Flowering Shrubs

In many instances they also protect against soil erosion, standing up to both heavy rainfall and drought conditions.

Choosing a shrub for landscaping purposes can be a challenging task. While they share the common botanical characteristic of having a woody stem, the diversity of plants in the category spans the entire plant world range.

Whittling down the decision can be easier by taking into account the importance of a couple of different factors such as the shrub's size, the color of its flowers or berries, and its maintenance requirements.

The utility of shrubs also extends to their ability to stabilize soil and act as wind breaks.

Native shrubs, remain popular consumer choices because they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Equally as important, once established many native shrubs need little maintenance. Proper pruning insures that the shrub produced maximum flower blooms.

The beautiful flowers of non-native shrubs such as Camellia and Rock Rose continues to propel their popularity.

Camellia, native Asian evergreen flowering shrubs or small trees, in the Tea family (Theaceae), are suited for USDA zones 6-9.

The many hybridized varieties makes them especially popular landscape plants in southern and western climates.

Early blooming red, pink and white flowers attract hummingbirds. Camellias thrive in well-drained, acidic soil that ranges in the 5.5 to 6.5 PH level. They are also partially shade tolerant.

Rock Rose, a common name for the genus of flowering plants (Cistus) in the rockrose family (Cistaceae), consists of a couple hundred plants native mostly to Europe.

Although none are North American natives, a handful of Rock Rose species grow wild in California.

Their showy flowers, with shades of red, pink and white, make them a popular shrub in many southern gardens (USDA zones 8-10).

The thin needles, blue flowers and strong aromatic properties partially explain rosemary's (Rosemarinus Offinalis) legendary shrub status throughout the course of Western Civilization.

One only need read a few older biology texts to learn of the plant's association with special occasions such as weddings and funerals, and every day occasions as an ingredient in herbal teas, foods and cosmetics.

Folkark's 1884 edition of Plant Lore, Legends and Lyrics starts its narrative by saying, "Rosmarinus, the botanical name of Rosemary, signifies the "dew of the sea," and has been applied to the plant on account of its fondness for the sea-shore. Formerly it was called Rosmarinus coronarius because of its use in chaplets and garlands, with which the principal guests at feasts were crowned."

Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary grows to three feet in height, making it suited to planting in the back of any garden area.

Used as a healthy salt substitute, it enhances the flavor of many meals, especially with poultry, fish and vegetables.

Seasonal flowering patterns allow landscapers multiple choices for year round yard color.

The ideal shrub planting time depends on a variety of factors, including shrub type and climactic conditions. Deciduous shrubs, for example, can be planted in either the spring (before the leaves grow) or the fall (after the leave have fallen).

The links in the box on the right point to articles providing detailed descriptions of common native evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs and warm climate shrubs available on the commercial market. A separate, types of roses article covers these popular garden ornamentals,

Please check with a local nursery for specific planting guidelines such as the plant's temperature, soil and water requirements.

© 2008-2012 Patricia A. Michaels