Shrubs make perfect additions to any garden, regardless of size and shape. Luckily, they’re also incredibly easy to grow too!

With help from gorgeous Azaleas to fragrant Magnolias (and many more!), you too can decorate your gardens with style throughout the year. Here’s how & when to plant shrubs in your garden.

When to Plant Shrubs

Shrubs of any kind can be planted from October to April, given that the ground is in good enough condition to do so. If it's frosty, the soil will be too hard to dig, and if it's in a season that gets plenty of rain, the soil might be too wet to work with. 

Container shrubs can be planted any time of year, but avoid the middle of summer as it will need more watering than if you planted it in autumn. 

Shrubs that are supplied as bare root should be planted on as soon as they arrive, but can be planted in temporary soil if the weather does not permit it. These types of plants are usually delivered between autumn and winter, and if the soil is frosty then it will be difficult to plant your shrub. 


How to Plant Shrubs

Shrubs, like we mentioned, are incredibly easy to plant. Many of our shrubs come in a plastic pot, which makes your life even easier! Follow these quick steps that will have your shrub in the ground in no less than 30 minutes.

Step 1 – Douse the shrub roots in water until completely soaked.

Step 2 – Dig a hole in your desired spot. This hole should be a bit deeper than the pot and three times as wide. Make sure you loosen the soil below and surrounding the hole so that the roots can fully establish themselves.

Step 3 – Gently tip the plant from the pot. Try not to disturb the roots and damage them in any way. Tease away some of the roots so they get settled easily.

Step 4 – Pop the root ball into the hole and cover with soil. Pat down until firm, but don’t damage the roots below.

Step 5 – Add a layer of mulch on top of the soil to keep the roots warm through the winter months.