Shrubs

Shrubs in actual fact are plants which have evolved by producing woody stems to enable them to grow above and compete with other vegetation around them. Many shrubs have been native to the British Isles since the last ice age retreated some 12000 years ago and these can be found as dwarf shrubs on moorlands and hillsides, i.e. heathers, gorse and bilberries and even in sand dunes in coastal areas where sea buckthorn predominates.

Shrubs, depending on where the species has evolved, can vary from just a few centimeters to 4 metres in height. Over 4 metres we start to classify them as trees.

The very dwarf shrub species have evolved on mountainsides to allow snow to slide over them, or are denizens of remote, exposed places were both sun and wind would desiccate the foliage and restrict the growth of larger shrubs.

Although the Romans introduced a number of shrubs to the Britain most of these such as Lavender and Rosemary were for their herbal properties. Most of the ornamental shrubs we now see growing in our gardens have been introduced by plant collectors who, in the last three hundred years have introduced the seed of thousands of plant species not only from Eastern European countries, but also America, Asia, China, Japan, Newzealand and other countries which have a climate similar to our own.

Nurserymen have also played a great role, not only in financing many of the plant collectors, but also in the careful selection of superior forms and sports. Cross breeding of shrub species has also resulted in the introduction of thousands of named hybrids which have added to the selection the gardener can choose from.

Many first time gardeners will go along to their local nursery, or garden centre and seeing a plant in flower will purchase it without thought of what type of soil it needs to be planted in, or even if it will thrive in exposed sites. Unless you know your plants this impulsive buying can often result in disaster. If in doubt ask a knowledgeable plant person at a nursery, garden centre, or even a successful local gardener.

Many shrubs will grow in most fertile, moist but well drained soils, but don’t take this for granted. Rhododendrons, Camellias, Pieris, heathers and all other Ericaceous shrubs will require a fertile, but acid soil of around PH5.5. These will need to be planted in 50% of your own soil mixed with 50% composted bark, or peat. If you garden on chalk, or limestone you will need to create beds raised 30 cm above your own soil level and infill this with half John Innes number 3 compost and half composted bark. You can grow all Ericaceous plants in pots of the same medium but do make sure the pots have feet beneath them to allow the pots to drain. Pot grown plants are also only ever as good as their owner, regular watering during the growing season is a must.

Some plants resent acid soils, especially those containing peat which is inclined to go soggy during the winter months. The leaves of grey leaved plants such as Lavender turn a dingy grey on acid soils and Phormiums may loose their roots.

Do remember that shrubs which flower, or start to grow early in the season i.e. Camellias and Japanese Maples are best planted, or placed were they do not receive the morning sun, ideally facing due west, or even when planted beneath open woodland .

Bamboos are actually shrubs being woody members of the grass family and the hardy forms of these can vary in height from 30cms to 4 metres or more in height. The woody stems can vary in colour greens, yellows and even black. A number also have attractive variegated foliage. Bamboos, although ideal to give the garden a tropical appearance, resent hot, dry sites and if the soil, especially so in pot grown specimens, becomes dry then the foliage will often roll inwards in an attempt to conserve moisture.

Many shrubs have developed the ability to climb up through other tall shrubs and even trees. They do this by either twining their stems or tendrils around anything within reach, (Clematis, Lonicera and Wisteria are prime examples of twiners) or by producing small aerial roots, or sucker pads which help them to cling to tree trunks, or even walls. Most climbing plants in nature have their roots in the shade, consequently they hate hot feet. When planting against a wall plant a dwarf shrub in front to shade the roots. Do NOT place a piece of paving slab, or slate on top of the root, this will only reflect the heat upwards causing the bottom foliage to turns brown through heat stress or mildew.

Further information on shrubs can be obtained by calling at our nursery where a number of fact sheets are obtainable free of charge.

Click here to see a list of some of the shrubs we may have in stock