7 Best Evergreen Shrubs for Your Garden

Privet Hedge

Privet Hedge is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers, commonly used for hedges and landscaping. It is a versatile and attractive shrub that offers a range of benefits when used in landscaping projects. Its adaptable nature, evergreen foliage, and various design applications have become popular among landscapers and gardeners. The private hedge is officially known as the Ligustrum Ovalifolium, but gardeners often call it the California type. It's native to Japan. However, it grows and thrives in many other countries, including the U.S. Homeowners and gardeners, love its white flowers and ability to create privacy while adding to a home's curb appeal. Identifying Features of Privet Hedge It grows between 10 and 15 feet with a similar spread. This bush develops white flowers in June and July, usually between two and four inches long. The leaves are oval and typically grow to between one and two and a half inches long. It's considered a fast-growing shrub; gardeners can expect it to gain one to two feet in height each year without pruning. Best Uses for Privet Hedge It is most commonly used as a living privacy fence or as garden mazes, and in English Gardens or Victorian-style gardens, it can reach heights of up to 15 feet. Gardeners can create thick, solid-looking walls with these bushes by planting them in a zigzagged double layer. Once these bushes are established, they can be pruned to take specific shapes. Gardeners can even get creative with these bushes by leaving significant gaps between the plants and installing arches or gates to create elaborate entrances. Excellent Companion Plants For The Privet Hedge Gardeners looking to add depth and color around it can choose between many types of wildflowers, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Some favorites include the sunshine ligustrum, peonies, lady's mantle, hostas, sedum, the New Zealand iris, boxwood, and Japanese holly. Gardeners and landscapers will enjoy a private hedge as part of a formal garden or living privacy fence. This versatile shrub can be pruned, shaped, and trained to grow around arches and wooden gates. It softens concrete walkways and adds depth and interest to homes.

Burning Bush

Burning Bush leaves turn a brilliant shade of fiery red in autumn, adding a splash of color and drama to the landscape. This seasonal transformation makes it an excellent focal point or accent plant in any garden or backyard, providing a captivating view as the weather turns cooler. It is a versatile and visually striking shrub with numerous landscaping benefits. Its unique characteristics and adaptability make it popular among gardeners and landscape designers. It is named after its bright red fall colors, which make for an incredible display. This large, rounded shrub has become ubiquitous in American gardens, forests, and landscaping. Typically planted in spring, it grows somewhat slowly, but if correctly cared for, it can last for many decades.  Where Does Burning Bush Grow Officially designated as Euonymus alatus, they are native to northeastern Asia, specifically Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. It was initially introduced in the United States and Canada for display and has remained popular ever since. They thrive best in forests or thickets, where they can receive a good balance between sunlight, shade, and somewhat moist conditions. It can grow well in many soil types and, therefore, can adapt well to different kinds of woodlands. Today, people commonly plant them alongside fences, roadsides, commercial plazas, and the borders of forests. They can grow from ten to twenty feet tall and equally wide. The stems of this shrub have four ‘wings,’ from which the distinctive deep red leaves grow. Each leaf can grow up to three inches long and one inch wide. When the blooms in the late spring to early summer, you’ll notice the green-looking flower. By late summer to early fall, the fruits manifest as red, round berries enclosed in an orange or yellow capsule. Why Do Gardeners Like Burning Bush Gardeners mainly like the Burning Bush's bold and sprightly bright red appearance. Beyond that, it’s a very adaptable shrub that does well in only moderately moist soil and with partial shade from the sun. It will need weekly pruning to help ensure it remains a manageable size. By the fall, the brilliant red display of the shrub will be at its brightest and most alluring, which is precisely what people who plant this shrub look forward to the most. Burning Bush Blooms A Yellow-Green Bloom They bloom each year from late May through June. The blooms feature small flowers that are usually a yellow-green color. The dense, green foliage of the bushes often obscures the appearance of these flowers. During spring, the leaves become blue and bright red in the fall. From July through October, the flowers mature, turning into small red fruits. The leaves produce a green-brown hue during the winter. The bushes can reach up to 20 feet and be just as wide. Most have multiple corky-textured stems and branches and four ridges resembling square corners. Because of their attractive foliage and spherical shape, they make great focal points in yards and gardens. Their bright crimson leaves and berries add lots of vibrancy to outdoor areas in spring and summer. You can plant a single bush to stand alone or several together to create more extensive decorative accents. They feature a dense, bushy growth habit, making them ideal for creating neat, defined borders and edges. Because of their broad shape, the bushes are suitable for planting in containers around flowerbeds. You can easily prune them to keep the desired border size and shape. Because drought-tolerant, you can even use them in areas with limited soil moisture. Burning Bush Has thick foliage that creates natural privacy. They can create a tall barrier to block views from nearby houses. Their dense foliage remains all year, giving you year-round privacy. These bushes usually grow about a foot each year. Because of how quickly they grow, they are handy for bridging spaces between flower beds, increasing the seclusion they provide. They are easy to shape to the height and density you wish to attain your desired privacy.

Blue Hydrangea

Blue Hydrangea has vibrant dinnerplate blooms, lush foliage, and versatility, making it famous for gardens, parks, and residential landscapes. Scientifically known as macrophylla, it is a captivating flowering shrub celebrated for its enchanting beauty and the tranquil ambiance of gardens and landscapes. Revered for its vibrant azure blossoms, it is a botanical masterpiece that has charmed horticulturists and nature enthusiasts for generations. With a profusion of attractively hued blooms, Blue Hydrangea makes beautiful additions to any garden. The flowers appear in clusters or cones up to eight inches wide. The foliage is generally deep green with a matte or waxy surface, but leaf shapes vary significantly between varieties. Some plants produce oblong or heart-shaped leaves between four and eight inches long, while others are adorned with serrated, deeply veined, or lobed leaves of similar size. Blue Hydrangea Has Amazing Blue Blooms One unique fact about Blue Hydrangea it is the most eye-catching parts of the plant aren't made up of petals, as is the case with most other flowering plants. Instead, showy, colorful blooms are comprised of petal-like structures called sepals. Sepals are sturdier than regular flower petals and protect the tiny flowers hidden behind or below them. Their bloom clusters vary from faint sky-blue to deep purple, with most shades in between. The color of the flowers it produces is based on the plant's variety and the content of certain minerals in the surrounding soil. Get Blue Hydrangea Dies Back In Winter They go dormant in the cooler months. As warmer weather returns, the plants start putting on new foliage, and new flowers begin forming in mid-to late spring. They will burst into full bloom in the early summer, with the flowers generally reaching their prime during June, July, August, and September. Some varieties only bloom once per growing season, while others rebloom continuously throughout the summer. Creating Height and Depth With Blue Hydrangea Blue Hydrangea can grow six feet or more with a six-foot branch span. These standard varieties are suitable for creating a border, a flowering green wall, or a divider between lawn areas. If space is a consideration, smaller varieties that are great for raising pots or planters are also available. These varieties will reach just two to three feet with a similar branch-spread diameter. Some plants also act like vines and can scale trees and fences to heights of 50 feet or more.

Old Fashion Snowball

Old Fashion Snowball is a showy deciduous shrub prized for its spherical clusters of large, flashy, sterile white flowers that resemble snowballs, adding charm and elegance to gardens and landscapes. It is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing shrub that offers numerous benefits when incorporated into landscaping. The old-fashioned snowball is a flowering shrub that was a mainstay in residential yards decades ago. Many people may remember these eye-catching shrubs when visiting their older relatives' houses. Of course, if you've never heard of this shrub, you may be surprised to learn that it's been around for centuries. It was first introduced into the United States in the 1700s. Its botanical name is Viburnum Opulus, and it's prized for its large white flowers. Other names for this bush include the Japanese or European bush. Prized Features of the Old Fashion Snowball Viburnum Opulus is a flowering shrub. Its large, round flowers, which have a three-inch diameter, are prevalent in late spring and summer. The flowers are initially green, then turn white and sometimes pink. These shrubs can reach heights of between six and 12 feet. In the fall, the green leaves turn red and purple, which helps give this bush three-season appeal. Best Landscaping Uses For Old Fashion Snowball Landscapers and gardeners can plant this vibrant bush anywhere they have space in their yard. Due to their lush foliage, they look best along fencelines and as focal points in medium—to large yards. They also make incredible living privacy fences. Old Fashion Snowball Is Great For Pollinator Gardens Old Fashion Snowball is a great shrub to add if you're looking to attract more bees and butterflies to your home. The pollen and nectar attract butterflies and bees, and the red fruit and its seeds attract birds, which is excellent for the birdwatcher in your family. Since Old Fashion Snowball can grow to a height of 12 feet, gardeners may want to choose plants to fill the void created by the shrub's stem and foliage. Great plants to plant under the Viburnum Opulus include lobelia, bacopa, and alyssum. Additionally, smaller bushes and shrubs usually do well under the viburnum. Gardeners can also plant vica vines and English ivy around these bushes. Gardeners who want to turn their yards into a botanical show will love the Viburnum Opulus. They're prized for their large round flowers and three-season appeal.

Chinese Snowball Bush

Chinese Snowball Bush is a popular ornamental shrub in landscaping due to its striking appearance and various benefits to outdoor spaces. Native to China, this deciduous shrub belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and can reach a height of up to 12 feet with an equal spread. When used in landscaping, it offers several advantages that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the environment. Understanding the Chinese Snowball Bush The Chinese snowball bush is an extravagant deciduous flowering plant that can reach 20 feet wide and 25 feet tall. These plants grow to their largest size in warmer climates. While its scientific name is Viburnum macrocephalum, its common name is derived from the rounded, eight-inch blooms that grow from April to June. The flowers that grow on it quickly turn white after blooming. In the beginning, however, they're lime green in color. The Blooms Of The Chinese Snowball Bush The infertile flowers on these shrubs mainly grow in the spring but can produce a full bloom during the fall. From the moment they bloom to the time they turn white, the flowers are sterile and don't have a fragrance, which is unique compared to other viburnums. While most of these shrubs don't produce fruit, a specific variety combines fertile and sterile florets that may accommodate fruit growth. Even though the rest of the plant's foliage remains dark green throughout the spring and summer, the oval leaves turn a pleasant shade of burgundy once the fall arrives. From late April to the end of May, Chinese Snowball Bush offers significant cuts that can be placed in vases. The buds of these white flowers can remain intact for weeks or months. The Viburnaceae family consists of many plants. Of these varieties, they have the most giant flowers. Primary Plant Characteristics Of Chinese Snowball Bush The main characteristics of them include the following: Dark green leaves with serrated margins Rounded chartreuse blooms Pubescent stems Resists deer but attracts birds and butterflies Leaves are one to two inches wide and two to four inches long. Undersides of leaves have unique star-like hairs. Semi-evergreen in nature Relatively coarse texture Tolerant of pruning The entire plant grows with a rounded or vase-like shape.

Green Giant Arborvitae

Green Giant Arborvitae is a fast-growing evergreen tree with vibrant, emerald-green foliage, a tall, columnar shape, and dense branching. It is a popular choice for privacy screens and windbreaks in landscaping. It is a highly advantageous and versatile evergreen tree widely used in landscaping. Belonging to the Cupressaceae family, this tree offers many benefits, making it an excellent choice for various outdoor spaces. Green Giant Arborvitae gets its name from its vast size. They can expand as towering as 60 feet with a diameter of 18 or more feet. These massive trees are part of the Cupressaceae or cypress family. Their scientific name is Thuja standishii x plicata. Although, that's often shorted to just the Thuja. This evergreen started in 1967 when a single tree made its way to the U.S. National Arboretum from Denmark. Recognizing the positive landscaping qualities of this evergreen, propagations were sent out. Today, it's known for its ability to adapt to numerous climates. The Hybrid Green Giant Arborvitae The Thuja standishii x plicata is a hybrid tree. It was created in Denmark in 1937, using the Thuja Plicate or Western Red Cedar and the Thuja Standishii or Japanese type. While it was being sent out from the U.S. National Arboretum, The massive evergreen was confused with the T. Occidentalis Giganteoides. Luckily, three botanists from the New York Botanic Garden, USNA, and Holden Arboretum uncovered the tree's true roots. Once its true roots were known, it was given its current name to delineate it from other similar evergreen trees. Green Giant Arborvitae Is A Fast Grower  The Thuja standishii x plicata has a fast growth rate of three to five feet per year. At thirty years old, it averages 30 feet in height and can continue to grow up to 60 feet. It's characterized by its cone shape and the uniform appearance of its foliage. Green Giant Arborvitae Does Well In Parks  Due to its massive size, this tree does well in large yards and parks where Leyland Cypress may not be desirable. Benefits of the Thuja Standishii X Plicata The Thuja standishii x plicata keeps its color all year, even through winter. Gardeners with large yards can plant these evergreens to create natural privacy barriers. These trees attract deer who forage for food, and birds tend to make their nests in them. Gardeners and landscapers love the Green Giant Arborvitae for its rapid growth and ability to create privacy screens. These trees work best for more significant properties.

Wintergreen Boxwood

Wintergreen Boxwood is popular for hedges and formal garden designs due to its dense, glossy green foliage and rounded growth habit. It is a small evergreen shrub. It is a popular evergreen shrub commonly used in landscaping for its outstanding attributes. This compact and versatile plant hails from the Buxaceae family and is native to Japan and Korea. Its name, 'Wintergreen,' is derived from its glossy, dark green leaves, which retain their vibrant color throughout the winter months, making it an attractive option for providing year-round interest in gardens and landscapes. The Classic Appeal of Wintergreen Boxwood Wintergreen Boxwood is an excellent option for landscapers looking for a medium-sized shrub. This plant consists of narrow, deep brown stems with a thick coating of small, green leaves. It can grow to around three feet in height and five feet in width. This plant's dense hedges and elegant appearance allow it to work well in any area where you want a traditional shrub. Attractive Leaves of Wintergreen Boxwood The main appeal of this plant is its extensive greenery. The entire shrub contains small, oval-shaped leaves that grow every inch or two along the plant's stems. The leaves have a smooth appearance, minimal veining, and a very regular shape. They're a deep green color, one shade darker than emerald green. This thick mass of green leaves gives the shrub a very even appearance, making it a lovely backdrop for other items in your landscape. It has an understated elegance that can complement any location. It is a favorite of gardeners because it is happy to take on whatever shape you desire. Many people like to trim this shrub into tidy cubes or orbs that line their fences, sidewalks, and walls. Some gardeners also enjoy pruning it into cones or other decorative shapes to create an eye-catching focal point on the landscape. If you prefer to leave it natural, it creates dense, oval shrubs that are an excellent filler for tree borders or more extensive flowerbeds. Lush Color All Year Round With Wintergreen Boxwood As you can tell from the name of Wintergreen Boxwood, one of its main characteristics is its ability to stay green throughout the winter. As an evergreen, this shrub looks bright and beautiful no matter the time of year. It doesn't change colors in fall, and its leaves won't fall off in the winter. Instead, it provides a touch of brilliant green to your landscape every season. This cheerful burst of greenery can keep your garden lively throughout the year.

