Shrubs are often the plants that most determine the appearance of planted greenery. However the designers of public spaces take more than just the decorative value into account. Functional, low-maintenance green is becoming increasingly important.

Shrubs for the information cards on the website were selected from the wide range offered by Flemish nurserymen on the basis of characteristics that make them extremely suitable for this. The shrub nurserymen attach great importance to delivering plant materials of an excellent quality, in which the ratio between the height of the plant and the diameter of the root collar forms the basic criterion. After all, high-quality plant material is the most important condition for a planting succeeding, together with the right choice of plant (see tips).

The way that shrubs develop depends not only the plant material and method of planting but also on preparing the soil well. It pays to prepare and/or improve the soil well before planting. Treating the plants properly is also important for planting.

Shrubs with bare roots must be put into the ground immediately on delivery. First wet the roots, ensure that all the roots touch the ground and then press down the ground firmly. Ensure that the soil is very permeable. Roses must always be put into the ground with the occulation point well under the soil.

Shrubs in pots and containers must above all be protected against drying out. so give them plenty of water regularly. The pots can remain above the ground but in times of frost it is better to cover the plants.
When they finally planted, the most important criterion is: the right shrub in the right place.

SUBURBAN AREA

On the edge of Flemish cities there is often a combination of residential estates, industrial estates and large through roads.
In principle any shrub can be planted here, although it is less advisable to plant the most delicate, sensitive plants.
The most important thing is to take into account the specific local elements of the habitat: polluting environment, presence of paving,…
For example Acer campestre  is suitable for planting in blocks. This shrub is easy to prune, is decorative at every time of the year and does not damage paving.

INNER CITIES AND TOWNS

In the centres of cities and municipalities, there is - even more so than elsewhere in Flanders – often a limited amount of space.
This is the most decisive element in determining the choice of plant.
In an almost fully built-up area of residential streets and shopping centres, shrubs should combine decorativeness with functionality. 
Usually that means cultivated, improved varieties.
For example Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’ is a recent cultivar with large cone-shaped white plumes that change colour to become very dark pink to red. They are easy to maintain. This hydrangea can be sharply pruned back during the spring to about 20 cm above the ground.

RURAL, IN PARKS AND SOLITARY

In a rural environment, with few buildings, there are in principle barely any restrictions on the choice of plant. Preferably the choice of shrub will fit into the landscape, but growing space will not be limited.
The type of soil present will also play a role and possibly the weather conditions at a specific habitat.
For planting in a park or solitarily, the emphasis lies on decorative value. Here, decorative shrubs catch the eye with their attractive flowers, leaves and/or shape.
As always, specific requirements can determine the choice: the necessity for fast growth, presence of paving,…

TILLAGE

Before planting it is necessary to prepare the ground properly and deeply (minimum 40 cm). All the weds present must be worked under and removed sufficiently deeply, so that the roots do not end up in the disrupting layers.
This prevents flooding for the plants.

PLANTS IN POTS

More and more shrubs (also hedge plants and roses) are offered in pots and containers. In principle they can be planted throughout the year, except when it freezes. It is best to make the ball of earth really wet so that the roots will connect properly with the soil layer in the planting hole. If the ball of earth is really solid and full of roots, it is best to remove some of the soil. It is also possible to make a number of vertical cuts with a knife.
It is important to make the planting hole big enough and after planting, the soil around the shrub must be pressed down firmly.
In dry periods after planting it is necessary to give the shrubs extra water.

PLANTS WITH BARE ROOTS

Especially in rural areas, shrubs are often planted with their roots bare. This requires careful planting. First prune the roots, if necessary, and then make them very wet. In this way the shrub will take better.
The planting hole must be so deep that the roots can hang straight down in the planting hole. The soil around the plant must be pressed down firmly.
In dry periods after planting the plants will have to be given extra water to ensure that the shrub takes better.