Shrubs

Shrubs, Hedges, and Bushes from Gurney's

Choosing the Right Shrubs, Hedges and Bushes

Shrubs can do a lot for the landscape: provide structure, add colorful foliage and flowers, create a privacy screen or windbreak, give birds a food source and so much more. When selecting bushes, start by asking some questions.

Do you want shrubs for year-round color? Some shrubs are deciduous, losing their leaves in the fall, while others are evergreen.

Do you want a quick-growing shrub? Many gardeners want to establish a hedge or privacy screen quickly. If you do, look for fast-growing hedges or shrubs. When selecting shrubs, note their mature height and width.

Do you want fruit and flowers? Flowering shrubs are impressive and often attract pollinators when they burst into bloom in the spring or summer. Many shrubs also produce berries or fruit and provide a food source for birds--and sometimes humans too.

What are the shrub's light, soil and grow zone requirements? Some bushes require full sun (direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day) while others will grow in partial shade; make sure the shrub grows in your grow zone.

Do you want to create a hedge or privacy screen? We offer specially bundled hedges for sale. Choose from evergreens with dense foliage to flowering shrubs and more.

Shrubs, Hedges and Bushes: Getting the Most out of Your Purchase

Our shrubs are easy to grow, if you take care with site selection, planting and some basic maintenance, including pruning.

Getting Started with Shrubs, Hedges, and Bushes

Site selection is very important when planting bushes. Many require full sun (direct sunlight) and well-drained soil, while other shrubs perform in partial shade. They also need space to grow. Check their spacing requirements before planting.

How to Plant Bushes, Hedges, or Shrubs

Shrubs can be planted in the spring or the fall. Whether planting a potted or bareroot shrub, dig a hole that accommodates their roots--usually about twice the size of the root spread. If planting bareroot bush, soak the roots in water for about 15 minutes before planting.

How to Water New Bushes, Hedges, or Shrubs

Until they are established, most shrubs require weekly watering during the growing season.

When to Fertilize Bushes, Hedges, or Shrubs

If planted in fertile soil, many shrub varieties do not require regular feeding. If applying fertilizer, apply in late fall or in late winter/early spring.

How to Trim Bushes, Hedges, or Shrubs

Hedges often require regular pruning to keep their shape. Other shrubs and bushes may only require annual pruning, or even less than that. When pruning, first remove all the dead, diseased or damaged branches. Then prune any branches that cross and rub together as well as suckers.

When to Trim Bushes, Hedges, or Shrubs

Many shrubs can be pruned in late winter. Prune spring flowering shrubs after they've flowered.