After Purchase Guide

Shrub Plant Care Guide

Bought a shrub in a pot? Follow this simple guide to help it settle in, establish strong roots, and thrive in your garden or container.
✦ Not Sure? Follow This
UnpackRemove packaging and check compost moisture
WaterWater if the compost feels dry
Plant SoonPlant out or repot as soon as possible
PositionMatch the shrub to sun, shade, or shelter needs
Settle InKeep watered while roots establish
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Moisture Lovers

Shrubs That Prefer Even Moisture

Hydrangea, Camellia, Pieris, Azalea, Rhododendron

What to do after purchase

  • Unpack your shrub as soon as it arrives
  • Check the compost and water if it feels dry
  • Keep in a sheltered position if you cannot plant straight away
  • Plant into moisture-retentive soil or repot into a larger container
  • Keep the compost or soil evenly moist while the plant settles in

Best conditions

  • Sun or partial shade depending on variety
  • Soil that does not dry out too quickly
  • Shelter from extreme heat and drying winds
☀️
Sun-Loving

Shrubs for Sunny Positions

Lavender, Hebe, Ceanothus, Cistus, Choisya

What to do after purchase

  • Place in a bright, sunny spot if not planting immediately
  • Water if needed, but avoid leaving the compost waterlogged
  • Plant into free-draining soil or a pot with excellent drainage
  • Water regularly at first, then reduce as the shrub establishes
  • Do not overwater drought-tolerant shrubs once settled in

Best conditions

  • Sunny position
  • Well-drained soil
  • Good airflow around the plant
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Shade

Shrubs for Shade or Sheltered Areas

Aucuba, Sarcococca, Fatsia, Mahonia

What to do after purchase

  • Keep the pot in a shaded or sheltered spot if waiting to plant
  • Do not let the compost dry out completely
  • Plant at the same depth as in the nursery pot
  • Water well after planting and during dry spells
  • Protect fresh growth from strong sun if the variety prefers shade

Best conditions

  • Shade or partial shade
  • Moist but well-drained soil
  • Sheltered position where possible
🪴
Containers

Shrubs That Also Grow Well in Pots

Box, Ilex, Euonymus, Pittosporum, Topiary Forms

What to do after purchase

  • You can keep these in a pot or move them into the garden
  • If repotting, choose a container with drainage holes
  • Use fresh compost and water in well
  • Check pots more often in warm weather, as they dry out faster
  • Feed during the growing season if needed to maintain strong growth

Best conditions

  • Sun or partial shade depending on variety
  • Free-draining compost
  • Regular watering in containers
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General Care

What to Expect Over Time

Helpful for most potted shrubs

What to do after purchase

  • Your shrub may take a little time to settle after transport and planting
  • Some leaves or flowers may drop while it adjusts, which can be normal
  • Keep watered well during the first growing season
  • Wait until the shrub is established before expecting strong new growth
  • Pruning needs vary, so only trim at the correct time for the variety

Best conditions

  • Choose the final position carefully
  • Good soil and correct watering help shrubs establish faster
  • Most shrubs improve noticeably after their first season
Shrubs often spend their first season settling in and building roots. Once established, most become stronger and easier to care for year after year.