Carmen’s Planting Guide for Shrub Success
Fall is hands down my favorite time to plant shrubs. The cooler weather makes it easier on new plants, and the soil is still warm enough for roots to settle in before winter sets in. Strong roots mean healthy shrubs, and healthy shrubs are the secret to gorgeous blooms next spring.
Here’s what I’ve found to be the best way to plant shrubs, along with some of my all-time favorite varieties!
How I Plant Shrubs Step by Step
Pick the right spot. Every shrub has its own sunshine needs, so be sure your spot matches the plant. And check the soil too. If it’s heavy clay or rocky, go ahead and mix in some compost or soil conditioner to help it drain.
Dig a roomy hole. I like to make mine about twice as wide as the pot and just a little deeper. This gives those roots plenty of room to stretch out.
Set your shrub. Take it out of the container and gently loosen the roots with your fingers. Place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil line (or even slightly above). Turn it until the prettiest side is facing the way you want.
Backfill and water. Push the soil back in around the shrub, patting it lightly to get rid of air pockets. Then give it a long, slow drink until the soil is completely soaked. That first watering makes all the difference.
Add mulch and check in. Spread a thin layer of pine straw, bark, or shredded leaves over the soil to hold in moisture. Keep an eye on the ground, and if it feels dry, go ahead and water.
Don’t worry if your shrub looks a little quiet that first year. It’s busy below the surface, getting those roots strong. By the second season, you’ll see it really start to shine.
Carmen’s Favorite Shrubs
Wintergreen Boxwood
A tried-and-true classic for structure in the garden. Perfect for edging paths or creating neat hedges that look good year-round.Needlepoint Holly
This is one of my go-to evergreens because it’s so reliable. The glossy leaves are pretty all year, and those red berries in winter feel like a little holiday gift.White Drift Rose
These little beauties bloom from spring through fall, and they’re wonderful for clipping and bringing indoors. Hardy, low-growing, and full of flowers—what’s not to love?Shishi Gashira Camellia
If you want color when the rest of your garden is sleeping, this one is for you. The hot pink blooms show up from late fall into early winter, and the plant itself stays evergreen.
Planting shrubs in fall sets you up for a garden that’s full of life come spring. With a little prep and some patience, your shrubs will reward you with lasting beauty year after year.