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Choosing the Right Shrub
Shrubs are an important part of the home landscape. Shrubs can be used as hedges, screens, barriers, ground covers, foundation plantings, and backgrounds for other plants. They can also be used as accent or specimen plants. Shrubs also provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife.Site Conditions
When choosing shrubs for the home landscape, you should carefully examine growing conditions at the site. Important site conditions include soil drainage, soil pH, and the amount of sunlight.Most shrubs grow well in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. However, there are exceptions. Rhododendrons require strongly acidic soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Home gardeners can lower their soil pH by incorporating peat moss into the soil. Sulfur can also be used to lower soil pH.
Well-drained soils are preferred by most shrubs. In poorly-drained sites, gardeners can build raised beds or berms. Buttonbush and red osier dogwood are good choices for wet, poorly-drained soils.
Many flowering shrubs, such as lilac, spirea, and weigela bloom best when grown in areas that receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day. Others, such as Amur maple and winged eounymus, develop their best fall color when grown in full sun. Partially shaded sites that receive only 2 to 3 hours of sun are suitable for common witchhazel, Japanese kerria, and arrowwood viburnum.
Shrub Traits
Traits are also important when choosing shrubs for the home landscape. Important shrub traits are: size, hardiness, ornamental qualities, and susceptibility to insects and diseases.The mature height and spread of shrubs vary somewhat due to growing conditions at the site. However, knowledge of their approximate size can prevent overcrowding and other landscape problems. Shrubs that are too large for an area will need frequent pruning. Others end up being moved or destroyed.
Select shrubs that are reliably hardy in your area. It may be possible to grow plants that are marginally hardy in your area if planted in protected areas, such as courtyards.
Many shrubs have attractive flowers, fruits, foliage, or bark. While other shrubs may only have one season of interest.. For example, forsythias have attractive yellow flowers in early spring, but provide little interest for the rest of the year. Other shrubs have several features and interest all year long.
Susceptibility to insects and diseases is another important consideration when choosing shrubs. No shrub is completely free of insect or disease pests. However, avoid those that have serious problems.
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