Plant associations in the garden
Shrubs on wood edges
This is one of the most natural habitats for shrubs, on the edges of forest,
forming a transition zone between woodland and lawn or grassland, Many shrubs benefit
from the shelter of the trees, and can tolerate the partial shade, Where a clearing
has been made in an existing forest, the trees will have bare trunks without side
branches, and shrubs will soften the unnatural edges of the woodland and keep cold
wind out of the woods, Suitable genera for this association are: Ilex, Magnolia,
Hamamelis, Cornus, Rhododendron, Philadelphus, Prunus, Viburnum,
Shrubs as an understory beneath large trees
Many shrubs, particularly evergreen, grow naturally in open deciduous or mixed forest,
beneath a tall canopy of trees, Rhododendrons, Camellias and Magnolias naturally live
in this type of habitat, and this combination forms the basis of many of the famous
woodland gardens in the British Isles and North America, Some deciduous shrubs also
grow and flower well in this partially shaded habitat, provided that the canopy is
not too dense, Many, such as Hamamelis, flower early before the leaves have developed
on the large trees; in warmer climates most deciduous shrubs, e.g. deciduous azaleas,
benefit from partial shade, Most shade-tolerant shrubs are suitable for this
association, but especially Rhododendron, Camellia, Magnolia, Mahonia, Hamamelis,
Corylopsis, Enkianthus, Hydrangea, Bamboos.
Shrubs in a shrub border
In shrub borders the shrubs should be planted close enough that their branches
touch, but not so close that they interfere with one another's growth, The taller
and more robust growers are planted at the back, the smaller or more delicate near
the front, Careful planning is needed for optimum effect, and it is inevitable that
the border will be planted rather too closely and require thinning after a few years,
Sun-loving shrubs will mostly be planted in this type of border, and it will suit
particularly those such as lilacs or Philadelphus which do best in full exposure on
rich soils. Weeding by herbicides is possible because no herbaceous plants are grown,
though early flowering bulbs which die down by mid-summer will do well beneath deciduous
shrubs. Suitable genera for this association are: Syringa, Deutzia, Hibiscus,
Philadelphus, Weigela, Ribes. Suitable bulbs are snowdrops, aconites, scillas
and daffodils. In borders of shrubs which do not require regular feeding or
mulching, moss can be encouraged as ground-cover by the use of paraquat as a herbicide,
and when well established the effect can be most beautiful.
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Shrubs in a mixed border
The mixed border, in which trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and bulbs grow together
in harmony, is the most difficult, labour-intensive, but at the same time, the most
rewarding of garden associations. Here shrubs may be the dominant feature and the
other plantings kept simple, or only a few shrubs may be planted to give height and
substance to the border, as well as some interest in winter and early spring. In both
cases the shrubs should be planted so as to create the effect of small glades or
clearings, with herbaceous plants enclosed in semi-circles of shrubs. Where shrubs
are the major feature of the border, evergreen weed-smothering perennials,
collectively called 'ground-cover', may be used, but tough, single perennials are
more suitable as they are more easily weeded and manured. Hellebores, Primroses,
Pulmonarias or Dicentras for the spring; Cranesbills, Hostas, Day-lilies or Ferns
for summer; Lilies and Japanese anemones for autumn. Any shrubs may be grown in this
association, but in practice they will usually be smaller or more refined ones, which
have some special feature such as scent, rarity or elegant growth habit.
Growing hedges
Most hedges are composed of shrubs trees used in hedging are normally kept to
shrub size, with the notable exceptions of a few such as the 26m-high, half-mile-long
hedge at Mickleour in Perthshire which is composed of fully grown beech trees; it is
now about 240 years old. Other trees often used are Cupressus x Cupressocyparis Taxus
and Carpinus. A hedge may be made from lower deciduous or flowering shrubs, as well as
from the tree species commonly used. The larger species of Philadelphus make a
good hedge, quick-growing, spectacular and scenting the whole garden in mid-summer.
Nothing is more impenetrable than a hedge of Ponciris trifoliata, and it is also
beautiful when in flower. Other suitable garden species are: Ilex, Prunus lusitanica,
Buxus, Salix.
Climbers and other shrubs on walls
In the wild most climbing shrubs grow on forest trees, struggling up into the canopy
to get the light they need to flower and fruit. In gardens most climbers are grown on
walls, though some of the most spectacular effects are to be had by Wisteria, climbing
hydrangeas or huge vines grown up trees. Walls also provide a protected environment
for shrubs which need more heat than they would receive in the open air, either in
winter for those that are tender, or in summer to produce flowers or ripen their
summer growth. Numerous shrubs will grow in areas otherwise too cold when protected
by a wall. Climbers: Clematis; Wisteria; Roses. Tender shrubs: Ceanothus.
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Shrubs as ground cover
Creeping shrubs or creeping mutants of otherwise upright shrubs can be used as ground
cover in place of the more usual herbaceous ground-cover. Many Cotoneasters are
naturally creeping and are used for this purpose, low-growing evergreen azaleas are
also very suitable. Possible genera include: Hedera, Hebe, Euonymus fortunei,
Cotoneaster, low growing Ceanothus, Evergreen azalea.
Trees and shrubs as specimens in lawns
Any can, of course, be grown as a specimen in a lawn, but some are more suitable
than others. The important features required are a good rather upright habit of
growth, and interesting leaf shape, colour or bark, and at least reasonable appearance
when not in flower. Some suggestions are: Cornus, Magnolia, Hardy Hybrid Rhododendron,
Acer, Bamboo, Davidia, Euonymus (deciduous).
Trees and shrubs in pots
Dwarf trees and many shrubs may be grown in pots either by those who have only a
paved garden, or where the garden soil is unsuitable for shrubs, such as
Rhododendrons or Camellias, which do not tolerate chalky or alkaline soil.
All shrubs can be grown in pots, in fact nowadays most are container grown by
nurseries, but the most suitable subjects for permanent pot culture are those
which naturally grow slowly and flower well without making long, strong shoots;
they should also be able to tolerate drying out for a day or two without dying,
as even the most careful gardeners may omit to water often enough in dry weather.
They can also be brought inside in winter. The most suitable shrubs are: Camellias,
Rhododendrons, Ceanothus, Fuchsia and Oleanders.
Shrubs for dry shade
Camellia japonica, Daphne laureola, Lonicera nitida, Mahonia, Euonymus (evergreen),
Aucuba, Ivy, Phillyrea decora, Pieris, Sarcococca, Viburnum davidii, Skimmia, Fatsia.
Shrubs suitable for waterlogged soil
Cornus stolonifera, Cornus alba, Salix species, Amelanchier, Aronia, Lindera,
Sambucus, Viburnum opulus, Bamboos,
Shrubs for chalk soil
Lilacs, Colutea, Potentilla fruticosa, Philadelphus, Forsythia, Phillyrea, Deutzia,
Fuchsia, Spartium junceum, Cistus, Hypericum, Cornus sanguinea, Ceanothus, Sarcococca,
Aesculus, californica, Paeonia.
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