Tall Bushes to Plant

Planning-Prepping

• Consider the mature height and spread of the bush when choosing a location to plant. In addition, consider power lines, entranceways, walkways and structures near the plant. Select bushes tolerant to your environment. Consider light, soil, temperature and water requirements for the particular species you wish to plant. Planting the appropriate plant in its preferred conditions alleviates potential health problems. Prepare the soil as required by your chosen plant. To make alkaline soil acidic, work organic materials into the area such as manure or compost. Adding lime to acidic soils makes them more alkaline. Always follow product directions.

Evergreen Bushes

• Tall-growing evergreen bushes offer a layer of green privacy to landscapes all year. Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) quickly grows 15 feet tall and wide. The hardy bush produces fragrant clusters of white flowers during spring. Prune regularly to thicken and control its shape and size. It prefers well-drained soil and sun to partial shade. The privet is hardy throughout United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10.
  Lily-of-the-valley bush (Pieris japonica) grows 8 to 12 feet tall and has a rounded, compact growth habit. Foliage is 3 inches long and elliptical. It changes from red to green as it matures. Clusters of pink to white bell-like flowers bloom winter to spring. This bush prefers well draining, acidic soil and partial shade. Bushes are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8.

Flowering Bushes

• Large, flowering bushes liven up areas lacking greenery or color. Oleander (Nerium oleander) averages 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The evergreen blooms in spring through summer in colors of rose, white, pink, yellow and pink. It tolerates dry or moist soils. Grow in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) grows into a thorny mass of color. It grows up to 30 feet tall and wide. Cultivar flower colors cover the rainbow and the bush blooms year-round. Grow in full sun and in fertile, well-drained soils. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.

Deciduous Bushes

• Mix tall deciduous bushes in with evergreens to give an area color all year. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) grows up to 25 feet tall. The large foliage changes from green to golden-brown in autumn. Springtime flowers are maroon, with edible fruits following. It prefers fertile soil that drains and partial shade to full sun. Water plants regularly. Bushes are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
  Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) has a clumping habit, and can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. Green, oak-like foliage changes to red and purple in autumn. Erect plumes of white flowers bloom in spring, changing to pink in late season. It prefers well-drained, limey soil kept moist and partial to full shade. Plants are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.