32 Best Evergreen Shrubs to Grow for Your Landscaping

Have you ever dreamt of a landscape that remains lush and vibrant year-round, with minimal maintenance and the added bonus of being deer-resistant? Well, you’re in luck because evergreen shrubs are here to make your dream garden a reality! These hardy plants come in a variety of textures and shades, from glossy green leaves to silver-blue needles, ensuring your landscape is as low-maintenance as it is stunning. Whether you need an upright beauty for privacy screens or a shelter against harsh climates, we’ve got you covered. Let’s embark on a journey through the world of evergreens and discover how they can transform your outdoor space.

Evergreen shrubs are the true stalwarts of your landscape. They stand tall, year-round, like reliable sentinels, and require minimal maintenance. No need to worry about bare branches in winter or fading foliage in the heat of summer. With evergreens, your garden remains a lush sanctuary throughout the year.

The world of evergreens is a treasure trove of texture and variety. Some boast glossy green leaves, while others showcase silvery needles, creating a delightful contrast in your garden. These textures not only add visual interest but also offer a tactile experience that elevates your landscape to the next level.

Evergreen shrubs are the champions of harsh climates. They hunker down against the cold winds and heavy snow, serving as your garden’s shelter in the storm. Even in scorching summers, they hold their own, retaining their vibrant green colors. Their adaptability is what makes them the go-to choice for resilient gardens.

Who has time for high-maintenance landscaping? With evergreens, you can keep things simple and still achieve an eye-catching landscape. These shrubs require little pruning and stay attractive year-round. They’re the low-maintenance heroes you’ve been searching for.

Evergreen shrubs come in various shapes and sizes, including upright varieties that are perfect for creating privacy screens. Whether you’re seeking shelter from nosy neighbors or an intimate outdoor space to enjoy, these upright beauties have got you covered.

Worried about your garden becoming a buffet for local deer? Many evergreen shrubs are deer-resistant, giving you peace of mind. Plus, they’re hardy in a range of zones, so you can enjoy their beauty no matter where you live.

Some evergreens thrive in partial shade, making them versatile additions to your garden. Their ability to flourish in varying light conditions adds another layer of adaptability and charm to your landscape.

In the world of landscaping, evergreen shrubs are the ultimate solution for a year-round, low-maintenance garden with the bonus of deer resistance. Their diverse textures, hardiness in challenging climates, and suitability for various light conditions make them the go-to choice for a stunning landscape that stands the test of time. Say goodbye to high-maintenance gardens and hello to the enduring beauty of evergreens.

Here are some of the best evergreen shrubs that you can add to your landscape:

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

• Botanical Name: Buxus sempervirens
• Mature Size: 3-15 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: Greenish-yellow
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a classic and versatile evergreen shrub known for its dark green, glossy foliage. It’s often used for hedges and topiary due to its dense growth habit. Boxwood’s small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers bloom in the spring. They thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and are resistant to deer.

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

• Botanical Name: Ilex crenata
• Mature Size: 3-10 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: Insignificant
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata), also known as box-leaved holly, is appreciated for its small, dark green leaves. It produces inconspicuous flowers in the spring. This evergreen shrub is adaptable to various light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and it is deer-resistant. Holly plants are either male or female, and only the female plants bear berries, but both sexes are needed for the female plants to produce berries.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-12 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various colors, depending on the species
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.) encompasses a wide range of species and varieties, each with its unique characteristics. These shrubs are valued for their showy, colorful flowers that appear in spring to early summer. The foliage is typically green, and they prefer part shade to full shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Some rhododendron species exhibit resistance to deer.

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

• Botanical Name: Kalmia latifolia
• Mature Size: 5-15 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: White to pink
• Light: Part shade to full sun
• Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a native American evergreen shrub that showcases clusters of white to pink, cup-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. Its dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with the blooms. These shrubs prefer acidic, well-drained soil and are deer-resistant.

Dwarf Yaupon Holly(Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’)

• Botanical Name: Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’
• Mature Size: 3-4 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: Insignificant
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’) is a compact evergreen shrub known for its small, dark green leaves and dense growth habit. It produces inconspicuous flowers in the spring and thrives in full sun to part shade. This variety is resistant to deer.

Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

• Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-8 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Various colors, depending on the species
• Light: Part shade to full sun, depending on the species
• Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) come in various species and cultivars, each offering a unique display of spring flowers. The foliage is typically green, and flower colors range from white to shades of pink, red, or purple, depending on the variety. Azaleas thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and varying light conditions. Some species show resistance to deer.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
• Mature Size: 2-4 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Gray-green
• Flower Color: Blue to lavender
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant evergreen herb with aromatic gray-green leaves. It produces blue to lavender flowers in spring to early summer. Rosemary thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. It is deer-resistant and prized for culinary and ornamental uses.

Dwarf Alberta Spruce(Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

• Botanical Name: Picea glauca ‘Conica’
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Leaf Color: Bright green
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) is a compact evergreen conifer with bright green needles that maintain their color throughout the year. This non-flowering shrub is well-suited for full sun and well-drained soil. It’s often used as a specimen plant and is resistant to deer.

Pieris (Pieris japonica)

• Botanical Name: Pieris japonica
• Mature Size: 3-9 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: White to pink
• Light: Part shade to full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Pieris (Pieris japonica), also known as Andromeda, is an elegant evergreen shrub appreciated for its attractive, dark green leaves. In early spring, it produces cascades of white to pink, urn-shaped flowers that dangle like lily-of-the-valley. These shrubs thrive in part shade to full sun and prefer well-drained, acidic soil. They are resistant to deer.

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• Botanical Name: Lavandula spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-3 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Gray-green
• Flower Color: Lavender to blue
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Lavender (Lavandula spp.) comprises various species, each known for its fragrant, gray-green foliage and aromatic, lavender to blue flowers. These shrubs typically range in height from 1 to 3 feet. Lavenders prefer full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. They are often used for their aromatic qualities and are deer-resistant.

Blue Holly(Ilex x meserveae)

• Botanical Name: Ilex x meserveae
• Mature Size: 6-15 feet in height and 3-10 feet in width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: White to light pink
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-7
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae) is a striking evergreen shrub with deep green, spiky foliage. In spring, it produces small, white to light pink flowers that give way to bright red berries that look stunning against a backdrop of snow. These shrubs do well in full sun to part shade and require well-drained soil. Blue Holly is valued for its ornamental qualities and its resistance to deer.

Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. koreana)

• Botanical Name: Buxus microphylla var. koreana
• Mature Size: 2-3 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: Insignificant
• Light: Part shade to full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. koreana) is a compact evergreen shrub with small, dark green leaves. It produces inconspicuous flowers in spring and thrives in part shade to full sun. These boxwoods are well-suited for hedging and are resistant to deer.

Daphne (Daphne spp.)

• Botanical Name: Daphne spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 2-4 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Pink to white, depending on the species
• Light: Part shade to full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.

Daphne (Daphne spp.) encompasses various species, each with its unique attributes. These evergreen shrubs typically reach 2-4 feet in height and produce fragrant pink to white flowers in spring. They thrive in part shade to full sun and require well-drained soil. Some Daphne species show resistance to deer.

Euonymus (Euonymus spp.)

• Botanical Name: Euonymus spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 2-10 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: Insignificant
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.

Euonymus (Euonymus spp.) comprises several species, each with its unique characteristics. These evergreen shrubs vary in size and are known for their green foliage and inconspicuous flowers. They can tolerate full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Some species exhibit resistance to deer.

Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

• Botanical Name: Juniperus spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-15 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green to blue-green, depending on the species
• Flower Color: Insignificant
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.

Juniper (Juniperus spp.) is a diverse group of evergreen shrubs and trees. They vary in size and feature green to blue-green foliage. In spring, they produce inconspicuous flowers. Junipers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. While some species are resistant to deer, others may not be.

Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

• Botanical Name: Elaeagnus angustifolia
• Mature Size: 15-30 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Silver-green
• Flower Color: Yellow
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Tolerant of various soil types
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
• Deer Resistance: Tolerant

Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a deciduous shrub known for its silver-green leaves and fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in spring. It’s adaptable to various soil types and is a hardy choice for full sun. Russian Olive is generally deer-tolerant and provides habitat and food for wildlife.

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

• Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus
• Mature Size: 10-20 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: White
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with dense, dark green foliage. It produces fragrant white flowers in spring and is suitable for full sun to part shade. This shrub is often used for hedges and is resistant to deer.

Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)

• Botanical Name: Cotoneaster spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-10 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green
• Flower Color: White to pink, depending on the species
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Varies by species

Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.) includes various species with differing sizes and characteristics. These shrubs typically bloom in spring, with white to pink flowers, depending on the species. Cotoneasters can thrive in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Deer resistance varies depending on the species.

Yew (Taxus spp.)

• Botanical Name: Taxus spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-20 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.

Yew (Taxus spp.) encompasses various species and cultivars with diverse sizes and growth habits. Known for their dark green foliage, yews are non-flowering evergreens. They can adapt to full sun to part shade and require well-drained soil. Some yew species exhibit resistance to deer. Cultivars commonly grown for landscape fall into species including Taxus baccata, T. canadensis, T. cuspidata, and Taxus × media. Yews can be distinguished from other needled evergreens by the shape and feel of the needles, which are flattish and feel soft to the touch rather than prickly like most needled evergreens.

Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)

• Botanical Name: Pieris japonica
• Mature Size: 3-9 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: White to pink
• Light: Part shade to full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica) is an elegant evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and graceful, pendulous clusters of white to pink flowers in early spring. It thrives in part shade to full sun and prefers well-drained, acidic soil. Japanese Andromeda is deer-resistant and adds beauty to the landscape.

Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

• Botanical Name: Ilex glabra
• Mature Size: 5-8 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: Greenish-white
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is an evergreen shrub with dark green foliage and inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Inkberry is deer-resistant and attracts birds with its black fruit.

Fatsia (Fatsia japonica)

• Botanical Name: Fatsia japonica
• Mature Size: 6-10 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Fall
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: Creamy white
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Fatsia (Fatsia japonica) is a shade-loving evergreen with large, palmate dark green leaves. It produces creamy white, globe-shaped flowers in the fall. Fatsia thrives in part shade to full shade and well-drained soil. It’s deer-resistant and adds a tropical feel to gardens.

Camellia (Camellia spp.)

• Botanical Name: Camellia spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 6-12 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Late fall to early spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: Various colors, depending on the species
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Varies by species

Camellias (Camellia spp.) offer an array of species and cultivars, each with its unique beauty. Known for their dark green, glossy foliage, these evergreen shrubs produce flowers in late fall to early spring, with colors varying by species. Camellias prefer part shade to full shade and acidic, well-drained soil. Deer resistance varies among different camellia species.

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

• Botanical Name: Nandina domestica
• Mature Size: 4-8 feet in height and 2-4 feet in width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green, turning red in fall and winter
• Flower Color: White
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

Nandina (Nandina domestica), also known as heavenly bamboo, is an evergreen shrub featuring green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red in fall and winter. It produces white flowers in the spring. Nandina thrives in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil and is deer-resistant.

Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

• Botanical Name: Photinia x fraseri
• Mature Size: 10-15 feet in height and 8-12 feet in width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green with red new growth
• Flower Color: Creamy white
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
• Deer Resistance: Tolerant

Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri) is a popular evergreen with dark green leaves and striking red new growth. In spring, it produces creamy white flowers. This shrub does well in full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. It is generally tolerant of deer and is often used for hedges and screens.

Leucothoe (Leucothoe spp.)

• Botanical Name: Leucothoe spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 2-6 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green, often with colorful new growth
• Flower Color: White to pink
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Varies by species

Leucothoe (Leucothoe spp.) comprises various species, each offering unique features. These evergreen shrubs vary in size and are known for their green leaves, often complemented by colorful new growth. They produce white to pink flowers in spring and thrive in part shade to full shade. Moist, well-drained soil is ideal, and deer resistance varies by species.

Sarcococca (Sarcococca spp.)

• Botanical Name: Sarcococca spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-4 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: White to pink, depending on the species
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Varies by species

Sarcococca (Sarcococca spp.), also known as sweet box or Christmas box, includes various species, each with its unique characteristics. These evergreen shrubs vary in size and produce fragrant white to pink flowers in late winter to early spring. They thrive in part shade to full shade and require well-drained soil. Deer resistance varies by species.

Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo)

• Botanical Name: Pinus mugo
• Mature Size: 3-15 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8
• Deer Resistance: Tolerant

Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) is a hardy evergreen shrub with dark green needles that maintain their color throughout the year. It is a non-flowering plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Mugo Pine is known for its compact, rounded form and is generally tolerant of deer.

