalis is drought tolerant, pest tolerant, and does well in lean soil. "When cutting, the shrub remains unbothered," she says. "This herb is also relatively long lived when placed in a full-sun, well-drained site."

• Zones: 8 to 11, grown as an annual elsewhere
• Mature size: 2 to 6 feet tall
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil

Fig

Figs grow quite tall and add a nice touch to your landscaping—plus, you have the fruits. However, you do need to be in the right climate to grow them. "Figs need full sun and can grow in Zones 6 to 11," says Jentz, noting that in Zones 6 and 7 the plants will need some extra winter protection. "You will want to select the more winter-hardy varieties like Celeste, Chicago Hardy, and Brown Turkey."

She says that, even with added protection, a very cold winter can cause your fig to die back to the ground. However, it will usually then regenerate from the roots. "Figs hate root competition, so make sure there are no weeds or other plantings in their root zone. You can mulch lightly in that area to retain the soil moisture," Jentz says. 

• Zones: 6 to 11
• Mature size: About 20 feet tall x about 20 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil
  

Pineapple Sage

This mint family member is native to Central America, but used as a popular annual in more northern climates. When crushed, the leaves are said to emit a fruity, pineapple-like scent, which is where Salvia elegans gets its common name.

The blossoms of pineapple sage are spectacular, but they bloom quite late in the growing season, and you may struggle with frost before they blossom. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, and are most often used as a garnish in beverages or salads.

• Zones: 8 to 11 (annual elsewhere)
• Mature size: 3 to 5 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil