The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word JUNIPERS
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More clues leading to the result JUNIPERS
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "shrubs" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shrubs = junipers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does JUNIPERS mean?
JUNIPERS noun- Any shrub or tree of the genus Juniperus of the cypress family, which is characterized by pointed, needle-like leaves and aromatic berry-like cones.
- One of a number of coniferous trees which resemble junipers.
- Gin.