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.

A red hibiscus flower, showcasing its vibrant petals and stamens up close, exuding natural beauty and allure. The surrounding lush palm leaves add a touch of freshness, enhancing the flower's charm.

Shrubs

Hibiscus Sizes: How Big Do Hibiscus Shrubs Get?

Curious to know how big your hibiscus shrub is going to get once it reaches maturity? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the typical size of most hibiscus varieties, as well as how big you can expect them to get!

close up of a large orange hibiscus flower with five rounded, overlapping petals that look sort of like a pinwheel. The center of the flower is a deep red. Lush, green foliage grows in the background.

Shrubs

How to Grow and Care For Hibiscus Plants

Thinking about adding hibiscus to your garden this year? These wonderful, easy-care shrubs are certain to brighten up any space and produce some of the largest flowers among perennial shrubs. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about growing hibiscuses, including care and maintenance needs.

A hand delicately holds a vibrant red hibiscus flower, revealing its yellow pollens. The backdrop showcases the lush green leaves of the plant, with another captivating red bloom nearby. The ground beneath is adorned with neatly trimmed grass.

Shrubs

How to and When to Deadhead Hibiscus Plants

Do your hibiscus flowers need to be deadheaded but you don't know where to start? This process if fairly simple if you follow the right steps. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss outlines exactly how to deadhead your hibiscus plants this season.

Several slightly domed clusters of Hydrangea flowers bloom in a vibrant array of colors. The delicate petals showcase shades of pink, blue, purple, and yellow, creating a captivating spectacle. Intermingled among the blossoms, glimpses of lush green leaves add a refreshing touch of verdant beauty.

Shrubs

How Long Does it Take For Hydrangea Blooms to Change Colors?

Are your hydrangea flowers the wrong color? This can be so disappointing. Luckily it is a simple process to change the color of your hydrangea flowers, but how long will this take? Will the blossoms change color in this growing season or will it take years and years? In this article, hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago will go over how long this process will take and how to do it correctly.

A close-up reveals the beauty of a blooming white gardenia flower, its delicate petals glistening with moisture. Behind the flower, the vibrant green leaves stand out, also displaying a moist appearance. In the blurred background, glimpses of other lush green leaves create a serene setting.

Shrubs

How Much and How Often Should You Water Gardenias?

Are you unsure how much or how often you should be watering your gardenias? These garden favorites have beautiful white blooms, but need the right amount of water for proper health. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the proper watering frequency for these popular plants.

A close-up reveals a cluster of Hydrangea flowers with a slightly domed shape. The vibrant blue blooms catch the sunlight, creating a beautiful purple hue. Lush green leaves add to the overall charm, while a glimpse of more flowers can be seen in the background.

Shrubs

15 Hydrangea Varieties That Thrive in the Shade

Are you a hydrangea lover that is looking to add some of their classic beauty to the shady spots of your garden? In this article hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago will list 15 varieties that will compliment your shady gardens beautifully.

Close up of a gardener wearing green gloves using a shovel to dig a hole in a garden next to a small hydrangea plant with bright pink flowers. Another small hydrangea grows in the background with pale green flowers. The garden is lined with round concrete stones.

Shrubs

Hydrangea Spacing: How Far Apart Should You Plant Hydrangeas?

Thinking of planting several hydrrangea shrubs this season but aren't quite sure how far apart they need to be? The answer to this question will depend quite a bit on the type of hydrangea you plant, and where you plant them. In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago walks through how far apart you should be spacing the hydrangeas in your garden.

Bloomstruck Hydrangea Blossoming in Garden

Shrubs

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For BloomStruck® Hydrangeas

Looking for a popular type of hydrangea that's both easy to grow, and available across most nurseries across many hardiness zones? Bloomstruck hydrangeas are popular for a reason, and are fairly low-maintenance compared to other hydrangea types. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines all you need to know about Bloomstruck Hydrangeas, including their maintenance and care.

Beautiful blooming hydrangea with pink and purple flowers in the garden.

Shrubs

How Long Do Hydrangeas Bloom Each Season?

Are your hydrangeas starting to flower, and you've become curious how long their blooms are going to stick around? In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago examines how long most hydrangeas will bloom, depending on the type of species you are growing, and the hardiness zone t hey are grown in.

Woman Planting Hydrangeas in Garden with Pink Flowers Blooming

Shrubs

When is it Too Late to Plant Hydrangeas?

If planting hydrangeas is on your gardening to-do list this year but you are wondering if you are too late in the season, you have come to the right place! In this article, hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago will lay out when it is too late to plant your hydrangeas and when the best time to plant is.

Gardener pruning butterfly bush

Shrubs

How to Prune a Butterfly Bush in 7 Easy Steps

Butterfly Bushes are wonderful pollinator attractors, but can become unruly if they aren't kept to a regular pruning schedule. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago walks through the exact steps you'll want to follow when pruning your butterfly bushes this season.

Shrubs

How and When to Transplant Hibiscus Plants This Season

Transplanting your hibiscus plant at the right time can be the difference between a successful transplanting and one that failed. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about when to transplant your hibiscus plants, and exactly how to do it.

purple hibiscus

Shrubs

13 Beautiful Types of Purple Hibiscus to Grow This Season

Are you looking for some purple hibiscus to grow in your garden this season? These lovely shrubs make beautiful additions to any garden, but which shade of purple should you pick? In this article, gardening experrt Melissa Strauss shares her favorite purple blooming hibiscus plants to add to your garden this season.

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.