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Shrubs and Climbers

By Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Shrubs and Climbers
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Shrubs and climbers are the backbone of any garden, providing structure and beauty. Discover their importance and care tips in this article.

TL;DR

Shrubs and climbers are an essential feature of a garden, providing a permanent framework around which the more temporary plants can be arranged.

  • Shrubs and woody climbers are long-lived and visible all year, so landscape gardeners often refer to them as the backbone of a garden’s planting scheme.
  • A shrub is a woody, multi-stemmed plant. It may have an erect, bushy, or low and spreading habit or require the support of a wall or trellis. Its foliage may be evergreen or deciduous, though some are semi-evergreen, retaining their foliage in mild winters.
  • Most shrubs and climbers are chosen for their flowers, but since they often flower for a relatively short period, consider their other merits: growth habit, foliage colour, shape and texture, and ornamental berries or fruit.

Shrubs and climbers are an essential feature of a garden, providing a permanent framework around which the more temporary plants can be arranged.

Shrubs and woody climbers are long-lived and visible all year, so landscape gardeners often refer to them as the backbone of a garden’s planting scheme.

Characteristics of Shrubs

A shrub is a woody, multi-stemmed plant. It may have an erect, bushy, or low and spreading habit or require the support of a wall or trellis. Its foliage may be evergreen or deciduous, though some are semi-evergreen, retaining their foliage in mild winters.

Choosing Plants for Year-Round Interest

Most shrubs and climbers are chosen for their flowers, but since they often flower for a relatively short period, consider their other merits: growth habit, foliage color, shape and texture, and ornamental berries or fruit.

Using Shrubs in Garden Design

Species with an attractive shape – the smaller Japanese maples, for example – make excellent specimen plants in isolated beds or large containers. Those with a less striking shape look better in groups or in mixed borders. Dense-growing types make excellent hedges, while those with a low growing, spreading habit are ideal ground cover.

Planting Times and Methods

Container-grown shrubs and climbers can be bought and planted at any time of year, although spring and autumn are preferable. Bare-root or root-balled shrubs are sold in spring and autumn and should be planted then.

Care and Maintenance

Weeding and watering are important for the first growing season. Once fully grown, pruning is usually the main job. Tender species may need frost protection, mulching can be beneficial, and most climbers need support.

Shrubs and climbers are an essential feature of a garden, providing a permanent framework around which the more temporary plants can be arranged.

More Information on Shrubs and climbers

Shrubs and climbers play a crucial role in garden design, providing a lasting structure for the overall landscape. These woody plants are not only visually appealing but also serve as the backbone of a garden's planting scheme. While most people are aware of their aesthetic value and the fact that they can be planted at any time of the year, there are some interesting facts about shrubs and climbers that may surprise you. Did you know that some shrubs and climbers have unique growth habits? For instance, certain varieties of Japanese maples have an attractive shape, making them perfect specimen plants for isolated beds or large containers. On the other hand, shrubs with a less striking shape can be grouped together or incorporated into mixed borders to create an appealing visual impact. In addition to their beautiful flowers, many shrubs and climbers offer other desirable features. Some species showcase vibrant foliage colors throughout the year, while others bear ornamental berries or fruits, adding further interest to the garden. When selecting shrubs and climbers, it's important to consider not only their flowering period but also their growth habit, foliage texture, and overall shape. Proper care is essential for the success of shrubs and climbers. Weeding and regular watering are crucial during the initial growing season, and once fully grown, pruning becomes a key maintenance task. It's worth noting that certain tender species may require frost protection, and providing support for most climbers is necessary to ensure their healthy growth. Overall, shrubs and climbers are not only reliable and long-lived plants but also offer an array of benefits in terms of aesthetics, structure, and functionality within a garden. By carefully selecting and incorporating these plants, you can create a harmonious and visually captivating outdoor space.

About the author

Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.

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