Buissons

Shrubs are woody plants with multiple stems and a bushy shape, generally smaller than trees. They are perennial and can be evergreen or deciduous, with growth that is often denser near the base. They produce wood year after year and typically reach heights from a few decimeters to several meters.

Taxonomy and forms: Shrubs encompass many families across flowering plants. They are classified more by growth habit and horticultural use than by a single lineage. Some are short and ground-hugging, others form screens or hedges, and many exhibit seasonal flowering or fruiting.

Cultivation and use: In gardens and landscapes, shrubs provide structure, color, and habitat. Common uses include hedges, privacy screens, windbreaks, specimen plants, and topiary. They prefer appropriate light and soil conditions; pruning is used to control size, shape, and flowering. Timing depends on species: some flower on old wood, others on new growth.

Propagation and care: Shrubs are propagated by cuttings, layering, or divisions. They may suffer from pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, powdery mildew, or root rot, mitigated by proper spacing, watering, and soil drainage. Ecologically, shrubs offer shelter and nectar for birds and pollinators.