There are a number of ways that low-growing shrubs can be used in a planting scheme:

• To create a carpet of colour that can act as a foil for other planting
• To provide interest at ground level
• To provide a balance against tall, upright planting in beds and borders
• To soften the hard edges of a border, bed or path
• As ground cover for steep banks that are tricky to cultivate, or other difficult areas such as shady spots beneath trees