Despite their name, Evergreen shrubs provide permanent structure in the garden. They retain their leaves throughout the year and require less water than their deciduous counterparts. If you are looking for a permanent structure in your garden, evergreen shrubs may be right for you. In this article, you will discover why these trees are a great choice for shaded areas. After reading this article, you will know exactly what type of evergreen shrubs are right for you.
Evergreen shrubs provide permanent structure in the garden
When choosing a shrub for your yard, consider the type of shade your space receives. Full shade means little to no sunlight. Partial shade means a good portion of the day, while full sun means a lot of light. Some corners can be dry, while others are wet. In any case, it is best to look into the soil conditions before selecting a plant. Evergreen shrubs can enhance virtually every garden border, as they provide a layer of privacy and off-season interest.
Evergreens are perennial plants that provide structure to the garden. In addition to creating a backdrop, they also add permanent structure and height to the garden. Various types of evergreen shrubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many can be pruned into any desired shape. If you want a more unique shape, try a tree with paper bark like the Himalayan birch or a copper trunk, like Prunus serrula ‘Tibetica’.
The type of soil your evergreens grow in also makes a difference. Some require slightly acidic soil, while others require slightly alkaline soil. For example, narrowleaf evergreens, such as rhododendrons and Japanese yew, prefer a slightly acidic soil. Some shrubs, such as spruce, can survive in heavy clay soils.
Planting permanent shrubs in containers requires advanced planning, as these plants require more water than other types. Regardless of the container, it is important to select pots that will withstand winter. Container-grown plants will fill up with roots and need more frequent watering than their native environment. Make sure you plant a variety of shrubs in your garden that show off different parts of the year. This way, you’ll be filling the garden with beautiful blooms throughout the seasons.
They are drought-tolerant
Some of the best evergreen shrubs for shade are drought-tolerant and can thrive in low-water conditions. Choosing the right plant for your space will depend on the soil conditions, the desired color, and the level of shade. Here are some recommendations. Duea Flame Evergreen Shrub – This bush grows fast and reaches a height of three to five feet. It is very drought-tolerant and produces large, colorful spike-like flowers in the spring and summer. It grows best in well-drained soil. It also doesn’t require much water, and is a great houseplant in various regions.
Southern wax myrtle – This evergreen shrub can be purchased in 3-gallon pots and will need at least one inch of water at first. As it grows, it will require more water. Once established, it requires about one to two inches of water per year. Butterfly bush – This is an invasive species and may need extra water as it grows. For the best results, plant the southern wax myrtle in a sunny spot.
Japanese Privet – This broadleaf evergreen shrub is perfect for partial to full shade. Its foliage is shiny and dark green, and it can grow up to twelve feet. Japanese privet is a great hedge plant because it is fast-growing. It grows up to 12 feet and develops creamy-white blooms in late spring. If you have a dry spot in your yard, Japanese privet is a great choice.
Yew – A wonderful evergreen with long, slender needles, yews are drought-tolerant, and don’t mind pruning. They grow too big to fit into borders, and their needles and berries can be poisonous. Luckily, there are dwarf varieties available. Another option is the ’emerald spreader’ variety. They are drought-tolerant and need to be pruned annually.
They retain leaves all year long
Depending on their species, evergreen shrubs can provide year-round coverage and color. Some are ideal as foundation plantings around your home, while others provide a backdrop for flowering perennials. As a bonus, some evergreen shrubs grow quite large and can provide shade and privacy in your landscape. Learn more about evergreen shrubs for shade below! Here are a few common types:
Andromeda: This native plant needs 3 to 6 hours of sunlight a day to thrive, but once established, will provide color year-round. Its showy foliage and flowers add color to a shady spot, and it’s a popular choice for ground cover and low-growing hedging. Hebes grow in full sun or partial shade, and prefer sheltered conditions in winter.
Mountain Laurel: A popular choice for shade landscaping, Mountain Laurel grows best in medium to deep shade and requires good soil rich in organic compost. It produces bell-shaped blossoms in late spring. It can survive in both full sun and deep shade, but prefers medium or partial shade. Full sun can cause scorched leaves. Mountain Laurel: One of the most popular evergreen plants for shade, Mountain Laurel can be a stunning addition to your landscape.
Chinese Juniper: This small evergreen plant can be used as a groundcover, a low hedge, or as a foundation. Its foliage is a rich green, which turns pink and purple in winter. Wintercreeper can grow up to 35 feet tall and is hardy in zones five to eight. Arborvitae: A conical or pyramid-shaped shrub, Arborvitae is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and pollution-tolerant species.
They are a great alternative to deciduous shrubs
There are several types of evergreen shrubs for shade. The American Beautyberry, also known as the American Mulberry, is one example. Its small, delicate flowers are lavender, pink, or lilac in color. Its foliage turns yellow in fall. American Beautyberry requires an inch of rain annually or the equivalent of one to two inches of water every week.
The yew, an evergreen shrub with narrow leaves, is a good choice. It thrives in partial shade and is a great option for a garden with a shady location. These plants are very versatile, with their showy red cones and ability to tolerate a bit of shade. In order to get the most out of yews, remember to prune them in early summer to keep their foliage looking neat and tidy.
When choosing evergreen shrubs for shade, try to choose ones that provide shelter from harsh weather. Evergreen shrubs for shade will offer plenty of beauty to a shady area. You can mix and match with other shade-appropriate foliage plants and flowers for an impressive effect. For instance, you can mix and match shade-adapted perennials and shrubs to create a colorful, lush garden in your home.
You can choose a variety of shrubs to provide year-round interest, including a flowering evergreen or a low-growing deciduous tree. Shrubs can provide shade, texture, and color in a variety of garden areas, as well as transitional plants from one area to another. Deciduous trees are typically best in spring, but evergreen shrubs are a great alternative if you live in a climate that’s not quite as warm as yours.
They are easy to grow
Known for their lustrous evergreen leaves and tiny bell-shaped flowers, many Evergreen shrubs for shade are very easy to care for and grow in a variety of locations. They grow well in moist, acidic soils and tolerate droughts once they’ve been established. However, this low-maintenance shrub is prone to certain problems. These include leaf miners, bark scale, and powdery mildew.
If you want an attractive plant that can withstand light shade, you should consider the Aucuba shrub. This low-maintenance shrub produces small white flowers in late winter and early spring and will flourish in partial to full shade. Its flowers are fragrant and imitate red wine. Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-8, this shrub will produce berries in the fall. It can grow up to 8 feet tall and can also be a great barrier against deer.
A variety of shade-loving evergreens are suitable for shady areas of the yard. Their lush green foliage and attractive flowers will add color and texture to your yard year-round. These shrubs are also ideal for flower beds. In addition to being attractive, they provide structure and backbone for flower beds, as well as privacy screens. The shrubs should be planted in a pot of the right size and space.
A great selection of Evergreen shrubs for shade includes Chinese fringe-flower, which grows up to 12 feet and has flowers that resemble fringes. This shrub is ideal for containers because of its small size and requires little care. The flower buds on the deutzia shrub are white and about half an inch wide. The foliage is typically green, but some varieties feature purple leaves. The deutzia shrubs thrive in partial to full shade.
