They’re the staple of your garden. Big or small, whatever the size of your outdoor space it will be transformed by planting a variety of shrubs. These plants will bring you joy all year round and add colour to any plot. So, whether you have a sprawling garden, a compact patio, or even a small balcony, shrubs will bring life and colour to the space.

All that sounds great, but it’s easy for us to say. We’re a big fan of shrubs - well we would be wouldn’t we - and we know our readers and customers are too. How do we know this? Our best-selling product is our mixed shrub selection pack. So, why is it, and shrubs in general, so popular? Here’s just ten reasons.

The Beauty of Garden Shrubs

1. Versatility

No surprise here. Garden shrubs are incredibly versatile in that they can thrive anywhere; plant them in the border or in a container and they’ll flourish. Shrubs adapt well to different light and soil conditions, and you can plant them in full sun, semi-shade, and some varieties will even prosper in partial shade.

In a garden, shrubs can be used to fill borders, create natural screens in front of walls or sheds, or you can group them together to act as focal points. When planted in containers, they will add colour and structure to patios, balconies, and other small spaces.

2. Year-Round Interest

One of the great things about shrubs is that they deliver colour all year round. They’ll have spring and summer blooms, autumn foliage, and varieties of evergreen shrubs will remind you of summer even in the cold winter months. By planting a diverse range of shrubs, you can enjoy a dynamic and ever-changing gardener balcony which offers something new no matter what time of year it is.

3. Creates Privacy and Screening

It’s perhaps something which we don’t always think about but shrubs are a fantastic way to create natural screens or privacy barriers in your garden. They can be planted to block ugly views, make privacy areas, and act as windbreaks. Of course, you have to be clever in which shrub you choose to do each job but the dense foliage and varying heights of different plants make them ideal for forming living walls that are not only functional but look brilliant as well. Whether you need to shield a patio area, define a garden border, or block a neighbour's view, shrubs can be used to great effect. Just remember to choose shrubs of different heights and textures.

4. Low Maintenance Beauties

Unlike high maintenance plants like roses and orchids, shrubs are ideal for the gardener who doesn’t like to be too busy. Most garden shrubs are low maintenance. Many are drought and disease resistant, and don’t need much pruning. Once they become established, shrubs can thrive with minimal attention. With just a little initial care, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without the need for constant upkeep, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your garden.

5. Attracting Wildlife

If you like plenty of life and activity in your garden, you need shrubs in your outdoor space. Many shrubs produce flowers that are rich in nectar, bees and butterflies will love them. Others plants can produce berries and fruits that provide food for birds. Plant a few shrubs and you’ll have a great time watching birds, bees, and butterflies in your garden. And, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment. Which can’t be bad can it?

6. Structure and Form

I love using shrubs to mark pathways through my garden but because there are so many different shapes, sizes, and textures they will add structure and transform a flat garden or piece of ground into a wonderful and dynamic space. Tall, upright shrubs will create a sense of height or you can do the opposite and plant low, spreading varieties to fill in gaps in the border.

7. Shrubs for Small Spaces

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a large garden, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on enjoying plenty of shrubs. Some varieties are perfect for small spaces and container gardening. They can be planted on balconies, patios, and anywhere where space is restricted. There are so many different types of compact shrubs you can choose from and you can enjoy as much colour and variety on a balcony just as you could in a larger garden.

8. Seasonal Colour and Fragrance

Want some colour to offset the greenery. Want some fragrance to waft through the patio on a summer’s day? Yep, you guessed it. You need some shrubs. Many produce beautiful flowers and lovely foliage, to add a burst of colour throughout the year. Others have fragrant blooms to fill your garden with the scent of summer.

9. Easy Planting and Care Tips

We’ve already mentioned this but planting and caring for shrubs is straightforward, it doesn’t matter how high or low your skillset is you can plant and grow shrubs successfully. Just take a little time to prepare the soil, adding compost if needed, and make sure you give the shrub polenta of water after planting. For container planting, choose pots with good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix.

10. You Need Our Mixed Shrub Selection Pack

So, we’ve talked about how great garden shrubs are, now you need to plant some. The best and easiest way to do this is to grab one of our mixed shrub selection packs. It’s the perfect way to transform your outdoor space. And it’s great value too at under £5 per plant.

You’ll find a great selection of plants in the pack. There is a mix of evergreens and deciduous flowering shrubs and they will vary in mature height from 2 ft to 8ft. All plants are fresh from our nursery and will arrive at your door all ready to plant.

Don’t forget garden shrubs are a fantastic way to add some colour and year-round interest, to your outdoor space whether that is a large garden or small balcony.

Read our plant guarantee and the answers to other frequently asked questions here.