Garden Shrubs

Garden shrubs may be deciduous or evergreen and range from plants no more than an inch or two high, such as some heaths and creeping willows, to huge rhododendrons.

Some woody shrub plants may grow either as large shrubs or trees according to circumstances.

When the lower part of the shrub is woody and the upper shoots are soft, it is referred to as a sub-shrub.

There can be no other form of gardening that has enjoyed a more rapid growth in popularity over the past few years than shrubs.

The majority of shrubs are easy to grow, tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions - apart from the calcifuges, or lime-haters, such as rhododendrons, camellias and other similar groups of shrubs.

Shrubs for containers

Several varieties of flowering and foliage shrubs will thrive in containers with a little attention and will provide a focal point in your garden.

If you want to grow acid-loving shrubs and you don't have the right soil, then growing shrubs in containers is a good idea as you can create bespoke planting conditions.

Container shrubs can add a new dimension to your patio, if you have room in the garden you could grow several varieties that flower at different times of the year and replace those that have finished flowering.