evergreen flowering shrubs zone 6

The Top 10 Evergreen Flowering Shrubs to Brighten Up Your Zone 6 Garden

Gardens in USDA hardiness zone 6 can blossom with color all year long by incorporating flowering evergreen shrubs. Evergreen shrubs provide lush greenery even through frigid winters, while bursting into spectacular blooms when spring and summer roll around.

The key to success is choosing varieties specifically proven hardy and adaptable to zone 6’s chillier winters yet warmer summers By mixing evergreen shrubs that flower at different times, you can create stunning, non-stop color

In this article, we’ll count down the top 10 picks for evergreen flowering shrubs ideal for zone 6 gardens. You’ll find growing tips to maximize their performance. Let’s dive in!

#1: Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are treasured for their showy spring blooms and large, glossy evergreen leaves. They thrive in zone 6 with well-drained, acidic soil and dappled sunlight. Protect them from drying winds and late spring frosts. Prune just after flowering completes.

Try: Roseum Elegans, English Roseum, Nova Zembla

#2: Camellia

Camellias produce rose-like blooms in white, pink and red hues from late winter into spring. Their handsome foliage provides lush texture all year round. Site in part to full shade and shelter from harsh sun and winds. Camellias require moist, well-drained, acidic soil.

Try: April Remembered, Professor Charles Sargent, Winter’s Star

#3: Pieris Japonica

With spring panicles of bell-shaped white blooms and showy new growth, pieris delivers year-round pizazz. Pieris flourishes in zones 6-8 with partial shade and evenly moist, acidic soil. Prune after flowering to shape and stimulate new growth.

Try: Mountain Fire, Little Heath, Katsura

#4: Azalea

Azaleas are rhododendron relatives ideal for zones 6-9. They flower in spring with blooms in shades from fuchsia to orange to white. Plant in dappled sun with rich, acidic, moist soil. Mulch to keep roots cool. Prune immediately after flowering ceases.

Try: Weston’s Sparkler, Northern Hi-Lights, Delaware Valley White

#5: Leucothoe

Leucothoe offers graceful, arching stems dotted with urn-shaped white blooms in late spring. Foliage takes on rich red and purple hues in winter. Leucothoe thrives in partial sun with well-drained, acidic soil. Keep the root zone cool and moist.

Try: Scarletta, Curly Red, Zeblid

#6: Winter Daphne

A compact gem for zones 6-9, winter daphne produces extremely fragrant, pinkish-white blooms from late winter into spring over evergreen foliage. Site in partial sun with well-drained, fertile soil. Prune after flowering to stimulate regrowth.

Try: Carolina Purple, Brigg’s Moonlight, Fragrantissima

#7: Mahonia

Mahonia is prized for its cheery yellow blooms in late fall and early winter followed by edible blue berries. The striking, holly-like foliage persists year-round. Mahonias thrive in dappled light with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid hot afternoon sun. Prune after flowering.

Try: Charity, Arthur Menzies, Soft Caress

#8: Sarcococca

Also known as sweet box, sarcococca produces incredibly fragrant winter blooms. This shade-loving shrub keeps its foliage year-round. Plant in fertile, humus-rich, evenly moist soil with sharp drainage. Prune after flowering.

Try: Winter Gem, Fragrant Mountain

#9: Helleborus

Hellebores bloom very early, even during winter thaws, with gorgeous nodding blooms lasting for months. The handsome evergreen foliage also provides interest. Site in dappled sun with rich, evenly moist soil.

Try: Anna’s Red, Peppermint Ice, Hollyhock

#10: Lonicera

A honeysuckle relative, lonicera flowers in late winter with yellow or white and pink tubular blooms followed by red berries. It adapts well to shade and flowers continuously. Prune old wood in spring to stimulate new growth.

Try: Winter Honeysuckle, Baggesen’s Gold

Tips for Growing Evergreen Flowering Shrubs

Follow these tips to maximize your evergreen flowering shrubs:

• Select a site with proper sunlight, soil moisture and drainage needs for that variety.

• Prepare planting beds by amending soil and adjusting pH if needed.

• Plant in fall or early spring to give roots time to establish before heat or cold sets in.

• Space plants properly to allow for mature growth. Check plant tag or description.

• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch to insulate roots and prevent weeds. Replenish as needed.

• Water thoroughly at planting and as needed in dry periods.

• Prune most varieties right after blooming to stimulate new growth and flowers.

Incorporate Evergreen Flowering Shrubs into Garden Designs

Here are some ideas for using evergreen flowering shrubs in garden designs:

• Use as a colorful backdrop for perennial beds or annual plantings
• Place along foundations, borders or property lines for structure
• Mass in groups of 3-5 for bolder color impact
• Use large varieties as focal points, anchors or screening
• Underplant with bulbs and perennials that bloom at different times
• Combine varieties with sequential bloom times for continuous color

With the right evergreen flowering shrubs, you can banish dull winter landscapes. Select varieties tailored specifically to thrive in your zone 6 climate. Then provide proper planting and care. Soon you’ll enjoy colorful shrubs gracing your garden regardless of season!

What are your favorite evergreen flowering shrubs? Share your recommendations in the comments!