January 2020 - 32

VARIETY INFORMATION
Many growers prefer using " nursery " or bark-based growing mixes; this
allows for longevity without the shrinkage commonly observed when using
peat based growing mixes. I too find bark mixes beneficial for shrubs when
they are being grown for several months or a year; however, peat based
growing are suitable for many shrubs when they are being quick cropped
or grown for less than three months.
Shrubs require similar or slightly higher fertility rates than most
perennials do. When using a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), I find
most shrubs perform well when they are fertilized with a formulation that
consistently releases approximately 0.25 pounds of elemental nitrogen
for every month they are in production. Nutrients can also be provided
using water soluble fertilizer by delivering around 150-ppm nitrogen with
everyday irrigation. With both fertility approaches, be sure to provide
micronutrients to help optimize growth and appearance while minimizing
nutrient deficiencies. Maintaining pH levels around 6.0 is sufficient for
most shrubs.
Most shrubs have average irrigation requirements. This means they
should be kept relatively moist at all times while not allowing them to dry
too far or keep consistently wet between irritation cycles. Be aware of the
physical properties and water retention capacities of the growing mix and
monitor and manage the irrigation practices accordingly.
Shrubs can be grown in greenhouses, shade structures or directly
outside. I usually observed nicer looking plants when they are grown
outside or inside open roof structures. This results in more compact and
fuller looking plants. Shrubs should be grown at wide spacings to keep
them from growing upwards and have a 'stovepipe' appearance. Wide
spacing also improves the air circulation around the plants and decreases
the development of foliar diseases.
CONCLUSION
I hope I've broken some of the misconceptions out there about shrubs
taking at least a year to produce. Sure it's not a realistic expectation to
finish a 5-gallon container using a 3-inch liner in a few months, but there
are so many potential options for growing and marketing shrubs alongside
their herbaceous counterparts. Shrubs can be easy to grow, quick cropped
and grown profitably. Perhaps it's time to give them a chance; after all,
shrubs are perennials too.
Paul Pilon is a horticultural consultant, owner of Perennial Solutions Consulting
(www.perennialsolutions.com), and author of Perennial Solutions: A Grower's
Guide to Perennial Production. He can be reached by phone at 616.366.8588 or
paul@perennialsolutions.com.
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January 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2020
