Choose The Right Shrub For Your Climate
Before you head to your garden center and start filling up your cart, the first step to growing healthy shrubs is selecting the right variety. There are tons of options out there and, while the basic planting process is the same for most shrubs, there are a few key points to consider.
Growing Zone
One feature to pay attention to is the growing zone. Every plant has a growing zone that identifies the areas where it thrives. This information is typically listed on the plant’s tag. You want to choose a plant with a growing zone that includes the zone you live in. For example, if you are gardening in Zone 6, choosing a shrub with a zone of 5–9 would be a good option.
If you don’t know the zone for your area, you can find it on the official USDA Map. Ready to make your selection? You can easily filter our shrubs by zone!
Light Requirements
Another important factor to consider when selecting the right shrub for your space is how much light it needs each day. Again, check the plant tag for suggested sun exposure. It is also helpful to perform basic research on specific plant varieties. For example, Hydrangeas may be identified as needing part-to-full sun, but could specifically prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
Select Your Planting Area
Before digging any holes, set your shrubs where you intend to plant them to make sure they are spaced appropriately. The plant’s tag will typically tell you the mature size that the shrub will be when fully grown; use this to space your plants.
Also pay attention to the mature height of your plant. Although shrub size can be maintained by yearly pruning, you may not want to plant a very tall growing variety under your front windows when there are numerous shrubs that naturally stay at a height ideal for foundation plantings.
Soil Preparation
Once you’ve selected a shrub and determined where you want to plant it, don’t skip over preparing your soil! Most plants grow well in loose, aerated soil with good drainage. If your soil is clay-based, for example, this will lead to overly soaked roots after watering because the excess moisture isn’t able to drain out. You can amend your soil by mixing in an equal part of a good soil conditioner, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or topsoil.
Basic Planting Steps For Shrubs:
1. Dig a hole 3–4” deeper and wider than the pot your shrub came in. Work the soil at the bottom of the hole with your shovel so that it’s loose and aerated.
2. If needed, mix your native soil with an equal part of a good soil conditioner, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or topsoil.
3. Remove your shrub from its container, using your hands to gently loosen the roots at the bottom of the plant.
4. Place your shrub in the hole ensuring that the base of the plant is level with the soil and not leaning in any direction.
5. Add aerated soil back into the hole around the shrub.
6. Water your shrub thoroughly around the base of the plant, allowing the water to soak in. Repeat as necessary. For the next few weeks, check in and water the plant as needed to ensure it stays healthy.
When Is The Best Time To Plant Shrubs?
You should aim to plant shrubs in either late winter/early spring or fall. These planting windows offer cool temperatures that will help reduce stress on your newly planted shrub and allow the plant to get a healthy root system established before all of its energy goes into producing flushes of blooms in spring and summer. Planting in fall will mean you won’t get to enjoy many blooms at first but can lead to a stronger plant and increased blooming the following spring. If planting in fall, be sure to do so before your first frost date.
