Appropriate plant selection for water-wise shrub beds can help reduce water needs in the landscape.
Shrubs can provide a more natural look, screen unsightly objects, create strong seasonal interest in the landscape, and provide a backdrop for showy perennials. Shrubs can also meet habitat and food requirements for a variety of wildlife species.
- Look for native or species adapted to the local climate, soil type, and sun exposure
- Choose flowering and fruiting shrubs for seasonal interest and food for wildlife, if desired
- Mix evergreens and deciduous shrubs to create interesting texture combinations, seasonal interest (color, texture, form), and wildlife habitat
- Combine different size shrubs for visual interest
- Perform a soil test to assess soil conditions such as type, drainage, and fertility
- Apply enough water during the first two years to ensure strong root establishment
- Choose shrubs that require 2 or fewer irrigations per month
- Group shrubs with similar water needs together
- Group plants in a bed to create a more natural look. This will reduce maintenance, water use and lawn area
- Use appropriate spacing based on mature plant size. Some overlap can help create a more natural look
- For a more formal look, create bold, symmetrical patterns by spacing shrubs farther apart to showcase shrub bed shape
- Many shrubs can be clipped or trimmed to create interesting geometric or ‘neat’ shapes
Additional Resources:
West
Colorado
Xeriscaping: Trees and Shrubs
Woody Plant Management During Drought with Limited Water Availability
Oregon
Xeriscaping in the High Desert
Utah
Shrub Selection for Utah Landscapes
Water-Wise Plants for Utah
Designing Shrub Bed Areas
Midwest
Illinois
Southwest
Texas
Additional Examples of Water-Wise Shrubs
