Russelia | Photos by the writer
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.