The following are four suggestions for evergreen shrubs for full sun and part shade. While all three plants grow well in full sunlight and part shade, some people prefer the partial shade and prefer to plant a variety of shrubs. If you prefer full sun, you can grow blue rug juniper, pieris, and crape myrtle. These evergreens are not only attractive but also tolerant of dry conditions and pests.
Gardenia
Gardenias are evergreen shrubs that can be hardy in USDA zones eight through eleven. They are known for their dense foliage and creamy white flowers. New varieties are even hardier, some of which are suitable for zones seven and eight. However, if you are concerned about the cold, you should grow them in a cool greenhouse. This shrub attracts mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies, so keep an eye out for these pests. Native to China, Taiwan, and Japan, gardenias are hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit and are also useful for low screens and hedges.
A well-tended gardenia has lustrous, dark green foliage. The flowers are small and fragrant, measuring about two to four inches across. Gardenias have a tendency to bloom in late spring to early summer, depending on where they are grown. This plant has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. The flowering season varies from year to year, so be sure to check the temperature of your area.
Gardenias require good drainage and a constant supply of moisture. Watering gardenias too often or too close to the soil will lead to brown blooms the following year. Fertilize your gardenia twice a year in the spring and summer, using a slow-release fertilizer, and deadhead the flowers to remove the old blossoms. To keep gardenias in a shape that will last for years, prune them after they’ve finished blooming.
Blue Rug juniper
This evergreen shrub is native to the southern United States. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and conditions, including urban pollution and salty air. Its cascading habit conforms to the ground and is great for ground cover, mass planting, and rock/alpine gardens. Plant it near water to help retain moisture. Blue Rug junipers can also be used in mass plantings.
For the best growth, Blue Rug junipers need full sunlight, but they will tolerate some shade as well. In addition, they prefer soil that is not too moist, but not too dry. Blue Rug junipers can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but they do not grow well in overly wet or dry soil. This shrub does tolerate soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0. Blue Rug junipers also tolerate a moderate amount of salt.
The foliage of this shrub is a striking turquoise color. It grows quickly for an evergreen, but remains low, averaging six inches tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. While it is an excellent year-round ground cover, the foliage also turns purple during colder months. Blue Rug junipers don’t produce flowers. In addition to its distinctive blue color, this shrub also makes a wonderful accent tree.
Crape Myrtle
This deciduous shrub thrives in a full sunny garden or a shady spot. Newly planted trees may need stakes to keep them upright until the roots establish. Stakes should be driven about two to four feet from the trunk. Twine or wire can be used to keep the shrub upright. It is a good idea to cover the wire with an old garden hose or a cloth to prevent damage to the bark.
There are several cultivars of crape myrtle, including the Catawba Crape Myrtle. This cultivar reaches between eight to ten feet tall and wide. It has rich purple blossoms in summer and orange-red fall foliage. It can survive colder temperatures as a zone six plant. If you want a smaller plant, choose the Catawba Crape Myrtle. It has dense growth and good winter hardiness.
If you’d like to plant crape myrtle in your yard, remember to water it frequently. The shrub grows best when it receives at least one to two inches of water per week. If your soil is dry or sandy, water the plant daily. Insufficient water is the number one reason for crape myrtle tree death. If you’d like to add some beauty to your landscape, plant it in a sunny spot!
Hebes
Hebes are excellent choices for full sun gardens. They grow up to 1m tall and are often known as ‘Shrubby Veronica’. The flowers of this evergreen shrub are lilac in bud and turn a soft white once fully open. It blooms in the late summer and early fall. It is hardy in coastal zones, but will grow anywhere. It requires full sun to bloom.
Hebes are not particularly drought-resistant and need full sun and partial shade. If you prune them too early, you might kill them or cause them to become leggy and unattractive. Aim to prune them in March when new buds appear. Make sure to prune only the stems with two buds. You can also prune taller plants to maintain their shape and encourage new growth. To prune, cut to the top 20cm/8in of the stem.
Hebes are low-maintenance and don’t need a lot of fertilizer. You can supplement this by adding organic matter to the soil and a slow-release fertilizer to encourage growth. This shrub is particularly beneficial to pollinators. Among the varieties that are particularly attractive to bumblebees are Franciscana Blue Gem and Midsummer Beauty. In addition, they also tolerate wind and coastal conditions.
Cottoneaster
Although commonly called cotton-easter, cotton-easterners are a rather unappealing addition to the Southern landscape. Unlike grasses, they are not dense enough to discourage weeds or other plants, and they snag litter. While this doesn’t make them attractive, they can make nice landscape plants if pruned correctly. In fact, young cotoneasters are beautiful and productive, producing masses of colorful berries. However, these plants are also susceptible to pests.
The most beautiful features of cotoneaster are its late spring blooms, deep purple berries and fall foliage color. While the shrub is deciduous, it does flower in the fall, which is especially gorgeous in full sunlight gardens. It’s hardy in zones three to seven and is available in a number of cultivars, including the tree cotoneaster, which grows to be eight feet tall.
A densely branched evergreen shrub, cotoneaster is a good choice for the southern part of the garden. It can tolerate dry soil and is easy to grow. Once established, its water needs are minimal. It also prefers moist soil that drains well. However, cottoneaster is not suitable for hot, humid climates. If you’re in the south, make sure to plant it in an area of the garden that receives a lot of shade, and if possible, keep it away from a pond or stream.
This deciduous shrub is a low-growing ground cover or accent plant for any garden. Its low-maintenance water needs make it an excellent choice for any part of the garden. It has bright red berries in fall and tolerates partial shade. It can be grown as a large hedge or screen. It can be used as a border or a hedge. Its foliage also looks great in the shade.
Mountain Laurel
Growing Mountain Laurel in full sun requires little maintenance. Its foliage can be trimmed to shape after it blooms and is attractive to bees and other pollinators. This evergreen shrub is poisonous to pets and children, but it also helps deer avoid the plant. This is a good thing as deer will feed on just about anything. Nevertheless, there are many benefits of Mountain Laurel in the landscape.
Mountain Laurel plants prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil. When planting it, make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. Add peat moss if the soil is too acidic. Do not overwater the Mountain Laurel shrub. The roots must be allowed to acclimate to their new environment. The crown of the shrub needs to be kept slightly above the soil’s surface, because excessive moisture may result in fungal infections.
This evergreen shrub is native to eastern woodlands of North America and is considered a state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Its flowers are red and attract a variety of pollinators. However, be aware that Mountain Laurel is poisonous, so do not plant it near children or pets. If you are a first-time gardener, it is a good idea to purchase the seedlings of a mountain laurel and grow them yourself.