One has to wonder why these days so many gardeners concentrate on trees and seasonal flowers/seasonal vegetables and herbs yet completely fail to factor in shrubs when, in fact, shrubs really are such an integral part of a garden.

It isn’t that shrubs are not included in basic garden design: they often are but, equally often, once planted, they are left to grow uncared for until they get out of control and are cut back to an acceptable size. In some cases, they are completely ripped out to make way for trees or beds of seasonal plants. Replacing old, ‘ugly’ shrubs with new ones isn’t as common as it should be when greening up our cities, towns and other living spaces. This is on top of the list in fighting the increasing problems associated with climate change.

Many gardens, especially those in built-up areas, do not have adequate space in which to grow trees. Shrubs are equally as important, take up far less room and, providing an informed selection is made, a few shrubs can provide colour and fragrance all year round. They provide places for birds to nest, butterflies to drift, bees to buzz and for all kinds of useful insects to breed and multiply and add to the natural circle of life.

Low-maintenance shrubs provide structure and colour in gardens large and small

This is the ideal time to plant shrubs. Nurseries should have a wide variety right now and over the coming few weeks. So let’s take a look at what may be on offer, depending on which area of the country you reside in.

Hibiscus: It is a hardy and half-hardy shrub which generally flowers throughout the hot months. Available as dwarf shrubs and also in medium to tall varieties, hibiscus is easily propagated by cuttings and from spring-sown seed. Flowers may be single, double or even double-double in a wide range of gorgeous colours, including reds, yellows, apricots and pinks. Hardy varieties should be pruned in winter but the half-hardy ones are best left unpruned with just a little tidying up when necessary.

Oleander (Kaneer): This very hardy shrub can grow quite tall and bushy, literally smothering itself with almond-scented blossoms, single or double, in white, pale pink, deep pink, red or bi-coloured sprays of flowers from very early spring right though until late autumn — sometimes even all year round. Propagated by cuttings, root division or from seed, oleander grows quite fast, dislikes being pruned but pruning is necessary to keep plants bushy. Once established, it is very drought tolerant.

*Warning: All parts of this plant are poisonous, including the sap, so always wear gloves when handling it. Do not burn prunings or leaves as the smoke is also toxic. Do not add to compost heaps/bins as leaf toxicity will contaminate everything. Do not plant adjacent to vegetable or herb beds as fallen leaves may contaminate the soil. It is best not to grow oleander if you have children or pets.

Russelia: A glorious weeping shrub with delicate, grass-like, stems that clothe themselves in masses of scarlet or bright vermillion, tubular flowers, on and off all year round. It can reach a height of about five feet but is more often between three to four feet tall. This shrub looks stunning when allowed to ‘weep’ down banks, over walls and out of very large containers. It is propagated by root division but usually propagates itself prolifically during the summer monsoon period, when every stem that is in direct soil contact seems to develop roots of its own.

Plumbago capensis: A lovely shrub which, given the opportunity, will turn into a semi-climber. It bears very attractive heads of China-blue, phlox-like flowers from mid-spring through until mid-autumn. Disliking the full blast of midday sun, it enjoys a spot with light shade but not full shade or it will fail to flower. Not happy to be pruned, it does thicken up if its growing tips are carefully pinched out during mid to late spring.

Murraya exotica (Kamni): This tall, evergreen shrub produces wonderfully fragrant white flowers, on and off, around the year. Fast growing, it enjoys a reasonable amount of shade and performs especially well if watered at least three times a week during the hot weather (recycled household water, if chemical free, suits it perfectly). Regular pruning is necessary to keep it under control. With lots of pruning, it can form a very dense hedge.

Other shrubs to keep your eyes open for include the following: Brugmensia, Aralia, Jasminium, Rosa, Camelia, Lantana, Acalypha, Hydrangea, Barleria, Clerodendron, Buddleia, Azalea, Hamelia, Gardenia, Ixora, Cistus, Japanese flowering quince, Sambucus nigra, Pentas, Frangipani, Poinsettia and many more.

Please note that shrubs that flourish in Karachi may not do so in Lahore or further north; the reverse is also true. It is important to check, before purchasing any shrub, if it is climatically suitable for your specific location. If there is any doubt, do not waste your hard-earned cash.

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. The writer does not respond directly by email. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Published in Dawn, EOS, December 16th, 2018