Shrub Types and Care

Shrubs are multi-stemmed woody plants unlike single trunk trees. Shrubs can be deciduous (lose leaves each fall) or evergreen types (stay green year-round). Some larger shrubs can grow 15 to 20 feet in height.

Shrubs in Landscaping

Shrubs in landscaping give form to your yard landscaping. The variety selected for landscaping around a house are determined by how fast they grow, sun requirements, texture, height, shape, wind tolerance, and landscaping needs for year-round greenery or fall foliage. You may want a mixture of shrubs that includes shrubs that provide spring color or summer blooms.

Shrubs for Specific Requirements

If deer descend on your shrubs, you may need to plant shrubs that are deer resistant. You can plant pollinator shrubs to attract butterflies. You can find shrubs that require shade to plant on the north side of your house.

Hedges and Other Shrubs for Screening

There are many instances when you may need to plant a hedge or choose shrubbery to serve as privacy screening from a neighbor. You may decide taller shrubs are the best solution to block an eyesore building or business from your backyard view.

Shrubs for Channeling Foot Traffic

You can learn how to use small or large shrubs to create channels that guide foot traffic through your yard or garden. Sidewalks and paths can be lined with various smaller shrubs to accent the hardscapes.

Fragrant Shrubs

You can add a touch of romance to any landscaping when you include fragrant shrubs. You may want to select several, such as lilacs, gardenias, rose bushes, jasmine, and daphne.

Pruning Your Shrubs

Each shrub has specific care requirements to ensure you have a healthy plant you should follow the guidelines. You need to know when to prune a shrub, such as the best time to prune rose bushes or various hydrangeas.

Plant Small, Grow Tall

You don't necessarily need to plant shrubs that are full grown. You can save money by purchasing shrub seedlings. Make sure you allow enough garden space for them to grow.

A Few Warnings About Shrubs

A landscaping plan should take into account any shrubs that have a harmful feature. This could be a warning to avoid planting pointed leaf holly plants or a shrub that features thorns along a walkway.

Wide Selection of Shrubs

The selection of possible shrubs for your yard landscaping is wide with most shrubs offering several varieties. Keep your USDA Hardiness zone in mind when selecting shrubs to ensure your plant selections will survive over winter.