Don’t be too quick to jump the gun and think that you’re going to need to grow a tree or two. The main focus we’re having in this article will be about shrubs, bushes, and the sort. It feels like the plants that support the landscape from the background are often the shrubs. Shrubs can be considered the same as trees because they serve as the “bones” of the entire landscape.
If you want a beautiful yet still easy-to-make landscape, then the shrubs that you are probably thinking of are the plants that are easy to take care of and something that won’t take up too much of your time. We’re going to help you with the selection issue since there are too many variations and different shrub species to choose from!
Growing Barberry Bushes
Since these shrubs can grow up to 10 feet tall and the foliage grows relatively uniformly, barberry bushes work well for hedges! These rather sturdy and thorny bushes can be great for upping your level of home security if placed correctly – like a tall hedge that can double as something to increase privacy! Once fully grown, these stocky and dense bushes will be drought tolerant. So you won’t have to worry about overwatering them.
However, one thing to mention about the barberry bush is that they can only grow within USDA zones 4 to 8, so maybe rethink which of the shrubs and bushes you’re going to grow if this was your first choice. You’re going to need to plant the barberry in a place with full sun for the best results when it comes to foliage! Well-drained, moist soil is a must! You can prune(and shape) the bush if you wish to do so!
Growing Common Lilacs
Now you might be thinking that this is out of place since a lilac is a flower, right? Well, the flowers can just be a by-product of the bush that you’re chasing after. On second thought, why wouldn’t you want to have pretty lilacs growing from the shrub you chose? You’re going to get a near-magical fragrance from these flowers as well as a flower that can attract pollinators if that’s something you think you need in your garden.
Again, if you aren’t within the USDA zones between 3 to 7, then you might want to consider choosing something else from the list. Once again, you’re going to want to plant the common lilacs in full sun in well-drained but loamy soil. If you take care of these right, then you’re going to have a bush that can grow up to 15 feet tall! Again, you can prune the shrub if you wish.
Growing North Pole Arborvitae
This is probably the first “shrub” that we’ll get on the list since you’re going to need to plant all individually for there to be a “hedge” or a privacy screen created. This can be classified as an evergreen shrub. You’re going to need to plant these in a more zig-zag pattern rather than all in a straight line to get better results!
Just like the common lilacs, you can only grow these within the USDA zones 3 to 7, so again, try looking for something else if you’re not in any of those zones! What’s great about these shrubs is that they are relatively resilient, resistant to drought, and can quickly grow! Plant them in full to partial sun with well-drained soil!
Growing Rose Bushes
Rose bushes, along with the common lilacs, are considered deciduous shrubs since they are more known for the flowers that bloom. This is probably a favorite because of the roses that you get along with the lovely fragrance. Though what stops plenty of gardeners from growing, these are the many diseases that roses can get.
There are plenty of precautions and treatments you can do, though, if your rose bush does develop a disease. You aren’t the first and certainly will not be the last, so confide in those more knowledgeable than you! Anyways, you’re going to need to plant them in full sun in slightly acidic, well-drained soil for the rose bushes. They can be planted in USDA zones 5 to 11, depending on their type.
Growing Mountain Laurel
This is one of the best shrubs to grow if you’re thinking of growing some shrubs in the shade. Meaning they can handle cooler climates. Mountain laurels are also considered as part of the broadleaf evergreens! Plant them in partial shade, in cool, well-drained acidic soil. Mountain laurels can only be planted within the USDA zones 4 to 9.
Takeaway
Though we narrowed down the options for choosing which bushes and shrubs you want to grow in your home, you still need to consider the different cultivars(varieties) that the bushes have. However, they’re all relatively easy to grow but still make sure to consult those who know more about the plant you want to grow at home!
