Why You Should Add Shrubs to Your Flower Beds

by Beau

When most people think about enhancing their flower beds, shrubs are often overlooked. However, incorporating shrubs into your landscape design offers both functional and aesthetic advantages. At Five Stones Landscaping & Nursery in Oklahoma City, we believe shrubs are one of the most versatile and underutilized elements in garden design. Here’s why—and how—to use them effectively.

Benefits of Planting Shrubs in Your Flower Beds

1. Character and Charm

Shrubs bring structure and personality to flower beds, creating a balanced and cohesive look.

2. Fills in Gaps

Shrubs help fill empty spaces between perennials or seasonal flowers, creating a fuller, more polished appearance.

3. Adds Consistency

Incorporating the same type of shrub throughout your landscape creates visual repetition and unity.

4. Provides Layers and Height

Shrubs add natural height variation and depth, which brings dimension to your landscape design.

5. Seasonal Interest

Many shrubs offer year-round or seasonal color through blooms, berries, or foliage changes.

6. Defines Focal Points

Strategically placed shrubs can anchor your design and draw the eye to key areas of the garden.

How to Successfully Plant and Design with Shrubs

1. Prepare the Planting Area

  • Understand spacing requirements based on the mature size of the shrub.
  • Ensure the soil is well-drained and nutrient-rich.
  • Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the shrub’s root ball.
  • Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

2. Design Tips for Shrubs in Landscaping

  • Layering: Place taller shrubs in the back, medium-height in the middle, and low-growing varieties in the front.
  • Focal Points: Use eye-catching shrubs to highlight entryways, garden features, or corners.
  • Natural Repetition: Repeating shrub types or patterns creates rhythm and visual flow.
  • Seasonal Variety: Mix evergreen and deciduous shrubs to maintain visual interest throughout the year.
  • Edging: Use low-growth shrubs along borders to naturally define flower beds and pathways.

Maintaining Shrubs for Long-Term Success

  • Initial Watering: Deeply water newly planted shrubs to help roots establish.
  • Regular Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season.
  • Pruning: Prune annually to shape the shrub and remove dead or diseased branches.
  • Fertilization: Apply fertilizer as needed to promote healthy growth, based on the shrub type and soil conditions.

Enhance Your Landscape with Shrubs from Five Stones

Shrubs are an excellent addition to any flower bed, offering year-round interest, texture, and structure. Whether you’re creating a new garden or improving an existing one, Five Stones Landscaping & Nursery in Oklahoma City can help you choose the right shrubs for your space and climate.

Visit our nursery or contact our team today for expert advice and high-quality plants that thrive in Oklahoma soil.