Pink Spiraea

Pink Spiraea is known for its profuse clusters of small, rosy, deep rose-colored flowers appearing in late spring to early summer. These blooms add color to your landscape and attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. This beautiful ornamental plant has a long blooming cycle and is hardy in zones 4-9. Featuring rust-resistant foliage and an extended blooming period, the bush is a reliable addition to any landscape in zones 4-9. When you're looking for a charming floral plant, Pink Spirea is an excellent choice. The mid-sized flowering shrubs work well in a variety of settings. They release a dense cluster of upright steps coated in tiny leaves and flowers. Each plant grows to a tidy, rounded clump 3 feet high and 3 feet wide. They feature small, teardrop-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The Gorgeous Foliage Color Range of the Pink Spiraea This attractive plant is made more notable due to its shifting leaf colors. In spring and summer, this shrub's leaves are medium green. As the leaves mature, they get darker and more colorful. They develop burgundy and purple hues that compliment the flowers' pastel colors. In fall, the plant's leaves brighten to shades of gold and orange. This wide range of colors allows the plant to brighten your landscape outside its blooming season. They are stunning landscapes. Pink Spiraea Offers Large Bunches Of Flowers This plant produces large bunches of flowers throughout spring. At the tip of each stem, a cluster of blooms around three to five inches in width develops. The bunch contains several petite flowers, five petals, and long, delicate stamens. The flowers are a dramatic rose shade that usually lightens at the tip of the petal and is darker near the center. The flowers bloom intermittently, so while some clusters are reaching the end of their lifespan, others are just starting. This ensures you get months of beautiful flowers. Pink Spiraea Adds Charm To Any Garden The cheerful pastel colors of Pink Spirea add charm to any garden. Its size and shape make it a favorite addition to flowerbeds because it can fill in spaces with ease. Since it creates such thick clusters of flowers and leaves, it can add lots of color and attract many butterflies to decorative borders. This plant also does very well in containers, so some people like to use it to fill a pot, planter, or window box.

Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle

Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle has clusters of rose flowers that provide a burst of shade to the landscape and draw pollinators such as butterflies and bees, promoting a healthy ecosystem. As the seasons change, the plant's foliage transitions from green to shades of orange and rose, adding further visual interest. This Crepe Myrtle is a distinctive, deciduous tree that is often easy to identify thanks to its individualized and captivating aesthetics. While they are available in a variety of flower colors, the crimson blooms stand apart with stunning flair. The tree thrives in areas ranging from the Arizona desert to the coastal Atlantic states from Florida to Massachusetts. Why should you consider planting this tree in your yard? Bring Pollinators In With The Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle It emits fragrant tree sap. This sap, as well as the blooms, draws bees and roughly 30 other insect species to your yard. These beneficial insects act as pollinators for the other plants in your garden. In addition, beautiful birds are drawn to both the tree and the insects that are attracted to it, making the tree a vital part of a healthy ecosystem on your property. While they attract insects, these are generally beneficial insects that feed on other pests. By drawing these useful insects to your yard, you can dramatically and naturally reduce the number of unwanted and harmful bugs that otherwise may thrive in the space.  the High Of The Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle They are trees that generally have multiple trunks that fan outward. While there are different varieties of these trees that grow to different heights, they generally reach 10 to 20 feet tall with wide branch coverage that spans 15 feet. The trees grow up to three feet each year, making them well-suited for bolstering privacy. While the trees look lovely standing in the middle of a yard, many people choose to grow them along a fence line to take advantage of their foliage. The Unique Bark of The Red Rooster Crepe Myrtle Red Crepe Myrtle has smooth bark that is usually pinkish-gray. The green leaves are typically small and oval-shaped, and they turn gorgeous shades of orange and yellow in the fall before falling off for the winter. The petals have a crimped look that makes the flowers look full. The yellow centers stand beautifully apart from the crimson petals.