The term “bush” or “shrub” refers to a woody perennial plant, generally smaller than a tree, with multiple stems branching from or near the base. The cost to purchase a shrub is highly variable, making a single price impossible to determine. The final expense is influenced by the plant’s physical attributes, the chosen retail source, and whether professional installation services are utilized. Understanding these components is necessary to accurately budget for a landscaping project.
Factors Influencing Shrub Purchase Price
The single greatest determinant of a shrub’s purchase price is its size, which is standardized in the nursery industry by the volume of its container. A small shrub sold in a 1-gallon container often costs between $15 and $30. Moving up in size, a 5-gallon container, which holds a more mature plant, typically ranges from $50 to $75 or more. The cost escalates significantly for large, instant-impact specimens, such as those grown in 15-gallon containers or larger, which can cost several hundred dollars.
The growing method also affects the price structure, distinguishing between container-grown plants and those sold as balled-and-burlapped (B&B). B&B shrubs are grown in the ground and then dug up with a large root ball wrapped in burlap, a process typically reserved for larger, more established plants that command higher prices. While a younger 1-gallon shrub is cheaper initially, a 5-gallon plant often provides a better balance of size and value, as smaller plants may take years to reach the visual impact of a larger specimen.
The shrub species and its rarity affect the price. Common, mass-produced shrubs like certain varieties of Boxwood (Buxus) or Hydrangea can be found for $20 to $40 for a mid-sized container. Conversely, specialized, slow-growing, or unique cultivars, such as a rare Japanese maple or a newly introduced patented variety, will be priced higher due to the increased time and specialized care required to propagate them.
Understanding Retail Sources and Pricing Models
The final price paid for a shrub is heavily dependent on the type of retailer from which it is purchased. Big box home improvement stores generally offer the lowest prices on common shrub varieties, operating on a high-volume, low-margin model. Their selection is often limited to the most popular, fast-growing, and easily transportable species, and while they are cost-effective, they may not offer specialized knowledge or extensive plant guarantees.
Local nurseries and garden centers represent a higher-cost option, but the price difference reflects added value. These businesses typically source higher-quality plant stock, offer a wider selection of regionally adapted or specialized cultivars, and provide expert advice on plant care and placement. They often maintain their plants with greater attention, which can lead to better establishment in the landscape.
Online and mail-order nurseries offer a different pricing model, often specializing in smaller plants, such as those sold in pint-sized or 1-gallon containers, or as bare-root stock. The initial plant price may seem lower than a local garden center, but the total cost must account for shipping fees, which can be substantial, especially for larger or heavier potted shrubs. Conversely, for large-scale projects, landscapers may utilize wholesale nurseries, which offer significant discounts when purchasing large quantities of plants.
Professional Installation and Labor Costs
Hiring a professional to install shrubs introduces the largest variable expense, often exceeding the cost of the plants themselves. For a single shrub, the combined cost of the plant and professional installation labor commonly falls in the range of $25 to $85. However, this range can be misleadingly low for larger plants or complex installations.
Landscaping companies typically calculate labor either by an hourly rate, which can range from $50 to $100 per worker, or by a flat rate per plant. A common formula used by professionals is to charge a total installed price that is two to three times the retail price of the plant materials. This multiplier is intended to cover more than just the physical act of digging a hole.
Installation costs include components beyond labor, such as the delivery of the plants to the site and preparation of the planting bed. A professional quote will also factor in the cost of soil amendments, such as compost and fertilizer, which are mixed into the native soil to optimize root establishment. A professional installation often includes a warranty on the plant material and labor for a specified period.
For large or specimen-sized shrubs, installation prices rise sharply due to the need for specialized equipment and multiple crew members. For example, the installation of a single 15-gallon shrub can cost $100 or more, not including the plant itself, because the heavy root ball requires more strenuous handling and site preparation. The final labor cost is also heavily influenced by geography, with urban and high-cost-of-living areas commanding higher labor rates than rural or suburban markets.