Evergreen Shrubs : The 20 Best Varieties for Year-Round Garden Appeal

Discover the 20 best evergreen shrubs for year-round garden appeal. Learn about top varieties, planting tips and how to care for these hardy, low-maintenance plants.

Evergreen shrubs are the backbone of any garden, providing year-round structure, color and interest. These versatile plants offer a constant backdrop of greenery, even when deciduous plants have shed their leaves. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the 20 best evergreen shrubs to enhance your garden’s appeal throughout the seasons.

Why Choose Evergreen Shrubs?

Before diving into our top 20 list, let’s consider the benefits of evergreen shrubs:

1. Year-round foliage
2. Low maintenance
3. Privacy screening
4. Wind protection
5. Erosion control
6. Habitat for wildlife

The 20 Best Evergreen Shrubs

1. Boxwood (Buxus)

Here is a chart with detailed information on Boxwood (Buxus):

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Buxus sempervirens (Common Boxwood)
Common Name	Boxwood
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness Zone	5-9
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Loamy, Moist Soil
Watering	Moderate, Consistent Moisture
Growth Habit	Dense, Rounded, Slow-Growing
Height/Spread	2-20 feet tall / 2-8 feet wide (depending on variety)
Foliage	Small, Glossy, Dark Green Leaves
Special Features	Evergreen, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant Once Established, Low Maintenance, Ideal for Hedges, Topiary, and Formal Gardens

• Ideal for formal gardens and hedges
• Pruning tips for boxwood
• Varieties: ‘Green Velvet’, ‘Winter Gem’

2. Holly (Ilex)

Here is a chart with detailed information on Holly (Ilex):

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Ilex aquifolium (English Holly), Ilex opaca (American Holly), Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly), among others
Common Name	Holly
Plant Type	Evergreen or Deciduous Shrub/Tree
Hardiness Zone	5-9 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Slightly Acidic Soil
Watering	Moderate, Prefers Consistent Moisture
Growth Habit	Upright, Dense, Can Be Shrubby or Tree-like
Height/Spread	6-50 feet tall / 5-25 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green Leaves, Often Spiny (Evergreen Species)
Fruit	Bright Red, Orange or Yellow Berries (on Female Plants)
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Winter Interest, Attracts Birds, Deer Resistant, Used for Hedges, Screening, and Ornamental Planting

• Known for glossy leaves and red berries
• Excellent for holiday decorations
• Varieties: ‘Blue Princess’, ‘Castle Spire’

3. Rhododendron

Here is a chart with detailed information on Rhododendrons:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Rhododendron spp.
Common Name	Rhododendron
Plant Type	Evergreen or Deciduous Shrub
Hardiness Zone	4-9 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade to Full Sun (Depends on Species)
Soil Type	Well-drained, Acidic, Rich in Organic Matter
Watering	Regular, Prefers Consistently Moist Soil
Growth Habit	Dense, Rounded, Upright, or Spreading
Height/Spread	2-20 feet tall / 2-8 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Spring (Some Species Bloom in Early Summer)
Flower Description	Large, Showy Clusters of Bell-shaped, Funnel-shaped, or Tubular Flowers in a Variety of Colors, including Pink, Red, Purple, White and Yellow
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green Leaves (Evergreen Species) or Green Leaves (Deciduous Species)
Special Features	Attracts Pollinators (Bees, Butterflies), Evergreen Varieties Offer Year-round Interest, Showy Flowers, Used in Shrub Borders, Woodland Gardens and as Specimen Plants

• Spectacular spring flowers
• Prefers acidic soil
• Varieties: ‘PJM’, ‘Roseum Elegans’

4. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Here is a chart with detailed information on Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia):

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Kalmia latifolia
Common Name	Mountain Laurel
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness Zone	4-9
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, Acidic, Moist Soil
Watering	Regular, Keep Soil Consistently Moist
Growth Habit	Rounded, Dense, Spreading
Height/Spread	5-15 feet tall / 5-15 feet wide
Flowering Time	Late Spring to Early Summer
Flower Description	Cup-shaped, Clusters of Pink, White, or Red Flowers with Intricate Markings
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green, Lance-shaped Leaves
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Showy Flowers, Deer Resistant, Attracts Pollinators (Bees), Ideal for Woodland Gardens and Naturalized Areas

• Native to eastern North America
• Beautiful cup-shaped flowers
• Varieties: ‘Sarah’, ‘Olympic Fire’

