How to Grow Red Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Red shrubs is a plant that is most commonly found in North America. The leaves of red shrubs are usually green, but they can also be yellow, orange, or red. The flowers of red shrubs are typically white, but they can also be pink, purple, or red.

How to Grow Red Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Claytonia perfoliata
  • Common Purslane
  • Miner's Lettuce
  • Spring Beauty
  • Winter Purslane

Basic info

  • Red shrubs are a great way to add color and interest to your landscape.
  • They come in a wide variety of species and cultivars, so you can find one that fits your particular landscape.
  • Red shrubs are generally easy to care for and require little maintenance.
  • They are tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun and shade.
  • Red shrubs are drought tolerant and can withstand periods of dry weather.
  • Most red shrubs are deer resistant, making them a good choice for landscapes that are prone to deer damage.
  • Red shrubs can provide valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife.
  • Many red shrubs are fragrant, adding another layer of interest to your landscape.
  • Red shrubs can be used in a variety of landscape design styles, including cottage gardens, formal gardens, and naturalistic landscapes.
  • Red shrubs are a long-lived addition to your landscape and can provide many years of enjoyment.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

  1. For red shrubs, first step is to choose a location that receives full sun. If you are growing them indoors, make sure to place them near a south-facing window.
  2. Prepare the planting area by clearing away any debris and loosening the soil.
  3. If you are planting more than one red shrub, space them about 3 feet apart.
  4. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the shrub’s root ball but no deeper.
  5. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil.
  6. Water the shrub deeply immediately after planting.
  7. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub, but leave a 3-inch space between the mulch and the stem.
  8. Water the shrub regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  9. Fertilize the shrub once a year in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  10. Prune the shrub as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Related plant:
Wild Rose Bush

The Soil

About soil condition, red shrubs generally prefer well-drained soils with consistent moisture levels. However, they are also tolerant of drought and clay soils. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, red shrubs need sun to grow. They use sunlight to produce food for themselves through photosynthesis. If a red shrub doesn't get enough sun, it will start to lean towards the light in search of it. This can cause the shrub to become misshapen and can even kill it. Red shrubs need at least four hours of sunlight each day to stay healthy.

The Temperature

The temperature is the key factor to consider when watering red shrubs. If the temperature is too hot, the water will evaporate before it can reach the roots. If the temperature is too cold, the water will freeze before it can reach the roots.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. The plant will suffer if the humidity is too high. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off. The plant may also start to produce small, white flowers.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, usually the plant 's food, is found in the roots of the red shrubs. The roots of the red shrubs are an important part of the plant. They hold the plant in the ground and absorb water and nutrients from the soil. The roots also store carbohydrates that the plant uses for energy.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your red shrubs looking their best. By pruning, you can encourage new growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant to your desired look. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruners to avoid damaging the plant. Also, be sure to prune at the correct time of year for your particular plant.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of growing new plants from a parent plant. Red shrubs can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings, layering, or division. To root stem cuttings, cut a 6-8 inch piece of stem from the parent plant and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the bottom of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in moistened potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid place until new growth appears. To layer a red shrub, bend a low-lying branch down to the ground and make a small incision in the bark. Cover the incision with soil and keep it moist until new roots form and new growth appears. To divide a red shrub, dig up the entire plant and carefully pull it apart into smaller pieces, making sure each piece has roots. Replant the divisions immediately.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively fast, allowing them to fill in gaps in landscapes quickly. Many areas that are too shady for other plants to grow well are ideal for red shrubs. They add color and beauty to any landscape and are a popular choice for many gardeners.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are insect pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Insect pests include scale, aphids, and mites. Diseases include rose rosette disease, powdery mildew, and stem canker. Environmental stress includes drought, heat stress, and winter burn.

Basics of Growing

  • If you want to grow red shrubs, select a planting site that has full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Prepare the soil by turning it over and adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
  • Choose red shrub species that are suited to your growing conditions.
  • Plant red shrubs at the correct time of year for your area.
  • Space red shrubs according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Water red shrubs regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Fertilize red shrubs according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Prune red shrubs as needed to promote healthy growth and shape.
  • Protect red shrubs from pests and diseases.
  • Enjoy the beautiful color of your red shrubs!

Substitution

  • Red Currant (Ribes rubrum)
  • Red-leaf Rose (Rosa rubrifolia)
  • Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)
  • Red-twig Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Ruba')
  • Red Mullein (Verbascum phoeniceum)
  • Red Sage (Salvia rubescens)
  • Red Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
  • Redroot (Lachnanthes caroliniana)
  • Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber)
  • Red Willow (Salix rubra)

Source:
Trees and shrubs | UMN Extension - University of Minnesota
Redosier dogwood | UMN Extension
Winterberry | UMN Extension

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category