Shrubs

Shrubs are woody perennial plants that branch from or near the base rather than growing on a single trunk, which gives them a dense, rounded or spreading habit. They form the backbone of many gardens, where they provide structure, privacy, windbreaks and year-round interest through foliage, flowers, berries or autumn colour. Most are planted in open ground in borders, hedges and mixed beds, although compact forms also do well in large containers on patios and balconies. Unlike trees, they stay relatively low and multi-stemmed, and unlike herbaceous perennials, they keep their woody framework through winter. Pruning is generally used to maintain shape, encourage flowering and keep growth in proportion.

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