Questions tagged [shrubs]

Another name for a bush - shorter than a tree and with multiple stems. Use this tag with questions about caring, propagating and indentifying shrubs.

Shrubs are bushes. Unlike s, shrubs have multiple and are shorter - usually under 5-6 m tall. A large number of plants can be grown as shrubs or trees, depending on the growing conditions.

Horticulturally, shrubs are usually broad-leaved plants, although smaller conifers (e.g. Common Juniper) can be grown with a shrub shape and structure.

Botany and ecology have stricter definitions, and ecology uses these along with cover to define different kinds of landscape (e.g. "open-scrub", "low shrubland");

Use this tag for general questions about shrubs, shrubberies, and choosing shrubs for a particular location. Species/variety specific questions should use the specific plant tags instead.

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Can I graft elderberries (Sambucus)?

I have some Sambucus Peruviana, which gives a beautiful white flower that I boil to make a soothing drink for sore throats. It also gives a nice berry that can be snacked on. I see online that there are many species of Sambucus worldwide with…
Alex
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How to distinguish between Elaeagnus umbellata and E. multiflora?

(This is a follow-up to this identification question). How can one distinguish between Elaeagnus umbellata and E. multiflora? I see some minor differences in the descriptions e.g. on Wikipedia, but I'm not sure which differences are definitive. I…
bstpierre
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What is this small shrub with small red berries, and lanceolate, alternate entire leaves?

This shrub is: found growing wild in a field in New Hampshire, USA; USDA Zone 5 about 1m (3') tall alternate, smooth edged, ~6cm (2.5") long leaves growing on a hillside in gravelly, acidic (pH ~5), nutrient-poor soil fruit is small (<1cm) and red,…
bstpierre
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What kind of shrub or bush is this, black berries, elongated leaves?

There are a couple of these bushes next to my house. I tried to identify them, but can't find them. Leaves are elongated, alternating and unlobed. They are ever so slightly serrated. You can see that a little in the second picture. The berries are…
Arne
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Can I rejuvenate a very old lilac bush that has regrown from the base?

I have a very old (about 120-125 yrs. old) lilac bush. It was cut almost to the ground 20 years ago. I had been told that this was how to control giant lilacs. It had formerly been 18' high and 25' across, and was hard to mow under. I regret this…
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Shrub and Flower recommendations for creek bank prone to flooding

I have a small creek that runs through my yard. The creek is more or less storm water control and run-off water from the area, so the water level varies greatly, going from completely dry to fast rushing "river" depending on the weather…
psubsee2003
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How to prune my sad rhododendron?

We've got PJM rhododendrons at our new house in Michigan... a couple of them are absolutely flourishing, but two of the smaller bushes right next to them are not having a good time. Some of the branches flowered sparsely this year, but about half…
ampresco
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What is this evergreen plant?

Update 7/22/21 It flowered today, do you recognize this flower? I got it from a local nursery (USDA Zone 10a) and it was just labeled as an evergreen shrub. What is it and how should I care for it?
Emma Zhu
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Deformed new leaves on my bilberry (european blueberry) plants

I have some bilberry plants (european blueberry, Vaccinium Myrtillus) growing in containers on my balcony, and I just noticed that new leaves are deformed and discolored (a bit more yellow that the rest of the plant). Some images: Some more…
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Can I grow low-growing heathers in containers with soil depth of 10cm?

I am building a small shed with a heather/heath roof using low growing varieties that reach 10-15cm. I plan to use 4 separate 60x40cm Euro trays, lined with soil barrier, so that I can lift these off individually to move the shed for maintenance.…
Lindz
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Evergreen shrub developed large dead area

What would cause this? Do I need to cut out this section? I don’t see any sign of insects. Our area is being infested with the spotted lantern fly.
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Cotinus coggygria for fire?

I am going to cut my old Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria). I nave noticed, that it smells nice, similar to eucalyptus. Would it be possible to use it's wood for a fire during winter, which may be not coming now, but next winter season, when enough…
Camomilla
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Help identifying wild Irish tree

I've been trying to identify this tree, found along the roadside in a hilly area of southwest Ireland (Cork). Some features: Small, stiff, serrated leaves that look slightly similar to holly but not as glossy Very dense clusters of small white…
kettultim
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Is it too late to harvest aronia berries

I have these aronia shrubs and I wanted to ask if it is too late harvest them. Most of the fruits look like they were harvested a long time ago even though I just did it. Are they still safe to eat or should I just get rid of them This is what a…
Claire
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Acacia shrubs in Ohio

Is it possible to grow an Acacia variety in Ohio (zone 6)? I'd prefer to not grow them in a greenhouse, I'm looking for something that will survive the winter (even if I cover it all winter).