Ornamental trees and garden shrubs are reliable, hardy additions to any outdoor space which will continue to provide pleasure throughout the year. Not only this, but they are also very easy to grow provided you have the knowhow. And you surely will after reading our handy guide below!
General Advice
Often overlooked when considering landscape design, Trees & Shrubs are increasing in popularity due to the recent cold winters; strong enough to withstand temperatures that would otherwise ruin more delicate plants, they provide structure and create harmony throughout your garden. Well positioned rose bushes or garden shrubs can provide a focal point, hide an eyesore or allow you to add an unexpected splash of colour.
Do not be put off in thinking these plants are not suited for smaller gardens; careful selective breeding has allowed for varieties that complement the most difficult of spaces. Most importantly, garden trees and shrubs are amongst the most low-maintenance, trouble free and easy options when planning your garden. At the most they require all but a few minutes pruning once a year to ensure their size and shape is kept as you desire.
Furthermore, it is almost impossible to kill established garden trees or rose bushes by cutting back too hard or far; in fact, the plant is likely to benefit from a thorough visit from the pruning shears. Most plants are lifted and delivered in the winter when they lie dormant; for guaranteed results we suggest you plant during this time to allow your new garden shrubs the best possible start in the coming spring.
Types of Trees & Shrubs
Evergreen vs Deciduous
Evergreens keep their leaves all year round. Deciduous plants will be dormant throughout autumn and winter, so they may arrive without leaves, or with the leaves looking blotchy or dying back. Do not worry – this is completely normal and you should plant them with confidence. Many deciduous plants are supplied as bare-roots.
Bare Root
Many trees and shrubs are supplied as “bare-roots” – i.e. dormant, with the roots out of the soil. Don’t worry if the roots have been cut quite harshly – this is done to encourage new root growth.
Before you plant them, soak the roots overnight. If you can’t plant straight away, they should be fine for up to 2 weeks if left in a cool, dark, frost-free place – keep the bag around the roots and moisten the roots regularly so they don’t dry out.
When planting, add some mycorrhizal granules to the roots to aid root development and plant health.
Water bare-root plants thoroughly and often whilst they establish – particularly when planting in spring.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice the width of the roots or wide enough for the potted root ball to fit inside, forking over the bottom to loosen the soil.
If you’re planting into pots, use a pot that is roughly double the size of the current pot or diameter of the root-ball. Place some stones or gravel in the bottom of the pot for drainage and ballast. Use the best-quality compost you can afford – we recommend Premium Professional Compost.
Mix good quality fertiliser into the soil at the base of the hole or pot. We recommend Fish Blood & Bone, or our Rose & Shrub Feed for roses and hardy shrubs.
Plant at the same depth as the soil mark or level with the soil in the nursery pot. If your tree has been grafted, the graft point (a noticeable “knuckle” at the bottom of the trunk) must be at least 10cm (4”) above soil level.
Holding the plant upright in position with one hand, slowly backfill the hole with soil.
Firm the soil around the plant to ensure good contact around the roots.
If planting larger standards or trees we recommend using a Tree Planting Kit to support your young tree as it establishes. Push 40cm of the stake into the soil next to your tree. Make a figure of eight around both the trunk and stake with a tie and fasten it off. 8. Water your plant thoroughly once planted and then at least weekly for the first 8 weeks – especially in dry weather.
Trees & Shrubs – Aftercare
When it comes to aftercare, it really depends on what variety of trees or shrubs you buy. We suggest visiting the product page on site you bought the plants from for full details on aftercare. Or similarly, if bought from a garden centre then ask a member of staff. If still out of luck, a visit to the RHS website is worth a shot as they have advice on each specific variety.
A good general rule however is to keep the plants well watered, making sure the soil is slightly damp but not soaking, most of the time. You should keep at doing this for smaller plants, particularly during the drier summer months. Larger plants such as Acers may not need watering once they are fully established but it’s still always best to if you are experiencing hot weather where you are.