Shrubs & Bushes

Trying to figure out which shrubs to plant in your garden this season? In this section, we cover everything you need to know about shrubs and bushes. You'll find information on the most popular shrubs, including hydrangeas, lilacs, and rhododendrons. You'll also find our growing guides, and shrub lists with recommendations for certain hardiness zones.

Shrubs

When Should You Prune Hydrangeas?

Do you need to prune your hydrangeas, but aren't sure if it's better to prune them in the spring or the wintertime? Picking the perfect time to prune them can be the difference between full or failed blooms come summertime. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines the best time of year to prune your hydrangeas.

Big flowering hydrangeas growing in garden with green foliage.

Shrubs

How Big Will Hydrangeas Grow When Fully Mature?

Curious to know how big your hydrangeas will grow when fully mature? While this will depend on many factors, including the type of hydrangea you grow, there are some basic characteristics of this popular shrub. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago examines the typical hydrangea size by species, with a comprehensive growth chart for each.

Beautiful yellow colored hibiscus flower blooming against dark green foliage

Shrubs

What Colors Are Hibiscus Flowers When They Bloom?

Trying to figure out what color of hibiscus you should plant this season? The different colors of hibiscus will vary based on the variety. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines the most common colors for hibiscus blooms, and what colors you can expect from your shrubs!

Hydrangea flowers blooming in a bright blue color with green foliage in the background.

Shrubs

Myth or Fact: Can Vinegar Make Hydrangeas Turn Blue?

There are many different gardening myths that can be de-bunked when it comes to hydrangeas, and what exactly turns their flowers blue. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago shares her thoughts around using Vinegar to have an impact on the bloom color of hydrangeas, and if it will actually turn their flowers blue.

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Hydrangea ‘Strawberry Sundae’

Are you looking for the perfect hydrangea variety to add to your garden this season? There are many to choose from, but hydrangea 'Strawberry Sundae' is a gardener favorite. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago shares all you need to know about this popular hydrangea, including its maintenance and care needs.

eggshells hydrangeas

Shrubs

Are Eggshells Good or Bad For Hydrangeas?

Thinking of using eggshells with your hydrangeas this season? Many gardeners swear by eggshells as a fertilizer component, but will they have a positive or negative impact on your beautiful hydrangeas? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines this common garden practice and if it's one you should avoid this season.

Compact Hibiscus Blooming in Garden with Pink Flowers

Shrubs

17 Compact Hardy Hibiscus Plants For Small Garden Spaces

Do you need a compact hibiscus plant for small growing spaces? There are many different hardy hibiscus plants that can grow in small spaces. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the best types of hibiscus with more compact growth profiles.

Gardener using coffee grounds with rhododendrons in the garden

Shrubs

Are Coffee Grounds Good or Bad for Rhododendrons and Azaleas?

Coffee grounds have many uses in the garden, including as a popular compost item. But are they good for rhododendrons and azaleas, or is this a practice that you should avoid? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines if this practice is one you should actually do, or skip this season.

Reddish orange and pink hibiscus blooms in garden

Shrubs

When Does Hibiscus Bloom and How Long Do They Last?

Are you unsure how long you can expect your hibiscus blooms to last this season, or when you can expect to see their first beautiful flowers? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines the bloom times of hibiscus plants, and how long you can expect their blooms to actually last.

Bright orange hibiscus flower blooming in the garden with beautiful orange flowers

Shrubs

13 Tips for Longer Lasting Hibiscus Blooms

Are you looking to get longer lasting blooms from your Hibiscus this season? Hibiscus blooms can last a while, but there are some tricks to getting their blooms to stick around. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for ensuring you get the most out of your hibiscus this season.

Annabelle Hydrangea growing in garden with beautiful white flowers

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow and Care For ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea

Thinking of adding an 'Annabelle" hydrangea to your garden, but aren't sure where to start? These beautiful flowering shrubs are easy to care for if they are provided proper growing conditions. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago shares everything you need to know about 'Annabelle" hydrangeas, including their maintenance and care.

orange hibiscus

Shrubs

11 Orange Hibiscus Varieties to Brighten Your Garden

Thinking of adding an orange hibiscus to your garden but aren't sure where to start? There are many different orange hibiscus plants you can grow, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite orange hibiscus varieties, with names and pictures of each!

Bright blooming red hibiscus flower in the garden

Shrubs

15 Different Red Hibiscus Varieties for Your Garden

Are you thinking of growing some red hibiscus but aren't sure where to start? These beautiful shrubs can add a bit of tropical flair to just about any garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite varieties of red hibiscus that will steal the show in your garden this season.

hydrangeas as hedges

Shrubs

11 Tips For Growing Hydrangeas as Hedges

Are you thinking of adding hydrangeas as a flowering hedge in your garden this season? Despite what you may have heard, hydrangeas can make great hedges if you pick the right variety. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares her top tips for planting hydrangeas as hedge plants this season.

Close up of two bunches of flowers. The ones on the left have five petals that are light pink on the edges and white with a splash of pale yellow on one petal. The leaves are green. Each flower has five thin light pink stamen. The flowers on the right grow in a ball shape, or truss, and are also white with light pink edges but they have a splash of dark pink freckles on one of the five petals. The leaves are dark green and long, hanging down away from the flower truss. Each flower has 10 stamen with dark tips.

Shrubs

Azaleas vs. Rhododendrons: What’s The Difference?

Are you trying to figure out the difference between an azalea and a rhododendron? These two shrubs can confuse even the most experienced gardeners. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago looks at the differences between these two flowering shrubs, as well as thier similarities.