Shrubs are useful building blocks when you're planning a garden, providing structure and substance. Winter is an ideal time to assess your garden and see if there's an empty space that's just right for a new shrub.

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In this clip from Gardeners' World, Carol Klein plants a bare-root Viburnumn carlesii, showing you how to prepare the planting hole and ensure the shrub is at the right depth. She also explains how to ensure your new plant settles in well and thrives:

You Will Need

  • Shrubs
  • Garden fork
  • Garden spade
  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Step 1

How to plant a shrub - placing the rootball in the hole
How to plant a shrub - placing the rootball in the hole

Choose an open site and fork over the soil, mixing in lots of compost. Dig a deep planting hole and place the shrub's rootball in the centre.


Step 2

How to plant a shrub - using boots to fill air holes
How to plant a shrub - using boots to fill air holes

Spread the roots around the hole then backfill with soil enriched with compost to cover them, firming with your boot to remove any air pockets.


Step 3

How to plant a shrub - adding mulch
How to plant a shrub - adding mulch
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Water in well then spread a thick layer of compost around the shrub. Water weekly until it's leafy and well established.

Use bark mulch around the newly planted shrub for an attractive finish that will hold in the moisture.
Boots. Photo: Getty Images.
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