Shrubs and Plants
5 pages including 4 shrubs and plants, 1 guides, and 0 comparisons
How do I get my hydrangeas to bloom?
Pruning at the wrong time is the most common cause. Timing depends on old-wood vs new-wood varieties.
Hydrangea blooming guideWhen should I prune my shrubs?
Spring bloomers after they flower. Summer bloomers in late winter. Get it wrong and you lose a year of blooms.
Shrub pruning calendarHow do I change hydrangea color?
Soil pH controls color in bigleaf varieties. Acidic soil produces blue. Alkaline soil produces pink.
Hydrangea color guideWhat shrubs grow best in shade?
Azaleas, rhododendrons, hollies, and certain hydrangea varieties thrive with limited sun.
Shade shrub selectionShrubs and Plants Encyclopedia
4 species and types with identification guides
Showing 4 of 4
Arborvitae
ThujaArborvitae is the most popular privacy screening plant. Emerald Green for narrow hedges (10 to 15 ft, slow). Green Giant for fast large screens (40 to 60 ft, 3 to 5 ft per year). Space correctly from the start because arborvitae don't recover well from overcrowding.
Azaleas
Rhododendron (Azalea section)Azaleas are spring-blooming shrubs in the rhododendron family that need acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 6.0), partial shade, and good drainage. They bloom on old wood, so prune immediately after flowering in spring. Encore azaleas rebloom in fall.
Boxwood
BuxusBoxwood is the most popular formal hedge shrub in America with dense evergreen foliage that tolerates heavy shearing. Over 200 cultivars exist. The main threat is boxwood blight, a devastating fungal disease. Choose blight-resistant varieties for new plantings.
Knockout Roses
Rosa 'Radrazz' (Knock Out series)Knockout roses are low-maintenance landscape roses that bloom continuously from spring through frost without deadheading. Disease-resistant, heat-tolerant, and available in red, pink, yellow, and white. Prune hard in late winter (February to March).
Guides & Resources
How-to guides, treatment timing, and seasonal programs
