Inside: Discover the charm of evergreen shrubs and how they enrich your garden year-round. Explore 22 top picks that add beauty and privacy to your landscape.
Evergreen shrubs are a fantastic way to enhance any yard or garden. They provide color and texture throughout the seasons, making your outdoor space feel alive even in winter.
By choosing the right varieties, you can create a beautiful backdrop for your home while also enjoying more privacy.
With so many options available, it’s easy to find shrubs that fit your style and needs.
1. Boxwood
Boxwood shrubs are a popular choice for many gardens. They have lush, green foliage that looks good year-round.
You can use them to create neat hedges or borders in your landscape.
These shrubs are easy to shape, making them great for topiary or formal designs. They thrive in well-drained soil and can adapt to different light conditions.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Boxwoods prefer even moisture, so be sure not to let them dry out completely. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages healthy growth.”
2. Holly
Holly shrubs are popular for their attractive green leaves and bright red berries. They can grow well in various environments, making them a versatile choice for your garden. Plus, hollies provide year-round interest and can attract birds.
These shrubs can be used to create a natural privacy hedge. Some varieties are evergreen, which means they keep their leaves all year. They also thrive in partial shade, making them suitable for different garden spots.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Plant holly in well-drained soil for the best growth. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth.”
3. Juniper
Junipers are great evergreen shrubs that work well in many gardens. They are low maintenance and can thrive in different soil types.
You can find them in various sizes, making them perfect for any landscape.
These shrubs are also deer resistant and tolerate salty conditions. They can add both color and texture to your yard throughout the year. Plus, junipers are perfect for ground cover and can help prevent erosion.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Plant junipers in a sunny spot for best growth. Regularly check for any dead branches to keep them healthy.”
4. Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are beautiful evergreen shrubs that add color and texture to your garden. They often bloom with vibrant flowers in spring.
These plants can grow as small bushes or can be pruned into tree shapes.
When planting rhododendrons, choose a spot with partial shade. They prefer well-drained, acidic soil to thrive. Regular watering is key, especially in dry spells.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Rhododendrons enjoy a mulch layer to help retain moisture. This can also keep the roots cool during hot weather.”
5. Azalea
Azaleas are popular evergreen shrubs known for their stunning blooms. They come in various colors, adding beauty to your garden or yard.
These shrubs thrive in rich, acidic soil with good drainage. Make sure the pH is between 4.5 and 6.0 to keep them healthy.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “For the best blooms, plant azaleas in a location with partial shade. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages more flowers.”
6. Camellia
Camellias are beautiful evergreen shrubs known for their shiny green leaves and vibrant blooms. They thrive in shaded areas and bloom in the fall and winter, providing color when many other plants are dormant.
These shrubs can grow between 6 to 15 feet tall, making them perfect for gardens and landscapes. They require regular watering to stay healthy and flourish.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Camellias do well in acidic soil, so consider adding compost to improve drainage and nutrients. Regular pruning will help maintain their shape and encourage more blooms.”
7. Wintercreeper
Wintercreeper, or Euonymus fortunei, is a quick-growing plant you can use as a ground cover, shrub, or vine. It has glossy, dark green leaves, often edged with gold, which look great in many gardens.
This evergreen shrub is adaptable and can handle different lighting conditions. It usually grows well in zones 5-8 and can reach up to 24 inches tall and wide. Wintercreeper is also drought-tolerant once established, making it easy to care for.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Plant Wintercreeper in areas where it can spread without bothering other plants. Regular trimming helps keep it neat and attractive.”
8. Yew
Yew shrubs are popular for their rich green color and adaptability. They can thrive in different conditions, whether in shade or sun. These evergreen plants are perfect for creating privacy in your yard.
Yews also handle pruning well, making them easy to shape. You can use them as hedges or standalone plants. They’re low-maintenance and can last a long time with the right care.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Yews prefer well-drained soil and moderate watering. Keep an eye on them in very hot weather to ensure they stay healthy.”
9. Southern Magnolia
The Southern Magnolia is a beautiful evergreen tree that can grow over 60 feet tall. It has large, glossy leaves and creamy white flowers that smell amazing. This tree thrives in many soil types and is also drought tolerant.
You’ll love how it offers shade and beauty year-round. Just make sure you have enough space for it to grow. Pruning is best for young trees, as mature ones heal slowly.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Plant in a spot with full sun for the best flowers. Water it regularly during dry spells for healthy growth.”
10. Cryptomeria
Cryptomeria, also known as Japanese cedar, is an attractive evergreen shrub. It has soft, feathery foliage that adds texture to your landscape. This plant is adaptable and can tolerate a variety of soil types.
These shrubs are also resistant to diseases and can handle mild drought conditions. They make a great choice for low-maintenance gardens, allowing you to enjoy their beauty without much fuss.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Cryptomeria thrives in well-drained soil. Make sure to give it enough space to grow, as these plants can become quite large.”
11. Nandina
Nandina, also known as heavenly bamboo, is a great choice for your garden. It features beautiful, colorful foliage that changes with the seasons. You can find varieties with bright red berries and lovely shades of green and pink.
