Typically defined as a multi-stemmed woody plant, shrubs are perennials with branches forming low to the ground. Most shrubs display hues of green through their leaves, which is one of nature’s most neutral colors. Their presence in a garden or landscape allows the eye to rest and serves as a visual break when viewing complex plantings.
Green walls of shrubs can even serve as backdrops for intricately designed landscape beds or brightly colored plant materials. Depending on the hue and structure, shrubs can even serve as a focal point.
In central Florida, we have many ‘tough as nails’ evergreen shrubs to use with abandon in our home landscapes. When planted in the right place, many require little, if any fertilization and irrigation throughout most of they year.