5. Pieris

ere is a chart with detailed information on Pieris:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Pieris japonica
Common Name	Japanese Pieris, Andromeda
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness Zone	5-8
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, Acidic, Moist Soil
Watering	Regular, Keep Soil Consistently Moist
Growth Habit	Rounded, Compact, Dense
Height/Spread	4-12 feet tall / 3-8 feet wide
Flowering Time	Early Spring
Flower Description	Drooping Clusters (Racemes) of Small, Bell-shaped, White or Pink Flowers
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green Leaves, New Growth Often Bronze or Red
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Early Spring Blooms, Deer Resistant, Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Ideal for Woodland Gardens and Shrub Borders

• Also known as Andromeda
• Drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers
• Varieties: ‘Mountain Fire’, ‘Flaming Silver’

6. Juniper (Juniperus)

Here is a chart with detailed information on Juniper (Juniperus):

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Juniperus spp.
Common Name	Juniper
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub or Tree
Hardiness Zone	2-9 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Full Sun
Soil Type	Well-drained Soil, Tolerates Sandy and Rocky Soils
Watering	Low to Moderate, Drought Tolerant Once Established
Growth Habit	Upright, Spreading, Groundcover, or Columnar
Height/Spread	6 inches to 50 feet tall / 1-20 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Foliage	Needle-like or Scale-like, Green to Blue-green, Some with Yellow or Variegated Forms
Fruit	Small, Berry-like Cones, Typically Blue or Black
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Used for Hedges, Groundcovers, and Windbreaks

• Versatile, from ground covers to tall trees
• Drought-tolerant
• Varieties: ‘Blue Star’, ‘Gold Coast’

7. Yew (Taxus)

Here is a chart with detailed information on Yew (Taxus):

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Taxus spp.
Common Name	Yew
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub or Tree
Hardiness Zone	4-7 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Moist, Slightly Acidic to Neutral Soil
Watering	Moderate, Drought Tolerant Once Established
Growth Habit	Upright, Spreading, or Columnar
Height/Spread	2-60 feet tall / 4-20 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Foliage	Needle-like, Dark Green Leaves
Fruit	Red, Berry-like Arils (Only on Female Plants)
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Deer Resistant, Shade Tolerant, Used for Hedges, Topiary, Foundation Plantings, and Specimen Trees

• Classic hedge plant
• Tolerates heavy pruning
• Varieties: ‘Densiformis’, ‘Hicksii’

8. Arborvitae (Thuja)

Here is a chart with detailed information on Arborvitae (Thuja):

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Thuja spp.
Common Name	Arborvitae, Thuja
Plant Type	Evergreen Tree or Shrub
Hardiness Zone	2-8 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Loamy, Moist Soil
Watering	Moderate, Requires Regular Watering Especially When Young
Growth Habit	Pyramidal, Upright, Dense
Height/Spread	3-70 feet tall / 1-25 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Foliage	Scale-like, Soft, Green to Yellow-green, Some Varieties Have Golden or Variegated Foliage
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Fast-growing, Deer Resistant, Windbreaks, Privacy Screens, Low Maintenance, Used for Hedges and Foundation Plantings

• Popular for privacy screens
• Fast-growing
• Varieties: ‘Green Giant’, ‘Emerald Green’

9. Euonymus

Here is a chart with detailed information on Euonymus:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Euonymus spp.
Common Name	Euonymus, Spindle, Burning Bush
Plant Type	Evergreen or Deciduous Shrub, Vine, or Small Tree
Hardiness Zone	4-9 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained Soil, Tolerates a Variety of Soil Types
Watering	Moderate, Drought Tolerant Once Established
Growth Habit	Upright, Spreading, Climbing, or Groundcover
Height/Spread	1-20 feet tall / 1-15 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Foliage	Glossy, Green or Variegated Leaves, Some with Brilliant Fall Color
Special Features	Versatile, Tolerates Poor Soil, Variegated Foliage, Fall Color, Used for Hedges, Groundcovers and Accent Plants

• Variegated varieties add color
• Good for foundation plantings
• Varieties: ‘Emerald Gaiety’, ‘Gold Splash’

10. Camellia

Here is a chart with detailed information on Camellia:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Camellia spp.
Common Name	Camellia
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub or Small Tree
Hardiness Zone	7-9 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, Acidic, Moist Soil
Watering	Regular, Prefers Consistently Moist Soil
Growth Habit	Upright, Dense, Bushy
Height/Spread	3-20 feet tall / 3-15 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Fall to Spring (Depending on Variety)
Flower Description	Large, Showy, Camellia-like Flowers in White, Pink, Red, or Variegated Colors
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green Leaves
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Showy Flowers, Low Maintenance, Ideal for Shade Gardens, Used for Borders and Foundation Plantings

