Shrubs
Shrubs form the foundation of most gardens and planting schemes, adding shape and structure in addition to a wide range of ornamental features. They are a highly varied and versatile group, distinguished from trees by their multiple stems and shorter height. When looking for shrubs, consider whether you want evergreen shrubs or deciduous specimens and try to incorporate a mix of varieties that have seasonal features such as flowers, berries, fruit, attractive bark or vibrant foliage at different times of the year into your borders.
Shrubs by Variety
Evergreen Shrubs
Best Selling Shrubs
Shrub Guides
Shrubs are small to medium-sized woody plants distinguished from trees due to their multiple stems branching from the base and shorter height, although some plants can grow into either shrubs or trees depending on the growing conditions.
Our growing guide steps through how to choose a shrub, planting, growing in a container, ideal growing conditions and garden care such as watering, weeding and mulching. We also step through each shrub variety to help you choose before you buy.
How Many Shrubs and Trees do I need?
You can determine the quantity of plants required depending on their eventual spread, factoring in the growing location. This article shows the key considerations and calculations behind how many plants you'll need for your planting area.
Short, straight to the point, simple guide on how to plant container grown plants and root balled and bare root with additional specific advice for planting evergreens. Step by step guide to each part of the planting process with action photographs.
Insights to help you understand your current soil type: texture and composition, drainage, fertility and PH.We also share some tips for improving your soil and the best plants for different soil types.
Uses for Shrubs in the Garden
Shrubs have a huge array of uses: low growing varieties such as Convolvulus and Forsythia make excellent groundcover plants; dense, bushy varieties are useful as hedging plants; and evergreen leafy shrubs with compact foliage like Buxus can be maintained as topiary. Choose wildlife friendly shrubs to attract more wildlife into your garden and plant fragrant shrubs such as Lavender or Daphne across the front of your home or near seating areas to add a wonderful scent. Most shrubs are undemanding, easy to grow and cared for in similar ways. Containerised shrubs can also be planted all year round. The planting time for bare root and root balled shrubs is restricted to mid-October to the end of March, with March or even April/early May actually preferable for rootballed evergreens. If you have the choice, deciduous shrubs will do best when planted between mid-autumn and late winter.
Share this page: