Have you ever dreamt of aย landscapeย that remains lush and vibrantย year-round, with minimal maintenance and the added bonus of being deer-resistant? Well, you’re in luck becauseย evergreen shrubsย are here to make your dream garden a reality! Theseย hardyย plants come in a variety ofย texturesย and shades, fromย glossy green leavesย to silver-blueย needles, ensuring yourย landscapeย is asย low-maintenanceย as it is stunning. Whether you need anย uprightย beauty forย privacy screensย or aย shelterย against harshย climates, we’ve got you covered. Let’s embark on a journey through the world ofย evergreensย and discover how they can transform your outdoor space.
Evergreen shrubsย are the true stalwarts of yourย landscape. They stand tall,ย year-round, like reliable sentinels, and require minimal maintenance. No need to worry about bare branches in winter or fadingย foliageย in the heat of summer. Withย evergreens, your garden remains a lush sanctuary throughout the year.
The world ofย evergreensย is a treasure trove ofย textureย and variety. Some boastย glossy green leaves, while others showcase silveryย needles, creating a delightful contrast in your garden. Theseย texturesย not only add visual interest but also offer a tactile experience that elevates yourย landscapeย to the next level.
Evergreen shrubsย are the champions of harshย climates. They hunker down against the cold winds and heavy snow, serving as your garden’sย shelterย 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 shrubsย come in various shapes and sizes, includingย uprightย varieties that are perfect for creatingย privacy screens. Whether you’re seekingย shelterย from nosy neighbors or an intimate outdoor space to enjoy, theseย uprightย beauties have got you covered.
Worried about your garden becoming a buffet for local deer? Manyย evergreen shrubsย are deer-resistant, giving you peace of mind. Plus, they’reย hardyย in a range ofย zones, so you can enjoy their beauty no matter where you live.
Someย evergreensย thrive inย 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 yourย landscape.
In the world of landscaping,ย evergreen shrubsย are the ultimate solution for aย year-round,ย low-maintenanceย garden with the bonus of deer resistance. Their diverseย textures,ย hardinessย in challengingย climates, and suitability for various light conditions make them the go-to choice for a stunningย landscapeย that stands the test of time. Say goodbye to high-maintenance gardens and hello to the enduring beauty ofย evergreens.
Here are some of theย best evergreen shrubsย that you can add to yourย landscape:
Boxwoodย (Buxus sempervirens)

- Botanical Name:ย Buxus sempervirens
- Mature Size: 3-15 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: Greenish-yellow
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Boxwoodย (Buxus sempervirens)ย is a classic and versatileย evergreen shrubย known for its dark green, glossyย foliage. It’s often used forย hedgesย and topiary due to its dense growthย habit.ย Boxwood’s small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowersย bloomย in the spring. They thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and are resistant to deer.
Japaneseย Hollyย (Ilexย crenata)

- Botanical Name:ย Ilexย crenata
- Mature Size: 3-10 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: Insignificant
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Japaneseย Hollyย (Ilexย crenata), also known as box-leavedย holly, is appreciated for its small,ย dark green leaves. It produces inconspicuous flowers in the spring. Thisย evergreen shrubย is adaptable to various light conditions, fromย full sunย to part shade, and it is deer-resistant.ย Hollyย plants are eitherย maleย or female, and only theย female plantsย bear berries, but both sexes are needed for theย female plantsย to produce berries.
Rhododendronย (Rhododendronย spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Rhododendronย spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-12 feet in height and width
- Bloomย 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.
Rhododendronย (Rhododendronย spp.)ย 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. Theย foliageย is typically green, and they prefer part shade to full shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Someย rhododendronย species exhibit resistance to deer.
Mountain Laurelย (Kalmia latifolia)

- Botanical Name:ย Kalmia latifolia
- Mature Size: 5-15 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Late spring to early summer
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: White to pink
- Light: Part shade toย full sun
- Soil Needs: Acidic,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Mountain Laurelย (Kalmia latifolia)ย is a native Americanย evergreen shrubย that showcases clusters of white to pink, cup-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. Itsย dark green foliageย contrasts beautifully with theย blooms. These shrubs prefer acidic,ย well-drained soilย and are deer-resistant.
Dwarfย Yauponย Holly(Ilexย vomitoria ‘Nana’)

