If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your shady garden, look no further than evergreen shrubs. Not only do they add some much-needed greenery to areas lacking sunlight, but they also provide year-round interest with their consistent foliage. But before you start buying, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure you find the perfect shrub for your shade.
Firstly, think about the amount of shade your garden gets. Are you looking for shrubs that can tolerate dense shade or ones that can handle partial shade? Knowing the level of light your garden receives throughout the day will help you make a more informed decision. Secondly, what type of soil does your garden have? Evergreen shrubs require well-draining soil, so if you have heavy clay soil, look for shrubs that are known to thrive in those conditions.
If you’re still undecided, ask yourself a few questions to help narrow down your search. Do you want a shrub that produces flowers or berries? Are you looking for one that stays compact or grows quite tall? Are you looking for something that is low maintenance or doesn't require too much water? By considering these questions, you’ll be able to find an evergreen shrub that meets your specific needs and preferences.
10 Best Evergreen Shrubs For Shade
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Ideal for adding year-round visual interest with white flowers to outdoor areas that receive partial to full shade.
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This plant is ideal for outdoor landscaping with its low-growing evergreen shrub and bright yellow foliage in full sun to part shade.
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This product is ideal for outdoor spaces with full sun to part shade that require a compact evergreen shrub with glossy foliage.
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Ideal for outdoor landscaping in areas with full sun to part shade, with low-maintenance requirements and evergreen qualities.
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Ideal for outdoor landscaping and gardens, with fragrant white flowers that bloom in full sun to partial shade.
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Ideal for outdoor landscaping, producing fragrant white blooms, and adding evergreen foliage. Suitable for full sun to part shade environments.
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This product is ideal for outdoor landscaping with full sun to part shade, featuring purple foliage and evergreen shrubs.
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Ideal for covering shaded areas with dense, low-growing evergreen ground cover.
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Ideal for providing evergreen ground cover in shade-loving areas.
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This shrub is ideal for outdoor spaces with full sun to part shade and features low-growing evergreen foliage.
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1. Evergreen Shrub With White Flowers – 2 Gallon.
Introducing the Pieris Japonica ‘Planow’, a live potted shrub that is sure to add beauty and elegance to your garden. This shrub is available for shipping to all US states except for Hawaii and Alaska. It comes in a pot with soil and has a USDA Zone rating of 5-9. At maturity, this shrub can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, making it a perfect size for small gardens or as an accent plant.
The Pieris Japonica ‘Planow’ has new bronze foliage that matures to a dark green color. It is a unique and colorful addition to any garden. The plant has pendulous buds that appear in summer and last through winter before opening in early spring with beautiful ivory flowers. This makes it a great option for gardeners who want to add interest and beauty to their garden year-round.
Orders for the Pieris Japonica ‘Planow’ will be shipped from Alabama. Customers beyond the Southeast US should place orders from early fall to late spring to avoid heat damage in transit. If you are placing a large order, consider ordering 1-2 plants first to ensure that they meet your specifications before placing the order for the entire project. Purchase this plant from the Southern Living Plant Collection and enjoy the beauty and elegance it brings to your garden.
- Unique and colorful addition to any garden
- Beautiful ivory flowers in early spring
- Perfect size for small gardens or as an accent plant
- – Unavailable for shipping to Hawaii and Alaska
2. Gold Holly Shrub – Vibrant And Low Maintenance
The Touch of Gold Holly 'Ilex' is a variegated evergreen shrub that is visually attractive and easy to maintain. This shrub shines like gold with its bright golden-yellow, small, rounded leaves that remain evergreen all year long. It grows compactly, reaching a height of 2 feet and a width of 4 feet when mature. Even when everything else has lost its leaves and prepares to go into dormancy, you can continue to enjoy the lovely shades of green and yellow throughout every season with this shrub. Although it is not a flowering shrub, it compensates with its vibrant nature.
This Touch of Gold Holly 'Ilex' is a low-maintenance shrub. However, pruning is necessary to keep the plant's size under control and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is during winter when the shrub is dormant. This evergreen shrub flourishes in USDA zones 6a-9b while receiving full sun or part shade. Before planting, be sure to water the shrub, and once planted, water deeply and add more soil if needed. Water the shrub several times during the first year, but once established, water only when the soil has become dry.
