How to Grow Large Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Large shrubs is a popular landscaping choice for many homeowners because they are easy to care for and add privacy to a yard.

How to Grow Large Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Buchu
  • Verdant Buchu
  • Green Buchu
  • Emerald Buchu
  • Spring Buchu

Common Knowledge

  • They can provide privacy and windbreaks.
  • They can help reduce noise pollution.
  • They can provide nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
  • They can help reduce soil erosion.
  • They can help to cool the air and provide shade.
  • They can improve air quality by absorbing pollutants.
  • They can provide food and shelter for wildlife.
  • They can increase the value of your property.
  • They can be used to create formal or informal gardens.
  • They can be low-maintenance if they are chosen wisely.

Related plant:
Large Hydrangea Bush

Growing Steps

  1. For large shrubs, first step is to till the soil in the planting area to a depth of about 12 inches.
  2. Next, dig a hole in the center of the planting area that is about twice the width and depth of the shrub’s root ball.
  3. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with the excavated soil.
  4. Water the shrub deeply and thoroughly after planting.
  5. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the shrub, but keep it several inches away from the shrub’s trunk.
  6. Water the shrub regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  7. Fertilize the shrub in early spring and again in mid-summer.
  8. Prune the shrub as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  9. Monitor the shrub for signs of pests or disease and take appropriate action if necessary.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful shrub!

Related plant:
Large Evergreen Shrubs

Soil Condition

About soil condition, large shrubs need well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not soggy. If the soil is too heavy, it will not allow the roots to breathe and the shrub will suffocate. If the soil is too dry, the shrub will not be able to take up enough water to remain healthy.

Light requirement

Not too different with other plants, shrubs need sunlight to grow. However, unlike other plants, shrubs can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. This makes them a versatile choice for the home landscape. When choosing a shrub for your yard, be sure to consider the amount of sun or shade the area receives.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of large shrubs is very important. If the temperature is too hot, the shrubs will wilt and die. If the temperature is too cold, the shrubs will also die. The ideal temperature for large shrubs is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and they will do best in bright, indirect light. Water the plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch and be sure to not over water. These plants are also known to be heavy feeders, so be sure to fertilize every few weeks during the growing season.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this plant food is essential to the growth of large shrubs. The roots of these plants are very sensitive to the type of fertilizer used. If you use the wrong type of fertilizer, it can damage the roots and cause the plant to die.

Light requirement

Pruning large shrubs can be a daunting task, but with a little know-how, it can be easily accomplished. The first step is to identify the type of shrub you are dealing with. Once you know what type of plant you are dealing with, you can determine the best time of year to prune it. For most shrubs, the best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring. This is before the plant begins to actively grow for the new season. When pruning large shrubs, it is important to make clean cuts. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears or a pruning saw to make clean, even cuts. Avoid tearing or jagged cuts, as these can damage the plant. If you are unsure of how to make a cut, it is best to err on the side of caution and make a small cut. You can always make a larger cut later if needed. When pruning, always remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood first. This will help the plant to stay healthy and avoid further damage. Once you have removed any dead or damaged wood, you can then focus on shaping the plant. Be sure to prune away any crossing or rubbing branches to help the plant stay healthy and avoid damage.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a parent plant. There are many ways to propagate plants, but the most common method is through cuttings. To propagate a plant from a cutting, first take a healthy cutting from the parent plant. It's important to make sure the cutting has at least one leaf node, which is where new leaves and roots will grow from. Next, prepare a pot with well-draining soil and place the cutting in it. Be sure to keep the cutting moist but not wet, and within a few weeks, new roots should begin to grow. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the new plant into a larger pot or into the ground.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow when compared to other types of plants. This is because they have a thicker, woodier stem and require more energy to produce new growth. While the growth rate may be slow, large shrubs are still able to produce a significant amount of new growth each year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are the same as for other plants: pests, disease, and lack of water. Pests can be controlled with regular spraying, and disease can be controlled with good hygiene and regular pruning. Lack of water is often the most serious problem, and large shrubs will need to be watered deeply and regularly. Mulching will help to keep the roots cool and moist, and will also help to control weeds.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to choose a large shrub variety that is appropriate for your climate and soil type.
  • Plant your large shrub in a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Water your large shrub regularly and deeply, especially during dry periods.
  • Fertilize your large shrub regularly using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your large shrub regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.
  • Protect your large shrub from extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or severe cold.
  • Inspect your large shrub regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take action to treat them promptly.
  • Keep the area around your large shrub free of weeds and debris.
  • mulch your large shrub to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  • Give your large shrub plenty of time to establish itself before planting anything else nearby.

You May Like

  • Large Leaf Rhododendron
  • Grand Rhododendron
  • Rhododendron maximum
  • Rhododendron ponticum
  • Rhododendron catawbiense
  • Rhododendron schlippenbachii
  • Rhododendron hybrid
  • Rhododendron Review
  • Rhododendron carolinianum
  • Rhododendron occidentale

Source:
large shrubs | Nebraska Extension
Shrubs | NC State Extension - North Carolina State University
Landscape Shrubs A - B by Common Name - University of …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category