Shrubs 

Shrubs have many of the same attributes as trees – they have year-round value, particularly the evergreens, but they lack the physical presence of trees. They make up for that with more lavish displays of flowers and more colourful foliage. There is a wider choice of shrubs, both large and small. In the small garden they can take the place of trees. Most the flowering shrubs are at their best in spring and early summer, although there are important exception, including fuchsia and roses.

When to plant

Container-grown shrubs can be planted all the year round but the ideal period is during spring or autumn when there is still some heat in the soil to encourage rapid establishment. Shrubs planted during the late spring or summer months will need to be well watered, especially if a peat compost has been used. Bare root deciduous shrubs are best planted during the period from late October to mid-March. On light soils autumn planting is recommended so that roots become established to take advantage of available soil moisture in the spring. On heavy wet soils and exposed sites, roots may rot during the winter and the plants suffer wind damage so it is best to plant in the spring.

Planting should never be done if the ground is very wet or frozen. Evergreens continue to lose moisture through their leaves during the winter and are prone to drying out. This group of plants should never be planted during spells of cold drying winds.

Where to plant

Shrubs are happiest and will thrive best when planted in the open ground but, as gardens become smaller, many are now being planted in containers for use on patios. Container-grown shrubs need more attention than those grown in the ground, particularly with regard to feeding and watering.

Shrubs are planted in the garden for a variety of reasons. They give form and structure to a design and can beautify a garden because of their shape, scent, colourful flowers, fruits and attractive foliage. Shrubs can vary in size from soil hugging, ground-cover plants, such as Lithodora ‘Heavenly Blue’ to substantial specimens over 4 metres high. Where individual shrubs are planted depends on their function. Tall growing shrubs are planted to provide the framework of the garden and smaller ones are planted for contrast and harmony. Normally tall growing shrubs are planted towards the back of the border and smaller ones to the front but exceptions need to be made to avoid monotony.

Most shrubs sold in garden centres have labels giving information on their height and spread and also on their main attributes. Garden centre staff are also available to advise on the ideal location for particular plants.

What to plant

In addition to selecting plants for their function and beauty, shrubs should also be selected carefully to suit conditions in the garden. Choice is determined by soil type (water retentive or open/free draining), soil acidity (acid or limy/ alkaline) and aspect (sunny or shady). Problems that might arise due to low temperature, wind exposure and salt spray must also be considered. Some shrubs for particular situations are given below:-

How to plant

As most shrubs are long lived, the ground should be well cultivated before planting. The planting hole should be at least twice the diameter of the container or root ball, so that the roots can be well spread out and backfill soil can be worked in easily around the plant. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole so that new roots will penetrate the surrounding soil more easily. Any dead or diseased roots should be removed from bare root plants. Stand container- grown plants in water for half an hour before planting to ensure that the compost is thoroughly moist. Before planting, remove netting or hessian from root balled shrubs and pots from container grown plants. If roots of container- grown plants are matted or coiled around the root ball, these should be gently teased out with fingers or hand fork to enable them to grow outwards into the surrounding soil. Shrubs should be planted at the same depth as they were growing previously in the container or open ground. This is normally clearly seen as a dark soil mark near the base of the stem. As the soil is backfilled around the roots it should be firmed in stages by treading to remove air pockets. Care should be taken not to over compact heavy, clay soil. Staking is not normally necessary except for large shrubs with a poor root system.