Evergreen shrubs provide year-round color and structure to gardens, making them essential for creating a vibrant landscape even in the colder months. Here are eight of the best types of evergreen shrubs to consider for continuous beauty.
Arborvitae
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a robust evergreen known for its soft, fan-shaped leaves. Its feathery texture provides a lovely contrast to broadleaf plants, making it a distinctive addition to any garden. This hardy shrub is also quite versatile, as it can be shaped into hedges, privacy screens, or standalone focal points, contributing both form and function to a landscape.
Blue Holly
Blue holly (Ilex x meserveae) is a dense evergreen shrub with glossy blue-green foliage. In the fall and winter, it produces bright red berries that add a splash of color, making it a standout feature in the landscape. Its berries are not only visually appealing but also attract birds, adding an element of wildlife to the garden. The blue holly’s foliage retains its vibrant hue throughout the year, ensuring continuous interest and beauty.
Boxwood
Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is perfect for creating low, easy-to-maintain hedges. Its tiny leaves and dense branching behavior make it a versatile and attractive option for various landscape designs. Boxwoods are particularly valued for their ability to be pruned into different shapes, from formal hedges to intricate topiaries, providing a classic and elegant touch to gardens of all styles.
Camellia
Camellia (Camellia spp.) is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen with large, dark green foliage. It blooms in the winter or early spring, adding color to the garden when most other plants are dormant. The striking flowers of the camellia, which come in shades of white, pink, and red, offer a delightful contrast to the deep green leaves and can brighten up any winter landscape with their vibrant hues.
Common Juniper
Common juniper (Juniperus communis) is prized for its flexibility and ability to thrive in a wide range of challenging conditions. Its hardy nature makes it an excellent choice for diverse landscapes. Junipers can adapt to various soil types and climates, and their needle-like foliage adds a unique texture to the garden. They are also known for their aromatic qualities, which can add a pleasant scent to outdoor spaces.
Dwarf Blue Spruce
Dwarf blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘Globosa’) is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with striking blue-gray needles. Its unique color and form make it a standout in any garden setting. This shrub’s compact size makes it suitable for small gardens or as an accent plant in larger landscapes. Its distinctive blue needles provide a cool-toned contrast to other greenery, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Evergreen Euonymus
Evergreen euonymus, also known as box-leaf or Japanese euonymus, is a hardy shrub that can thrive in various environments. Its adaptability and resilience make it a reliable choice for year-round greenery. This shrub can be used as a ground cover, a hedge, or even a climber, thanks to its versatile growth habits. The evergreen euonymus is also appreciated for its ability to maintain its lush appearance with minimal maintenance.
False Cypress
False cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.) is a conifer known for its soft leaves and high deer resistance. Available in various forms, from shrubs to trees, false cypress comes in different shades, from chartreuse to grass green, adding versatile color options to the garden. Its fine, feathery foliage provides a soft texture that contrasts nicely with other plants, and its varied growth habits can suit a range of landscaping needs.
