Shrubs come in all shapes and sizes, many with different coloured flowers and many with attractive foliage, fruits and bark. Shrubs form the backbone of any garden; they’re reliable, easy to care for, and can be used for adding structure, colour and texture – in borders, as hedges or as specimen plants.

Shrubs are plants with multiple woody stems originating from the base. Typically smaller than trees, they can be evergreen, retaining their leaves all year round, or deciduous, shedding their leaves in the autumn and then regrowing them in the spring. Unlike herbaceous perennials they do not die back each winter but retain a permanent structure.

Many shrubs provide valuable nesting sites for birds and food sources for a range of wildlife.

Caring for Shrubs

As with all plants, it’s important to apply the ‘right plant, right place’ principle as some shrubs like sun, while others prefer shade, and some shrubs require different soil conditions. In addition, some shrubs may require different spacing according to their projected size and whether they’re slow or fast growing.

All shrubs benefit from feeding in spring with a balanced, slow-release plant fertiliser as well as applying mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the shrubs, keeping it away from the stems to prevent rot.  Mulch annually in the spring or autumn with farmyard manure or bark mulch – both of which are available from the nursery.

Recently planted shrubs should be watered regularly until established; once established, most shrubs can tolerate dry spells, although they may require watering during hot dry periods. Any shrubs planted in containers, or in rain shadows near walls, will require more frequent watering than those in the ground, even after rain. Water at the base of the plant to make best use of the water, and to avoid wetting the foliage and potentially causing fungal diseases.

Many shrubs require pruning to help maintain size and shape, remove dead or damaged branches and encourage new growth. As there are so many different types of shrubs it’s always worth researching specific pruning recommendations - but as a general rule, most flowering shrubs should be pruned lightly after flowering and all shrubs can be pruned more significantly in late winter or early spring for shaping. Any damaged or crossing branches should also be removed to improve the air circulation. It may be possible to rejuvenate older, overgrown shrubs by severe pruning, but we do recommend checking recommendations for specific varieties first. Our friendly experienced team are always happy to advise.

Newly planted shrubs may require staking for support, especially in windy areas. Keep the soil around the base of the shrubs weed-free, as weeds compete with the plants for water and food.

Our Favourites

With so very many different shrubs available, it’s hard to choose our favourites, but there are some that we just don’t want to be without!

Euonymus japonicus Paloma Blanca – an adaptable compact, dense, evergreen shrub popular for the way its new leaves emerge in a greenish white colour, aging to a rich deep green. Ideal as a compact hedge or a general garden plant. Tough and hardy and drought tolerant once established. Grows up to approximately 70cm x 70cm and thrives pretty much anywhere! Many other types of Euonymus are available in a range of sizes and foliage colours.

Skimmia japonica Rubella – a must-have for any garden with its rich green aromatic leaves and red buds throughout winter followed by white flowers in spring. Low maintenance and long lasting, this bushy, evergreen shrub prefers semi-shade. Ideal in containers, in mixed borders or even as an informal hedge. Ultimate height approximately 1.5m x 1.5m. Other varieties are available including some with green buds.

Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle – a truly beautiful deciduous hydrangea with huge white flowerheads up to about 30cm across in summer, flowering above lush dark green leaves. Numerous flowers are produced all summer long which fade to a tan shade in the autumn, providing winter interest and structure. Much loved by pollinators as well as humans! A definite must-have plant for any garden with the required space, grows up to 2m x 2m in full sun or light shade. Numerous other varieties of Hydrangea are available.

Choisya ternata Sundance (Mexican Orange Blossom) – impossible to miss for its cheerful and aromatic bright yellow foliage, this evergreen bushy shrub has fragrant star-shaped flowers in spring and autumn. Prune lightly after spring flowering to get a second flush of flowers in the autumn. Thrives in full sun or light shade, growing up to 2.5m x 2.5m.

Sarcococca confusa – a bushy evergreen shrub with glossy, deep green leaves and, in winter, small sweetly-scented, creamy-white flowers, followed by glossy black berries. Thrives in shade so ideal for positioning near shady doorways and paths to enjoy the maximum impact of the beautiful scent. Grows up to approximately 1m x 1m.