What Kind of Plants are Small Shrubs
In courtyard greening and ecological construction, low-growing woody plants occupy an important position with their unique shapes. This group of plants, with a growth height usually between 0.5-3 meters, forms a natural shrub structure through branch tillering, which can serve as the main landscape element and also perform ecological functions.
Differences in Morphological Characteristics
Compared to the single trunk of a tree, small shrubs have a multi-level branching characteristic with dense tillering points at the base. Their lignified stems have a perennial characteristic, and the leaf shapes range from needle-like to broad-leaved, adapting to different climatic environments.
Functional Classification System
Based on landscape value, they can be divided into three major categories: flowering type (such as roses), fruiting type (such as firethorn), and branch viewing type (such as red osier dogwood). The ecological function type includes sand-fixing shrubs (such as sea buckthorn) and nectar plants (such as forsythia).
Typical Variety Growth Characteristics
Key Points for Cultivating Roses
Modern roses that bloom all year round require ample sunlight and perform best in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6-7. Heavy pruning in winter can promote sprouting in spring, and the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can enhance disease resistance.
Shaping Management of Firethorn
The fruiting position of this variety is closely related to the pruning time. Retaining the fruiting branches after flowering in spring and controlling water before the fruit color turns red in autumn can enhance the ornamental effect, and it performs stably in cold-resistant zones 5-9.
Shaping Techniques for Ligustrum
Variegated leaf varieties like golden ligustrum need to be pinched regularly to maintain a compact plant shape. Spraying Bordeaux mixture after summer pruning can prevent leaf spot disease, and the technique of using metal wire wrapping and cutting the trunk to store branches is suitable for bonsai shaping.
Ecological Value and Landscape Application
Shrub communities can form green hedges barriers 0.6-1.2 meters in height, which have stronger noise reduction capabilities compared to herbaceous plants. Their developed root systems are 3-5 times more efficient in soil and water conservation than lawns, and some varieties like锦带花 (Kintai flower) can attract pollinating insects.
In courtyard design, the color block combination of golden ligustrum and purple berberis can create a visual hierarchy that changes with the seasons. Edible shrubs like blueberries and raspberries have recently become important materials for edible landscaping.