subshrub
noun
sub·shrub
ˈsəb-ˌshrəb 
especially Southern -ˌsrəb
: a perennial plant having woody stems except for the terminal part of the new growth which is killed back annually
also
: a low shrub
Examples of subshrub in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These thirsty tropical flowers are treated as spring and summer annuals in most of the country, but will grow as perennial subshrubs in Zones 10 and 11.
—
Marissa Wu, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024
Bloom Time Late spring until first frost Flower Color
White, pink, purple, red, orange
Hardiness Zones
10-11 (USDA)
Native Area
Africa
Impatiens Care
In their native environment, impatiens grow as subshrubs in wet, tropical forests.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2023
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Marissa Wu, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024
Bloom Time Late spring until first frost Flower Color
White, pink, purple, red, orange
Hardiness Zones
10-11 (USDA)
Native Area
Africa
Impatiens Care
In their native environment, impatiens grow as subshrubs in wet, tropical forests.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Subshrub.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subshrub. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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