Shrubs are not as big of an investment as trees, but they are usually bought in higher quantities, and it may quality may be overlooked. Make sure you get shrubs that will perform in your landscape by doing your homework and learning what a healthy shrub looks like. Look up what is normal for the particular shrub by season from a book or website. Know what to look for when the shrub is growing and when it is dormant.
Clean Leaves
A healthy shrub should have leaves of normal size and shape, firm but flexible, and not wilted or crispy. Color should be normal for the season and type. Look for insects or diseases on both sides of the leaf.
New Growth
New growth should be visible. New stems are softer and new leaves are smaller and possibly a different color. You might also see fat buds about to open to leaves or flowers.
Well-Developed Root System
Most shrubs are sold in pots, and at the nursery or garden center, you may be able to inspect the roots. If the shrub can be lifted a little out of the pot, you can see if the roots are firm and light in color. The root ball should hold together and be about half roots and half potting soil. If there are too many or too few roots, the shrub will require more attention during planting to avoid long-term damage. Check for signs that the shrub has been cared for properly and the pot is not dried out or waterlogged.
Good Form
A full, symmetrical, compact shrub is better quality compared to a tall and thin shrub. They do have naturally different forms, but a lopsided or thin shrub can be a sign that it was grown too close to other plants. It can be difficult to correct the form without cutting it down to the ground. Some shrubs naturally have a tree-like form with fewer stems. Some are also grafted on a standard and grown as a small tree. In these cases, refer to the information on signs of a healthy tree (link) for the correct form.
Branching Structure
Healthy shrubs should not have broken, damaged, or crossing branches. Stems should be firm and flexible. If you look down into the shrub you can get an idea of how it has been cared for. The thickest stems are usually removed to keep a shrub healthy and producing new growth. If you see many places where thick stems were pruned, it is probably an older plant. You will also see where stems are pruned to promote branching and a dense compact plant.
Reputable Supplier
When you plant a healthy shrub from a high quality nursery or garden center, it will not only provide an attractive element to your landscape, but it will also require less maintenance in the long run. A little knowledge of what a healthy shrub looks like is a great tool to have when shopping for that perfect shrub.