Welcome to the world of evergreen shrubs that flower! In this article, we’ll explore the wonders of evergreen shrubs, often known as flowering evergreen bushes. These plants provide year-round charm and vibrant colors, making them perfect for landscaping. The benefits of these evergreen foundation plants go beyond their beauty. They’re remarkably low maintenance, making them a breeze to care for. Discover how to create a colorful garden and much more with these versatile evergreen perennials.
10 Best Full Sun Evergreen Plants (Evergreen Shrubs for Full Sun)
When it comes to creating a vibrant and low-maintenance garden, full sun evergreen plants are your best friends. These remarkable evergreen shrubs that flower not only stay green year-round but also grace your outdoor space with stunning blooms and fragrances. In this guide, we’ll unveil the top 10 full-sun evergreen plants, each with its own unique charm and landscaping potential.
You're reading: Evergreen Shrubs That Flower: 31 Blooms That Never Fade
1. Fairybells (Epimedium)
Uniquely delicate, Fairybells feature dainty, heart-shaped leaves and charming, star-like flowers. These compact plants, native to Asia and Europe, thrive in full sun. Use them to create enchanting ground covers. They bloom in spring and fall, suitable for USDA zones 4-9. Low-maintenance and hardy, Fairybells prefer well-drained soil.
2. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
Wintercreeper’s variegated foliage adds flair to any landscape. These evergreens, hailing from East Asia, shine in full sun. They make stunning ground covers and accent plants, with blooms appearing in late spring. Suitable for USDA zones 4-8, they are adaptable and require minimal care.
3. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)
Japanese Holly, native to Japan, is known for its small, glossy leaves and compact form. Ideal for hedges and borders, these evergreens thrive in full sun to partial shade. They produce inconspicuous flowers in spring and thrive in USDA zones 5-8. Provide well-drained soil for best results.
4. Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae)
Blue Holly is prized for its striking blue-green foliage and vibrant red berries. These compact evergreens are excellent for hedges and focal points. They bloom in late spring and are suitable for USDA zones 5-7. Ensure well-drained soil and sun for optimal growth.
5. Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)
Dwarf Alberta Spruce, a dwarf evergreen conifer, boasts a classic conical shape. Perfect for adding structure, it thrives in full sun. This slow-grower matures at 6–8 feet and is suited for USDA zones 2-8. Well-drained soil and minimal pruning are keys to success.
6. Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium)
Grape Holly stands out with spiky evergreen foliage and clusters of yellow flowers. Native to North America, it thrives in full sun and makes an excellent border plant. Blooming in late winter to early spring, it suits USDA zones 5-9. Provide well-drained soil for best results.
7. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Winter Jasmine’s vibrant yellow flowers brighten winter landscapes. Native to China, it thrives in full sun. Use it for ground covers or trailing over walls. Blooming in winter and early spring, it suits USDA zones 6-10. It’s adaptable but prefers well-drained soil.
8. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Gardenia is known for its fragrant, white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun and adds elegance to gardens. Blooming in summer, it’s suitable for USDA zones 8-11. Keep the soil acidic and well-drained for optimal growth.
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. Lavender blooms in summer, suiting USDA zones 5-9. Well-drained soil and proper pruning ensure healthy growth.
10. Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Scotch Broom stands out with bright yellow, pea-like flowers. Native to Europe, it loves full sun and thrives in sandy soil. This shrub blooms in spring and is suitable for USDA zones 5-8. It’s drought-tolerant but benefits from regular pruning.
These full sun evergreen plants offer a tapestry of colors and fragrances for your garden. Incorporate them creatively to design a stunning and low-maintenance evergreen flower bed, enhancing your landscape’s beauty year-round.
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7 Evergreen Perennials by Zone:
When it comes to crafting a stunning, low-maintenance garden, evergreen perennials are the true heroes. These remarkable plants offer year-round beauty, with their lush foliage and captivating blooms. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best evergreen perennials for different USDA zones, each offering unique characteristics and benefits.
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. Native to the northern United States, this evergreen perennial grows 8-10 inches tall. Ideal for edging and ground cover in zones 4-7. It is Perfect for creating stunning ground cover or borders, especially in rock gardens.
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, this native evergreen perennial blooms in mid to late spring, adding charm to your garden. It’s Ideal for coastal gardens, rock gardens, or as low-maintenance ground cover.