• Stunning flowers in late winter or early spring
• Prefers partial shade
• Varieties: ‘Pink Perfection’, ‘Yuletide’

11. Azalea

Here is a chart with detailed information on Azalea:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Rhododendron spp. (formerly Azalea)
Common Name	Azalea
Plant Type	Deciduous or Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness Zone	4-9 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, Acidic, Moist Soil
Watering	Regular, Keep Soil Consistently Moist
Growth Habit	Rounded, Dense, Spreading
Height/Spread	2-15 feet tall / 2-15 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Spring (Some Varieties Bloom in Fall)
Flower Description	Funnel-shaped, Clusters of Flowers in Various Colors including Pink, Red, White, and Purple
Foliage	Glossy to Matte, Green or Variegated Leaves
Special Features	Showy Flowers, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Ideal for Borders, Foundation Plantings, and Woodland Gardens

• Many evergreen varieties available
• Vibrant spring blooms
• Varieties: ‘Gumpo White’, ‘Hino Crimson’

12. Daphne

Here is a chart with detailed information on Daphne:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Daphne spp.
Common Name	Daphne
Plant Type	Evergreen or Deciduous Shrub
Hardiness Zone	4-9 (Varies by Species)
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soil Type	Well-drained, Acidic, Moist Soil
Watering	Regular, Keep Soil Consistently Moist
Growth Habit	Rounded, Dense, Compact
Height/Spread	2-4 feet tall / 2-4 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Late Winter to Spring
Flower Description	Clusters of Small, Fragrant Flowers in White, Pink, or Purple
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green Leaves
Special Features	Fragrant Flowers, Evergreen or Attractive Deciduous Foliage, Ideal for Containers and Garden Borders, Deer Resistant

• Intensely fragrant flowers
• Compact size for small gardens
• Varieties: ‘Carol Mackie’, ‘Eternal Fragrance’

13. Photinia

Here is a chart with detailed information on Photinia:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Photinia spp.
Common Name	Photinia, Red Tip Photinia
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub or Small Tree
Hardiness Zone	7-9
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Moist Soil
Watering	Regular, Tolerant of Drought Once Established
Growth Habit	Upright, Dense, Rounded
Height/Spread	6-15 feet tall / 4-10 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Spring
Flower Description	Small, White Clusters of Flowers
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green Leaves, New Growth Often Red or Bronze
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Attractive New Growth Color, Used for Hedges, Screens, and Specimen Plants, Low Maintenance

• New growth is often bright red
• Good for hedges or specimen plants
• Varieties: ‘Red Robin’, ‘Little Red Robin’

14. Mahonia

Here is a chart with detailed information on Mahonia:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Mahonia spp.
Common Name	Mahonia, Oregon Grape
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness Zone	5-9
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Moist, Acidic Soil
Watering	Regular, Tolerates Drought Once Established
Growth Habit	Upright, Bushy, Spreading
Height/Spread	3-10 feet tall / 3-8 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Winter to Spring
Flower Description	Small, Yellow Clusters of Flowers
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green, Pinnate Leaves, Some with Blue or Purple Tint
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Attractive Winter Flowers, Edible Berries, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance

• Unique, spiky foliage
• Yellow flowers in winter
• Varieties: ‘Winter Sun’, ‘Soft Caress’

15. Aucuba

Here is a chart with detailed information on Aucuba:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Aucuba spp.
Common Name	Aucuba, Gold Dust Plant
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness Zone	6-10
Sun Exposure	Full Shade to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Moist, Acidic to Neutral Soil
Watering	Regular, Tolerates Drought Once Established
Growth Habit	Dense, Rounded, Bushy
Height/Spread	3-10 feet tall / 3-6 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Spring (Less Showy)
Flower Description	Small, Inconspicuous, Red or Purple Flowers
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green, Variegated with Gold or Yellow Spots
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Low Maintenance, Tolerates Shade, Used for Hedges and Foundation Plantings

• Tolerates deep shade
• Variegated varieties brighten shady areas
• Varieties: ‘Gold Dust’, ‘Picturata’

16. Skimmia

Here is a chart with detailed information on Skimmia:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Skimmia spp.
Common Name	Skimmia
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness Zone	6-8
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade to Full Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Acidic, Moist Soil
Watering	Regular, Prefers Consistent Moisture
Growth Habit	Dense, Compact, Rounded
Height/Spread	3-6 feet tall / 3-6 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Late Winter to Spring
Flower Description	Small, Fragrant Clusters of White or Pink Flowers
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green, Oval Leaves
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Attractive Berries, Ideal for Shade Gardens, Used for Borders and Containers

