A few shrubs truly, noticeably benefit from being trimmed. In this article, we’ll talk about plants that you should get around to pruning in the springtime. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view for months afterward.
These six shrubs are perfect for tucking into your regular garden or adding into your cut flower space to make it a bit more robust.
We’ve gathered a list of some of our most rugged plants. They’re prepared to brave a range of elements, including a bit of occasional neglect.
Tortuga juniper is a super-tough selection of our native common juniper (Juniperus communis) that naturally grows as a neat, low mound of fluffy, jade green foliage. The perfect plant for even the most difficult locations, it tolerates deer, drought, dry soil, air pollution, poor fertility, mountain goats, polar vortexes, black walnut toxicity, sand, rocks, ground hogs, limestone, and road salt, just to name a few challenges. An ideal choice for adding evergreen interest to the edge of sidewalks, the front of beds, or even as a ground cover.
| Dimensions | 3 × 2 ft |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Juniperus communis 'SMNJCB' PP#32,393, CBRAF |
| Zone | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Height | 2' |
| Width/Spread | 3-4' |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil | Average, Dry, Well-drained |
| Uses | Borders, Containers, Foundations, Specimen |
| Features | Alkaline soil, Deer resistant, Drought tolerant, Evergreen, Foliage interest, Salt tolerant, Winter Interest |
| Breeder | Tim Wood, Michigan |
Soil: Any well-drained soil will do – dry, sandy soils are fine. Will not thrive in wet soils.
Water: Average to very low water needs; drought tolerant once established.
Fertilizing: Little to none needed. If desired, apply a granular fertilizer for trees and shrubs once in early spring.
Pruning: Seldom needed. May be selectively pruned as and if needed.
