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 privet hedge is officially known as the Ligustrum Ovalifolium, but gardeners often refer to it as the California Privet. It's native to Japan. However, it grows and thrives in many other countries, including the US. Homeowners and gardeners love it for its white flowers and ability to create privacy while adding to a home's curb appeal. Identifying Features of Privet Hedge It grows to heights of between 10 and 15 feet with a similar spread. In June and July, this hedge develops white flowers. Those blooms are 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, and 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 have established themselves, they can be pruned to take certain shapes. Gardeners can even get creative with these bushes by leaving large gaps between the plants and installing arches or gates in order to create elaborate entrances. Excellent Companion Plants for Privet Hedge Gardeners who are 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 it 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 works well to soften concrete walkways, and it can add 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. Burning Bush is named after its bright red fall colors, which make for an incredible display. This large, rounded shrub has become a very common sight in American gardens, forests, and landscaping alike. Normally planted in spring, they grow somewhat slowly, but if it is taken care of properly, it can last for many decades. Where Do Burning Bushes Grow Officially designated as Euonymus alatus, they are native to northeastern Asia and specifically to Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. It was originally introduced in the United States and Canada for display, and it 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. Description of the Shrub   They can grow to be anywhere from ten to twenty feet tall and be equally as wide. The stems of this shrub have four ‘wings,’ from which the distinctive deep red leaves grow. Each of the leaves can grow to be 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 in the form of red, round berries enclosed in an orange or yellow capsule. Why Do Gardeners Like Them Gardeners mainly like the Burning Bush for its 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. It’s by the fall that 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. Create a Beautiful Setting With TN Nursery Burning bushes 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 develop a blue color and then turn bright red in the fall. From July through October, the flowers mature, turning into small red fruits. The leaves develop a green-brown hue during the winter. The bushes can reach heights of up to 20 feet and be just as wide. Most of them have multiple corky-textured stems and branches, as well as four ridges that resemble square corners. They make great focal points in yards and gardens because of their attractive foliage and spherical shape. In spring and summer, their bright crimson leaves, along with their berries, add lots of vibrancy to outdoor areas. You can plant a single bush to stand alone by itself or plant several together to create larger decorative accents. They feature a dense, bushy growth habit, which makes them ideal for creating neat and defined borders and edges. Because of their broad shape, the bushes are ideal for planting in containers around flowerbeds. You can easily prune them to keep the desired border size and shape. Because they are drought-tolerant, you can even use them in areas with limited soil moisture. Add Natural Privacy With Burning Bush They have thick foliage that creates natural privacy. They can creates 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 particularly useful 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 the privacy you desire.

