Different shrubs need different levels of care, but there are plenty of easy, low-maintenance options.
Watering
- Newly planted shrubs should be watered regularly for at least the first two years.
- Once established, most should cope without extra watering, except in particularly hot, dry spells.
- Shrubs growing against walls may need additional watering, as they may be sheltered from rainfall by the wall.
- Shrubs in containers need regular watering over the summer.
Feeding
Most shrubs will thrive without additional feeding. But for optimum performance, you can apply a general-purpose fertiliser in late winter at the rate recommended on the packet.
Shrubs in containers need feeding from early spring until late summer.
Mulching
A thick layer of mulch, such as well-rotted compost or manure, around the base of shrubs will:
- suppress weeds
- provide nutrients
- improve soil conditions
- conserve moisture
Apply mulch when the ground is damp, ideally in late winter after adding fertiliser, but any time from autumn to late spring is fine. Avoid placing the mulch directly against the stems of the shrub, as this can cause rot.
Deadheading
Removing spent flowers encourages further flowers, but is not essential and often not practical on large shrubs.
Do not deadhead shrubs that produce attractive fruits or berries, especially if these also provide food for wildlife
.
Overwintering
Caring for older plants
Shrubs can live for many years, and if pruned annually should keep their shape and stay in good health.
See our guide to renovating an overgrown shrub.
Some shrubs may produce suckers, which are shoots that sprout directly from the roots and may appear a little distance away from the main shrub. These should be removed as soon as they appear.
Variegated shrubs may also produce occasional shoots with leaves that are not variegated. These shoots tend to be very vigorous and can eventually take over, so should be removed promptly. See our guide to tackling reversion.
Looking after hedges
Hedges, whether evergreen or deciduous, should be trimmed at least once a year to keep them neat and prevent them growing too tall. To look after your hedges, see these guides:
Looking after shrubs in containers
These need additional watering and feeding, and regular repotting into larger containers as they grow. See our guide to container maintenance.