Evergreen shrubs retain their leaves and needles year-round. They also come in multiple sizes and shapes. Some, like Compacta Holly, stay compact and small while others, such as Emerald Green Arborvitae, reach some pretty impressive heights.

Occasionally referred to as foundation plantings, evergreen shrubs work well to build the structure of a landscape, accented by deciduous plants, perennials, and annuals. In addition to foundations, evergreens are excellent choices for screening shrubs to hide unsightly views. They can also be used as windbreaks for windy locations.

Evergreens have different types of foliage. These include thick waxy leaves, sharp pine needles, and feathery fronds. Mix the differing foliage types to provide a unique and interesting texture. That foliage also comes in colors beyond green. Colors like purple, red, and yellow can break up the monotony of green to create interest.

Many evergreen shrubs are blooming plants. Some, like Camellias, can bloom in spring or fall. Others, like Encore Azaleas, can bloom up to three times a year. Mix blooming and non-blooming shrubs to create a unique and beautiful garden.

While evergreen shrubs don’t drop their leaves all at once, they will drop leaves throughout the year. These leaves are older leaves or may have been damaged at some point. There’s no need for concern because these fallen leaves are replaced by new growth.

Below are some of the more popular varieties of evergreen shrubs we carry, however, we may not have every variety listed at all times.

Evergreen Shrubs for Sun

In order to thrive, these evergreen shrubs require at least six hours of sun per day. While they can tolerate less, they can struggle and blooming varieties will not bloom as much as they should. 

Evergreen Shrubs for Part and Full Shade

The following evergreen shrubs do best in low light, ideally four hours or less. Avoid too much sun, because it can cause leaf scorch. Additionally, plants may need more water if they get too much light. Plants marked with * prefer partial shade while the others prefer full shade. Both dappled light as well as morning sun and afternoon shade are considered partial shade,

Further Reading

The following links have our recommendations for building specific gardens that include evergreens.

• Pollinator Gardens
• Deer Resistant Plants
• Native Plants
• Drought Tolerant Plants
• Plants for Coastal Areas
• Plants for Rain Gardens
• Rabbit Resistant Plants
• Plants for Attracting Birds

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