Zones 3-7: Basket of Gold (Aurinia saxatilis)
Read more : 21 Flowers That Bloom in Winter & Best Winter Plants for Pots
Basket of Gold lives up to its name with stunning bright-yellow flowers that blanket the gray-green foliage in spring. It grows 6-12 inches tall and is perfect for cascading over stone walls or as a border plant. It Adds a golden touch to rock gardens and borders.
Zones 5-8: Mountain Andromeda (Pieris floribunda)
Mountain Andromeda boasts glossy dark-green foliage that contrasts beautifully with snowy white bell-shaped flowers in early spring. At 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, it’s an excellent border, hedge shrub, or centerpiece. It Creates a striking focal point in your garden.
Zones 3-9: Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
Evergreen Candytuft’s snowy-white, fragrant flowers resemble a blanket of snow in full bloom. Its dark-green, leathery foliage adds texture to the garden. At 6-12 inches tall, it’s perfect for borders and ground cover. Ideal for adding charm along walkways, garden edges, or as ground cover.
Zones 3-8: Bergenia (Bergenia sp.)
Bergenia is a versatile evergreen perennial with large, lettuce-like leaves and nodding flowers atop stout stems. It ranges from 12-24 inches tall, making it perfect for shade-tolerant, low-maintenance gardens. Adds vibrancy to shady spots and comes in various species and colors.
Zones 4-9: Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Mountain Laurel offers year-round foliage with dense, glossy, dark-green leaves. In late spring to early summer, it bursts into clusters of light pink or white bell-shaped flowers. Growing 5-15 feet tall, it’s an excellent border plant. Perfect for hedges, privacy screens, or as an accent plant.
Related Article: 15 of the Best Low Growing Perennials That Bloom All Summer for Full Sun
These evergreen perennials not only enhance your garden’s aesthetic appeal but also provide valuable habitat and color throughout the seasons. Choose the ones that match your USDA zone and watch your garden thrive year-round.
5 Best Evergreen Foundation Plants & Shrubs
Enhance your home’s curb appeal and create a welcoming landscape with these top-evergreen foundation plants and shrubs. These beauties not only stay green throughout the year but also offer stunning blooms.
1. Inkberry
Inkberry’s slender, dark green leaves and compact growth make it a charming addition. It typically reaches 3-8 feet in height. These evergreens are versatile, serving as excellent foundation plants or hedges in zones 4-9. They thrive in full to partial sun and tolerate various soil types, including wetter conditions.
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, are versatile in sun or shade, and suitable for zones 4-9. Ensure good drainage and regular trimming.
3. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Azaleas dazzle with vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in spring. They vary in size, with many suitable for foundation planting. Azaleas prefer partial shade and thrive in zones 4-9, in well-draining, acidic soil.
4. Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Camellias offer glossy, dark-green leaves and showy, rose-like flowers in winter and spring. They grow 6-12 feet tall, thrive in partial shade, and are suited for zones 7-10. Well-drained, acidic soil is key.
5. Pieris (Pieris japonica)
Pieris, also called Andromeda, features glossy leaves and cascading clusters of bell-shaped flowers in spring. They reach 4-8 feet in height, do well in partial shade, and are suited for zones 5-8. Provide well-draining, acidic soil for optimal growth.
Use these evergreen foundation plants in your landscaping to frame your home beautifully, adding color and texture year-round. Whether in sun or shade, they offer stunning visuals and complement your garden design.
3 Best Broadleaf Evergreen
1. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora):
This iconic evergreen tree boasts large, glossy, leathery leaves and stunning, fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer. It can reach heights of up to 80 feet and is known for its classic, grand appearance. Southern Magnolia thrives in USDA zones 7-10, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
2. Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium):
In late winter to early spring, this compact evergreen shrub produces clusters of yellow flowers and edible blue-black berries. It also has spiny, holly-like leaves. Oregon Grape Holly thrives in USDA zones 5-9 and can grow up to 6 feet tall. It prefers partial to full shade and well-drained soil.
3. Glossy Abelia (Abelia grandiflora):
Glossy Abelia is a graceful, evergreen shrub known for its lustrous, dark green leaves and delicate, funnel-shaped white to pale pink flowers that bloom from late spring through fall. It typically grows to heights of 3-6 feet, making it an excellent choice for foundation planting or as a border shrub in zones 6-9. Glossy Abelia thrives in full to partial sun and adapts well to various soil types.
