Ornamental shrubs and wildlife

While undoubtedly native plants have a higher value for biodiversity, the selection of non-native species that fulfil specific functions can also improve the wildlife value of any garden.

Shrubs can be a valuable additions to any garden, providing natural and low maintenance borders and attracting birds and insects.

Shelter is provided for birds and insects that use shrubs as protection from predators and bad weather, to roost, and to nest in. Evergreen species such as Hebe can protect the birds throughout the wild winter months, whilst thorny species like Pyracantha can serve as hiding places from cats and other predators. On sunny days, butterflies like sitting on the leaves of many shrubs, sunning themselves.

Shrubs are also a food source for birds and insects. This can be in the form of fruit, seeds, or flowers. Buddleja, also known as the 'butterfly bush', got its common name because of its attraction to butterflies. The brimstone butterfly, which is a rare species, has a long proboscis which enables it to feed on the nectar from the long and deep flowers of the Buddleja. A mixed shrub border, designed to bear flowers or fruit throughout the year, not only maintains visual interest, but also provides a constant supply of food for your garden visitors.

Shrub gardens can be successfully grown in many settings. They are ideal as part of a school grounds landscaping project, where they are easy to maintain, and provide visual and wildlife interest all year round. They are also suitable in even the smallest garden; even though it may not provide all the functions required for a wildlife garden, it will still provide a valuable resting point for wildlife as it moves between breeding and feeding sites.

Choosing a shrub

Before choosing a shrub, consider its natural requirements, its eventual height and spread, and its growth rate. Most important of all, check if it is evergreen or deciduous, as this will greatly affect the look of your garden. Ensure it is suited to the local climate and the soil type.

Choose a healthy plant that is well-branched at the base with vigorous growth. Look out for pests and diseases. A white powdery dusting found on leaves suggests mildew that tends to attack roses, whilst leaves with orange spots means rust, a difficult disease that often affects Fuchsia, Mahonia and Hypericum.

Planting

Give the rootball a thorough soak before planting, as it is difficult to wet the rootball once it is planted. Dig a hole in the ground twice the width of the root mass and deep enough to accommodate the rootball, or plant the shrub in a container. Once planted, water the shrub thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Apply a thick mulch such as gravel or woodchips to reduce evaporation and weed growth.

Aftercare

Watering is important for the newly established shrubs and container plants, especially during dry spells in late spring and summer. Give the soil a thorough soak close to the base of the plant. A light sprinkling can do more harm than good. Avoid watering plants under the hot sun as this will only increase water loss through evaporation and could scorch the leaves.

Remember to feed the plant during the growing season, either apply a soluble or liquid feed regularly or use a controlled-release fertiliser, preferably organic.

Pruning helps to keep a shrub healthy and shapely, but some need more attention whilst others do not. Cotoneaster needs little trimming in spring to remove the unwanted and damaged branches, but Buddleja needs lots of hard cutting. Failure to prune Buddleja davidii properly will leave the plant an unsightly gaunt bush with flowers perching on top of tall, bare branches.

Suggestions of shrubs that encourage wildlife...

Bees

Berberis, Buddleja, Ceanothus, Cistus, Cotoneaster, Escallonia, Fuchsia, Olearia, Potentilla, Pyracantha, Shrubby ragwort, Skimmia, Spiraea, Viburnum and Weigela.

Birds

Aucuba, Berberis, Buddleja, Chaenomeles, Cotoneaster, Hebe, Hypericum, Mahonia, Pernettya, Pyracantha, Skimmia and Viburnum.

Butterflies

Buddleja, Hebe, Lavandula, Ligustrum and Syringa.