People often describe shrubs as small trees, and in fact, many trees that are small in size can be shaped into a shrub by pruning. There is a wide variety of bush types and today we are going to know about them in this article.
What are bushes?
Shrubs are part of the woody plants that have an appearance and characteristics very similar to those of trees, these are usually plants whose trunk is short in size, although sometimes you can see shrubs whose trunk is It is branched from its base and can reach about 5 meters in height.
This is the biggest difference that shrubs have from trees, since the latter have a single trunk and their size is usually quite tall.
Shrubs are ideal for decorating gardens and spaces where they are planted, therefore, they are generally taken as ornamental plants, in addition, they are also considered as filler plants and are frequently used to delimit land or create separations and even labyrinths of gardens.
There is a great variety of these plants which have different styles, different classes where some are found with decorative flowers, beautiful and peculiar leaves, tall and also low stems.
The species of these bushes tend to vary depending on the climate where it is found and the purpose for which it is going to be used. That is why we can assure you that there is a wide variety of types of bushes and their characteristics they will be special and diverse.
Types of bushes
There is a wide variety of types of shrubs, as well as their styles. These can be found almost anywhere on the planet, although each of them will have different characteristics and properties which will be able to differentiate one from the other.
However, they have been classified into two main types. Let's find out what these are. types of bushes and their names:
climbing shrubs
They are all those bushes that have a growth habit that is not common, they tend to be quite flexible and, in addition, their stems are quite extensive. Due to this, they have the possibility of being able to expand in any direction and even be able to climb walls, fences, walls, barbed wire and more.
They can also become known as vine plants, of these 5 genera are known: supporters, autonomous, tendril climbers, thorn climbers and vines. The most common of them are: the mother jungle, jasmine and virgin vine.
Some of these can be types of non-flowering shrubs and others may have flowers.
non-climbing shrubs
These are the most common of the bushes, in addition, they are the easiest to grow around, therefore, they are the ones that we usually find in different types of environments.
Within this group of shrubs, we can classify a wide variety of species, such as: oleanders, camellias and rhododendrons, as well as others. These are characterized by having a wide variety of leaves that are both perennial and deciduous.
Among the species of non-climbing shrubs we have: laurel, rose bushes, wisteria, cornus, and some others.
Shrub Characteristics
Shrubs differ from trees because they have a height that, in general, does not exceed 6 meters, these have diverse ramifications from the base of the main trunk, their leaves can present both characteristics perennial as well as deciduous.
In general, the place where the bushes grow, are called thickets, this is because, not only does one species of bush grow there, but also different species usually grow in the same area.
Historically, they have often been confused with woody bushes and sub-shrubs, they tend to be recognized as thickets and sometimes as weeds. These plants are characterized by growing independently, that is, they do not need to be planted by man.
Shrubs are plants that have great resistance to different climatic conditions, to the variety of existing soils and to the need for water. There are people who consider shrubs undesirable, however, others think that they are ideal as ornamental plants for decorating gardens, squares and streets.
What are the uses of shrubs?
Some species of shrubs can be used for the preparation of foods that are consumable both for humans and for other different species of animals, in general, those that are used for this are those belonging to the aromatic species.
These are one of the plants that can be found in almost any part of the planet, this is thanks to the fact that many of them help in the growth and development of multiple culinary activities for man.
These are one of the most used plants for decorating patios, gardens and various places that you want to beautify in urban areas, this means that their main use is ornamental, this is thanks to the fact that they are extremely resistant plants. and they can be adapted to any type of soil and to the different climates that may exist in the place.
These characteristics influence the maintenance that should be given to the plant, which, by the way, is not too rigorous because this plant can grow on its own and without needing too much care.
If we go to the companies that make cosmetics and perfumes, a certain group of bushes are part of the raw material for their creations, since they have components within their leaves and flowers, which have active ingredients that help the creation of a wide variety of products that are used and consumed by people.
Some of these products are used to dye hair, such as fragrances used in perfumes, for the production of soaps and body creams that are used by millions of people around the world.
For many years, humanity has stood out for making great advances in medicine, however, even today, there is a wide variety of drugs that contain among their main components some from various bushes, therefore, these , are of the utmost importance in the creation of both traditional and modern medicines.
