How to Grow Cheap Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Cheap shrubs is a great way to add color and interest to your yard or garden without spending a lot of money. There are many varieties of shrubs that are relatively inexpensive, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. You can find cheap shrubs at most garden centers or online.

How to Grow Cheap Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • Cornus amomum
  • Hamamelis virginiana
  • Ilex opaca
  • Myrica gale

Common Knowledge

  • Cheap shrubs can provide great value for money.
  • Cheap shrubs can be found in a variety of places, including garden centres, supermarkets and online.
  • Cheap shrubs can be a great way to fill gaps in your garden.
  • Cheap shrubs can provide instant colour and interest.
  • Cheap shrubs can be used to create privacy or screen unsightly areas.
  • Cheap shrubs can be low maintenance and easy to care for.
  • Cheap shrubs can provide food and shelter for wildlife.
  • Cheap shrubs can help to reduce noise and pollution.
  • Cheap shrubs can be an eco-friendly alternative to traditional garden plants.
  • Cheap shrubs can add style and personality to your garden.

Planting Process

  1. For cheap shrubs, first step is to start with good quality, disease-free planting stock.
  2. Choose a planting site that has well-drained, loose soil and full sun.
  3. Prepare the planting hole by digging it twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
  4. Loosen the roots of the shrub slightly before placing it in the hole.
  5. Fill in the planting hole, gently tamping down the soil as you go.
  6. Water the shrub deeply immediately after planting.
  7. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub, keeping it several inches away from the stem.
  8. Water the shrub regularly during its first growing season, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  9. Fertilize the shrub in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  10. Prune the shrub as needed to maintain its desired shape.

The Soil

About soil condition, cheap shrubs can grow in various types of soils including clay, loam, and sand. However, they prefer well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Cheap shrubs are also tolerant of salt and drought.

About light

Like the other plants, shrubs need sunlight to grow. However, some shrubs are more tolerant of shade than others. If you are looking for cheap shrubs that can grow in shady areas, consider buying boxwood, holly, or yew.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition is the most important factor to consider when choosing cheap shrubs. The shrubs should be able to withstand the extreme heat or cold in your area. If you live in an area with hot summers and cold winters, you'll need to find shrubs that are tolerant of both conditions. Some shrubs are more tolerant of cold weather, while others can handle the heat better. You'll need to do some research to find the best shrubs for your climate.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. If the humidity is too high, the plant will suffer from leaf drop and poor growth. If the humidity is too low, the plant will experience drought stress and wilting.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant food is essential for the growth of shrubs. The root system of the shrub needs nutrients to grow properly. Fertilizer provides these essential nutrients and should be applied to the soil around the shrub at least once a year.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your shrubs healthy and looking their best. Cheap shrubs can be especially susceptible to overgrowth, so it's important to prune them regularly. You can prune your shrubs in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears and cut at an angle so that water can easily drain off the cut surface.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It's a great way to expand your garden without having to buy new plants. Many shrubs can be propagated from cuttings. This is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with just a few supplies. To propagate shrubs from cuttings, you'll need a sharp knife or pruner, a container for the cuttings, some potting mix, and a little bit of patience. Start by taking a cutting from the desired plant. The cutting should be about 6 inches long and should include a few leaf nodes (the point on the stem where leaves are attached). Next, remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the stem in rooting hormone. This will help encourage root growth. Place the cutting in the container with the potting mix and water well. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet, and in a few weeks you should see new growth. Once the new plants are established, you can transplant them to their permanent home in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow. This is due to the fact that they are usually grown in poor soils and have a shallow root system. However, there are a few exceptions, such as the rhododendron, which can grow quite rapidly.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that they are usually small and have a short lifespan. They also tend to be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Cheap shrubs typically have fewer flowers and fruits than more expensive shrubs.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
  • Place your plants in a spot where they'll get plenty of sunlight.
  • fertilize your plants once every few weeks to encourage growth.
  • Prune your plants regularly to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming overgrown.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if you notice any problems.
  • Harvest your plants regularly to encourage continued growth.
  • Use a small amount of mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and discourage weeds.
  • Be patient! It can take a while for shrubs to reach their full potential.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties of shrubs to find the ones that best suit your needs.
  • Have fun! Gardening can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Similar Plants

  • Buxus macrophylla
  • Buxus sempervirens
  • Euonymus alatus
  • Buxus balearica
  • Buxus colchica
  • Buxus harlandii
  • Buxus hyrcana
  • Buxus microphylla
  • Buxus sardoa
  • Buxus sinica

Source:
Deciduous Shrubs - 7.415 - Extension
Shrubs | NC State Extension - North Carolina State University
Shrubs - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category