- Botanical Name:ย Ilexย vomitoriaย ‘Nana’
- Mature Size: 3-4 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: Insignificant
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Dwarfย Yauponย Hollyย (Ilexย vomitoria ‘Nana’)ย is aย compactย evergreen shrubย known for its small,ย dark green leavesย and dense growthย habit. It produces inconspicuous flowers in the spring and thrives inย full sunย to part shade. This variety is resistant to deer.
Azaleaย (Rhododendronย spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Rhododendronย spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-8 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Various colors, depending on the species
- Light: Part shade toย full sun, depending on the species
- Soil Needs: Acidic,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.
Azaleasย (Rhododendronย spp.)ย come in various species and cultivars, each offering a unique display of spring flowers. Theย foliageย is typically green, and flower colors range from white to shades of pink, red, or purple, depending on the variety.ย Azaleasย thrive in acidic,ย well-drained soilย and varying light conditions. Some species show resistance to deer.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

- Botanical Name:ย Rosmarinus officinalis
- Mature Size: 2-4 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring to early summer
- Leaf Color: Gray-green
- Flower Color: Blue to lavender
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Rosemaryย (Rosmarinus officinalis)ย is a fragrantย evergreenย herb with aromatic gray-green leaves. It produces blue to lavender flowers in spring to early summer. Rosemary thrives inย full sunย and well-drained, sandy soil. It is deer-resistant and prized for culinary and ornamental uses.
Dwarfย Alberta Spruce(Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

- Botanical Name:ย Picea glaucaย ‘Conica’
- Mature Size: 6-10 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width
- Bloomย Time: Non-flowering
- Leaf Color: Bright green
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Dwarfย Alberta Spruceย (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)ย is aย compactย evergreenย coniferย with bright greenย needlesย that maintain their color throughout the year. This non-flowering shrub is well-suited forย full sunย andย well-drained soil. It’s often used as a specimen plant and is resistant to deer.
Pieris (Pieris japonica)

- Botanical Name:ย Pieris japonica
- Mature Size: 3-9 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time:ย Early spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: White to pink
- Light: Part shade toย full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Pierisย (Pieris japonica), also known as Andromeda, is an elegantย evergreen shrubย appreciated for its attractive,ย dark green leaves. Inย 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 toย full sunย and prefer well-drained, acidic soil. They are resistant to deer.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Lavandula spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-3 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Late spring to summer
- Leaf Color: Gray-green
- Flower Color: Lavender to blue
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Lavenderย (Lavandula spp.)ย comprises various species, each known for its fragrant, gray-greenย foliageย and aromatic, lavender to blue flowers. These shrubs typically range in height from 1 to 3 feet. Lavenders preferย full sunย and well-drained, sandy soil. They are often used for their aromatic qualities and are deer-resistant.
Blue Holly(Ilexย x meserveae)

- Botanical Name:ย Ilexย x meserveae
- Mature Size: 6-15 feet in height and 3-10 feet in width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: White to light pink
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-7
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Blue Hollyย (Ilexย x meserveae)ย is a strikingย evergreen shrubย with deep green, spikyย foliage. In spring, it produces small, white to light pink flowers that give way toย bright red berriesย that look stunning against a backdrop of snow. These shrubs do well inย full sunย to part shade and requireย well-drained soil.ย Blue Hollyย is valued for its ornamental qualities and its resistance to deer.
Wintergreenย Boxwoodย (Buxus microphylla var. koreana)

