Shrubs and Hedges
Shrubs are the backbone of many gardens. Hedges are shrubs or small trees planted and pruned as a continuous screen or boundary.
Shrub Kinds
Section titled “Shrub Kinds”| Kind | Examples | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Evergreen shrubs | Camellia, box, pittosporum, gardenia | Structure and screening |
| Deciduous shrubs | Hydrangea, lilac, forsythia, spiraea | Seasonal flowers and stems |
| Flowering shrubs | Azalea, rose, hibiscus, grevillea | Color and pollinators |
| Fruiting shrubs | Blueberry, currant, elderberry, feijoa | Food and habitat |
| Aromatic shrubs | Lavender, rosemary, myrtle | Fragrance and dry gardens |
| Native shrubs | Banksia, bottlebrush, manzanita, viburnum | Local habitat and resilience |
Hedge Kinds
Section titled “Hedge Kinds”Formal hedges need regular pruning and dense branching. Informal hedges use natural form and flowers. Screening hedges prioritize height, privacy, and evergreen density.
Care Pattern
Section titled “Care Pattern”Prune based on bloom timing. Shrubs that flower on old wood should not be hard-pruned right before flowering season.