This shrub can grow in full sun or partial shade, making it adaptable to different spots in your yard. It’s perfect for borders, hedges, or as colorful accents in your landscape.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Nandina thrives with minimal care. Just ensure it has good drainage for the best growth!”
12. Abelia
Abelia is a lovely semi-evergreen shrub that can brighten up your garden. It features glossy, dark green leaves and produces small pink or white bell-shaped flowers, attracting butterflies.
These shrubs thrive in various conditions. They are heat and drought-tolerant and are also deer-resistant, making them low-maintenance.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Abelia does best in well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages more blooms.”
13. Sky Pencil Japanese Holly
Sky Pencil Japanese Holly is a unique evergreen shrub. It has a narrow, column-like form that makes it stand out in any garden. The dark green leaves stay neat throughout the year.
You can also find small purple berries on this plant in the fall. This holly is great for tight spaces, growing tall without much width. It’s perfect for creating privacy or adding height to your landscape.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Make sure to water it well during dry spells. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape, but it’s not always necessary.”
14. False Cypress
False Cypress is a beautiful evergreen shrub that adds color to your garden. It features striking yellow foliage that stays vibrant all year.
It can grow tall, making it great for privacy hedges.
This plant is easy to care for and thrives in well-drained soil.
It prefers full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for different garden spots.
Choose from varieties like Gold Mop or Soft Serve for unique looks.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Ensure your False Cypress gets enough sunlight for the best color. Regularly check for any pests to keep your plant healthy.”
15. Indian Hawthorn
Indian Hawthorn is a popular evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It features glossy, dark green leaves and produces fragrant white flowers in the spring.
This shrub is great for adding color to your garden year-round.
It thrives in sunny spots, needing 4 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
It is also tolerant of various soils and can handle some drought once established.
Plant it in well-drained soil for the best results.
This shrub not only beautifies your landscape but also requires low maintenance.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “To keep your Indian Hawthorn healthy, make sure it gets enough sunlight. Water it regularly during the first year to help it establish well.”
16. Spruce
Spruce shrubs add a unique charm to your landscape. They come in various sizes and shapes, with dense foliage that provides year-round beauty.
These evergreens are also known for their ability to withstand cold weather.
They thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun, making them great for gardens with plenty of light.
Spruce plants can grow tall, which adds privacy to your yard.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Choose the right spruce variety for your space, and remember to prune them regularly. This keeps them healthy and looking their best.”
17. Arborvitae
Arborvitae are popular evergreen shrubs. They thrive in many climates and are easy to care for.
These shrubs can grow tall, making them great for privacy screens.
They provide year-round greenery and require minimal watering once established.
With their dense foliage, Arborvitae can also attract wildlife like birds.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Plant Arborvitae in well-drained soil for best results. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape.”
18. Compact Japanese Holly
Compact Japanese Holly is a great choice for landscaping. This evergreen shrub has shiny, deep green leaves that create a neat look.
It grows in a rounded shape, making it perfect for borders and low hedges.
These shrubs are easy to care for and take well to pruning.
They thrive in evenly moist, acidic soil. Plus, they are less likely to face health issues compared to other shrubs.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Ensure your plants get enough sunlight for best growth. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages dense foliage.”
19. Euonymus
Euonymus is a versatile evergreen shrub. It can add color to your garden with its vibrant green and gold leaves. Some varieties even produce small, colorful fruits in the fall.
These shrubs can grow in various conditions, making them great for different landscapes.
They work well as borders or ground cover.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Choose the right variety for your space. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and size.”
20. Buxus
Buxus, commonly known as boxwood, is a popular choice for gardens. This evergreen shrub is valued for its dense foliage and ability to be shaped easily.
You can use it for hedges, borders, or even topiaries.
Buxus thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is also tolerant of various soil types, which makes it versatile.
With proper care, this shrub remains lush and green all year round.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Prune your Buxus in late spring to keep its shape and encourage new growth. Regular watering will help it thrive, especially in warmer months.”
21. Chamaecyparis
Chamaecyparis, commonly known as false cypress, includes various evergreen shrubs that add beauty to your landscape. They have attractive foliage with a range of colors, from green to golden yellow.
These shrubs are hardy and thrive in different light conditions.
Many grow well in average soil and require regular watering. They can be shaped into unique forms, making them a favorite for gardeners.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Plant Chamaecyparis where they can get plenty of sunlight. A little pruning can help them maintain their shape and size.”
22. Ilex
Ilex, commonly known as holly, includes over 400 species. These shrubs can be either deciduous or evergreen. They are known for their glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries.
Hollies offer year-round interest in your garden. They can grow in different sizes, from small bushes to tall trees.
The Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ is a popular choice for a fast-growing evergreen landscape.
These shrubs are easy to maintain and add charm to any space. They do well in various soil conditions and can tolerate different light levels.
Expert Tip from MrPlanter: “Ilex shrubs thrive in well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps keep them looking neat and healthy.”