'Shrubs' is a collective name for bushy plants which do not have a primary trunk, but which branch cheerfully. They come in all kinds and sizes, and can be both flowering and evergreen. They are sometimes used for hedges, but many ornamental shrubs are also a fantastic feature on your patio as a container plant. The evergreen varieties in particular provide stimulus and colour, and the somewhat larger specimens can easily carry a fat ball (or six). Allow us to introduce five fabulous shrubs.
Size S: checkerberry
The leaves of this fine bush change colour beautifully from green to claret to almost black, and contrast particularly beautifully with checkerberry’s lovely berries. It looks great as easy groundcover (in that case plant 10-12 plants per square metre), but also as a funky element in mixed pots and containers, e.g. with aster and heather. Checkerberry has staying power, so when the rest have finished flowering, you can add some white autumn violets to create a great December design.
Size M: ling heather
A hint of wilderness and a bit 'Wuthering Heights' - you can almost hear Kate Bush warbling in the distance with ling heather. A rugged bush with fine flowers that carries on looking good for a long time as a pot or container plant. Place a couple together, preferably a bit messily, because that’s how they grow in the wild. Choose a suitable container: so much Brönte-esque beauty deserves something romantic with some grooves and indentations.
Size L: Leucothoe
In a bed Leucothoe is a colourful character with attractive leaves and berries. To bring those strengths out even more, place this ornamental shrub in an elevated position. Four spectacular pots containing equally spectacular Leucothoes are virtually all you need for your autumn garden. This form of natural luxury is a trendy and effervescent way to add more greenery to your patio without the need to break a sweat.
Size XL: Nandina
Green on the bottom, flame red on the top, in a display that lasts for weeks. Nandina is available in smaller sizes, but usually it’s a substantial shrub that does well in pots. Matching the container to the tops looks very beautiful. Nandina also combines very well ton-sur-ton with plants in the same colour scheme, such as Heuchera, Leucothoe and Japanese maple.
Size XXL: bay laurel
Your pruning policy determines the size and appearance of bay laurel. This shrub can be trimmed into all sorts of classic shapes, but you can also turn it into an unusual mini-tree. In that case remove the bottom branches to give you - very bizarrely - an eternally green tree in your garden. Bay laurel is tough - it’s a strong plant that produces new shoots every spring.
