How to Grow Colorful Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Colorful shrubs is a popular landscaping plant because it provides color and interest throughout the year. It is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

How to Grow Colorful Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Dazzleberry
  • Stargazer lily
  • Venus flytrap
  • Panther lily
  • Sun rose

Common Knowledge

  • When choosing colorful shrubs, consider the shrub's overall color scheme.
  • Look for shrubs with colorful flowers, leaves, or both.
  • Consider the shrub's growth habit when choosing a location.
  • Most shrubs need full sun to partial shade to thrive.
  • Shrubs come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that will fit the space you have available.
  • Check the shrub's tag or consult with a nursery professional to find out its water and fertilizer needs.
  • Most shrubs are low-maintenance, but some may require regular pruning to keep them looking their best.
  • Some shrubs can be poisonous if ingested, so research any plants you are considering before bringing them home.
  • Shrubs can provide valuable habitat for wildlife, so consider this when choosing plants for your landscape.
  • With proper care, shrubs can provide years of enjoyment in the landscape.

How to Grow

  1. For colorful shrubs, first step is to find a location that receives full sun for most of the day.
  2. Once you have found the perfect location, prepare the soil by loosening it up and adding some compost or other organic matter.
  3. Next, it is time to choose your desired shrub.
  4. When you have chosen the shrub, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the shrub’s container.
  5. Gently remove the shrub from its container and loosen the roots before planting.
  6. Place the shrub in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  7. Once the shrub is in place, fill in the hole with soil and gently tamp it down.
  8. Water the shrub deeply, giving it a good soaking.
  9. Apply a layer of mulch around the shrub, being careful not to pile it too high against the stem.
  10. With proper care, your colorful shrub will soon be on its way to thriving!

Related plant:
Colorful Bushes

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, colorful shrubs need well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They also prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH. You can improve your soil's drainage by adding organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or shredded leaves. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, shrubs need sunlight to grow. Without sunlight, they will not be able to produce the food they need to survive. While some shrubs can grow in shady areas, most need at least six hours of sunlight each day to thrive. When choosing a spot to plant your shrubs, make sure they will have plenty of sun.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for colorful shrubs is a warm climate. In a warm climate, the shrubs will be able to produce a greater amount of color. The colors of the shrubs will be more vibrant and will last for a longer period of time.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and higher. The air around the plant should be moist but not wet. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to wilt and the flowers will fall off. If the air is too wet, the leaves will start to rot.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant does best with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. You can either apply it granularly around the base of the plant or use a water-soluble fertilizer and apply it to the leaves. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging. For the root, it is best to water the plant deeply and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your shrubs healthy and looking their best. Depending on the type of shrub, you will need to prune at different times of the year. Some shrubs need to be pruned in the spring, while others need to be pruned in the fall. Be sure to check the care instructions for your specific type of shrub before pruning.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of growing new plants from a variety of sources, including seeds, bulbs, and cuttings. Many gardeners enjoy propagating their own plants, as it can be a rewarding experience to see a plant that you have grown from start to finish. While some plants are more difficult to propagate than others, there are a few tips that can help you succeed. One of the best ways to propagate shrubs is by taking cuttings. Cuttings are pieces of stems or branches that are cut from the parent plant and then rooted in soil. To take a cutting, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a node, which is the point where leaves are attached to the stem. Make sure the cutting is at least 4 inches long and includes several nodes. Next, fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and water it thoroughly. Stick the cutting into the soil, making sure that at least two nodes are buried. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, and place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and in 4-6 weeks, the cutting should have rooted and begun to grow new leaves.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast. This is due in part to the fact that they are usually planted in areas that have good drainage and are receiving adequate sunlight. Once established, they will often need very little supplemental watering. Fertilizing should be done on a regular basis, according to the manufacturer's directions.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that they need full sun and well drained soil. Most of these shrubs are very adaptable though and will grow in a variety of soil types as long as they get enough sun. These shrubs are also susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, so it is important to keep an eye out for these problems.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to purchase colorful shrubs that are suitable for your region.
  • Prepare the soil before planting by tilling and adding organic matter.
  • Plant shrubs in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Space the shrubs properly to allow for proper air circulation and room to grow.
  • Water the shrubs regularly, especially during dry spells.
  • Fertilize the shrubs regularly according to the package directions.
  • Prune the shrubs as needed to encourage new growth and to shape the plants.
  • Protect the shrubs from extremes of temperature, whether hot or cold.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
  • Enjoy the colorful blooms and foliage of your healthy shrubs!

Substitution

  • Silverweed: cinquefoil (Potentilla argentea) with yellow flowers.
  • Blackberry-lily: plantain-lily (Hosta plantaginea) with pink flowers.
  • Goatsbeard: plantain-lily (Hosta plantaginea) with pink flowers.
  • Cranberry-bush: plantain-lily (Hosta plantaginea) with pink flowers.
  • Ginseng: plantain-lily (Hosta plantaginea) with pink flowers.
  • Mullein: verbascum (Verbascum spp.) with yellow, white, or purple flowers.
  • Tansy: herb-of-grace (Hypericum perforatum) with yellow flowers.
  • Dandelion: cichory (Cichorium intybus) with blue flowers.
  • Chicory:

Source:
Welcoming Spring with Colorful Blooming Shrubs - Arapahoe County Extension
Arkansas Ornamental Shrubs | Flowering shrubs in Arkansas
Deciduous Shrubs - 7.415 - Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category