Easy-Care Shrubs

Ornamental Shrubs: Easy-Care Beauties for Your Garden

Introduction

Shrubs are a great way to add beauty and interest to your garden without a lot of fuss. They’re smaller than trees, so they won’t take over your yard, but they’re still big enough to make a statement. And best of all, many shrubs are easy to care for and drought resistant, so they’re perfect for busy gardeners or those living in dry climates.

Choosing the Right Shrubs

When choosing shrubs for your garden, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Size: Consider the size of your garden and the space you have available for shrubs. Some shrubs can grow quite large, while others stay relatively small.
• Sun exposure: Some shrubs prefer full sun, while others can tolerate partial shade or even full shade. Be sure to choose shrubs that are suited to the amount of sunlight your garden receives.
• Soil conditions: Different shrubs have different soil preferences. Some prefer well-drained soil, while others can tolerate clay or sandy soil. Be sure to choose shrubs that are suited to the soil conditions in your garden.

10 Easy-Care Ornamental Shrubs

Here is a list of 10 easy-care ornamental shrubs that are perfect for beginners or busy gardeners:

1. ‘Snowflake’ Oakleaf Hydrangea: This hydrangea is known for its large, showy white flowers that bloom in the summer. It also has attractive lobed leaves that turn red in the fall.
2. ‘Emerald Gaiety’ Wintercreeper: This wintercreeper has gorgeous, variegated leaves that turn a stunning pink edging in the winter. It’s a great groundcover for adding color and interest to your garden.
3. Japanese Skimmia: This shrub offers a combination of shiny, aromatic foliage, fragrant summer flowers, and bright red berries that hang on the plant all winter.
4. Forsythia: Forsythia is a welcome sight in early spring, when its bright yellow flowers bloom before the leaves emerge.
5. Butterfly Bush: This shrub is a magnet for butterflies, thanks to its honey-scented bloom clusters. It can grow quite large, so be sure to give it plenty of space.
6. Glossy Abelia: This abelia is a great choice for shady areas. It produces fragrant rosy flowers all season long, and its leaves turn a coppery red in the winter.
7. Camellia: Camellia is the queen of the winter garden, with its showy white, pink, or red blooms. It’s an evergreen shrub, so it provides interest all year round.
8. Potentilla: This small shrub is easy to grow and produces bright happy flowers from spring through fall. It’s a great choice for attracting butterflies.
9. Rose of Sharon: This shrub blooms in the summer with tropical-looking flowers in pink, lavender, and white. It’s a heat-tolerant shrub that’s perfect for warm climates.
10. Bluebeard Shrub: This shrub produces clusters of airy blue blossoms in the late summer. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that’s perfect for adding a touch of color to your garden.

Tips for Growing Shrubs

Here are a few tips for growing shrubs successfully:

• Plant at the right time: The best time to plant shrubs is in the spring or fall, when the weather is cool and the soil is moist.
• Choose a good planting site: Shrubs need well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Be sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Water regularly: Shrubs need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply and less frequently, rather than shallowly and often.
• Fertilize annually: Shrubs benefit from being fertilized once a year in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer that is formulated for shrubs.
• Prune as needed: Pruning helps to keep shrubs healthy and looking their best. Prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

With a little care and attention, shrubs can add beauty and interest to your garden for years to come.