What is a Tree or Shrub
There are no hard and fast horticultural rules for these perennial plants. trees are generally larger than shrubs and bushes.
- A tree is a woody plant that produces a single trunk and an elevated head of branches. Small trees are defined in the UK as 15-30 feet tall whilst large trees are over 60 feet tall.
- A shrub is a woody plant which branches from the base or near the ground with no obvious trunk hence the term shrubbery. Large shrubs are over 10′ but less than 15′, medium 6-10′, small 3-5′ and dwarf and prostrate under 2′.
- A bush is a shrub with stems of moderate length and is smaller or more compact than a shrub. Common parlance has currants, gooseberries and roses as bushes
- Cordons, Espalier, Pyramids and Fans are tree or shrub shapes created by pruning.
What is an Herbaceous Plant
This is a plant with soft (none woody) stems that dies back to soil level at the end of the year. Many are perennials growing again in following years.
What is a Perennial
This is a plant that lives for more than two years given reasonably favourable conditions
What is a Biennial
This is a plant, often a flower, that is sown one year and performs in the second year then expires.
What is an Annual
An annual is raised from seed and grows and dies in one year. A hardy annual can be sown outside in spring a half hardy annual needs a bit more warmth and protection.
What is the difference between Deciduous and Evergreen
Deciduous plants and trees loose there leaves each year and grow new leaves to replace them. Evergreens, as the name implies, keep their leaves all year round.