3 Pretties Plants That Stay Green in Winter
1. Green year round plant: Leyland Cypress (× Cuprocyparis leylandii):
Read more : 15 of the Best Low Growing Perennials That Bloom All Summer for Full Sun
The Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen tree with feathery, emerald-green foliage. It can grow to impressive heights of 60-70 feet and is ideal for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or as a stately focal point in your landscape. Native to California, it does not produce significant flowers. Leyland Cypress is well-suited to USDA zones 6-10 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
2. Blue Spruce (Picea pungens):
The Blue Spruce is a magnificent evergreen tree celebrated for its striking silvery-blue needles. This tree can grow to impressive heights of 30-60 feet, making it an excellent choice for ornamental planting, windbreaks, or as a majestic focal point.
Native to the Rocky Mountains, it does not produce significant flowers. Blue Spruce thrives in USDA zones 2-7 and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Its unique color and robust stature make it a standout in any landscape.
3. Evergreen Hollies (Ilex spp.):
Evergreen Hollies encompass a diverse group of shrubs and trees known for their glossy, dark green leaves and vibrant red berries (on female plants) that persist through winter. They vary in size, with some reaching heights of 20-50 feet or more. Native to various regions, they are versatile plants suitable for hedges, foundation planting, or as accent trees. The specific blooming season and USDA zone depend on the holly species, but many produce inconspicuous white flowers in spring.
What are Shaped Bushes? The Best 3 Evergreen Plants for Shaping?
1. Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria):
Yaupon Holly is a versatile evergreen shrub known for its small, glossy leaves and tolerance for pruning. It can be shaped into various forms, from classic hedges to more intricate designs. Native to the southeastern United States, it adapts well to a range of USDA zones and thrives in full to partial sun with well-drained soil.
2. Yew (Taxus spp.):
As previously mentioned, Yews are excellent choices for topiary work due to their dense foliage and ability to withstand heavy pruning. Their dark green needles provide a striking contrast in various shaped designs. Yews are reliable evergreens in USDA zones 4-7, and they prefer full to partial sun with well-drained soil.
3. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):
Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen herb that can also be shaped into decorative forms. While it’s often used for culinary purposes, its fine-textured, aromatic leaves make it suitable for shaping into small hedges, globes, or even topiary spirals. Rosemary is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.
What are Tall bushes for landscaping?
If you are looking for evergreen shrubs according to their size specifically for tall bushes for landscaping, there are many popular options like Arborvitae, Leyland Cypress, and American Holly.
These evergreen bushes can grow to impressive heights, providing natural screens and privacy while adding greenery and beauty to your outdoor space. They create visual barriers, block noise, and serve as attractive backdrops in landscape design, enhancing the aesthetic and functionality of your yard.
Example: Best evergreen plants zone 7
In Zone 7, where winters can be moderately cold, the best evergreen plants come to life. American Holly stands out with its glossy green leaves and vibrant red berries, adding a pop of color to the winter scenery.
Eastern Red Cedar, a native tree, offers blue-green foliage and works wonders as a privacy screen or windbreak.
For versatile landscaping, Boxwood is a top choice, whether sculpted into hedges, topiaries, or used as elegant accents.
Cryptomeria, with its soft, feathery greenery, provides year-round interest, while Rhododendrons burst into vivid hues in late spring, ensuring your garden remains vibrant.
Tips on Growing Evergreen Shrubs That Flower
Cultivating evergreen shrubs that flower is a rewarding endeavor, infusing your landscape with year-round greenery and seasonal bursts of color.
To ensure their health, plant them in well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Most flowering evergreens thrive in full sun, so provide them with adequate sunlight.
Regular pruning, especially immediately after flowering, encourages new growth and maintains their desired shape.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and deter weeds. Notable options include American Holly for its vibrant berries, the adaptable Boxwood for versatile landscaping, and the color-rich Rhododendron.
In conclusion, evergreen shrubs that flower offer both beauty and minimal maintenance, making them essential for any garden. These plants bring enduring charm and versatility to your landscape, adding vibrant colors and delightful fragrances to your outdoor space. Whether you seek full sun evergreen plants or year-round evergreen perennials, this guide offers a diverse selection for all gardeners. With these plants, your garden can flourish in various USDA zones and growing conditions, making them suitable for gardeners of all expertise levels.
Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Lanscaping