It is no secret that, since man is man, they turn to nature for the development and advancement of what we know today as society and for science, since nature is our first ally in terms of obtaining resources. essential and necessary.
Added to all this, many of these shrubs are used as decorators for gardens and urban spaces around the world. Some of these are used as delimiters of spaces and also help to create intimacy in various areas that, without them, would be open and visible to all.
Finally, those that are givers of flowers and fruits that are used for the enjoyment of both humans and other animal species should be highlighted and that, in addition, give even more beauty to the place where these bushes are placed.
How are shrubs classified?
Shrubs, being one of the main plants used by man for various purposes, being the main one as decoration of gardens and various spaces, can also be planted in large pots. These bushes can be classified into:
Flowering shrubs
These types of bushes, in general, are used as a reference of what are low plants and they can have flowers with excellent showiness and that become very striking and even extravagant.
They usually stand out for having a very wide variety of flowers and for having many different styles that can be natural or can take a specific form through pruning.
They are highly valued due to their ornamental contribution, although some of them lack this value. Now, we are going to know a small list of the species of flowering shrubs that are most used around the world:
Azalea
The Azalea, belong to the Rhododendron genus, in addition, they are also part of the Pentanthera subgenus. This shrub belongs to the evergreen and are native to Asia.
Its height can reach 40 or 50 centimeters and its leaves are small and delicate, its upper surface is dark green while its back is hairy. In the case of flowers, these can usually be presented in white, red and yellow colors.
These shrubs need to be grown in semi-shaded places and adapt to any type of soil, especially those that have a pH acidity between 4 and 6.
They need a somewhat constant watering during the summer, between 3 and 4 times a week. In addition to this, they have a great resistance to soft frosts, those that do not exceed -3ºC.
Polygala myrtifolia
This is a small bush which can reach an approximate size between 2 and 4 meters in height, which is why it is also known by the name of evergreen tree. They originated in the South African continent and have a trunk which can branch up to a meter in height and in addition to that, during the spring and summer they grow purple flowers that are very beautiful.
These bushes should be placed in sunny places and in limestone soils that have optimal and adequate drainage. Constant watering will not be necessary, in fact, the ideal is not to water too much, during the summer, ideally, watering should be done 1 or 2 times a week, the rest of the year, it should be even less frequent that in the summer.
These bushes can withstand mild frosts, those that do not exceed -2ºC.
China rose
Also known by its scientific name Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, this is a shrub from eastern Asia and which belongs to the evergreen group. It can reach a height of up to 5 meters, however, most of the species that have been found of it have not exceeded 2 meters in height.
The flowers of this shrub are large and with colors that can range from red, white, yellow and even some come in the bicolor range, they grow during spring until midsummer, even if these shrubs grow in areas of warm climates, during the fall you can see some of its flowers.
This shrub can be adapted to grow in sunny areas or semi-shade. During the summer, this shrub should be watered 3 to 4 times a week, as it needs constant watering. In addition to this, it has the ability to withstand frosts of up to -4ºC.
perennial shrubs
Shrubs that fall within the perennial classification are characterized by presenting their green leaves throughout the year, that is, we can always see their leaves and they are not affected by the changes of the seasons as it happens with other trees and shrubs. .
The leaves of these bushes will fall during the year while new ones are born, so their loss will not be noticed. Let's get to know some of these perennial shrubs:
Abelia
This is a shrub that has its origin in Mexico and its growth can reach up to 2 meters in height. Its leaves are striking due to their dark green color that is quite bright and its flowers are white or pink and which grow during the summer and sometimes during the fall. These flowers have drawn attention due to their trumpet shape.
These plants can be exposed to the sun and it will not present any problems. In the event that it is planted in a pot, it is recommended that universal substrate or mulch be placed on it, which should be mixed with 30% perlite.
Your watering should be regular during the summer, between 3 and 4 times a week. This shrub can resist down to -4ºC.
Pipe cleaners
Also known by the name of brush tree. This is an evergreen shrub whose origin is in Australia. It can even grow up to 4 meters in height and its flowering appears during the spring season showing beautiful red flowers that have a brush shape and tend to immediately attract attention.
