Best Garden Fertilizers for Shrub of 2026

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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Garden fertilizers for shrubs are essential for healthy and vibrant plants. There are many options available for gardeners, including chemical and organic fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers are typically high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while organic fertilizers are made from natural materials like compost and manure. Some popular options include Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, Jobe's Organics Tree, Shrub & Evergreen Fertilizer Spikes, and Espoma Organic All Purpose Plant Tone Fertilizer. It's important to read the instructions carefully and apply the fertilizer according to the recommended schedule for best results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food 1.5 lbs Cover #TOP 1
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food 1.5 lbs
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles Plant Food Cover #TOP 2
Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles Plant Food
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HiThrive 8oz Leaf Shine Spray Cover #TOP 3
HiThrive 8oz Leaf Shine Spray
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 3 Garden Fertilizers for Shrub

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food 1.5 lbs

Miracle-Gro - 2001123 #2
1.5 lb.
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food 1.5 lbs Cover
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, For All Indoor or Outdoor Plants, Roses, Flowers, Vegetables, Houseplants, Trees, and Shrubs, 1.5 lbs

The Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer is designed to nourish a wide variety of plants, whether indoors or outdoors. It supports the growth of everything from roses and flowers to vegetables and trees, making it a versatile choice for any gardener. The formula is packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for healthy plant development. When you use this fertilizer, you'll notice your plants growing bigger and more vibrant quickly. Application is simple too—just mix the recommended amount with water, making it easy to feed your plants regularly and keep them thriving.

What We Like
Fast visible plant growth
Easy to mix and use
Versatile for many plant types
No noticeable odor
Good value for price

Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles Plant Food

101430
Original Version
24 Packets
Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles Plant Food Cover
Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food, For Flowers, Vegetables, Houseplants, Trees, Indoor and Outdoor Plants, 24 Packets

Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles Plant Food is a no-mess way to feed your plants. The 24 pre-measured packets contain essential nutrients that start to work instantly to promote quick, beautiful results. Feed every 1-2 weeks to grow plants twice as big as unfed plants. It is a convenient way to nourish your garden.

What We Like
Easy to use packets
No mess with packaging
Effective for plant growth
Convenient pre-measured options
#TOP 3

HiThrive 8oz Leaf Shine Spray

HT-LEAFSHINE
HiThrive 8oz Leaf Shine Spray Cover
8oz Leaf Shine Spray for Indoor Plants - Plant Leaf Cleaner and Shine for Indoor Houseplants - Makes Leaves Shiny, Vibrant & Healthy

The HiThrive Leaf Shine Spray is an easy-to-use solution that instantly refreshes your plants by lifting dust and dirt off their leaves, revealing a glossy, healthy look. This spray also helps your plants absorb more light by clearing buildup, which supports better photosynthesis and stronger growth. It protects leaves from getting dull by shielding them against dust and grime, keeping them vibrant all year. Plus, it boosts your plants’ overall health, helping them recover from stress caused by dirt, residue, or water spots. Using this spray regularly can keep your indoor and outdoor plants looking lively and thriving.

What We Like
Instant leaf revitalization
Enhances photosynthesis
Prevents leaf dullness
Supports plant health
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best fertilizer to use on shrubs?

Research in woody plant nutrition has shown however that nitrogen is the element that yields the greatest growth response in trees and shrubs. For this reason, high nitrogen fertilizers with N-P-K ratios of 4-1-1, 3-1-1 or 3-1-2 are generally recommended for feeding established woody plants.

2. When should I fertilize my bushes?

The best time to fertilize is fall, generally after the first hard freeze in September or October. The next best time would be before growth begins in early spring, usually between March and early May. If fertilizer is not applied in the fall or the spring, it may be applied up to July 1.

3. What's the best fertilizer for evergreen shrubs?

A “complete” fertilizer — one that supplies the macronutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) — is often recommended. A fertilizer analysis of 10-8-15 means the fertilizer has 10 percent nitrogen, 8 percent phosphorous, and 15 percent potassium.

Editor's Notes

During our garden fertilizer for shrub research, we found 24 garden fertilizer for shrub products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,094,915 customer reviews through our big data system to write the garden fertilizers for shrub list. We found that most customers choose garden fertilizers for shrub with an average price of $16.01.

The garden fertilizers for shrub are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of garden fertilizers for shrub, including Miracle-Gro, HiThrive. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.