Shrubs are sometimes described as small trees, and in fact, many trees can take the form of shrubs if they are pruned and trained correctly. Shrubs are typically bushy style plants, some of which can be pruned into ornamental designs, while others do better when left to their own natural shapes.
Jacob’s ladder plant is so-called because of the pinnate leaf pattern, which resembles a ladder. Its delicate foliage is just as attractive as the cup-shaped flowers that bloom in mid to late spring and throughout the summer.
The dusty miller plant is scientifically known as the Jacobaea maritima, though it was previously identified under the name of Senecio cineraria, and some places still incorrectly label the dusty miller with this name.
This perennial herb or ornamental is confusingly commonly known as anise hyssop, although the plant is neither part of the hyssop species, anise seed, or a star anise. In fact, it is part of the mint family and has many semblances to the mint plant, including its square stalks and toothy dull green foliage with paler undersides.
The vitex tree can be grown as a tree or shrub and features beautiful fragrant lilac flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It grows easily, to the point of becoming invasive in some areas, to heights of between 15 and 20 feet. The foliage of the tree resembles the cannabis plant, with five leaflets splayed out like an open hand. The leaves have a similar scent to that of sage.
Bay laurels are an evergreen plant hailing from the Mediterranean and are known as one of the oldest trees to be cultivated. It is now grown for its ornamental beauty, but also for use in cooking, in which its dried leaves are commonly used to flavor soups, stews, broths, casseroles, and sauces.
Cornflowers are a pretty annual wildflower that was once commonly seen growing natively throughout Britain's rural meadows. Unfortunately, as with many species of wildflowers, the cornflower is now rarely seen in the wild. It has become almost extinct in rural landscapes thanks to modern agricultural methods.
Locusts are part of the pea family, Fabaceae, and can take the form of both trees and shrubs. They are all native to regions across North America, where they have since been cultivated for multiple reasons, including for use as hedging or erosion control.
The biggest consideration with gaillardia flowers is to be careful not to overwater. These plants are drought-tolerant but won’t survive long in soil that’s too wet.
Marigolds grow quickly and easily in any zone and are very drought-tolerant. Be careful with them if you don’t want to spread.
To get the most flowers from your alstroemerias, be sure to keep it well-watered and in a position with plenty of sunshine. It is drought-tolerant but won’t produce as well if left dry.
Almond Trees are fairly hardy, but if you want to harvest the nuts, make sure to give it plenty of water and sunlight, with a cold weather snap during the winter.