This is a bush that needs to be exposed directly to the sun, because in this way, it will be able to have better growth. If this is placed in a pot, the substrate that should be placed must have adequate drainage or must be mixed in equal parts with universal substrate and perlite.
The watering of this plant should not be so often, so, during the summer, it should only be watered 2 or 3 times a week. Its frost resistance is only tolerant down to -7ºC.
Photinia "Red Robin"
This is a hybrid shrub that is born from the mixture between a Photinia glabra and a Photinia serrulata, for this reason, it receives the scientific name of Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin'. It belongs to the group of evergreens and can reach a height of up to 3 meters.
Its most striking feature is its large leaves and the color changes they have as the seasons progress, as these colors tend to be very striking and beautiful. The isms vary in shades such as green during the winter, red during the spring and purple during the summer.
Ideally, they should be placed in pots containing a universal growing substrate and during the summer, they should be watered 3 to 4 times a week, so they need a somewhat constant watering. It can resist frosts that do not exceed -7ºC.
Shrubs for Pots
Initially, almost all shrubs can be planted in pots, especially those shrubs that are intolerant to pruning, as these generally require strict and delicate care. We are going to know which are the most common species to have in pots:
Japanese maple
This is a tree whose scientific name is Hace palmatum, in addition, it is known by the name of deciduous tree that is native to Asia. These are one of the few species that can reach more than 10 meters in height, however, those that are cultivated by man, only grow up to 5 meters in height.
Because they tolerate pruning so well, it is recommended that these shrubs are kept below 5 meters in height. Let us know what are the most common species of these shrubs:
- Acer palmatum cv Little Princess: this species can grow up to 1 meter in height.
- Acer palmatum var dissectum cv Seyriu: the leaves of this species have a needle-like shape and are green in color.
- Acer palmatum cv Orange Dream: its leaves are palm-shaped and, during the autumn season, they change to an orange color.
These are plants that can grow in semi-shaded places, in addition to that, they can be grown in pots whose substrate is acidophilic plants. In the event that this shrub is in a warm area, such as Central America, the ideal is to use akadama mixed with 30% Kiryuzuna or pumice.
As this is a fairly sensitive shrub, peat-type substrates tend to affect them. The water with which it should be irrigated will have to be slightly acidic, its pH should be between 4 and 6. Irrigation should be done between 3 and 4 times a week during the summer. In addition to this, it can withstand frosts of up to -18ºC, however, they should not grow in areas with tropical climates.
Eponymous
These shrubs whose origin comes from Europe, are also known by the name of boxwood or bonetero and its corresponding scientific name is Euonymus europaeus, in addition, it is within the category of deciduous.
It can reach an approximate height of up to 6 meters, they can be pruned and can be left with a height of one and a half meters, which is the most ideal.
It can have optimal growth being exposed to the sun, in addition, it can also be placed in pots as long as it contains a universal substrate which should be mixed with 30% perlite.
These bushes should be watered moderately, so, during the summer, the ideal is to water them 1 or 2 times a week. This plant can be quite cold hardy and withstand frosts down to -18ºC.
Hydrangea
This is an Asian shrub that comes specifically from Japan, the scientific name of this shrub is Hydrangea macrophylla, these belong to the deciduous group and can reach a height of between 1 and 3 meters.
These can show flowers grouped in large inflorescences, they can show colors such as white, blue, red or pink. They are ideal to be placed in semi-shaded places and the substrate they should use is the one for acid plants.
Its irrigation should be done between 3 and 4 times a week during the summer season, and the rest of the year, every 6 or 7 days, this irrigation should be done either with rainwater, or with acidic water with a pH between 4 and 6.
Shrubs for decoration
As we have already mentioned before, one of the main functions of shrubs is to be decorative, since they embellish both gardens and parks, squares, streets and avenues. These types of bushes tend to be adaptable, so they are ideal for any of the needs of those who own them.
It can even be used to decorate the interiors of homes or spaces that require it. Now, we are going to learn a little about some species of shrubs that are ideal as decorative:
Boxwood Shrub
These are one of the most used shrubs for garden decoration, they are small in size, so they are perfect for filling those gaps that remain in the gardens and also, as interior decorators of homes, especially in the balconies.