• Compact shrub with aromatic leaves
• Red berries on female plants
• Varieties: ‘Rubella’, ‘Kew Green’

17. Leucothoe

Here is a chart with detailed information on Leucothoe:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Leucothoe spp.
Common Name	Leucothoe, Drooping Leucothoe
Plant Type	Evergreen or Deciduous Shrub
Hardiness Zone	5-9
Sun Exposure	Partial Shade to Full Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Acidic, Moist Soil
Watering	Regular, Prefers Consistent Moisture
Growth Habit	Spreading, Arching, Rounded
Height/Spread	3-5 feet tall / 3-6 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Spring
Flower Description	Small, Inconspicuous, White or Cream Flowers
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green, Sometimes Turns Red or Purple in Winter
Special Features	Evergreen or Attractive Deciduous Foliage, Arching Growth Habit, Ideal for Shade Gardens, Used for Groundcovers and Borders

• Arching branches with glossy leaves
• Fall and winter color changes
• Varieties: ‘Rainbow’, ‘Scarletta’

18. Osmanthus

Here is a chart with detailed information on Osmanthus:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Osmanthus spp.
Common Name	Osmanthus, Tea Olive
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub or Small Tree
Hardiness Zone	7-10
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Moist, Acidic to Neutral Soil
Watering	Regular, Tolerates Drought Once Established
Growth Habit	Dense, Rounded, Bushy
Height/Spread	6-15 feet tall / 4-8 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Fall to Winter
Flower Description	Small, Fragrant, White or Cream Flowers
Foliage	Glossy, Dark Green Leaves
Special Features	Fragrant Flowers, Evergreen Foliage, Low Maintenance, Used for Hedges, Screens, and Specimen Plants

• Highly fragrant flowers
• Good for hedges or screens
• Varieties: ‘Goshiki’, ‘Gulftide’

19. Nandina

Here is a chart with detailed information on Nandina:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Nandina domestica
Common Name	Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness Zone	6-9
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Moist, Acidic to Neutral Soil
Watering	Regular, Tolerates Drought Once Established
Growth Habit	Upright, Dense, Shrubby
Height/Spread	3-8 feet tall / 3-6 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Spring
Flower Description	Small, White or Cream Flowers in Loose Clusters
Foliage	Glossy, Green, Turns Red or Purple in Fall and Winter
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Attractive Fall Color, Edible Berries, Low Maintenance, Used for Hedges, Borders, and Foundation Plantings

• Also known as Heavenly Bamboo
• Red foliage in winter
• Varieties: ‘Fire Power’, ‘Gulf Stream’

20. Pittosporum

Here is a chart with detailed information on Pittosporum:

Category	Information
Botanical Name	Pittosporum spp.
Common Name	Pittosporum, Pittosporum Tree
Plant Type	Evergreen Shrub or Small Tree
Hardiness Zone	8-11
Sun Exposure	Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, Moist, Acidic to Neutral Soil
Watering	Regular, Tolerates Drought Once Established
Growth Habit	Dense, Rounded, Bushy or Upright
Height/Spread	4-12 feet tall / 4-6 feet wide (Varies by Species)
Flowering Time	Spring to Summer
Flower Description	Small, Fragrant, White or Cream Flowers
Foliage	Glossy, Green, Sometimes Variegated with Cream or Yellow
Special Features	Evergreen Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Attractive Appearance, Used for Hedges, Screens, and Specimen Plants

• Dense foliage ideal for hedges
• Some varieties have fragrant flowers
• Varieties: ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’, ‘Golf Ball’

Planting and Care Tips

To ensure your evergreen shrubs thrive, follow these general guidelines:

1. Soil Preparation: Most evergreens prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Amend your soil if necessary.
2. Planting: The best time to plant is in spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
3. Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
4. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub, keeping it away from the stem.
5. Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
6. Pruning: Most evergreens need minimal pruning. When necessary, prune after flowering or in late winter before new growth begins.
7. Winter Protection: In colder regions, consider wrapping or using anti-desiccant sprays to protect from winter burn.

Choosing the Right Evergreen for Your Garden

When selecting evergreen shrubs, consider:

• Your USDA Hardiness Zone
• Available sunlight in your garden
• Soil type and pH
• Mature size of the shrub
• Growth rate
• Desired function (hedge, specimen plant, etc.)

Evergreen shrubs are invaluable additions to any garden, offering year-round interest and structure. With proper selection and care, these 20 varieties can transform your outdoor space into a lush, vibrant oasis that looks great in every season. Whether you’re looking for privacy, color, or low-maintenance options, there’s an evergreen shrub perfect for your needs. Happy gardening!