Shrubs

There are many points in favour of having these plants in a garden, they last a long time, they add a wide range of colour and they add relief to the garden. This is why they are becoming more and more popular !

Before planting...
A shrub is a plant that has stems that last from one year to the next, unlike perennial plants that regrow each year from their base. Shrubs like trees build up wood and can therefore increase in size to varying degrees. Thyme is a very small shrub that does not exceed 50cm in height. Pittosporums by contrast have beautiful shiny green foliage; they often reach 5m in height and can even grow as tall as 8m or more: they are practically trees! The important thing before planting any shrub is to know both how tall and wide it will be when it reaches adult size. Usually shrubs that grow tall also tend to grow in width. Make sure that you give them enough space so that they can truly flourish. Also, allow enough space between shrubs that tend to have a wide base. Fill up any spaces between the shrubs initially with plants that can later give up their place to the shrubs. These plants could be flowers or short-lived shrubs.

There are shrubs that are suitable for all types of soil, position and uses: choose those that are best suited to your needs, as it will make life much easier.

At planting time
Be very careful when planting shrubs, as they will be there for years to come! In particular, make sure to untangle their root ball. This is made easier if the root ball has been soaked in water for an hour or so beforehand. Use a hand fork or your fingers to untangle the roots, so they can be spread out in the planting hole. Water the shrub regularly during the first year, thereafter less frequent watering is required. Remember that it will take longer to establish than a small flowering plant !

Looking after them
Shrubs demand less maintenance than most other plants. Give them some slow release fertilizer if the soil is poor. They can usually manage without pruning but a quick going over with the secateurs will make them look better. However, roses and the butterfly bush are the exceptions; these shrubs must be pruned every year. Prune other shrubs when they get too cumbersome or loose their shape. Generally, shrubs do not like too severe a pruning. Also, do not wait years before attacking an annoying branch: the younger it is when cut the better. A shrub well pruned is also less susceptible to disease. Finally remember that even shrubs have a life span and after about 20 years, many shrubs will start to decline !