- Botanical Name: Buxus microphylla var. koreana
- Mature Size: 2-3 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: Insignificant
- Light: Part shade toย full sun
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Wintergreenย Boxwoodย (Buxus microphylla var. koreana)ย is aย compactย evergreen shrubย with small,ย dark green leaves. It produces inconspicuous flowers in spring and thrives in part shade toย full sun. Theseย boxwoodsย are well-suited for hedging and are resistant to deer.
Daphne (Daphne spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Daphne spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 2-4 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Pink to white, depending on the species
- Light: Part shade toย full sun
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.
Daphneย (Daphne spp.)ย encompasses various species, each with its unique attributes. Theseย evergreen shrubsย typically reach 2-4 feet in height and produce fragrant pink toย white flowersย in spring. They thrive in part shade toย full sunย and requireย well-drained soil. Some Daphne species show resistance to deer.
Euonymus (Euonymus spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Euonymus spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 2-10 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: Insignificant
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.
Euonymusย (Euonymus spp.)ย comprises several species, each with its unique characteristics. Theseย evergreen shrubsย vary in size and are known for their greenย foliageย and inconspicuous flowers. They can tolerateย full sunย to part shade andย well-drained soil. Some species exhibit resistance to deer.
Juniperย (Juniperus spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Juniperus spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-15 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green to blue-green, depending on the species
- Flower Color: Insignificant
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.
Juniperย (Juniperus spp.)ย is a diverse group ofย evergreen shrubsย and trees. They vary in size and feature green to blue-greenย foliage. In spring, they produce inconspicuous flowers.ย Junipersย preferย full sunย andย well-drained soil. While some species are resistant to deer, others may not be.
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

- Botanical Name:ย Elaeagnus angustifolia
- Mature Size: 15-30 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Silver-green
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs: Tolerant of various soil types
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
- Deer Resistance: Tolerant
Russian Oliveย (Elaeagnus angustifolia)ย is a deciduous shrub known for its silver-green leaves and fragrant yellow flowers thatย bloomย in spring. It’s adaptable to various soil types and is aย hardyย choice forย full sun. Russian Olive is generally deer-tolerant and provides habitat and food forย wildlife.
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

- Botanical Name:ย Prunus laurocerasus
- Mature Size: 10-20 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: White
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Cherry Laurelย (Prunus laurocerasus)ย is a largeย evergreen shrubย or small tree with dense,ย dark green foliage. It produces fragrantย white flowersย in spring and is suitable forย full sunย to part shade. This shrub is often used forย hedgesย and is resistant to deer.
Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Cotoneaster spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-10 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green
- Flower Color: White to pink, depending on the species
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Varies by species
Cotoneasterย (Cotoneaster spp.)ย includes various species with differing sizes and characteristics. These shrubs typicallyย bloomย in spring, with white to pink flowers, depending on the species. Cotoneasters can thrive inย full sunย to part shade andย well-drained soil. Deer resistance varies depending on the species.
Yewย (Taxusย spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Taxusย spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-20 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Non-flowering
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Some species are resistant.
Yewย (Taxusย spp.)ย encompasses various species and cultivars with diverse sizes and growthย habits. Known for theirย dark green foliage,ย yewsย are non-floweringย evergreens. They can adapt toย full sunย to part shade and requireย well-drained soil. Someย yewย species exhibit resistance to deer. Cultivars commonly grown forย landscapeย fall into species includingย Taxusย baccata, T. canadensis, T. cuspidata, andย Taxusย รย media.ย Yewsย can be distinguished from other needledย evergreensย by the shape and feel of theย needles, which are flattish and feel soft to the touch rather than prickly like most needledย evergreens.
Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)

- Botanical Name:ย Pieris japonica
- Mature Size: 3-9 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time:ย Early spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: White to pink
- Light: Part shade toย full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Japanese Andromedaย (Pieris japonica)ย is an elegantย evergreen shrubย withย dark green leavesย and graceful, pendulous clusters of white to pink flowers inย early spring. It thrives in part shade toย full sunย and prefers well-drained, acidic soil. Japanese Andromeda is deer-resistant and adds beauty to theย landscape.
Inkberry (Ilexย glabra)

- Botanical Name:ย Ilexย glabra
- Mature Size: 5-8 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Late spring to early summer
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: Greenish-white
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Inkberryย (Ilexย glabra)ย is anย evergreen shrubย withย dark green foliageย and inconspicuous, greenish-white flowersย thatย bloomย in late spring to early summer. It thrives inย full sunย to part shade andย well-drained soil. Inkberry is deer-resistant and attracts birds with its black fruit.
Fatsia (Fatsia japonica)

