A Complete Guide to Evergreen Shrubs with Pictures

Evergreen shrubs are an excellent addition to any landscape. They provide year-round greenery, structure, and interest. In this article, we will discuss what evergreen shrubs are, their benefits, popular varieties, and how to care for them.

What are Evergreen Shrubs?

Evergreen shrubs keep their leaves or needles all year long. This provides color and texture during the winter when deciduous plants lose their foliage. Evergreens come in all shapes and sizes from low groundcovers to giant privacy hedges. Popular evergreen shrub types include arborvitae, azalea, boxwood, camellia, holly, juniper, laurel, pine, rhododendron, and yew.

Benefits of Evergreen Shrubs

There are many reasons to plant evergreen shrubs in your garden:

• Provide year-round greenery and structure
• Offer privacy screening and sound dampening
• Attract wildlife with shelter and food sources
• Add curb appeal and increase property value
• Give off pleasant scents with fragrant varieties
• Serve as windbreaks and snow fences during winter
• Require less maintenance than deciduous shrubs

Popular Evergreen Shrub Varieties

Here are some of the most popular evergreen shrubs perfect for landscaping:

Arborvitae

Arborvitae (Thuja) are fast-growing pyramidal trees that are often used for privacy screens and hedges. Some popular cultivars include

• Emerald Green – Dense foliage with rich green color
• Green Giant – Very tall hedge reaching 60 feet
• Techny – Hardy with olive-green leaves

Azalea

Azaleas are spring blooming shrubs that produce colorful flowers They prefer some shade and acidic soil, Some azalea varieties include

• Encore Azalea – Blooms in spring, summer, and fall
• Gumpo Pink – Vibrant neon pink blooms
• Northern Lights – Striking purple and white blooms

Boxwood

Boxwood shrubs are known for their versatility in formal garden designs They are slow growing and do well with pruning. Some boxwood cultivars

• Green Velvet – Glossy green leaves on a rounded form
• Green Mountain – Conical shape reaching 5-6 feet tall
• Wintergreen – Retains good green color in winter

Holly

Hollies are classic evergreen shrubs ideal for hedges and screens. They have pointed leaves and red berries on female plants. Some top holly varieties:

• Blue Princess – Striking blue-green foliage
• China Boy – Large red berries and glossy leaves
• Nellie Stevens – Compact growth with abundant red berries

Juniper

Junipers offer spiky blue-green or yellow foliage and are drought tolerant. Some popular juniper varieties:

• Blue Rug – Groundcover that grows 6 inches tall
• Sea Green – Spreading branches with arching green leaves
• Blue Star – Steel blue foliage and compact habit

Pine

Pines are conifers that range from towering trees to compact shrubs. Some evergreen pine shrubs include:

• Mugo Pine – Dense mounding habit and two-toned needles
• White Pine – Soft blue-green needles and layered branching
• Lodgepole Pine – Fast growth rate and long cones

Yew

Yews are a classic evergreen landscaping shrub. They tolerate pruning very well. Some yew shrub varieties:

• Dwarf Japanese Yew – Mounding form that grows 3 feet tall
• Hicks Yew – Narrow columnar shape up to 15 feet tall
• Spreading Yew – Low spreading branches with red berries

How to Care for Evergreen Shrubs

Caring for evergreen shrubs includes proper planting, watering, fertilizing, and pruning:

• Plant in spring or fall, leaving adequate spacing for growth. Amend soil with compost as needed.

• Water deeply and infrequently. Established shrubs need about 1 inch of water per week.

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer or slow-release granular formula.

• Prune overgrown or damaged branches just above leaf nodes. Shear formal hedges in summer.

• Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Monitor for signs of disease and treat any insect pests promptly. Preventive care is best.

Evergreen shrubs require less maintenance than deciduous varieties but some occasional care will keep them looking their best. With proper planting and care, evergreens can provide decades of beauty in your garden.

Evergreen shrubs are versatile plants that add year-round color, texture, privacy, and wildlife habitat. Popular varieties like arborvitae, azalea, boxwood, holly, juniper, pine, and yew come in many shapes and sizes. Provide evergreens with amended soil, adequate water and fertilizer, and occasional pruning. With minimal care, evergreen shrubs can thrive and enhance your landscape for years to come.