The Touch of Gold Holly 'Ilex' is shipped as a 2.5 quart potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. Please note that this plant is not guaranteed to be in bloom on arrival, and it is unavailable to ship to Hawaii and Alaska.
- Bright golden-yellow, small, rounded leaves that remain evergreen all year long
- Visually attractive and easy to maintain
- Low-maintenance shrub
- Flourishes in USDA zones 6a-9b while receiving full sun or part shade
- Ships as a 2.5 quart potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast
- – Pruning is necessary to keep its size under control
3. Southern Living's Bronze Beauty Outdoor Shrub
The Ternstoemia Gymnanthera Conthery PP#11735, also known as Cleyera, is a live plant that is perfect for hedges, mass plantings, foundation plantings, and privacy plantings in the landscape. It can grow up to 8-10 feet in height and 5-6 feet in width, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their garden. This evergreen shrub has new foliage that has a red-bronze hue that will eventually mature into an emerald green color. During the fall and winter, the leaves will shift back to bronze until the next spring. This plant is shipped in a pot with soil, and it is not available for delivery in Hawaii and Alaska.
To ensure that the Ternstoemia Gymnanthera Conthery PP#11735 grows well, it is recommended to plant it in an area that will receive full sun to part shade. This plant is best suited for USDA Zones 7-10. The Southern Living Plant Collection guarantees the quality of the plant, making it a reliable choice for any homeowner. The Ternstoemia Gymnanthera Conthery PP#11735 is shipped from the Alabama Gulf Coast, ensuring that it arrives in excellent condition.
- Ideal for hedges, mass plantings, foundation plantings, and privacy plantings
- Attractive red-bronze hue on new foliage
- Evergreen shrub that remains green throughout the year
- Shipped in a pot with soil to ensure that the plant arrives in excellent condition
- Guaranteed quality from the Southern Living Plant Collection
- – Not available for delivery in Hawaii and Alaska
- – May require pruning to maintain desired shape and size
4. Evergreen Baby Gem: Low-Maintenance Outdoor Shrub
Introducing the Baby Gem Boxwood, a must-have evergreen shrub for all landscape enthusiasts. This compact shrub is perfect for bringing structure to your garden with its rounded and easily maintained habit. It measures 4 feet high and 4-5 feet wide, making it an ideal candidate for hedges, which can be planted 2-3 feet apart for a seamless planting at maturity. To allow its natural mounded habit to show in your garden, space them 4 feet or greater apart.
The Baby Gem Boxwood features a tight leaf structure, making it perfect for topiary art. You can shape it into a pyramid or cone or create a single stem with a bulb for a unique statement in a container. The possibilities are endless!
This live boxwood plant is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, making it perfect for readers of Southern Living. However, it cannot be shipped to AK, HI, & TN due to agricultural regulations. With the Southern Living Plant Collection label, you can trust the quality of your Baby Gem Boxwood to be top-notch.
- Compact and easily maintained habit
- Tight leaf structure is perfect for topiary art
- Hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9
- – Cannot be shipped to AK, HI, & TN due to agricultural regulations
5. Fragrant Gardenia: 2 Gallon Outdoor Bush
The Gardenia hybrid 'Leesix' PP32472 is a beautiful flowering plant that is perfect for adding elegance and fragrance to any garden. It is hardy to USDA Zones 7a – 10b, and can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F to 10°F. At maturity, it reaches dimensions of 3-4 feet in height and 3 feet in width. This makes it an ideal choice for garden beds and borders, container gardens, or as a hedge or accent plant.
One of the most striking features of this plant is its double white fragrant blooms that rebloom from spring through fall. These blooms are not only beautiful, but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden. The Gardenia hybrid 'Leesix' PP32472 prefers full sun to part shade, making it versatile enough to grow in a variety of locations.
Overall, the Gardenia hybrid 'Leesix' PP32472 is an excellent choice for any gardener looking to add a touch of beauty and fragrance to their outdoor space. With its hardiness, beautiful blooms, and versatility, it is sure to be a standout in any garden.