Blue Hydrangea

Blue Hydrangea has vibrant dinnerplate blooms, lush foliage, and versatility make 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. Blue Hydrangea, with a profusion of attractively hued blooms, make beautiful additions to any garden. The flowers appear in clusters or cones that can be up to eight inches wide. The foliage is generally deep green in color with a matte or waxy surface, but leaf shapes vary greatly between varieties. Some plants produce oblong or heart-shaped leaves of between four and eight inches in length, while others are adorned with serrated, deeply veined, or lobed leaves of similar size. Blue Hydrangea Has Stunning Colors One unique fact about them is that 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 furnish protection to the tiny flowers that are 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 that it produces is based on the plant's variety as well as on the content of certain minerals in the surrounding soil. Huge Snowball Blooms At TN Nursery Shrub-like blue hydrangeas go dormant in the cooler months. The plants start putting on new foliage as soon as warmer weather returns and new flowers begin forming in the mid to late spring. They will burst into full bloom in the early summer, with the flowers generally reaching their prime during the months of 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 This Perennials Blue hydrangeas can grow to heights of 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 areas of a lawn. If space is a consideration, smaller varieties that are great for raising pots or planters are also available. These varieties will reach heights of just two to three feet with a similar branch-spread diameter. Some of the plants also act like vines and are capable of scaling 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, showy, 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 fashion snowball is a flowering shrub that was a mainstay in residential yards decades ago. Many people may remember these eye-catching shrubs on visits to 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. In fact, 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 The Viburnum Opulus is a flowering shrub. Its large, round flowers are prevalent on the bush in the late spring and summer. The flowers have a three-inch diameter and are initially green, then turn white and sometimes pink. These shrubs can reach heights of between six to 12 feet. In the fall, the green leaves turn red and purple, which helps give this bush three-season appeal. Best Landscaping Uses for the Old Fashion Snowball Landscapers and gardeners can plant this vibrant bush anywhere they have space in their yard. They look best along fencelines and as focal points in medium to large yards. They also make great living privacy fences due to their lush foliage. Plant Old Fashion Snowball in Pollinator Gardens If you're looking to attract more bees and butterflies to your home, the Viburnum Opulus is a great shrub to add. The pollen and nectar attract butterflies and bees. The red fruit and its seeds attract birds, which is great for the birdwatcher in your family. Ideal Companion Plants for the Old Fashion Snowball Since the Viburnum Opulus can grow to a height of 12 feet, gardeners may want to choose plants to fill the void created by the stem of the shrub and the 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 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 rise up to 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 Shrub The infertile flowers that show up on these bushes mainly grow in the spring but can also 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 of the plant comes with a combination of 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. TN Nursery Loves The Flowers From late April to the end of May, it offers large 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 largest flowers. Primary Plant Characteristics Of It 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 to have 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, making it 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 extent choice for various outdoor spaces. Green Giant Arborvitae gets its name from its huge 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 Green Giant. This evergreen got its start 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 Arborvitae. While it was being sent out from the U.S. National Arboretum, The massive evergreen was confused with the T. Occidentalis Giganteoides. Luckily, the tree's true roots were uncovered by three botanists from the New York Botanic Garden, USNA, and Holden Arboretum. Once its true roots were known, it was given its current name in order to delineate it from other similar evergreen trees. Identifying the Green Giant Arborvitae 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. Best Places to Plant the Green Giant Arborvitae 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 in order to create natural privacy barriers. These trees are known to attract deer who forage for food, and birds tend to make their nests in them. Gardeners and landscapers love the Thuja standishii x plicata for its rapid growth and ability to create privacy screens. These trees work best for larger properties.

Wintergreen Boxwood

Wintergreen Boxwood is a popular choice 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 who are 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 up 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 the 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 with minimal veining and a very regular shape. They're a deep green color that is one shade darker than emerald green. This thick mass of green leaves gives the shrub a very even appearance that makes it a lovely backdrop for other items in your landscape. It has an understated elegance that can complement any location. Wintergreen Boxwood Versatile Uses and Exciting Shaping Opportunities It is a favorite of gardeners because it is happy to take on whatever shape you might 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 a nice filler for tree borders or larger flowerbeds. Lush Color All Year Round With Wintergreen Boxwood As you might be able to tell from the name of this shrub, one of its main characteristics is its ability to stay green throughout the winter. As an evergreen, this shrub continues to look 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 during every season. This cheerful burst of greenery can keep your garden looking lively during the entire year.

Pink Spirea

Pink Spirea is known for its profuse clusters of small, pink to deep rose-colored flowers that appear 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. Pink Spirea Is the Perfect Addition to a Garden 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 small leaves and flowers. Each plant grows to a tidy, rounded clump that can be up to 3 feet high and 3 feet wide. They feature small, teardrop-shaped leaves with serrated edges. The Gorgeous Color Range of the Pink Spirea Leaves 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 hues of burgundy and purple that compliment the pastel colors of the flowers. In fall, the plant's leaves begin to brighten to shades of gold and orange. This wide range of colors allows the plant to brighten up your landscape even outside of its blooming season. They are stunning landscapes. Explore Pink Spirea Beautiful 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 that each have 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. Landscaping With Pink Spirea The cheerful pastel colors of this plant add charm to any garden. Their size and shape make them a favorite addition to flowerbeds because they can fill in spaces with ease. They can add lots of color and attract many butterflies to decorative borders since they create such thick clusters of flowers and leaves. This plant also does very well in containers, so some people like to use it as a way of filling a pot, planter, or window box.

Red Crepe Myrtle

Red Crepe Myrtle has clusters of red flowers 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 red, adding further visual interest. Red 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 to Your Yard It emits fragrant tree sap. This sap, as well as the blooms, draw bees and roughly 30 other insect species to your yard. These are beneficial insects that 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. Manage Insect Populations With Red Crepe Myrtle 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. Enhance Privacy With This Tree 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. Add Brilliant Color to Your Space With TN Nursery They have smooth bark that is usually a pinkish-gray color. 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.