The evergreen shrub is a staple of any garden, providing year-round interest whilst being low maintenance and hardy. Larger shrubs can be used for screening or privacy, whilst smaller varieties can be planted in containers or pots to bring colour and shape to a patio or balcony.
Early summer is a great time to plant shrubs so they can get established in your garden landscaping ready for the autumn and winter. Here are some tips to help to select the right shrub for your garden.
Assess your garden
To ensure that your shrub is the perfect fit for your garden, consider the following points.
Soil type- some shrubs do best in acid soils, while others prefer more neutral or alkaline soils. You can check which soil type you have by using a soil testing kit to measure the pH level of your soil. Also consider if the soil tends to be waterlogged and moist, or if it is prone to dryness.
Sunlight levels- decide on the position of your shrub, and note how much sunlight it receives at different times of the day. Are there sources of shade such as nearby fences or buildings?
The available space- Consider the spread and height of the shrub at maturity and the rate of growth to ensure that it will fit well into the intended space. Shrubs can be used to line pathways, frame doorways, or provide an overall sense of balance to the planting scheme of the garden.
Consider foliage and flowering
Not all evergreens need to be green; there are many varieties of shrub with different shades of foliage from silver to deep purple. Some shrubs produce attractive flowers in the summer or autumn, while others produce berries in the winter and early spring.
Consider how well the shrub will complement the surrounding environment and if the colour, texture, size and shape will harmonise or contrast with the other vegetation. Do you want the shrub to be a focal point of the garden or will be used to add depth and texture to less prominent areas?
Planting and maintaining your shrub
Avoid crowding your shrub into a busy space, as this can increase the risk of pests and diseases spreading and inhibit air circulation and growth. Follow the recommended guidelines for planting space and depth to ensure that your shrub grows and stays in great condition.
If you do not have a lot of time for gardening, look for low-maintenance varieties that do not require extensive pruning and feeding and are not prone to diseases or frost damage. Box, griselinia and hebe are classic choices.
Finally, native species such as holly and honeysuckle are excellent choices for attracting wildlife such as birds, bees, and other pollinators that add interest to your garden, as well as enhance the local ecosystem.