- Botanical Name:ย Fatsia japonica
- Mature Size: 6-10 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Fall
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: Creamy white
- Light: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Fatsiaย (Fatsia japonica)ย is a shade-lovingย evergreenย with large, palmateย dark green leaves. It produces creamy white, globe-shaped flowers in the fall. Fatsia thrives in part shade to full shade andย well-drained soil. It’s deer-resistant and adds a tropical feel to gardens.
Camelliaย (Camelliaย spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Camelliaย spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 6-12 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Late fall toย 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
Camelliasย (Camelliaย spp.)ย offer an array of species and cultivars, each with its unique beauty. Known for their dark green, glossyย foliage, theseย evergreen shrubsย produce flowers in late fall toย early spring, with colors varying by species. Camellias prefer part shade to full shade and acidic,ย well-drained soil. Deer resistance varies among differentย camelliaย species.
Nandina (Nandina domestica)

- Botanical Name:ย Nandina domestica
- Mature Size: 4-8 feet in height and 2-4 feet in width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green, turning red in fall and winter
- Flower Color: White
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Nandinaย (Nandina domestica), also known as heavenly bamboo, is anย evergreen shrubย featuring green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red in fall and winter. It producesย white flowersย in the spring. Nandina thrives inย full sunย to part shade andย well-drained soilย and is deer-resistant.
Red Tip Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

- Botanical Name:ย Photinia x fraseri
- Mature Size: 10-15 feet in height and 8-12 feet in width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green with red new growth
- Flower Color: Creamy white
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
- Deer Resistance: Tolerant
Red Tip Photiniaย (Photinia x fraseri)ย is a popularย evergreenย withย dark green leavesย and striking red new growth. In spring, it produces creamyย white flowers. This shrub does well inย full sunย to part shade and requiresย well-drained soil. It is generally tolerant of deer and is often used forย hedgesย and screens.
Leucothoe (Leucothoe spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Leucothoe spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 2-6 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Green, often with colorful new growth
- Flower Color: White to pink
- Light: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Needs: Moist,ย well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Varies by species
Leucothoeย (Leucothoe spp.)ย comprises various species, each offering unique features. Theseย evergreen shrubsย 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,ย well-drained soilย is ideal, and deer resistance varies by species.
Sarcococca (Sarcococca spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Sarcococca spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-4 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time:ย Late winterย toย early spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: White to pink, depending on the species
- Light: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Varies by species
Sarcococcaย (Sarcococca spp.), also known as sweet box or Christmas box, includes various species, each with its unique characteristics. Theseย evergreen shrubsย vary in size and produce fragrant white to pink flowers inย late winterย toย early spring. They thrive in part shade to full shade and requireย well-drained soil. Deer resistance varies by species.
Mugo Pineย (Pinus mugo)

- Botanical Name:ย Pinus mugo
- Mature Size: 3-15 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Non-flowering
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Light:ย Full sun
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8
- Deer Resistance: Tolerant
Mugo Pineย (Pinus mugo)ย is aย hardyย evergreen shrubย with dark greenย needlesย that maintain their color throughout the year. It is a non-flowering plant that prefersย full sunย andย well-drained soil.ย Mugo Pineย is known for itsย compact, rounded form and is generally tolerant of deer.
Americanย Arborvitaeย (Thuja occidentalis)

- Botanical Name:ย Thuja occidentalis
- Mature Size: 10-20 feet in height and 3-5 feet in width
- Bloomย Time: Non-flowering
- Leaf Color: Green
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
- Deer Resistance: Resistant
Americanย Arborvitaeย (Thuja occidentalis)ย is a popularย evergreen shrubย known for its green, scale-likeย foliage. It does not produce flowers. This shrub thrives inย full sunย to part shade and prefersย well-drained soil. Americanย Arborvitaeย is often used forย hedgesย and is generally resistant to deer.
False Cypressย (Chamaecyparis spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Chamaecyparis spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-60 feet in height and 3-20 feet in width
- Bloomย Time: Non-flowering
- Leaf Color: Green to blue-green, depending on the species
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs:ย Well-drained soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Varies by species
False Cypressย (Chamaecyparis spp.)ย includes various species, each with distinct characteristics. Theseย evergreen shrubsย vary in size and exhibit green to blue-greenย foliage. They are non-flowering and can thrive inย full sunย to part shade, depending on the species. Soil preferences and deer resistance vary byย False Cypressย species.
Gardeniaย (Gardeniaย spp.)