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

• Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis
• Mature Size: 10-20 feet in height and 3-5 feet in width
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Leaf Color: Green
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
• Deer Resistance: Resistant

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its green, scale-like foliage. It does not produce flowers. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. American Arborvitae is often used for hedges and is generally resistant to deer.

False Cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.)

• Botanical Name: Chamaecyparis spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-60 feet in height and 3-20 feet in width
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering
• Leaf Color: Green to blue-green, depending on the species
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Varies by species

False Cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.) includes various species, each with distinct characteristics. These evergreen shrubs vary in size and exhibit green to blue-green foliage. They are non-flowering and can thrive in full sun to part shade, depending on the species. Soil preferences and deer resistance vary by False Cypress species.

Gardenia (Gardenia spp.)

• Botanical Name: Gardenia spp.
• Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-8 feet in height and width
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Dark green
• Flower Color: White, fragrant
• Light: Part shade to full sun
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
• Deer Resistance: Tolerant

Gardenias (Gardenia spp.) encompass various species and cultivars, each known for their fragrant, white flowers. The dark green leaves provide an attractive backdrop for the white blooms. Gardenias prefer part shade to full sun and well-drained, acidic soil. They are generally tolerant of deer and are prized for their fragrant blossoms.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

• Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
• Mature Size: 10-30 feet in height and 5-10 feet in width (can be pruned to desired size)
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green, aromatic
• Flower Color: Insignificant
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
• Deer Resistance: Tolerant

Laurus nobilis, commonly known as Bay Laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its aromatic, dark green leaves. It is often grown for its culinary use, with bay leaves being a key ingredient in many dishes. While the plant produces inconspicuous flowers in spring, its fragrant foliage is its main attraction. Bay Laurel prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained, fertile soil. It is generally tolerant of deer and can be pruned to maintain a desired size or shape.

Bay Laurel is not only a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub but also a culinary delight, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. As with any plant, local growing conditions should be considered to ensure its success in your specific area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prune evergreen shrubs?

Pruning evergreen shrubs is essential for maintaining their shape, promoting healthy growth, and removing dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune depends on the specific type of evergreen, but it’s generally done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Here’s a basic guide:

• Use sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers.
• Remove dead or diseased branches by cutting them back to healthy growth.
• Trim back branches that are growing out of the desired shape or size.
• Make cuts just above a healthy bud or branch junction.
• Avoid removing more than one-third of the shrub’s total growth in one pruning session.
• Some evergreens, like junipers, can be lightly pruned throughout the year to shape them.

What is the most popular evergreen shrub?

The popularity of evergreen shrubs can vary by region and personal preference, but a few of the most popular ones include Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis), and Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.). These shrubs are beloved for their year-round greenery, versatility, and ease of maintenance.

What is the most drought-tolerant evergreen shrub?

The most drought-tolerant evergreen shrub is often considered to be the Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’). This resilient shrub can withstand dry conditions and is native to the southeastern United States. Its adaptability to various soil types and climates, coupled with its attractive dark green foliage, makes it a top choice for water-wise gardening.

What is the fastest-growing evergreen shrub for privacy?

If you’re in a hurry to create a privacy screen in your yard, the Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is your go-to fast-growing evergreen. These trees can add significant height and density in a short amount of time, making them popular choices for creating privacy screens between properties or along roads.

What are the best year-round bushes for the front yard?

For a stunning front yard that looks great year-round, consider evergreen bushes like Boxwood, Arborvitae, and Azalea. These shrubs maintain their lush foliage and add a touch of elegance to your landscape, ensuring your front yard stays attractive in all seasons.

What evergreen shrub has flat needles?

Evergreen shrubs with flat needles include various types of junipers (Juniperus spp.). They are characterized by their scale-like, flattened foliage that gives them a unique appearance.

Is it too late to plant shrubs in October?

Planting shrubs in October is generally a good idea, as the cooler temperatures reduce stress on newly planted shrubs. It’s essential to choose shrubs that are suitable for your USDA hardiness zone. Be sure to water them well during the planting process, and consider applying mulch to help retain moisture and protect against freezing temperatures in the coming months. It’s not too late to enjoy the benefits of beautiful shrubs in your landscape, even in October.

 

Other Landscaping Guides from Planet Natural:

60 Popular Types of Small Trees for Your Landscape

How to Grow and Care for a Hawthorn Tree (Complete Guide)

 

This originally appeared on Planet Natural.