How to Grow Common Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Common shrubs is a plant that can be found in many gardens. They are usually low-maintenance and can provide privacy or act as a windbreak.

How to Grow Common Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Calluna vulgaris – Common heather
  • Erica tetralix – Cross-leaved heath
  • Ulex europaeus – Common gorse
  • Genista tinctoria – Dyer's greenweed
  • Cytisus scoparius – Common broom

Basic info

  • There are many types of shrubs, but some of the most common include azaleas, boxwoods, hollies, and hydrangeas.
  • Most shrubs are relatively easy to care for and require little maintenance.
  • Shrubs can provide your landscape with color, texture, and privacy.
  • When choosing shrubs for your garden, be sure to select those that are appropriate for your climate and soil type.
  • Many shrubs are evergreen, meaning they will retain their leaves year-round.
  • Deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in the fall, but often produce beautiful flowers in the spring.
  • Shrubs can be used as foundation plants, hedges, or specimen plants in your garden.
  • Like trees, shrubs can be vulnerable to damage from wind, ice, and snow.
  • Shrubs can be dangerous to people and animals if they have sharp thorns or poisonous berries.
  • Properly cared for, shrubs can provide beauty and enjoyment in your landscape for many years.

How to Grow

  1. For common shrubs, first step is to clear the ground around the planting area, removing any weeds and grass.
  2. loosen the soil in the planting area to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm), using a spade or garden fork.
  3. If the shrub is being transplanted from a container, gently remove it from the pot, taking care not to damage the roots.
  4. If the shrub is being transplanted from another location, dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the shrub’s root ball.
  5. Place the shrub in the hole, making sure that the roots are spread out evenly.
  6. backfill the hole with the excavated soil, tamping it down lightly as you go.
  7. Water the plant deeply, using a garden hose or watering can.
  8. Apply a 2-inch (5 cm) layer of mulch around the base of the shrub, making sure to keep it away from the stem.
  9. Water the shrub regularly, giving it deep soakings about once a week.
  10. Fertilize the shrub in early spring and again in mid-summer, using a balanced fertilizer.

Related plant:
Common Elderberry

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, give just a general overview Shrubs are versatile plants that can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. They are generally tolerant of poor soil, as long as it is well-drained. However, they will thrive in richer soil with regular watering.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, shrubs need sunlight to grow. However, some shrubs are more tolerant of shady conditions than others. If you are looking for a shrub to grow in a shady spot in your yard, consider these options: Azalea: A popular choice for shady gardens, azaleas come in a variety of colors and bloom in the spring. Rhododendron: Another spring-blooming shrub, rhododendrons come in a range of colors and sizes. Hydrangea: With its large, showy flowers, hydrangea is a classic choice for shady gardens. pieris: Another spring-blooming shrub, pieris is known for its beautiful, cascading flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature is an important factor to consider when choosing a shrub. Some shrubs are more tolerant to cold weather, while others thrive in warmer climates. Consider the average temperature in your area when selecting a shrub for your home.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. The plant does not need to be misted, but it will appreciate a humidity tray or pebble tray. If the leaves start to brown and drop, the air is too dry.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this plant needs is very important, as well as the right kind of root system. Without the right kind of fertilizer, the plant will not be able to properly absorb nutrients from the soil and could eventually die. There are many different types of fertilizer, but not all of them are created equally. Some fertilizers are better for certain types of plants than others. It is important to do some research and figure out which fertilizer is best for the specific plant you are trying to grow. The root system of a plant is also important. The roots are what allow the plant to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. If the roots are not healthy, the plant will not be able to properly absorb these things and could eventually die.

Light requirement

Pruning is a vital part of keeping your shrubs healthy and looking their best. By trimming away dead or damaged branches, you encourage new growth and prevent your shrubs from getting too leggy or overgrown. You can prune most shrubs anytime from early spring to late fall, but it's best to avoid pruning during the hottest days of summer.

The Propagation

Propagation is a process of creating new plants from a variety of sources including seeds, cuttings, and division. Common shrubs can be propagated from all of these sources, though division and cuttings are generally the most successful. To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in a sterile potting mix and keep them moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have two or three sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into their own pots or into the garden. To propagate from cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with sterile potting mix and keep it moist until it has rooted. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into its own pot or into the garden. To propagate by division, dig up the entire plant in early spring or fall. Using a sharp knife, divide the root ball into sections and replant each section in its own pot or in the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the type of shrub. Many shrubs, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and boxwoods, grow slowly, while others, such as holly and barberry, grow quickly. The growth rate of a shrub can also be affected by its environment. Those grown in hot, dry climates will usually grow more slowly than those in cooler, moister climates.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are usually over-watering, not enough sunlight, and pests. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Not enough sunlight can cause the plant to become leggy and weak. Pests can cause the plant to become stunted and can also cause leaves to turn brown and fall off.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your shrub. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
  • Fertilize your shrub according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Prune your shrub regularly to encourage growth and maintain its shape.
  • Place your shrub in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Be sure to stake larger shrubs to prevent them from toppling over in heavy winds.
  • Watch for pests and diseases and take action immediately if you notice anything abnormal.
  • Mulch around your shrub to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  • Check the soil around your shrub regularly to make sure it is not compacted.
  • Give your shrub plenty of room to grow by planting it in a large pot or in the ground.
  • Be patient! It takes time for a shrub to reach its full

You May Like

  • california-laurel: Umbellularia californica
  • milkwood: Planchonia careya
  • lilly pilly: Syzygium smithii
  • lilly pilly: Syzygium paniculatum
  • lilly pilly: Syzygium jambos
  • lilly pilly: Syzygium cumini
  • lilly pilly: Syzygium luehmannii
  • lilly pilly: Syzygium wilsonii
  • lilly pilly: Syzygium oleosum
  • lilly pilly: Syzygium malaccense

Source:
514 Shrub Fact Sheets: Shrubs by Common Name
Shrubs | NC State Extension - North Carolina State University
Shrubs - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category