Chapter 10 Ornamental Plants in the Landscape 251 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Shrubs Shrubs are woody plants that are available in a variety of heights and have more than one stem. Depending on the species, shrubs range from 18″ to approximately 20′ . Shrubs typically fea- ture dense growth habit and are commonly used as ornamentals. They may be selected for fl ower color, growth habit, scent, fruit, or leaf color, Figure 10-10. Shrubs may be used to soften the hard sur- face of building’s foundation or to conceal objects, such as an air conditioning unit. As a hedge, shrubs can establish boundaries or provide privacy. Shrubs that thicken and provide foliage from the ground up make effective privacy borders. Shrubs are classifi ed as dwarf, medium, or large and may be evergreen or deciduous. Dwarf Shrubs Dwarf shrubs are shrubs with a mature height of less than 4′. Dwarf shrubs are commonly used in areas where short, low- maintenance plants are desired. Dwarf shrubs are ideal for use under windows and other structures. Medium Shrubs Medium shrubs are shrubs ranging in height from 4′ to 6′. Medium shrubs are commonly used as foundation plants. Medium shrubs used around a foundation require less pruning than large shrubs. Large Shrubs Large shrubs are shrubs with a mature height over 6′. Large shrubs are commonly used as corner foundation plants, hedges, and privacy screens, Figure 10-11. Their dense growth habit also makes them effective windbreaks and sound barriers. Large shrubs may also be pruned and formed into specimen plants that resemble trees or other shapes. Evergreen Shrubs Dwarf, medium, and large shrubs are all available in evergreen and deciduous forms. Evergreen shrubs effectively provide year-round interest and privacy. A designer can use different evergreen shrubs to create visual interest with vary- ing leaf sizes, colors, and textures, Figure 10-12. Glossy Abeilia (Abelia x grandifl ora) and Azalea (Rhododendron obtusum), for example, have ornamental leaves all year and blooms in spring, early summer, or late summer. The bloom time varies by species. Deciduous Shrubs Deciduous shrubs are available with a variety of leaf types, sizes, and colors. Some varieties offer a spectacular, albeit short-lived, romakoma/Shutterstock.com Figure 10-11. Large shrubs can be used to create a living wall that provides privacy and protection. Christopher D. Hart Figure 10-12. Various growth shapes and growth habits of plants can be used to create year-round visual interest.