Allow for mature growth
Check the expected height and spread of a shrub rather than planning around its size in a container. Leave enough space between plants for airflow and maintenance access. This is especially important for a hedge or a planting bed next to a path or boundary.
Select a position that suits the plant
Shrubs vary in their tolerance for sun, shade, heat and wind. Note whether the planting site is exposed or sheltered and whether water is easy to access. Choose species suited to those conditions rather than relying on frequent corrective pruning or watering.
Plan pruning and garden use together
A hedge may need regular trimming to keep a consistent shape, while a specimen shrub may be grown for flowers or foliage. Consider privacy, sight lines and the overall planting composition, then choose a care schedule that is realistic for the household or property.