- Hardy to USDA Zones 7a – 10b, can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F to 10°F
- Double white fragrant blooms that rebloom from spring through fall
- At maturity, it reaches dimensions of 3-4 feet in height and 3 feet in width
- Versatile enough to grow in a variety of locations
6. Fragrant Evergreen Gardenia – Southern Living
Introducing the Fragrant White Double-Form Blooms Gardenia, a beautiful addition to any garden. This plant produces double-form blooms that are not only stunning to look at, but also emit a lovely fragrance. It is recommended to plant this gardenia in an area that receives full sun to part shade.
Before planting, make sure to water the plant. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the pot and plant the gardenia 1-2 inches above ground soil level. Backfill the hole with soil and water deeply to settle. If needed, add more soil and mulch around the plant, avoiding the area closest to the stem. This gardenia is an evergreen plant with glossy green foliage and can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and wide.
This gardenia is suitable for outdoor growing in USDA Zones 7-10. For zones 6 and below, it is recommended to grow this plant in containers and move it indoors during the winter. This gardenia can be used for accenting, as a container plant, in hedges, mass plantings, foundations, and mixed beds.
Please note that this plant cannot be shipped to Hawaii and Alaska as it ships from Alabama. Also, it is not guaranteed to be in bloom upon arrival.
- Produces beautiful double-form blooms with a lovely fragrance
- Suitable for outdoor growing in USDA Zones 7-10
- Can be used for various landscaping purposes
- – Not suitable for outdoor growing in zones below 6
- – Not guaranteed to be in bloom upon arrival
7. Southern Living's Purple Evergreen: 3 Gallon Shrub
The Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-Red' is a beautiful plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. This plant comes in a pot with soil and is best suited for USDA Zones 7-10. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it a great option for those looking for a larger plant.
The plant is part of the Southern Living Plant Collection, which is known for its quality and reliability. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and attention, making it a great option for those who are new to gardening.
The Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-Red' produces stunning, vibrant red foliage that is sure to catch the eye. It blooms in the spring, producing small, pink flowers that add to its beauty. The plant is also deer-resistant, making it a great option for those who live in areas with high deer populations.
Overall, the Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-Red' is a great addition to any garden. Its vibrant colors and low-maintenance nature make it a great option for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.
- Low-maintenance plant
- Beautiful, vibrant red foliage
- Deer-resistant
- Suitable for USDA Zones 7-10
- – Unavailable in HI and AK
- – Can grow quite large
8. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 40 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
The Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing evergreen grass with dark green foliage that forms dense and lush groundcover, making it an excellent choice for edging plants or for creating a striking contrast when tucked into rocks. This ornamental grass has a clumping growth habit and reaches only 4-6 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide. It is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers.
This low-maintenance evergreen needs a regular watering schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once the mature root system is established, watering is only required occasionally, except during a drought, where watering is needed regularly. To maintain a well-groomed appearance, pruning old foliage is recommended.
Dwarf Mondo Grass is visually similar to a ground cover called Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), but it has thinner leaves and a finer texture. This evergreen grass is exclusively grown, packaged, and shipped by Florida Foliage.
- Slow-growing and clumping habit that reaches only 4-6 inches tall and 4-6 inches wide
- Excellent as an edging plant or for creating a striking contrast when tucked into rocks
- Low-maintenance evergreen that needs regular watering only until the mature root system is established
- Widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers
- Visually similar to Lilyturf (Liriope muscari) but has a finer texture and thinner leaves
- – None
9. Dwarf Mondo Grass Qty 90 Live Plants Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover
The Dwarf Mondo Grass is a slow-growing, evergreen perennial grass with dark green foliage. It is an excellent ornamental plant that creates a dense, lush groundcover with grass-like clumps. This grass is only half the size of other varieties, reaching a height of only 4-6 inches and a width of 4-6 inches. This makes it a great edging plant or a perfect addition to rock gardens for an appealing contrast. The Dwarf Mondo Grass can also be used in mass plantings in the landscape due to its striking appearance. It is a popular choice for borders, ground covers, and seashore plantings. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and is hardy in zones 7-10. Please note that it cannot be shipped to California or Hawaii.
