Low-maintenance bushes and shrubs are the unsung heroes of the gardening world. They provide interest and structure to beds, borders and entrances. They flourish in many environments due to drought tolerance, pest resistance and adaptability.
Many varieties of trees, shrubs, and perennials can be considered low-maintenance. Needing little watering, fertilizing and only a bit of yearly pruning.
The Benefits of Low-Maintenance Bushes and Shrubs
These easy to grow plants bloom annually and enhance the beauty of your garden while also supporting pollinators and birds with flowers and branching foliage.
Choosing the Right Low-Maintenance Bushes and Shrubs
Before you choose your plants, assess your property’s size, amount of sun and shade, type of soil, and water requirements. It’s essential to match your property’s environment to the plants’ needs for best results.
Size of Your Property
Small Property: Small, narrow, or low-growing plants to maintain a proportional design and avoid looking crowded or overwhelmed.
Large Property: Various-sized plants with ample open space.
Sun or Shade
Know the sun patterns and areas of shade around your property. Many low-maintenance plants are sun-worshippers and need at least six hours of sun every day. Others prefer partial shade or only morning sun with afternoon shade.
Soil Type
Well-draining soil is essential, although some plants have more specific requirements. If the soil is sandy or compacted clay you can easily correct it with amendments such as Earl May Structure and Earl May Organic Planting Mix.
Water Requirements
these plants will grow with less demand for water than other plant types once established with strong root systems.
Watering at time of planting and drought periods is still necessary.
A word of caution, though—most plants do not like soggy, poorly draining soil or standing water and will not thrive in them.
Popular Low-Maintenance Bushes and Shrubs
The following 6 plants standout for their beauty, hardiness and adaptability. Varying in size and color, so you can choose the perfect plant for your garden.
1. Boxwood
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub perfect as an individual accent plant or for borders and foundation. Boxwood varieties come in many sizes, from compact mounds to upright conical shrubs. They grow slowly and thrive in sun to partial shade.
2. Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush boasts fragrant pink or purple flower spikes at the ends of its arching branches. Standing tall at 6 x 4, it is an excellent choice for a colorful accent. It grows quickly and needs full sun to flower and attract butterflies from mid-summer to fall.
3. Hydrangea
White, pink, or blue, puffy flower clusters and large leaves adorn hydrangeas There are four popular species—Big Leaf, Panicle, Smooth, and Oak Leaf—each with its own characteristics. They are all fast-growing, come in a range of sizes from petite to large and bloom in the sun or partial shade from summer to fall.
4. Lilac
Lilacs are considered large shrubs or small trees, many grow to mature sizes of 8′-10′ × 8′-10′, while newer compact types grow around 4-6’ tall and wide. Their Sweetly fragrant flowers in an array of colors among heart-shaped leaves have graced yards and gardens for centuries.
5. Spirea
Spirea is a fast-growing bush with either an upright or cascading habit, 2′-5′ × 3′-4′, that can enhance a variety of landscape designs. Its dense pink or white flowers bloom in late spring in sun or partial shade.
6. Viburnum
Viburnums are rapid growing shrubs that range in size depending on the variety. They boast clusters of light pink or white flowers in spring, followed by colorful fruit. Most varieties prefer full sun, but some grow best in partial shade.
Browse Earl May’s top choices for high-quality shrubs online and visit your local Earl May for availability.
Additional Low-Maintenance Options: Fruits and Herbs
Enjoy fresh, health produce and the satisfaction of having grown it yourself with low-maintenance fruits and herbs.
Fruits
See our excellent selection of fruit trees. We offer several varieties of semi-dwarf apple, apricot, cherry, peach, pear, and plum trees. We also offer blackberry, blueberry, grape, raspberry, rhubarb, and strawberry plants to round out your harvest. Once established, these delicious fruits require minimal care. Browse Earl May’s Small Fruits & Berries online.
Herbs
Pre-potted herb gardens are great for quick and easy use, while herb seeds are available for those who enjoy the satisfaction of growing their own from start to finish. These easy-to-grow herbs will thrive in a kitchen or vegetable garden, flower beds, containers, or indoors on a window sill. Most will also act as pest repellents when planted among your flowers or vegetables.
Planting and Care Tips for Low-Maintenance Bushes and Shrubs
Here is a general guide for your low-maintenance bushes and shrubs and some tips for ongoing care.
Care Tips
Once established continue maintenance pruning to remove dead branches and shape the bushes to an appropriate size. For blooming plants, pruning should be done after flowering but before the plant begins to bud for the next year’s growth. Consult your local Earl May Garden Center professional for more information.
Fertilizing monthly during the spring and summer gives the plants a healthy boost. Use an all-purpose, balanced fertilizer, like Nutri-Gro, half the strength of the package instructions to prevent fertilizer burn.
Check your plant for signs of garden pests and diseases and treat with insecticidal soap, Neem oil, or another appropriate preparation. We offer a wide array of disease and pests supplies.
Conclusion
With careful planning to match the right plants to your property’s environment, these bushes and shrubs will provide you with a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that you can enjoy for years to come.
For recommendations on low-maintenance bushes and shrubs specific to your area, consult your local Earl May Garden Center. Happy planting!
Did you know? Earl May has landscape and planting services available. If you’re planning on planting, find out everything you need to know about how to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and more.
