Blossoms on the Go Garden Centre owner Shirley Brohan shares her top tips to help you choose the right shrub for your personal haven.
The gardens are looking fabulous now. The blooms are all around us, and the shrubs are filling out, as are the perennials.
It is such a joy to be able to go out into the garden and sit outside. We spend so much time in the garden that we can forget the beauty of our shrubs, so I thought this week we might chat about some of the popular ones here in the garden centre. Here are a few tips and things to consider if you are thinking of adding a shrub to your garden.
Consider the space you have available, the size you would like it to grow, and whether you want an evergreen or a deciduous shrub (one that loses its leaves in winter). Then, decide if you would like it to flower or just have nice foliage colour.
Once you have considered these factors and have your answers, you will have narrowed your choices a little bit.
I am all for colour and flowers. One of my favourites is the Hypericum, or St John’s Wort, with its vibrant yellow flowers and medicinal properties. It has lots of clusters of flowers and comes in a small variety.
Hypericum can grow up to five feet tall. Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac, is an evergreen shrub known for its lush clusters of small, vibrant blue flowers. There are many varieties available, from low-growing to tall shrubs, and they are easy to maintain.
Choisya, commonly known as Mexican orange blossom, is an evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers, aromatic foliage, and easy maintenance. The shrub produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that resemble orange blossoms. Choisya can grow quite tall, up to 8 feet.
Pittosporum is an evergreen shrub that comes in different varieties with very attractive foliage, which can differ in colour. Tom Thumb is one of my favourites, with its wine-coloured leaves. They can vary in size depending on the variety you choose and are easy to maintain.
Hebes are becoming ever so popular. Their variety range has expanded so much in recent years, and the foliage colour can vary from green to wine or even variegated leaves. Most varieties have flowers that vary from pink to purple, and the size of the Hebe can range from one foot up to five feet. Hebe Mint Chocolate, Hebe Strawberry and Cream, and Hebe Rhubarb and Custard are just a few to mention.
Hopefully, this has helped if you are trying to fill a gap and given you some ideas. As always, if you have any questions, send us a message and enjoy the view in your garden.