- Botanical Name:ย Gardeniaย spp.
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 3-8 feet in height and width
- Bloomย Time: Late spring to summer
- Leaf Color: Dark green
- Flower Color: White, fragrant
- Light: Part shade toย full sun
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: Varies by species
- Deer Resistance: Tolerant
Gardeniasย (Gardeniaย spp.)ย encompass various species and cultivars, each known for their fragrant,ย white flowers. Theย dark green leavesย provide an attractive backdrop for theย white blooms.ย Gardeniasย prefer part shade toย full sunย and well-drained, acidic soil. They are generally tolerant of deer and are prized for their fragrant blossoms.
Bayย Laurelย (Laurus nobilis)

- Botanical Name:ย Laurus nobilis
- Mature Size: 10-30 feet in height and 5-10 feet in width (can be pruned to desired size)
- Bloomย Time: Spring
- Leaf Color: Dark green, aromatic
- Flower Color: Insignificant
- Light:ย Full sunย to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
- Deer Resistance: Tolerant
Laurus nobilis, commonly known asย Bayย Laurel, is anย evergreen shrubย or small tree prized for its aromatic,ย dark green leaves. It is often grown for its culinary use, withย bayย leaves being a key ingredient in many dishes. While the plant produces inconspicuous flowers in spring, its fragrantย foliageย is its main attraction.ย Bayย Laurel prefersย full sunย 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.
Bayย Laurel is not only a versatile and attractiveย evergreen shrubย but also a culinary delight, making it a valuable addition to gardens andย landscapes. As with any plant, local growing conditions should be considered to ensure its success in your specific area.
Frequently Asked Questions

How toย pruneย evergreen shrubs?
Pruningย evergreen shrubsย is essential for maintaining their shape, promoting healthy growth, and removing dead or diseased branches. The best time toย pruneย depends on the specific type ofย evergreen, but it’s generally done inย late winterย orย early springย before new growth begins. Here’s a basic guide:
- Use sharp, cleanย pruningย 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 oneย pruningย session.
- Someย evergreens, likeย junipers, can be lightly pruned throughout the year to shape them.
What is the most popularย evergreen shrub?
The popularity ofย evergreen shrubsย can vary by region and personal preference, but a few of the most popular ones includeย Boxwoodย (Buxus sempervirens),ย Arborvitaeย (Thuja occidentalis), andย Rhododendronย (Rhododendronย spp.). These shrubs are beloved for theirย year-roundย greenery, versatility, and ease of maintenance.
What is the most drought-tolerantย evergreen shrub?
The most drought-tolerantย evergreen shrubย is often considered to be theย Dwarfย Yauponย Hollyย (Ilexย vomitoriaย ‘Nana’). This resilient shrub can withstand dry conditions and is native to the southeastern United States. Its adaptability to various soil types andย climates, coupled with its attractiveย dark green foliage, makes it a top choice for water-wise gardening.
What is the fastest-growingย evergreen shrubย for privacy?
If you’re in a hurry to create aย privacy screenย in your yard, the Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) is your go-to fast-growingย evergreen. These trees can add significant height and density in a short amount of time, making them popular choices for creatingย privacy screensย between properties or along roads.
What are the bestย year-roundย bushes for the front yard?
For a stunning front yard that looks greatย year-round, considerย evergreenย bushes likeย Boxwood,ย Arborvitae, andย Azalea. These shrubs maintain their lushย foliageย and add a touch of elegance to yourย landscape, ensuring your front yard stays attractive in all seasons.
Whatย evergreen shrubย has flatย needles?
Evergreen shrubsย with flatย needlesย include various types ofย junipersย (Juniperus spp.). They are characterized by their scale-like, flattenedย foliageย 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 yourย 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 yourย 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 onย Planet Natural.