When it comes to planting shrubs, it’s all about creating a pleasing arrangement. After all, we’re more likely to plant shrubs in groupings of threes or fives or to plant hedges than to set them out singly in our yard as we often do with specimen trees.
A shrub planting provides a striking middle layer between trees and flowering plants.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
For healthy growth, always space shrub plantings at the recommended distance for each particular species, as indicated on the plant tag.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
With this in mind, preparation is everything. So before digging your planting holes, place your shrubs in their containers atop the ground in the spots where you think you’d like to plant them. Walk around and assess the arrangement – after all, it’s easier to move the shrubs before planting them than to transplant them later. Look at the grouping, then evaluate each individual plant from every viewing angle. If the shrubs will only be seen from one side, be sure they have their most shapely side facing that direction. Adjust each plant until it’s exactly where you want it, keeping in mind the recommended spacing as indicated on the plant tag.
If you’re planting your shrubs in a prepared bed, dig each hole the same depth and slightly wider than the plant’s root ball. Remove the shrub from its container and untwist any encircling roots. If the root ball is matted, cut three or four slits (starting at the bottom then going halfway up the side). Place the root ball in the planting hole and fan out the roots. Backfill with soil from the bed, and water the planting’s soil until saturated.
If you’re planting shrubs in an existing bed, dig each hole the same depth as the root ball but three times as wide. Using a pitchfork or other tined tool, poke holes extending from the planting hole outward into the surrounding soil (these holes ease the plant’s roots growth into the surrounding soil).
To plant a containerized or balled-and-burlapped shrub that’s growing in soil similar in texture to your native soil, place the root ball in the planting hole, keeping the top of it even with or slightly higher than the edges of the hole (or at ground level). Then backfill with native soil.
If your shrub is growing in soil that’s very different in texture from your native soil (for example, if the shrub is in a coarse potting soil and your native soil is clayey), gently wash away some of the potting soil with a garden hose. Then place the root ball in the planting hole and backfill with native soil until the hole is one-third full. Water thoroughly, letting the soil settle before you finish filling the hole with the remaining native soil.
To plant a formal hedge – one that you want to be perfectly straight – sink a stake in the ground at each end of the row and tie a string between the stakes as an alignment guide. Placing the string fairly high above the ground will keep it well out of the way of your shovel.
Whether your garden plans call for a humble hedge or an oasis of flowering shrubs, just be sure to follow the proper planning and planting steps for a stunning display.
Shrub Planting
Shrub Planting - Step 1
Use the shrub’s nursery container to gauge the size of the planting hole to dig. The hole should be as deep as the soil in the pot and three times as wide.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Shrub Planting - Step 2
Lay the container with the plant on its side, then compress it as you roll it back and forth to loosen the soil and roots from the container sides.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Shrub Planting - Step 3
Gently grasp the main stem at its base. Holding the plant, carefully slide the container from the root ball. Avoid pulling on the plant.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Shrub Planting - Step 4
Unwind or cut any circling roots, including those that are on the bottom of the root ball. (The plant quickly will sprout replacement roots.)
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Shrub Planting - Step 5
Set the shrub into its planting hole, then backfill around it. Tamp the soil firmly, using your open palms to compress it. Add additional soil if necessary.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Shrub Planting - Step 6
Water thoroughly. Repeat watering in 24 hours, then again a few days later. After 10 days, water weekly or as needed.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
