Reliable Shrubs to Grow in Your Garden and How to Care for Them

Modified on Wed, 8 Jan at 4:15 PM

Shrubs are features of many of our gardens which are regularly underappreciated. While not as typically showy as a rose or as tall as a tree, shrubs are so crucial for giving a space structure, reliable colour, and a diverse habitat for wildlife.

Plus, they are simply so versatile and can be grown into long hedges, to fill borders or as standalone specimens.

Shrubs come in different shapes and sizes, like this Ilex crenata ‘Dark Green’

What is possibly our favourite feature of shrubs? They provide year-round interest, as many are evergreen and remain coated in foliage from spring to winter, while even those that drop leaves at certain times continue to look interesting when standing bare.

Many shrubs produce beautiful flowers bursting with colour and fragrance, drawing the eye of not only your garden’s guests, but beneficial insects and pollinators too.

Birds, insects, and mammals will particularly appreciate a variety or two in your garden, as autumnal dainty fruits are valuable food sources, and the foliage offers shelter from adverse seasonal conditions and predators.

What’s more, shrubs are ideal for modern gardeners with low maintenance growing aspirations, as once established they require very little care or ongoing upkeep, offering plenty of beauty and interest from little attention indeed.

Types of Shrubs for Your Garden

Gardeners really are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a shrub for their garden, which is probably why so many of us grow a plethora! The only issue is deciding which one to plant next…

Lavender: The classic garden shrub, particularly loved for fragrant flowers. Lavender shrubs draw pollinators to the garden, plus they are tolerant of drought and will thrive in many different growing conditions and schemes.
Buxus: Also known as Box hedging, these are versatile and evergreen shrubs that are easy to trim in a topiary style or for borders. They are relatively slow-growing and with regular pruning can look very ornamental and shapely.
Rhododendron: Big and showy blooms steal the headlines when growing Rhododendrons, and are available in a range of colours, from the rich and luxurious purple spring flowers of ‘Marcel Menard’ to the mass of pure white blooms of ‘Madam Masson’. Rhododendron prefer acidic soil and are best suited for shaded areas.
Hydrangea: Hydrangea shrubs emerge with big and colourful blooms, many of which even change colour depending on the pH of the soil they are grown in, so your display will be unique to you. Hydrangea prefer moist soil that can freely drain.
Forsythia: A great option for winter colour. Forsythia are deciduous shrubs that bloom from late in the cold months to early in spring, with bright yellow or white flowers. It is a low-maintenance variety that can be grown in many different conditions.

Get Growing with Shrubs in Your Garden

Tempted to grow some shrubs in your garden? Take a browse through the remarkable varieties we have on offer right now. To get you started on your shrub growing journey, here are a few hints and tips.

Aim to plant in either autumn or spring to give the plants the best chance of establishing before extreme temperatures arrive. Choose a planting spot that suits the needs of your specific shrub, as some prefer full sun while others will thrive in the shade.

When planting, prepare the soil by digging in plenty of organic matter and make sure the soil is well-draining, particularly for those shrubs that struggle in waterlogged conditions.

Water regularly, especially when conditions are prolonged and dry, then once established most shrubs will scarcely require additional watering. Apply a balanced fertiliser once a year, in spring.

Prune regularly to keep your shrubs looking beautiful! Remember to consider the pruning recommendations of different varieties when you come to prune!

Keep an eye out for any pesky pests or diseases that may threaten to spoil your shrub display. The earlier you spot an issue, the easier it will be to tackle.

By choosing the right shrubs and providing them with proper care, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that benefits both you and the wildlife around.