The Best Time of Year to Plant Shrubs for a Beautiful Garden
As an avid gardener, I’m always looking for ways to improve and expand my garden. One question I get asked a lot, especially from new gardeners, is when is the best time of year to plant shrubs? Through trial and error over the years, I’ve found there are definitely optimal times to plant shrubs for the best results. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the ideal times to plant shrubs depending on your climate and goals.
The best time to plant shrubs is during the dormant season when the plants are not actively growing. This is typically in late fall winter or early spring depending on your location. Planting during the dormant season allows shrubs to establish roots before the demands of top growth and foliage begin in spring and summer. Let’s look at the benefits of planting in fall, winter, and spring.
Fall Planting
Fall is my personal favorite time for planting shrubs. In most climates, you’ll want to plant at least 6-8 weeks before the ground freezes to allow time for the roots to establish. The soil is still warm, encouraging good root growth, but the cooler air temperatures slow down top growth. This means the plant can direct more energy into developing a strong root system. Planting in fall often results in more vigorous growth in spring.
Winter Planting
In warmer regions where the ground does not freeze, planting can continue through the winter months However, you run the risk of cold weather damage If planting in winter, make sure to choose shrubs suited to your climate and provide extra mulch for protection. Containerized shrubs can still be planted with care. Bare root shrubs are best planted when dormant in late winter or early spring.
Spring Planting
Spring is a classic planting time, though you do run the risk of dried out or waterlogged soil from winter. Avoid planting too early when frosts are still possible. Wait a few weeks after your average last frost date. The warming soil will get new shrubs off to a good start before summer. Just be aware you may need to provide more watering and care initially.
How to Prepare for Planting Shrubs
Proper planning and preparation ensures your new shrubs have the best chance of thriving. Here are my tips for getting ready to plant shrubs:
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Decide on planting locations. Consider sun exposure, soil type, available space for mature size, desired function in the landscape, etc.
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Prepare the soil. Adding compost or other organic material improves drainage and nutrients. You can amend the entire bed or just the planting holes.
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Select plants suited for your zone and site. Consider mature size, growth habit, time of bloom, and preferred conditions.
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Purchase high quality, healthy shrubs. Look for green leaves or buds and no dead branches. Avoid root-bound containers.
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Gather supplies. Shovel, pruning shears, mulch, and any amendments you need.
Taking time to prepare will set you up for planting success.
How to Plant Shrubs Step-By-Step
Once you’ve completed the preparation, it’s time to get your new shrubs in the ground. Follow these steps for proper planting technique:
1. Dig a Hole
Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the shrub’s root ball but no deeper. The top of the root ball should sit level with the ground when placed in the hole.
2. Prepare Root Ball
For container shrubs, gently loosen any girdling roots. Remove as much of the container, burlap, and wire basket as possible from balled and burlapped shrubs.
3. Place in Hole
Set the shrub in the hole. Check that it sits at the proper depth and will be straight once soil is added.
4. Backfill
Add the native soil removed from digging, blending in any amendments as needed. Tamp down lightly to remove air pockets as you go.
5. Water
Give a thorough watering immediately after planting and again weekly during the first season if rain is lacking.
6. Mulch
Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base, pulling back from the stem. This helps conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
7. Prune if Needed
Prune any dead or damaged branches. Save major pruning for later seasons once established.
Caring for Shrubs After Planting
Your job isn’t done after getting your new shrubs in the ground. Proper care while they establish roots will ensure they thrive for years to come:
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Water: During the first two years, shrubs require about 1 inch of water per week from rain or watering. After establishment, water deeply but infrequently.
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Fertilize: Applying a granular shrub fertilizer or compost in early spring and fall provides nutrients for growth.
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Prune: Remove dead or damaged branches any time. Save major corrective pruning for late winter or early spring once established.
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Mulch: Maintain 2-4 inches of mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture. Replenish as needed.
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Protect: Use fencing or wire cages around young shrubs to prevent damage from deer, rabbits, or rodents.
The Best Shrubs for Each Season
One of the great benefits of well-chosen shrubs is that you can enjoy interest and color in your garden all year round. Here are some of my favorite shrubs for each season:
Spring
Flowering shrubs like azaleas, rhododendrons, viburnum, lilac, and quince burst with blooms to welcome spring.
Summer
Rose of Sharon, buttonbush, and other summer shrubs add lush greens to the garden during the warmer months.
Fall
Shrubs like oakleaf hydrangea, sumac, and viburnum shine with intense fall foliage.
Winter
Evergreen shrubs like holly, boxwood, and juniper maintain year-round structure and greenery.
Key Takeaways on the Best Planting Time
No matter what climate you live in, you can have a thriving garden full of beautiful shrubs. Follow these gardening tips to determine the ideal planting time in your area:
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The best time is during the dormant season when shrubs are not actively growing – late fall, winter, or early spring.
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Fall planting allows roots to establish before winter dormancy then supports vigorous spring growth.
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In warmer regions, continue planting through winter. Just protect from cold damage.
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Spring planting must wait until after final frosts but before the heat of summer sets in.
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Prepare the planting site and select suitable, high quality shrubs for your zone and conditions.
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Plant properly by digging wide holes, preparing root balls, backfilling, watering, and mulching.
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Care for new shrubs with regular water, fertilizer, pruning, and protection while establishing.
How to plant a:
- Inspect roots and remove any that are dead, diseased, broken, twisted, or excessively long.
- Dig the planting hole large enough to easily accommodate all of the healthy roots without bending or crowding them. The hole should be deep enough to allow three or four inches of mounded soil beneath the center of the root system.
- Then spread the roots out in the planting hole.
- Fill in the soil around the roots and water to firm the soil, eliminating air pockets and voids.
- Don’t pack the soil too far up the trunk. The root flare may not be well-developed yet, so use the location of the uppermost root as your guide to planting depth.
- Water thoroughly again and mulch.
About planting trees or shrubs in the home landscape
- Check the soil pH and nutrient levels by testing the soil before planting.
- Select the appropriate plant. This is essential for success. Refer to Tips for Choosing Trees and Shrubs.
- If available, choose disease and pest-resistant cultivars of trees and shrubs.
- Resist the desire for an “instant landscape.” Smaller, younger plants become established and begin to grow faster than their larger counterparts.
- Locate all underground utilities before digging. Contact Miss Utility (811) before planting or visit Miss Utility Maryland.
When is the Best Time to Plant Shrubs and Trees?
FAQ
What is the best month to plant shrubs?
When is the Best Time to Plant Trees, Shrubs and Flowers for the Best Results? The best time to plant trees, flowers, or any plant is during the dormant season. In North America, this is usually late fall through early spring.
Is it better to plant shrubs in spring or fall?
Cooler air temperatures during the fall gives freshly planted trees and shrubs a better chance to develop healthier root systems more rapidly than those planted in hotter months.
Which month is best for planting plants?
June is the best planting season. This way your saplings will get plenty of water during the monsoon months of July, August, and September.
What time of year is the best time to trim shrubs?
Prune in Dormant Phases
If you have a shrub that blooms in the spring, prune it after the blooms have completely faded. If your shrubs bloom in the summer, do your pruning in late winter or early spring.