Whilst not all shrubs have the same maintenance needs, the majority will need the basic care of feeding, watering and weeding. You may also need to carry out additional tasks such as dead-heading, removing suckers and pruning stems from variegated plants that have reverted or mutated to a plain colour.

Watering

Whilst long established shrubs should only need additional water during periods of prolonged drought, newly planted specimens may need regular watering. It is best to water occasionally and thoroughly, rather than little and often, as light watering will encourage the roots to grow close to the soil surface, making the shrub vulnerable in drought conditions. Water in the evening, when evaporation will be minimised.

Weeding

It is very important to keep the ground clear of all weeds before planting, so that the shrub does not have to compete for nutrients and moisture. Keep the area around newly planted ground-cover shrubs clear of weeds until they can form dense growth that will suppress any competition.

Feeding

The majority of shrubs will benefit from regular applications of organic or inorganic fertilizers. If they are pruned regularly, apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring; this will benefit the plant throughout the season.

If you want to give your shrub a springtime boost, either use a quick-release powder fertilizer before growth starts or a liquid fertilizer once the shrub is in growth.

Deadheading

There are some shrubs, such as lilacs (Syringa), mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) and rhododendrons, that benefit from deadheading. Removing the faded flower heads before seed sets will redirect energy into growth, improving the flowering potential for the following season.

Using your fingers and thumb, pick off faded flowers where they join the stem; any snags should be trimmed with secateurs.

Mulching

Mulching helps to keep down weeds, reduces moisture loss from the soil surface and moderates the effect of temperature extremes around the roots. You can also use a nutrient-rich mulch if the shrub needs feeding.

Use a layer of bark chippings, wood chips, or well-rotted manure, applying a layer about 5-10 cm (2-4 in) deep, keeping clear of the stems of the shrub. The mulch should be applied over an area about 45 cm (18 in) further than the plant's root system for newly planted shrubs, and 15-30 cm (6-12 in) further than the area of top-growth for established shrubs. Never apply mulch in cold weather or when the soil is dry.

Mutation and Reversion

Many variegated shrubs are propagated from green-leaved plants that have produced mutated branches. Occasionally, variegated stems revert back to the original green colour of the parent plant or even mutate to plain yellow or cream leaves. These branches tend to grow more vigorously than the rest of the plant, and would eventually crowd out the variegated growth if left. Cut any of these shoots back to the variegated growth, removing the entire stem if necessary.

Removing Suckers

Rhododendrons and other grafted shrubs are prone to producing suckers beneath the graft union. As soon as you notice them, simply rub them out between your fingers and thumb. If they have grown too large for this, cut them off as closely as possible to the roots or stems from which they are growing.