The world of botany is a well-ordered universe. Plants are arranged, classified, sorted... So there's no question of mixing trees, shrubs and saplings! If you want to shine in society (or look like a pro in the garden center aisles), here's how to tell them apart.

Shrubs are woody plants. They have a trunk and a crown, made up of all the branches. When fully grown, a shrub measures between four and seven meters.

Its size distinguishes it from a tree. At maturity, the latter exceed seven meters in height.

Shrubs are distinguished from shrubs by their morphology. Shrubs have a bare trunk, or one with few branches at the base. The latter has no trunk and branches from the base.

Shrub longevity varies according to variety (there are over 1,500 varieties). The most fragile survive for ten years, the most robust for fifty. Hawthorn, deciduous magnolia and palm laurel can live to be a hundred!

Thanks to their short stature, shrubs can be planted in the ground, in pots or in tubs. In addition to giving structure and relief to a space, they can also be very useful.

To form a hedge, choose fast-growing evergreen shrubs. Oleander, Abelia grandiflora, privet, St. John's wort or Photinia will keep you out of prying eyes.

Do you like to see your garden decked out in a thousand colors in summer or spring? Plant a flowering shrub such as hibiscus, bougainvillea, lilac, hydrangea, forsythia or ceanothea. With a buddleia, also known as a butterfly tree, you'll attract machaons, blue lycènes and other Robert-le-diable. They'll help pollinate the other plants.

You can also create an orchard with fruit bushes. With species such as arbutus, blackcurrant, apricot or plum, you're guaranteed to have plenty to make pies and jams in fine weather. Climate permitting, why not add a citrus tree, such as a lemon or clementine? They'll give you fresh fruit, even in winter.

Some shrubs from tropical regions are well suited to growing in pots and indoors. Their height and lifespan will be reduced, but with the right care, you'll be able to add a planty touch to your decor for many years to come. If you want a shrub in your living room, try calamondin, kumquat or frangipani. You'll also enjoy a delicate, fragrant bloom. While citrus blossoms are white, Plumeria flowers come in white, yellow and pink. It's up to you to decide which goes best with your sofa!