How Late Can I Plant Shrubs?

Once the ground freezes, it is too late to plant shrubs.

Shrubs, which are low, woody plants with several permanent stems instead of a single trunk like trees, are nevertheless treated as trees at planting. The best time for planting most shrubs is fall, but some may be planted until the ground freezes.

Types

Nurseries offer shrubs grown in containers, bare-root shrubs and those with a ball of soil around their roots. Container-grown shrubs may be maintained as potted plants. Bare-root or root-ball shrubs are destined for in-ground planting. Instructions for planting differ.

Time Frame

Bare-root shrubs are sold dormant---usually in early spring---and must be planted as soon as possible. You may plant container-grown and root-ball shrubs any time the ground is not frozen, but fall planting will give the shrub the time to establish its root system before winter.

Considerations

If you decide to plant later than November, aid your shrub by applying mulch around the tree to a depth of 2 to 4 inches, leaving space around the stem of the tree. Mulch moderates soil moisture and temperature and keeps plant competition away.

References

• Natural Resources Conservation Service: Tree Planting
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Tree Planting
• Oregon State University Extension: Garden Hints