Thanks to their compact growth, hardy shrubs up to 2 m provide variety without taking up a lot of space. These species are particularly suitable for keeping in containers, but can also be planted in beds.
Hardy shrubs up to 2 m: These species are suitable for keeping in containers
They are ideal for keeping in containers and are also the perfect plants for the winter garden, balcony or terrace. With their ornamental flowers and beautiful foliage, they are a real eye-catcher. And best of all – they can withstand wind, snow and rain and can stay outside all year round.
The next ornamental shrub can easily tolerate sub-zero temperatures. The low cork spindle bush “Compactus” attracts attention with its beautiful fire-red autumn color. The ornamental tree grows to a maximum height of 120 cm, but is an impressive 180 cm wide. It tolerates partial shade, but feels most comfortable in the sun. The shrub thrives best in slightly alkaline to neutral soil. It bears yellow-green flowers and produces decorative fruits after flowering.
Ornamental trees with compact growth: Alpine currant
Appearance and growth.The Alpine currant variety “Schmidt” grows to almost two meters high and impresses with its bushy and upright growth. The maximum growth width is 180 cm, and the shrub grows about 25 cm annually until it reaches its maximum height.
Areas of application.The branched shrub is used for planting under trees, as a landscape shrub and for free-growing wild hedges. Planting both as a solitary plant in a container or in groups is possible.
Winter hardiness.The Alpine currant is extremely hardy - hardiness zone 3 and can withstand temperatures down to -40° Celsius. It easily withstands strong wind, rain and snow.
Location, soil and care.The right location is in the shade or partial shade. The ornamental shrub grows best in humus-rich, normal soil with a high lime content. It has shallow roots and is suitable for planting under deep-rooted trees.
Flowering time and foliage.The flowering period begins in April and ends in early June. Then the ornamental tree produces green-yellow flowers. The plant scores with attractive autumn foliage and sheds its leaves in late autumn. It does not bear fruit, but its flowers provide pollen for pollinating insects.
Hardy shrubs up to 2 meters high: Japanese shrub spars
Appearance and growth.The Japanese shrub spar is a very robust shrub that has an upright habit with slightly overhanging shoots. It grows to a maximum width of 200 cm and can reach a height of up to 250 cm. Normally the shrub spar grows to a height of around 200 cm. However, it grows very quickly and can reach its maximum height in just three years.
Areas of application.The Japanese shrub spar is a wonderful flowering shrub that is ideal as an addition to flower hedges. But it is also well suited as an accent in the bed or in the container garden.
Winter hardiness.The shrub belongs to winter hardiness zone 5 and can withstand temperatures down to -28° Celsius in winter. It doesn't need any winter protection, even in a pot. The most important thing is the location – sheltered from the wind and sunny.
Location, soil and care.The shrub spar prefers a sunny spot on the balcony or in the garden, but can also thrive in partial shade. In this case, however, flower formation decreases. When it comes to soil, she has no particular preferences.
Flowering time and foliage.The leaves are green and turn golden yellow in autumn. The flowers are creamy white and exude a pleasant scent.
Evergreen flowering shrubs up to 2 m: Mahonia
Appearance and growth.The Oregon grape is an upright, bushy shrub. It is a true survivor and thrives even where other trees would fail - namely under shady trees and tall bushes. The mahonia reaches a growth width of around 100 cm and is almost 120 cm high. It grows slowly and increases in height by up to 15 cm every year.
Areas of application.The mahonia is perfect for shady areas in the garden, for the north-facing balcony or as an underplant for tall trees. But it thrives just as well in the sun, where it comes into its own particularly well thanks to its beautiful flowers.
Winter hardiness.The plant belongs to winter hardiness zone 5 and can easily withstand temperatures as low as -28° Celsius.The plant is evergreen.
Location, soil and care.As a heart-rooted plant, the mahonia can cope with almost all garden soils. As long as a layer of sand provides good drainage and a layer of humus provides the soil, it will provide the necessary nutrients for rapid growth.
Flowering time and foliage.The Mahonia has evergreen, dark leaves that change color to attractive autumn shades in September. The flowering period begins in April and ends at the beginning of summer. After the fragrant flowers, the shrub produces beautiful berries, which not only look good but also provide food for birds and insects. Unfortunately, they are inedible for humans.
Hibiscus for partial shade areas
Appearance and growth.The garden marshmallow “Woodbridge” is a beautiful ornamental tree that attracts attention with its funnel-like growth. With a maximum growth width of 130 cm and a height of 200 cm, it is one of the low shrubs.
Areas of application.The hibiscus “Woodbridge” can be beautifully staged both in the front garden in combination with other flowering shrubs and on the terrace as a soloist. As a solitary plant, it looks particularly beautiful in pots on the terrace or balcony. The shrub has a sprawling habit and requires more space in the garden than one would expect at first glance.
Winter hardiness.The garden marshmallow is partially hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -17° Celsius. In regions with particularly cold winters, you can also wrap the bucket with fleece or mulch the bed.
Location, soil and care.The hibiscus needs a sunny spot in the garden and nutrient-rich soil with a pH in the acidic range. The substrate or garden soil should definitely be permeable so that excess water can drain away and regular watering during long heat periods in summer, as well as fertilization during the flowering period, are an absolute must.
Flowering time and foliage.The first flowers appear in mid-July and adorn the bush until the end of September. The marshmallow blooms tirelessly in pink to mallow and is a real eye-catcher.
