Shrubs

Shrubs range from small bushes to tree-like specimens that fill your landscape with ease. They ask very little of you yet provide structure, filling, and presence year after year. Plants included in this collection are tried-and-true choices for the avid gardener. Plants that you can depend on to be there season after season. Once established, shrubs aren’t a constant challenge to upkeep. They reward you with balanced growth, reliability and low maintenance for decades after planting. Shrubs include everything in between trees and perennials. They provide height, texture and balance in a planted space. Hydrangea paniculata, Ilex verticillata, Viburnum dentatum and Spiraea japonica are a few examples of shrubs that require very little fuss and always deliver beautiful results.  

Shrubs That Are Easy to Grow and Take Care Of

  Shrubs may be some of the easiest plants to grow. Once they’re planted in a good location with proper soil preparation they practically take care of themselves. While most shrubs appreciate water during the first season after planting, once the root system has developed they’re on their own. Plant examples like Physocarpus opulifolius, Clethra alnifolia, and Aronia melanocarpa require minimal care once established. Shrubs adapt to their surroundings each season based on weather and available moisture. Though you can prune most shrubs to maintain a desired shape or density, they often take care of that themselves. Many will grow symmetrically or evenly distribute outward, no matter what happens. Adding mulch at the base of your shrubs helps trap in moisture and protects the soil. Leave them be and these easy shrubs will reward you year after year.  

Shrubs That Provide Structure and Longevity

  Few other plants provide structure and reliability to your landscape quite like shrubs. Many plants use trees and shrubs as anchor pieces in their design. Buxus sempervirens, Rhododendron maximum and Cornus sericea are just a few examples of shrubs that help bring your landscape together. Used properly, they soften your home’s foundation, create attractive borders along sidewalks, walkways and driveways. They provide beautiful filler when used as masses or grouped together. Over time, the root systems of shrubs become larger and well established. As they fill out you can count on them to remain full and lush with very little intervention. Their foliage provides four season interest in many cases, and their ability to stand tall on their own brings balance to any landscape.  

Shrubs That Will Grow Well In Your Growing Zone

  Maybe the most important thing to consider when choosing shrubs is your hardiness zone. Like all plants, shrubs have an ideal spot on the planet where they perform their best. By choosing plants that grow well in your gardening zone, you can ensure a thriving plant for years to come. Amelanchier canadensis, Itea virginica and Juniperus virginiana are just a few stellar examples of shrubs that can excel in a variety of growing zones. Plants like these often require very little attention and get stronger with each passing year. Water your new shrub every few days to keep the soil evenly moist the first year. After that you can pretty much forget about it!