Shrubs

WHAT IS A SHRUB? A shrub is a woody plant that typically has multiple stems emerging from the base, rather than a single trunk like a tree. Shrubs generally grow shorter than trees, often ranging from 0.5 to 6 meters in height, although there are some exceptions that blur these boundaries.

The main difference between a shrub and a tree lies in their structure and growth habit:

Size: While trees usually grow taller and feature a single, dominant trunk, shrubs are shorter and have multiple stems.

Growth habit: Shrubs tend to be bushier, with denser foliage that often reaches closer to the ground, making them ideal for hedging, screening, and groundcover.

Function: Trees are often used for shade, height, and as focal points in landscape design, while shrubs play a supporting role by adding layers, structure, and color at mid-height levels.

Shrubs or bushes offer incredible versatility in landscapes, often bridging the gap between low groundcovers and taller trees. Whether used as standalone plants, in mass plantings, or as a backdrop, shrubs bring balance and depth to garden designs.

THE BENEFITS OF SHRUBS IN LANDSCAPE DESIGNS

Shrubs are versatile plants that can be used for everything from defining spaces and adding layers of greenery, to creating stunning focal points with their flowers and foliage. At Plantmark, we understand the value of shrubs in landscape design, providing not just aesthetic appeal but also practical benefits such as privacy, shade, and attracting wildlife.

Shrubs come in various shapes and sizes, making them ideal for groundcover, borders, hedging, or as stand-alone features. Whether you're designing a small backyard garden or a large public space, our range of shrubs ensures you’ll find the right fit for your project.

WHY CHOOSE SHRUBS?

Shrubs offer a unique combination of beauty, structure, and functionality, making them an integral part of any landscape design:

Year-Round Interest: Many shrubs provide visual interest throughout the year with seasonal flowers, berries, or evergreen foliage. Varieties such as Camellias, Gardenias, and Grevilleas offer vibrant blooms, while shrubs like Viburnum and Pittosporum provide lush greenery year-round. Some shrubs are perfect for adding texture to the landscape, enhancing its depth and complexity. Acacia cognata Limelight with it's fine and pendulous lime green foliage is a perfect example. Or why not consider Lilli Pillies such as Acmena smithii Forest Flame with bright red new growth, offering year-round interest with their contrasting foliage.

Structure and Form: Shrubs are perfect for adding layers and structure to a landscape. Use them to create depth and define different garden areas, or choose compact varieties to add shape and form to smaller spaces.

Low-Maintenance Options: Many shrubs, such as Indian Hawthorn or our native Correas, are hardy and drought-tolerant, requiring minimal care once established. This makes them an excellent choice for low-maintenance and low-water usage gardens, especially in Australia’s challenging climate.

Wildlife Attraction: Native shrubs like Grevilleas and Callistemons attract birds and pollinators, creating a thriving ecosystem within your garden. Incorporating these plants into your design supports local biodiversity while enhancing the visual appeal of your outdoor space.

TYPES OF SHRUBS FOR EVERY LANDSCAPE

At Plantmark, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of shrubs suited to different climates, landscapes, and design goals:

Flowering Shrubs: Add a burst of color to your garden with flowering shrubs such as Hibiscus, Gardenia, and Indian Hawthorn. These plants not only bring seasonal beauty but also create visual impact as stand-alone features or when used in mass plantings.

Native Shrubs: Embrace Australia’s natural flora with hardy native shrubs like Banksia, Correa, and Callistemon. These plants are resilient in local climates and have flowers that support native wildlife, making them ideal for eco-friendly, low-maintenance gardens.

Evergreen Shrubs: For year-round greenery, choose from evergreen shrubs like Viburnum, Photinia, and Pittosporum. These varieties are perfect for hedging, screening, or simply providing structure to your landscape. Many evergreen shrubs can also be used to create colour contrast to other greenery. Shrubs such as Smoke trees (Cotinus sp.) and Chinese Fringe Flower (Loropetalum sp.) can have vibrant purple foliage that creates interest in the landscape. 

Drought-Tolerant Shrubs: In water-wise gardens, drought-tolerant varieties such as Indian Hawthorn and our native Coastal Rosemary (Westringia sp.) offer both resilience and beauty, thriving in dry conditions with minimal water requirements.

Topiary Shrubs: Topiary shrubs are a fantastic way to introduce form and structure to your landscape project. These shrubs are shaped into decorative forms and can be used as elegant focal points, entryway accents, or to create formal garden designs. Popular choices for topiary include English Box (Buxus sempervirens), which can be sculpted into balls, cones, or more intricate designs, and some Juniper varieties, providing a lush, evergreen option. Many of our native shrubs can also be formed into topiary balls such as Correa alba or the ever popular Coastal Rosemary (Westringie sp.). Topiary shrubs are perfect for adding shape and interest to any landscape project.

HOW TO USE SHRUBS IN LANDSCAPE DESIGNS

Groundcovers: Low-growing shrubs such as groundcover Banksias and low growing Grevilleas are perfect for covering large areas with dense, lush foliage, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weeds. To explore more groundcover options such as Prostrate Rosemary, head to our dedicated page about groundcovers here.

Hedging and Screening Shrubs: If you need privacy or wind protection, consider taller varieties like Viburnum, Pittosporum, or Photinia. These shrubs create natural barriers, while also enhancing the aesthetics of your garden. Or are you looking for lower growing shrubs to create structure and define areas? Pittosporum Miss Muffet, Escallonia Pink Pixie and Hebe buxifolia are just some of the choices available. To read more about low hedging shrubs head to our blog here. And don't forget about our Australian natives! Many Callistemon, Leptospermum [Tea Tree] and Banksia varieties are also great for screening purposes, while attracting native birds and bees with their nectar rich flowers.

Layering and Creating Depth: Layering is an essential design technique in landscape architecture that adds depth and visual interest. By strategically placing shrubs of varying heights, you can create lush, multi-dimensional spaces that draw the eye and enhance the overall aesthetic. For tropical-themed gardens, consider using plants with lush foliage such as Philodendron Xanadu as layer under taller shrubs. 

Feature Shrubs: Make a bold statement with striking shrubs like Hydrangea or Camellia. Their large blooms and dense foliage make them ideal for creating focal points in any landscape. Or use fragrant shrubs as a focal point. Shrubs such as Gardenia and Murraya will add a welcoming fragrance to your next landscape project with their flowers.

EXPLORE PLANTMARK'S WIDE RANGE OF SHRUBS

At Plantmark, our extensive selection of shrubs ensures that you find the perfect plants for your next landscape project. Whether you're after native varieties, flowering shrubs, or hardy evergreens, our team is ready to help you select the right plants to bring your design to life.

Visit our trade markets in Melbourne, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast to explore our full range, or contact our Quotes & Orders team for assistance in sourcing the ideal shrubs for your next project.