The term “shrub” is specifically used to describe the particular physical structure of woody plants. A large number of plants can be either shrubs or trees, depending on the growing conditions they experience. In most cases, the only difference between a shrub and a tree is the presence of multiple base stems instead of a single tree trunk and no base stems. Although this is not always the case, a tree may have two or more trunks and/or base stems. Determining whether a woody plant is a shrub or a tree may depend on how it is used in the landscape and whether or not the lower branches have been removed.
Shrubs usually have multiple stems that branch from the base and are typically smaller than a tree. When a shrub has multiple canes or shoots emerging from the ground and none of these are dominant, it may be called a bush. Shrubs can be small or they can grow to 15-20 feet in height! Under favorable conditions, some shrubs may even grow taller than 20 feet. Shrubs can be deciduous or evergreen, meaning they will lose their leaves every fall (deciduous), or they can keep them throughout the winter (evergreen). Shrubs are generally broad-leaved deciduous plants. Evergreen shrubs can have broad-leaves or needles.
Shrubs are virtually carefree. In the natural style of landscape gardening, they are simply allowed to grow untended. In many landscapes, they are pruned in the spring or fall for ideal shape and to induce more compact growth. Some shrubs may have to be pruned after flowering to prevent cutting of next year’s flower buds. Shrubs are versatile and have many uses. They work great for hedges, screens, and background plantings. They are wonderful for foundation plantings around the house, deck, fence, and swimming pool. You may also use them as a specimen or ascent plant. Evergreen shrubs will provide year-round color to the landscape. Set a mood by choosing shrubs that flower or have special foliage characteristics.
Shrubs are an important feature of the landscape. Annuals and perennials are only around for part of the year, and even then, they are usually very small plants. Shrubs give a bulk and distinguished look to landscapes at eye-catching level. Shrubs are considered by many to be the most important plants in the landscape!
Did you forget to cut back your butterfly bush last fall? It’s not to late! In the early spring before you see new growth you can still give them a hard trim. Treat buddleia’s like a perennial and cut it back to approximantly 2 to 3 inches above the ground. Now, don’t worry butterfly bushes don’t start to emerge until late spring or early summer. Once it starts growing, the butterfly bush will quickly reach its full size, and blooms on the new growth. Now, you will be ready to enjoy this butterfly magnet in the coming summer.
