How to Grow Dwarf Shrubs
A dwarf shrub may be any type of shrub that grows significantly shorter than other members of its species. It requires a specific type of pruning to encourage dwarf growth. Growing dwarf shrubs also uses a potting mixture specifically for this purpose.
- Dwarf shrub
- Bonsai soil mix
- Planting pot
- Pruning shears
- Fertilizer
- Obtain a young healthy shrub from a nursery or your own garden. The height of the main stem should be less than eight inches.
- Fill a small planting pot with bonsai soil mix and plant the shrub in the planter. This type of soil contains vitamin B12 to prevent plants from suffering root shock following transplantation. The small planting pot will restrict the shrub’s growth.
- Trim the branches from the shrub with pruning shears to encourage it to grow as a dwarf. Remove crossing branches and any branches that are too long. Allow only one branch to grow from each bud, and remove all branches from the shrub’s base. Ensure you remove less than 30 percent of the total foliage in each cutting.
- Water the dwarf shrub with at least 1 inch of water per week and fertilize it with a dwarf shrub formula. Wait at least one month before pruning the shrub again.
- Cut any branches from your dwarf shrub that grow quickly or have large leaves. Allow each branch to retain at least two nodes to promote thick growth. Wait at least two months before trimming the dwarf shrub again.
- Remove the dwarf shrub from its planting pot after one year. Trim one inch from the tap root and two inches from the ancillary roots. Replant the shrub in the same pot and add more potting soil as required. Continue trimming the shrub every two months as needed to encourage it to grow as a dwarf.