How to Grow Shrubs You Can Plant Close To The House - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Shrubs you can close to the house is a great way to improve curb appeal without spending a lot of money or time. You can find shrubs that will close to the house and provide privacy, as well as, many other benefits.

How to Grow Shrubs You Can Plant Close To The House - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Oregano

Good to Know

  • Check the plant labels before purchasing to make sure the plant is appropriate for your USDA hardiness zone and will not grow too large for the space you have available.
  • Plant shrubs at least 2 feet away from the house to allow for air circulation and to prevent the shrubs from blocking windows.
  • Mulch around the base of the shrubs to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
  • Water regularly during the first growing season to help the roots establish. Once established, most shrubs are quite drought tolerant.
  • Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer designed for shrubs.
  • Prune as needed to shape the shrub and control its size.
  • Spring is the best time to plant new shrubs, but shrubs can also be planted in fall in most areas.
  • Deer and rabbits may nibble on young shrubs, so you may need to protect them with fencing or netting.
  • Japanese beetles can be a problem on some shrubs, especially roses. Hand picking or treating with an insecticide may be necessary.
  • Some shrubs, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, and hollies, prefer acidic soils. If your soil is not naturally acidic, you will need to adjust the pH with sulfur or another amendment.

Related plant:
Best Shrubs To Plant In Front Of House

Growing Steps

  1. For shrubs you can close to the house, first step is to clear the ground around the shrub of any weeds or grass.
  2. Add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant, being careful not to pile it too high against the shrub's stems.
  3. Water the shrub deeply and regularly during the growing season.
  4. Apply a balanced fertilizer around the base of the plant according to package directions.
  5. Prune the shrub regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too large for its space.
  6. Inspect the shrub regularly for signs of pests or disease, and treat accordingly.
  7. Enjoy your beautiful, healthy shrub!

Related plant:
Hardy Shrubs

The Soil

About soil condition, close to the house the soil is usually in good condition because it is protected from the elements. This is good for shrubs because they need well-drained soil to thrive. If your soil is too dry, shrubs can become stressed and susceptible to disease. too wet, and the roots can rot.

Light requirement

Just like other plants, shrubs need sunlight to grow. But how much sunlight do they need? That depends on the type of shrub. Some shrubs, like azaleas and rhododendrons, need a lot of sunlight. Others, like yews and boxwoods, can grow in shady areas. So, when you're choosing shrubs for your garden, be sure to consider how much sunlight the area gets.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature around your home can have a big effect on the type of shrubs you can grow close to the house. If it gets too cold, the shrubs will die. If it gets too hot, the shrubs will suffer. You need to choose shrubs that can tolerate the temperature conditions in your area.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the air is too dry, the leaves will drop and the plant will become less vigorous. If the air is too humid, the plant may become susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, usually the plant food that you purchase at the store will be just fine. If you want to go the extra mile, you can get fertilizer specifically formulated for shrubs. As far as roots go, most shrubs have shallow roots, so you don't need to worry too much about them. Just make sure to avoid compacting the soil around the base of the shrub.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your shrubs healthy and looking their best. While you can prune shrubs at any time of year, late winter or early spring is the best time to do it. This is because the plants are just beginning to wake up from their winter dormancy and are ready to start growing again. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and can also help to shape the shrub. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing together. You should also cut back any branches that are growing out of bounds. Finally, prune any branches that are longer than the others, as these can create an unbalanced look.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a parent plant. Some plants can be propagated from seed, while others must be propagated from cuttings. To propagate a plant from seed, you will need to plant the seeds in a pot or tray of moistened soil. Once the seeds have germinated, you can transplant them into individual pots. To propagate a plant from a cutting, you will need to take a stem cutting from the parent plant. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and include several leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot or tray of moistened soil. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into an individual pot.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is usually fast. Some examples of these shrubs are: forsythia, viburnum, and holly. When looking for a shrub to close to the house, you want to make sure that it is the correct size for the space you have available, as well as looking for one that has a fast growth rate.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are lack of sunlight, water and nutrients. These problems can be caused by the house itself, as it can block out sunlight, or by the soil, which can be too dry or too compacted.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing shrubs near your house, make sure to choose varieties that are appropriate for the location and soil type.
  • Always make sure to water your shrubs regularly, as they will need more water than plants that are further away from your house.
  • When fertilizing your shrubs, be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for shrubs.
  • You may need to trim your shrubs regularly to keep them from getting too big or out of control.
  • Be aware of pests and diseases that could affect your shrubs, and take steps to prevent or treat them accordingly.
  • Pay attention to the overall appearance of your shrubs and take steps to keep them looking their best.
  • Keep in mind that shrubs near your house will likely require more maintenance than those that are further away.
  • Be prepared to invest more time and effort into growing shrubs close to your house.
  • Always consult with

Related Plants

  • Hydrangeas
  • Forsythia
  • Azaleas
  • Rhododendrons
  • camellias
  • hibiscus
  • jasmine
  • lavender
  • rosemary

Source:
Shrubs | NC State Extension - North Carolina State University
Identification of Shrubs | UMass Amherst Greenhouse Crops and ...
Native plants for Michigan landscapes: Part 2 - Shrubs

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category