Bring Me a Shrubbery: Best Shrubs for Georgia Soil
Whether you have a small green area next to your patio or a yard that stretches for acres, shrubs are a great addition to your outdoor space. When planted in the right spot, they bring in huge energy savings as well as seasonal beauty and a home for wildlife. On top of that, when you plant new shrubs, you’re doing your part to make our environment healthier — going green, both literally and figuratively.
However, not every shrub will grow successfully in every location. The experts at Premier Tree Solutions have put together some simple tips and advice for choosing the best shrubs for Georgia soil.
What Shrubs Should I Consider for my Georgia Home?
The good news is that there are countless options for you to consider. The University of Georgia has an extensive list of all of the best landscaping plants for Georgia, including shrubs of many sizes. The bad news is that this long list can be a bit overwhelming. How do you know which ones will be best for your yard?
We’re breaking down the biggest things that will impact the health of your yard and your shrubs now.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Hardiness zones are geographic areas that are defined by their range of climates and conditions that directly affect plant growth and survival, so it’s extremely important to uncover what your soil’s hardiness zone is.
The USDA has created a chart to help gardeners understand what plants grow best in what area. Most of Georgia is considered to be in zones 7 or 8.
Keep Your Yard Green All Year Long
Several of the best shrubs for Georgia soil have green leaves throughout much of the year. While some bloom for a short time in spring and/or summer, they keep that appealing “live” look all year round. When picking out a shrub for your yard, you’ll want to pick something that will stay alive and green all year long, like an evergreen.
Think About the Butterflies
Some of the best shrubs for Georgia soil happen to be especially appealing for butterflies! Consider the Caprifoliaceae, for instance. This is a beautiful shrub that remains evergreen in south Georgia, though it may only be semi-evergreen in the northern reaches. This shrub has funnel-shaped flowers that bloom from early summer through the first frost of autumn. Those flowers, also called honeysuckles, are famous in the South for their sweet taste.
If you want a shrub that will attract more wildlife, aim for something like the Caprifoliaceae. Doing your research beforehand will inform you what creatures are attracted to what shrubs.
Shaded Areas Need Shrubbery Too
In Georgia, shade is a common sight and extremely important. Those gorgeous and towering pine and oak trees do great work protecting us from the harsh southern sun and heat. But, if you’re worried about your shrub not getting enough sun thanks to the natural shade in your yard, there is an easy solution for that.
Pick a shade shrub that can flourish in the shade! The anise is a great choice, creating a bright spot in a shaded area.
Winter Beauty
Even though Georgia stays in the heat longer than the cold, our winter months can be harsh and brutal for outdoor plants. But that doesn’t mean you want your yard to be bare during that time of year. To fix that issue, consider a shrub that flourishes in winter such as the holly bush. Most holly bushes are evergreen and the red berries really stand out in the winter months.
As you can see, there is a lot to think about when choosing the best shrubbery that works well in Georgia’s climate and soil. If you have any questions or would like to talk to an expert about to care for your shrubs, reach out to us at Premier Tree Solutions by calling 404-252-6448. We look forward to helping you create an outdoor space that feels like home!
