Landscaping is improved when several factors are considered: color, texture, light and shade, and placement of flowers, trees, vines and shrubs. Flowers bring vibrant color to the scene, while a stone walking path provides texture. Leafy fruit trees can provide shade and added color. One of the most versatile landscaping plants is the shrub. Shrubs are a simple way to bring variety, color, shape and texture to any landscape.
Although most shrubs are green most of the time, many of them have a blooming season where they take center stage in the landscape. One notable centerpiece shrub is the Burning Bush. The large bush proudly displays splendid red color during the fall months, when other garden color may be fading.
When the ground is covered with snow, the China Holly comes to the rescue of the barren landscape, with deep green foliage and bright red berries. The colorful bush is equally impressive against a white picket fence or light-colored house.
If you’re looking for year-round color, choose shrubs that bloom more than one season per year. The Purple Sand Cherry will provide color in the form of flowers in May, and purple leaves and red cherry berries in the fall and early winter months.
Shrubs Earn Their Place in the Landscape
Shrubs aren’t just eye candy in the landscape. The versatility of shrubs makes them a practical choice. Shrubs make excellent hedges for showcasing a specific area or garden. Flowers and ground cover can be planted around the shrub to create texture and break up large lawns that require a lot of mowing. Shrubs make good fences and dividers, and can be used to camouflage the unsightly foundation of a house or other areas.
Bushes can truly be an art form when topiary skills are applied. Topiary is the art of clipping and forming bushes into animal or geometric shapes. Keeping shaped bushes in good form does require time, but the experience can be fun.
Most shrubs are not high-maintenance plants. They don’t require constant watering and tending. With just a little pruning and moderate watering, most shrubs will provide years of enjoying for the homeowner.
If you travel, or need to be away from home often, shrubs may be a good landscaping choice for you. Two beautiful low-maintenance shrubs include the Bougainvillea with beautiful red leaves, and the Mentor Barberry.
Plant Shrubs in the Right Place
Before you purchase shrubs, consider the area where they will be planted. Allow room for the shrub to spread out and grow up. Shrubs can range from just inches tall to several feet tall. If you have a spot where you need a taller shrub, consider the Smooth Hydrangea which grows three to five feet tall; or the Chinese Juniper which will top off at three to eight feet. If you need a shorter shrub, the Cranberry Cotoneaster or Dwarf Honeysuckle may be perfect because they usually grow to about three feet.
Landscaping options are unlimited and many plants besides shrubs can play a part in the big picture. For an example, vines against a wall or fence make an excellent backdrop for colorful flowers. Use your imagination and have fun with your landscaping.