Shrubs for UK Gardens

Azalea
 

Buddleia
Butterfly Bush

Callicarpa
Beauty berry

Caryopteris
Blue Spiraea

Ceratostigma
Plumbago

Cercis
Redbud

Chimonanthus
Wintersweet

Chaenomeles
Flowering quince

Clerodendrum
Glorybower

Cornus
Dogwood

Corylus
Hazel

Cotinus
Smoke Bush

Cotoneaster
 

Cytisus - Genista
Brooms

Daphne
 

Deutzia
 

Enkianthus
Pagoda bush

Fothergilla
Witch Alder

Forsythia
Golden Bells

Hamamelis
Witch hazel

Hibiscus
Tree Hollyhock

Hydrangea
Hortensia

Kerria japonica
Japanese rose

Kolkwitzia
Beauty bush

Leycesteria
Pheasant berry

Lonicera
Winter Honeysuckle

Perovskia
Russian sage

Philadelphus
Mock Orange

Ribes
Ornamental Currant

Romneya
Bush poppy

Rosa
Rose

Rubus
Ornamental Bramble

Sambucus
Elder

Sorbaria
False spirea

Spiraea
 

Symphoricarpos
Snowberry

Syringa
Lilac

Tamarix
 

Viburnum
 

Weigela
 

Abelia
 

Andromeda
Bog rosemary

Aucuba Japonica
Spotted Laurel

Azara
 

Berberis
Barberry

Brachyglottis
Senecio

Buxus
Box

Callistemon
Bottle Brush

Camellia
 

Carpenteria
Tree anemone

Ceanothus
Californian lilac

Choisya
Mexican Orange Blossom

Cistus
Rock Rose

Coprosma
 

Cordyline
Cabbage Palm

Coronilla
Scorpion vetch

Elaeagnus
 

Euonymus
Spindle

Erica
Heather

Escallonia
 

Fatsia japonica
False Caster Oil Plant

Gaultheria
Boxberry

Garrya elliptica
Silk tassel bush

Grevillea
Spider flowers

Griselinia
Broadleaf

Hebe
Veronica

Hypericum
St John's wort

Kalmia
Sheep laurel

Laurus nobilis
Bay

Lavandula
Lavender

Leptospermum
Tea Tree

Leucothoe
Sierra laurel

Ligustrum
Privet

Loropetalum
 

Mahonia
 

Myrtus
Myrtle

Nandina domestica
Heavenly Bamboo

Olearia
Daisy Bush

Osmanthus
Sweet olive

Pachysandra
Japanese spurge

Pernettya
Prickly heath

Photinia
Christmas berry

Phlomis
Jerusalem sage

Phygelius
Cape fuchsia

Pieris
Andromedas

Pittosporum
Australian laurel

Potentilla
Cinquefoil

Pyracantha
Firethorn

Rhamnus
Buckthorn

Rhododendron
Rose Tree

Ruscus
Butcher's broom

Sarcococca
Sweet Box

Santolina
Cotton lavender

Skimmia japonica
Skimmia

Ulex
Gorse

Vinca
Periwinkle

Yucca
Needle palm

Choosing Shrubs for the Garden

There are literally hundreds of different species and varieties of shrubs and woody plants available. Choosing plants that are suitable for specific sites and locations around the garden can be a daunting task.

Well planted and cared for shrubs should live for many years, providing a lifetime of joy and reward. However, poorly chosen or badly sited shrubs may eventually grow to become an nuisance and an eyesore. One that eventually may need to be removed, often with much effort and expense. Therefore it is best to take plenty of time to research and choose your shrubs wisely. Attributes to consider include the shrub's eventual size, form, shape and flower/foliage colour at different times of the year.

Size and Shape

Shrubs are available in a diverse range of shapes and sizes, from under 1ft (30cm) up to 20ft (7m) tall. Dwarf types are particularly well suited for the rock or heath garden. Medium sized shrubs are ideal for mixed borders, shrubberies or as specimen plants. There are also those that will eventually make very large dense bushes or grow to tree like proportions. Although most shrubs respond well to pruning, it is best to choose suitable sized specimens and plant them within enough space to reduce the amount of pruning required to a minimum.

The flowering period should also be considered. Certain shrubs bloom before the onset of spring, many flower in spring a summer and yet others flower late in the season, often into winter. Often flowers are followed by colourful ornamental fruits and berries. To extend the range of interest in the garden it is useful to include a range of species that flower and fruit at different times of the year, thus creating a succession of colour through the seasons.

Where and When to Plant Shrubs

Unless planting a hedge, barrier or formal geometrical garden, shrubs don't often look their best when be planted in straight rows. They will appear more natural when set out in small irregular groups of 3-5 or more, depending on size. Shrubs that are exceptionally attractive, due to their growth habit, leaf colour, flowers or fruits can be planted as solitary specimens, in the middle of an open space or given pride of place in the border.

In general, the best time to plant deciduous shrubs is in the autumn once the stems are bare of leaves. Evergreen shrubs are best planted in spring before they begin to put on growth.

Growing Requirements

If shrubs are to grow and blossom well it is necessary to consider their soil requirements, aspect and position. Sun-loving species should be given plenty of light and shade-loving forms an appropriate amount of shade. If not, the leaves and flowers may both suffer. Moisture loving shrubs will need a damp well watered location and those that prefer drier conditions, a well-drained site and open free draining soil. You will also need to consider the pH requirements of the soil and the force and direction of prevailing winds.