These bushes do not require constant or special care, in addition to this, they can be placed both in shady places and in areas where the sun's rays hit them directly.
The Boxwood, are bushes that can decorate a place in a natural and very beautiful way, in addition, the greatest advantage of it, is that it does not require great care or cumbersome maintenance.
Camellia X Williamsii or Camellia
These bushes are ideal for interior decoration, they managed to gain a lot of popularity due to their beautiful and striking flowers, which is why they are generally placed in living rooms, dining rooms, living rooms and other crowded spaces.
Something that we must take into account when having one of these bushes is that it must be placed in a pot that is carefully selected which helps to enhance its beauty, in addition to this, this will give it a extra bunus to the naturalness that it will give to the space where it is placed.
Bougainvillea or Bugambilia
This is a climbing type shrub which has very beautiful and striking flowers, they are perfect to give a touch of joy and life to the gardens and spaces where they are located.
These bushes can have a fairly simple management with regard to their branches, due to this, it can be manipulated and control its growth so that it adapts to the way we want.
Jasmine climbing bush
These are shrubs with great subtlety, as these become highly sought after due to the contrast between the white color of their flowers and the intense green of their leaves, therefore, when used in gardens, these shrubs generate a place full of beauty, delicacy and peculiarity.
These climbers are considered as a vine, in addition to that, they are very simple to maintain and care for, they are suitable for pruning which must be done from time to time so that it can maintain the shape we want.
Garden Pine or Dwarf Pine
Known by the name of dwarf pine, they are one of the most used shrubs for exterior design, as this, in general, tends to be a focal point thanks to its size and the different shades of green that its leaves have.
In addition to this, they are perfect to be placed in areas where it is small, because in addition to being a small bush, its growth is neither accelerated nor slow.
Types of garden decorations
Exterior decoration is one of the most popular professions today, especially among those who love gardening, botany and this type of decoration. The same, tends to make use of different bushes for these decorations of spaces.
Let's find out what some of these are. Types of gardens and decorations that you will surely love:
Hanging gardens with flowers
This is one of the most used techniques today, especially for the decoration of small spaces, it has gained popularity since it allows people with little space to decorate their gardens, thus, they manage to have natural, colorful areas. and beautiful in their homes.
Potted Flowering Shrubs
Although it is a simple idea, it is one of the most applied, they are used to decorate those spaces devoid of light or that do not have a charm, which makes your home not look as nice or pleasant as you want. One of the best ideas for this is to use small pots containing colorful plants that will give light and beauty to the home.
For this type of decoration, the design of the pot is very important, especially for aesthetics, as it generally attracts people's eyes, so if we use beautiful and striking pots, it will make your bush look stand out and look better.
In these cases, you can make use of any of the types of small bushes that we have mentioned before.
Inner garden with palm trees
If what you want is to have a tropical-style environment in your home, you can use different Types of palm trees which will give that space a summery and coastal touch.
You can make use of different types of palm trees which you can plant directly from the ground or in a beautiful pot that is decorative and very pretty. You can place them in different ways with which you give a more messy and natural touch.
Modern garden with cacti
Cacti are currently one of the most ideal plants to place in gardens and for interior and exterior decoration. They are easy to care for and their maintenance is not rigorous and not too excessive.
These plants can come from the smallest sizes, to really large and very beautiful ones, which you can use either for decorating small or large spaces. There are even some species of cacti with flowers they are really beautiful and eye-catching.
Bonsai
These are miniature trees, they have been considered the most beautiful trees in the world due to their peculiar characteristics and shapes that make them look perfect. They require regular care which ensures that they maintain the proper shape and size.
There are a wide variety of trees that can become bonsai and which you can have in your home. This is actually a Chinese art that has been gaining more and more popularity thanks to the fact that they are easy to care for and can be exposed to the sun or in semi-shade.
If you have a small space at home and want to decorate it in a unique and beautiful way, you can choose to get some types of bonsai well these are the type of shrubs for garden Ideal for both exteriors and interiors.
