Ornamental shrubs

What are the best-known and most popular ornamental shrubs?

Within the Planten247 assortment, several species immediately stand out due to their popularity. The Hydrangea remains the undisputed queen among ornamental shrubs thanks to its large flower heads. The Butterfly Bush (Buddleja) is also very popular, as this ornamental shrub is a magnet for insects during the summer months. For those who love a colorful spring, the Forsythia and the Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles) are excellent choices. Additionally, we see that the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is frequently chosen for its refined leaf shapes and spectacular autumn colors, making it shine as a solitary object in many Dutch gardens.

The benefits of ornamental shrubs

Adding an ornamental shrub to your garden design offers various practical and aesthetic benefits:

• Variation in height: They form the ideal intermediate layer between low perennials and tall trees.
• Year-round interest: By choosing wisely, you enjoy flowers in the spring, berries in the autumn, and a beautiful silhouette in the winter.
• Privacy and shelter: Denser-growing ornamental shrubs act as natural windbreaks or privacy screens.
• Low maintenance: Once established, most species require little extra care, while effectively suppressing weeds.

What to look for when buying ornamental shrubs?

When purchasing For ornamental shrubs, the location is the most important factor. Pay close attention to how many hours of sunshine the desired spot receives; a flowering ornamental shrub often needs more sun than a foliage plant. Also take the soil type into account; some plants prefer acidic forest soil, while others thrive on calcareous clay. Do not forget the mature size either. A young plant may look small at the garden center, but can grow to a substantial size in just a few years. Finally, check whether the species is deciduous or remains green during the winter period.

What types of ornamental shrubs are there?

The world of ornamental shrubs is enormously diverse. We can roughly divide them into groups based on their ornamental value:

• Flowering shrubs: Think of the Weigela, Lilac, or Mock Orange for color and fragrance.
• Ornamental foliage shrubs: Species such as the Spindle or the Olive Willow that stand out due to their leaf color.
• Berry-bearing shrubs: The Pyracantha or Skimmia, which are decorative specifically in autumn and winter.
• Winter bloomers: The Witch Hazel or Viburnum tinus, which bloom when the rest of the garden is dormant.

At Planten247, you will find the right match for every garden style.

Where should I place my ornamental shrubs?

The placement of your The ornamental shrub largely determines the success. Use larger varieties as a background in a border to create depth. A compact ornamental shrub, on the other hand, comes into its own in a beautiful pot on the terrace or balcony. When planting, pay attention to the proximity of other plants; give them room to grow without crowding each other. Avoid places where water collects, as most ornamental shrubs prefer well-draining soil. A spot out of strong winds is especially recommended for evergreen varieties.

How do I care for my ornamental shrubs?

The care of an ornamental shrub varies by species, but a good basic approach is universal. Water young plants regularly during the first year, especially during dry summers. Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and stimulate flowering: prune spring-flowering varieties after flowering, and summer-flowering varieties in early spring. Fertilizing in March or April with organic granules gives the plant a good boost. For an ornamental shrub in a pot, extra attention to water and nutrition is necessary, as the roots can build up fewer reserves here than in open ground.

Buy ornamental shrubs

Do you want to enrich your garden with color and structure? At Planten247, you can easily and safely buy the most beautiful ornamental shrubs. Our assortment has been carefully curated, where we select only plants of the highest quality directly from the grower. Whether you are looking for a classic ornamental shrub or a rare variety, we ensure fast and professional home delivery. View our selection, be inspired by the different colors and shapes, and order your new favorite addition to the garden today.

Frequently asked questions about ornamental shrubs

When is the best time to plant an ornamental shrub?

The best time is autumn or early spring. The soil is still warm then, or is starting to warm up, which stimulates root growth before the plant has to put energy into leaves and flowers.

Does every ornamental shrub need to be pruned every year?

No, many ornamental shrubs grow perfectly well without annual pruning. Pruning is primarily intended to keep the plant compact, promote flowering, or remove dead wood.

Are ornamental shrubs winter hardy?

Most ornamental shrubs in our assortment are excellently winter hardy. However, some Mediterranean species may require some protection during extreme frost, such as a layer of fleece.

Why isn't my ornamental shrub blooming?

This can be caused by pruning at the wrong time (causing you to cut off the flower buds), insufficient sunlight, or a lack of specific nutrients in the soil.