Evergreen Shrubs That Flower: 31 Blooms That Never Fade

  • Evergreen flowering shrubs provide year-round beauty and color to landscapes
  • Many varieties thrive in full sun and are low-maintenance
  • Options available for different USDA hardiness zones
  • Can be used for foundation plantings, hedges, borders and more
  • Proper care includes well-drained soil, adequate sunlight, and occasional pruning

Imagine a garden that remains vibrant and colorful throughout the year, even during the coldest months. This is the magic of evergreen shrubs that flower – nature’s answer to the gardener’s dream of perpetual beauty. These remarkable plants not only retain their lush foliage year-round but also grace us with stunning blooms, creating a landscape that’s always alive with color and texture.

Top 10 Full Sun Evergreen Plants That Flower

For those sun-drenched spots in your garden, here are ten exceptional evergreen shrubs that thrive in full sun and reward you with beautiful blooms:

1. Fairybells (Epimedium)

Fairybells, with their heart-shaped leaves and delicate star-like flowers, are a charming addition to any garden. Native to Asia and Europe, these compact plants are perfect for creating enchanting ground covers in USDA zones 4-9. They bloom in spring and fall, adding a touch of whimsy to your landscape.

2. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)

Hailing from East Asia, Wintercreeper is known for its variegated foliage that adds a splash of color to gardens year-round. These versatile evergreens make stunning ground covers and accent plants, with blooms appearing in late spring. They’re adaptable to USDA zones 4-8 and require minimal care.

3. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Japanese Holly, native to Japan, is prized for its small, glossy leaves and compact form. Ideal for hedges and borders, these evergreens produce inconspicuous flowers in spring and thrive in USDA zones 5-8. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade.

4. Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae)

The Blue Holly stands out with its striking blue-green foliage and vibrant red berries. These compact evergreens are excellent for hedges and focal points, blooming in late spring. Suitable for USDA zones 5-7, they prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

5. Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)

The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a slow-growing conifer with a classic conical shape, perfect for adding structure to your garden. It matures at 6-8 feet and is well-suited for USDA zones 2-8. This evergreen requires minimal pruning and thrives in full sun.

6. Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium)

Native to North America, Grape Holly features spiky evergreen foliage and clusters of yellow flowers. It’s an excellent border plant that blooms in late winter to early spring. Thriving in USDA zones 5-9, it prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.

7. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)

Winter Jasmine brightens winter landscapes with its vibrant yellow flowers. Native to China, it’s perfect for ground covers or trailing over walls. Blooming in winter and early spring, it’s suitable for USDA zones 6-10 and adapts well to various soil conditions.

8. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Renowned for its fragrant white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves, Gardenia adds elegance to any garden. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun and is suitable for USDA zones 8-11. For optimal growth, maintain acidic and well-drained soil.

9. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender, with its aromatic purple spikes, is a garden favorite. Thriving in full sun, it’s perfect for borders and aromatherapy. Suitable for USDA zones 5-9, lavender requires well-drained soil and proper pruning for healthy growth.

10. Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)

Scotch Broom stands out with its bright yellow, pea-like flowers. Native to Europe, it loves full sun and sandy soil. Blooming in spring, it’s suitable for USDA zones 5-8 and is notably drought-tolerant.

Evergreen Perennials by Zone

Evergreen perennials offer year-round beauty with their lush foliage and captivating blooms. Here are some top choices for different USDA zones:

Zones 3-5: Mountain Rock Cress (Arabis alpina)

Mountain Rock Cress forms a captivating mat of grayish-green foliage with prolific spring blooms in snowy white. It’s perfect for rock gardens and grows 8-10 inches tall.

Zones 4-7: Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)

Sea Thrift displays clusters of bright pink or purple blooms above dark-green, grass-like foliage. Standing at 6-12 inches tall, it’s ideal for coastal gardens and rock gardens.

Zones 5-8: Mountain Andromeda (Pieris floribunda)

Mountain Andromeda boasts glossy dark-green foliage contrasting beautifully with snowy white bell-shaped flowers in early spring. At 4-6 feet tall, it’s an excellent border or hedge shrub.

Zones 3-9: Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)

Evergreen Candytuft’s snowy-white, fragrant flowers resemble a blanket of snow in full bloom. At 6-12 inches tall, it’s perfect for borders and ground cover.

Best Evergreen Foundation Plants & Shrubs

Enhance your home’s curb appeal with these evergreen foundation plants and shrubs:

1. Inkberry

Inkberry’s slender, dark green leaves and compact growth make it a charming addition. It typically reaches 3-8 feet in height and thrives in zones 4-9.

2. Boxwood (Buxus sp.)

Boxwoods are known for their dense foliage and ability to be pruned into various shapes. They typically reach 3-6 feet in height and are suitable for zones 4-9.

3. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Azaleas dazzle with vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in spring. They prefer partial shade and thrive in zones 4-9, in well-draining, acidic soil.

Conclusion

Evergreen shrubs that flower offer a perfect blend of year-round greenery and seasonal bursts of color. From the delicate Fairybells to the robust Blue Holly, there’s an evergreen flowering shrub for every garden and preference. These plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your landscape but also provide valuable habitat for wildlife throughout the year.

Remember, the key to success with these plants lies in proper placement and care. Ensure they receive adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and occasional pruning to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. With the right care, these evergreen beauties will reward you with a vibrant, low-maintenance garden that brings joy in every season.

We’d love to hear about your experiences with evergreen flowering shrubs. Which ones have you tried in your garden? Do you have any tips or tricks to share? Leave a comment below and join the conversation!