Choosing the Best Evergreen Shrubs for Your Landscape
Are you looking to add some year-round appeal to your yard? Evergreen shrubs are a fantastic option to maintain privacy, define boundaries, and provide low-maintenance beauty to your outdoor space. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right evergreen shrubs for your landscaping needs? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 25 of the best evergreen shrubs to help you make an informed decision about what will work best for your space.
Why Choose Evergreen Shrubs?
Before diving into our list of the top evergreen shrubs, let’s take a moment to understand the benefits of incorporating these plants into your landscape:
- Year-Round Appeal: One of the main advantages of evergreen shrubs is that they maintain their leaves or needles throughout the year, providing consistent greenery even in the winter months.
- Privacy and Boundaries: Evergreen shrubs can be used to create privacy screens or define the boundaries of your outdoor space.
- Low Maintenance: Many evergreen shrubs are known for their hardiness and require minimal upkeep once established.
With these benefits in mind, let’s explore some popular choices for evergreen landscape shrubs to help you make the best decision for your yard.
Rhododendron (Rhododendron Spp.)
Rhododendrons are a versatile group of evergreen shrubs that add beauty to any garden. Here are some key details about these popular plants:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
– Color Varieties: Wide range of colors available
– Light: Partial shade to full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
– Mature Size: Varies by species
– Deer Resistant: Some species are deer-resistant
Rhododendrons are a great choice for adding vibrant colors to your landscape. They are often used as specimen plants, in woodland gardens, or as foundation plantings.
Wintercreeper (Euonymus Fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ )
While technically an invasive species, the Wintercreeper is a versatile evergreen shrub with variegated leaves and a sprawling growth habit. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
– Color Varieties: Green with golden margins
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide
– Deer Resistant: Requires regular maintenance
Be cautious when planting Wintercreeper, as it can spread quickly if not properly managed.
Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Known for its lacy needles and dense growth habit, the Canadian Hemlock is a popular choice for privacy screens. Here are some key details about this evergreen shrub:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Partial shade to full sun
– Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by cultivar
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Canadian Hemlocks perform best in cooler climates and make excellent privacy screens when kept trimmed.
False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’)
Valued for its golden foliage, the False Cypress ‘Golden Mop’ is a slow-growing shrub that adds a whimsical touch to any landscape. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
– Color Varieties: Golden
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Up to 5 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
‘Golden Mop’ is often used in foundation plantings or rock gardens for its unique color and texture.
Boxwood (Buxus spp. and Hybrids)
Boxwood is a classic choice for formal hedges and foundation plantings. Here are some key details about this popular evergreen shrub:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Partial shade to full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Up to 5 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Boxwood is known for its dense growth habit and small, tightly packed leaves, making it ideal for sculpting and shaping.
Blue Holly (Ilex × meserveae)
Blue Holly is a broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its dark stems and blue-hued foliage. Here are some key details about this versatile plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
– Color Varieties: Blue
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: 6-15 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Blue Holly is often used in borders, screens, hedges, and foundation plantings for its unique color and texture.
American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
Arborvitaes are popular evergreen shrubs known for their fan-like foliage and versatile growth habits. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by cultivar
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Arborvitaes can be used for a variety of landscape purposes, from hedges to privacy screens and shade trees.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Mountain Laurel is a broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its showy clusters of pink or pinkish-white flowers. Here are some key details about this beautiful plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
– Color Varieties: Pinkish-white
– Light: Partial shade to full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
– Mature Size: Up to 15 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Mountain Laurel is often planted in masses for screens, foundation plantings, or shrub islands for its stunning floral displays.
Yew (Taxus spp.)
Yews are a versatile group of needled evergreens that are often used for various landscape purposes. Here are some key details about this popular shrub:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
– Color Varieties: Dark green
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by species
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Yews are known for their shade tolerance and ease of shaping, making them a popular choice for foundation plantings and hedges.
Daphne (Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’)
Daphne shrubs are known for their fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. Here are some key details about this beautiful plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
– Color Varieties: Pale pink
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Daphne ‘Carol Mackie’ is a popular choice for shrub borders, screens, and foundation plantings due to its fragrant flowers and variegated leaves.
Creeping Juniper (Juniperis horizontalis)
Creeping Juniper is a low-growing evergreen shrub that works well as a ground cover in various landscape settings. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
– Color Varieties: Blue-green
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Up to 18 inches tall and 10 feet wide
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Creeping Juniper is often used in rock gardens, foundation plantings, and on hillsides for its spreading growth habit.
Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’)
‘Blue Star’ Juniper is a low-growing evergreen shrub with silvery-blue foliage and a compact growth habit. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
– Color Varieties: Silver-blue
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
‘Blue Star’ Juniper is a popular choice for small gardens, rock gardens, or as a specimen plant in small areas.
Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
Chinese Juniper is a tall evergreen shrub with dark green needles and attractive berries. Here are some key details about this versatile plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
– Color Varieties: Dark green
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by cultivar
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Chinese Juniper is often used for dense hedges, privacy screens, or ground cover in various landscape settings.
Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)
Inkberry Holly is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with small greenish-white flowers and dark fruits. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
– Color Varieties: Dark green
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by cultivar
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Inkberry Holly is often used for informal hedging in woodland landscapes and attracts bees with its flowers.
Thread Branch Cypress
Thread Branch Cypress is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with yellow foliage that adds a unique touch to any landscape. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
– Color Varieties: Yellow
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
– Mature Size: Varies by species
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Thread Branch Cypress works well as an accent bush or small hedge in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Southern Wax Myrtle
Southern Wax Myrtle is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Sandy soil
– Mature Size: Varies by species
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Southern Wax Myrtle is known for its winter hardiness and semi-evergreen nature in colder climates.
Leyland Cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii)
Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that provides excellent privacy in any yard. Here are some key details about this popular plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
– Mature Size: Up to 70 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Leyland Cypress is a great choice for creating privacy screens with its vibrant green foliage and rapid growth.
Korean Fir (Abies koreana)
Korean Fir is a short-needled evergreen conifer known for its colorful cones and compact growth habit. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-7
– Color Varieties: Purple to tan cones
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Up to 30 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Korean Fir is a beautiful choice for adding color and texture to your landscape with its unique cones.
Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Japanese Holly is an evergreen shrub with a thick branching pattern that is often used for hedges and topiaries. Here are some key details about this versatile plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-8
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by cultivar
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Japanese Holly is a popular choice for creating formal hedges and topiaries in various landscape settings.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Eastern Red Cedar is an adaptable evergreen shrub native to eastern North America. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Up to 40 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Eastern Red Cedar is a slow-growing conifer with a pyramidal shape, making it a great choice for wildlife value and deer resistance.
Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Bay Laurel is a versatile evergreen shrub that can be pruned into a garden shrub or landscape tree. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by cultivar
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Bay Laurel is often grown in pots and can be pruned to fit various landscape needs, from shrubs to full-sized trees.
American Holly
American Holly is a pyramidal evergreen tree known for its dark green leaves and red berries. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
– Color Varieties: Green
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Up to 40 feet tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
American Holly is a classic choice for adding winter interest to your landscape with its vibrant berries.
Winter Heath
Winter Heath is an evergreen shrub known for its fast growth and colorful cultivars. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
– Color Varieties: Varies by cultivar
– Light: Full sun
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by cultivar
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Winter Heath is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives in full sun and adds color to your garden in the winter months.
Bearberry
Bearberry is a hardy evergreen shrub with bright red berries and drought-tolerant qualities. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-6
– Color Varieties: Red
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
– Mature Size: Up to 1 foot tall
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Bearberry works well as a ground cover or as an accent plant in dry, sandy soils.
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis)
Cotoneaster is an evergreen shrub with beautiful dark green leaves that change color in the fall. Here are some key details about this plant:
– USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
– Color Varieties: Dark green
– Light: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Mature Size: Varies by cultivar
– Deer Resistant: Yes
Cotoneaster is a low-maintenance shrub that attracts birds and adds seasonal interest to your landscape.
Winter Protection Tips for Evergreen Shrubs
While evergreen shrubs are hardy plants, they can still benefit from some extra care during harsh winters. Here are some tips to protect your evergreen shrubs:
- Wrap in burlap: Protect shrubs from heavy snowfall or ice by wrapping them in burlap.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your shrubs to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.
- Prune wisely: Avoid heavy pruning in late fall or winter, as it can weaken the plant.
By following these tips, you can help your evergreen shrubs thrive year-round and continue to beautify your landscape.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right evergreen shrubs for your landscape can enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for privacy screens, formal hedges, or colorful accents, there is an evergreen shrub to suit your needs. By considering factors such as hardiness zones, mature size, and soil requirements, you can select the perfect plants to create a stunning and low-maintenance landscape that will be enjoyed year-round. So, take the time to explore the options available and find the best evergreen shrubs to transform your yard into a beautiful oasis.
