When it comes to landscaping, there are a lot of factors to consider. But one of the most important things to think about is what type of plants you want to use. You need to choose plants that are going to thrive in your climate and that will fit your landscaping goals. If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants that will stay green all year long, evergreen shrubs are a great option. Here are some of the best evergreen shrubs for low-maintenance landscaping.
Rhododendron (Rhododendron Spp.)
Rhododendrons are a popular choice for low-maintenance landscaping because they require very little pruning and don’t produce a lot of leaves or other debris. They come in a wide range of colors, so you can find one that fits your aesthetic goals. Rhododendrons are also relatively drought-tolerant, so they don’t need a lot of water to thrive.
Wintercreeper (Euonymus Fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’)
As its name suggests, wintercreeper is an evergreen plant that remains green all year round. It’s a fast-growing plant that can reach up to six feet in height, making it a great choice for privacy hedges or windbreaks. Wintercreeper is also relatively low-maintenance; it doesn’t need much pruning and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
Canadian hemlock is another good choice for low-maintenance landscaping. It’s a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 40 feet in height, so it’s perfect for privacy hedges or screening. Canadian hemlock is also fairly drought-tolerant and doesn’t require much pruning.
False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mop’)
False cypress is a slow-growing evergreen that only reaches about three feet in height. It’s often used as groundcover or as an accent plant in gardens. False cypress is easy to care for; it doesn’t need much water or fertilizer and isn’t susceptible to many pests or diseases.
Boxwood (Buxus spp. and Hybrids)
Boxwoods are a versatile evergreen shrub that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. They can be shaped into hedges, topiaries, or privacy screens. Boxwoods are also relatively low-maintenance; they don’t need much pruning or fertilizer and are resistant to deer and rabbits.
Blue Holly (Ilex × meserveae)
With its glossy blue-green leaves and shining red berries, blue holly is a cheerful addition to any winter landscape. This broadleaf evergreen shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s relatively drought tolerant once established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardens. Blue holly can reach up to 15 feet tall and wide, so give it plenty of space to grow.
American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
A classic choice for foundation plantings and hedges, American arborvitae is a versatile evergreen shrub that’s well suited to a wide range of garden styles. This slow-growing shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Its narrow, pyramidal form makes it an excellent choice for tight spaces. American arborvitae can reach up to 40 feet tall and 10 feet wide at maturity.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
With its abundant clusters of pink or white flowers, mountain laurel is one of the showiest blooming evergreen shrubs you can grow. This shade-loving shrub thrives in acidic, humus-rich soil that’s consistently moist but well drained. Mountain laurel is slow growing, eventually reaching up to 15 feet tall and wide. Its compact size and free-flowering habit make it ideal for foundation plantings, mass plantings, and as a specimen plant in small gardens.
Yew (Taxus spp.)
Yews are a great choice if you’re looking for an evergreen hedge or privacy screen. These hardy shrubs come in both upright and spreading forms with needles that range in color from bright green to deep emerald green. Yews prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil but are otherwise low maintenance. They can be pruned into nearly any shape or size, making them incredibly versatile plants. Upright yews can reach up 25 feet tall at maturity while spreading yews spread outwards indefinitely (but can be kept trimmed to a desired width).
Daphne (Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’)
This sweetly scented evergreen shrub is perfect for foundation plantings, mass plantings, woodland gardens, and as a specimen plant in small gardens. Daphnes prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that’s on the acidic side. They’re fairly slow growing but will eventually reach up 3 to 4 feet tall and wide at maturity. Carol Mackie daphne is prized for its sweet fragrance and lovely variegated foliage.
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
One of the best evergreen shrubs that you can add to your garden is the creeping juniper. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for those who want something that will stay green all year without requiring a lot of care. The creeping juniper is also drought-tolerant, so you don’t have to worry about watering it too much. It’s perfect for filling in bare spots in your garden or adding some groundcover.
Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’)
If you’re looking for an evergreen shrub that’s a little more eye-catching, then you might want to consider the juniper. This bushy plant is covered in blue needles that are sure to add some color to your garden. The juniper is also fairly low-maintenance, although it does need more water than the creeping juniper. It’s a great choice for adding some height and interest to your garden.
