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| Photo Credit: Felder Rushing |
| Oakleaf hydrangea offers multiple seasons of interest. |
For you Monty Python fans out there, sometimes we’re like the Knights Who Say “Ni:” We want a shrubbery.
But which one?Having an idea of what you want – and what you need – will help you choose the right plant for your yard. Here are several questions to ask yourself when making that important plant decision: Evergreen or deciduous?Do you want a shrub that’s evergreen (holds its leaves year-round) or deciduous (drops its leaves in winter)? Evergreens are especially nice in winter, but shrubs such as forsythia or lilac are lovely in spring. What time of year do you want interest?
Everyone loves spring-blooming shrubs, but don’t forget about fall-fruiting shrubs like holly, beautyberry, snowberry and cotoneaster. Camellias provide winter bloom – a rarity.
How big of a plant do you need?Don’t waste your time buying a plant that’s the wrong size for the allotted area. If you try to force a big plant into a small space, you’ll end up hating it because you’re constantly running into it or having to prune. On the other hand, a plant that’s too small will leave a big gap that you’ll just have to fill later. The key to remember: Size does matter. Sun or shade?Shade-loving shrubs like azaleas die in a year or two if planted in full sun. Sun-loving shrubs can live for a few years in shade, but they won’t produce many flowers. Always follow a plant’s light requirements.
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