Shrubs

GUIDES

We grow a diverse selection of shrubs, with a choice to suit every need in just about every climate. From evergreens that shear well into privacy hedges to flowering shrubs that provide a colorful accent to the landscape, we choose to grow only the strongest, best performing varieties. Shrubs are the backbone of a garden, and important foundation plants for your landscape. Use them to define spaces, as a backdrop for perennials, and to make your outdoor spaces more beautiful year-round.

Planting and Taking Care of Shrubs

How to Plant Shrubs

Planting shrubs starts with choosing the right location, considering the sun exposure and soil type. Most flowering shrubs require full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. When planting, dig a hole that's twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball to give the roots plenty of room to expand.

After placing the shrub in the hole, fill it with soil and water it thoroughly. For some shrubs, you'll want to mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. You want to keep the soil moist (but never soggy) during the first growing season as your shrub becomes established. And remember, there are tons of varieties of shrubs; check individual care guidelines before planting.

Essential Care Tips for Healthy Shrubs

Although they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes (with all sorts of different needs), there are some general care tips to keep in mind for your shrubs:

No matter the variety, your shrub will appreciate you pruning dead branches. This makes your plant look better!
Your shrub will appreciate consistent moisture in its first year as it becomes established, but once it matures, be careful about overwatering. While shrubs like evenly moist soil, they are susceptible to root rot. Watering your shrubs once a week should be plenty.
Most shrubs don't need extra nutrients from fertilizer. However, if you're dealing with poor soil, applying a general-purpose fertilizer should do the trick. Follow the directions on the packaging, and don't overdo it. Too much fertilizer can burn your plant's roots.

Common Issues with Shrubs

Shrubs are susceptible to various diseases, but early detection can be a lifesaver. Watch out for these pesky diseases:

Leaf Spot: Small spots on your shrub's leaves may start as a dull green/yellow color and then turn brown or black. Fungal leaf spot exists in cool, wet spring weather and is especially common on shrubs like rhododendrons, roses, and others. Usually, leaf spot is not a threat to the health of your shrub, but you should prune and remove spotted leaves during the winter (or dry summer months).
Root Rot: Phytophthora root rot is most common on azaleas, rhododendrons, leucothoe, and Japanese andromeda. This disease, which happens mostly in wet landscapes, kills the plant's roots, and its leaves turn a lighter green and eventually yellow. Over time, leaves will droop and curl toward the stems. There are certain chemical treatments for root rot, but the best solution is to make sure your shrubs are getting proper drainage.

Although issues with shrubs can arise, if you practice regular care and are attentive to your plant's needs, you'll catch warning signs early on and keep your garden healthy and happy.

Commonly Asked Questions about Shrubs

What's the difference between ornamental trees and shrubs?

The main difference between ornamental trees and shrubs is their size. Ornamental trees are 10-25 feet tall, whereas shrubs are typically under 10 feet.

What shrubs can take a lot of sun?

There are tons of shrubs that can handle full sun, such as rose, hibiscus, spirea, lilac, butterfly bushes, and more.

What are some deer-resistant shrubs?

There are plenty of options for deer-resistant shrubs; your choices depend on which hardiness zone you're growing shrubs in and what color you want. For example, a Little Darling lilac (zones 4-8) produces deep purple blooms twice a year to add color to your garden, while a Frostproof Gardenia (zones 7-11) produces beautiful white flowers and emanates an almost spicy scent. Both shrubs are deer-resistant.

Explore more deer-resistant shrubs in our guide.