- Creates a lush groundcover of dense, dark green grass-like clumps
- Perfect as an edging plant or tucked into rocks for a pleasing contrast
- Striking in mass plantings in the landscape
- Slow-growing and clumping growth habit
- Widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and ground covers
- Thrives in partial shade to full sun
- Hardy in zones 7-10
- – Cannot be shipped to California or Hawaii
10. Gray-Green Parsoni Juniper – Outdoor Evergreen Shrub
The Parsoni Juniper is an evergreen ground cover with aromatic foliage in hues of blue and green, making it an attractive addition to any garden. It can reach up to 2-3' H x 5-6' in width when fully mature, depending on its growing conditions. This juniper plant is popular for its needle-like foliage that gives it a feathery appearance from a distance.
The Juniper Bonsai is a non-flowering tree that is considered a hardy conifer. This tree is an excellent choice for bonsai as it is easy to prune and train. Although not a popular choice among bonsai enthusiasts, with the proper technique, it can be shaped into a bonsai tree. This juniper is not cut in bonsai form, but it can be trained to become one.
Caring for the Parsoni Juniper is easy, but it requires the right environment to promote growth. This tree does well with wiring as it will bend into styles easily. When pruning, avoid removing all growing tips simultaneously, as the leaves may turn brown, and the plant may decline. Instead, trim dense foliage areas with small, sharp pruning shears.
The Parsoni Juniper is hardy in zones 4-8 and is quite tolerant to drought conditions once it has matured. During the growth period, water the plants every 2-4 days and then once per week. Juniper plants thrive in heat, humidity, drought, polluted/urban environments, and salty coastal environments.
This juniper requires full sun to part shade exposure and ships as a 2.5 Quart potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. Please note that this plant is unavailable to ship to Hawaii, California, and Alaska, and is a non-flowering plant.
- Attractive evergreen ground cover with aromatic foliage in hues of blue and green
- Easy to prune and train for bonsai enthusiasts
- Tolerant to drought conditions once matured
- Thrives in heat, humidity, drought, polluted/urban environments, and salty coastal environments
- – Not available for shipping to Hawaii, California, and Alaska
- – Leaves may turn brown if all growing tips are removed simultaneously
Best Evergreen Shrubs For Shade FAQs
Can evergreen shrubs thrive in full shade?
Evergreen shrubs are known for their year-round foliage, making them a popular choice for landscaping. However, the question remains whether they can thrive in full shade. The answer to this question is yes, some evergreen shrubs can thrive in full shade, but it depends on the specific species.
Some examples of evergreen shrubs that can thrive in full shade include Japanese holly, boxwood, and azaleas. These shrubs are adapted to grow in low-light conditions and require minimal sunlight to thrive. However, it's important to note that even shade-loving evergreen shrubs still require some sunlight to grow and produce healthy foliage.
When planting evergreen shrubs in full shade, it's important to provide them with the right growing conditions. This includes ensuring they have well-draining soil, adequate moisture, and proper air circulation. Additionally, regular pruning and fertilization can help promote healthy growth and prevent diseases.
In conclusion, while not all evergreen shrubs can thrive in full shade, there are some species that are well adapted to low-light conditions. With proper care and attention, these shade-loving plants can add beauty and color to any landscape.
How do I care for evergreen shrubs in a shaded location?
Evergreen shrubs are an excellent addition to any garden due to their year-round foliage. However, the shaded location might pose a challenge for their growth and maintenance. Here are some tips to care for evergreen shrubs in a shaded location.
Firstly, ensure that the shrubs receive enough water. Shade means less evaporation and less water requirement. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Watering once a week should suffice, but you can adjust according to the soil's moisture level.
Secondly, prune the shrubs regularly. Shade can cause the shrubs to grow lanky and leggy, so regular pruning can help maintain their shape and encourage new growth.
Lastly, fertilize the shrubs with a balanced fertilizer. Evergreen shrubs require a constant supply of nutrients, and a shaded location can limit their access to sunlight. A balanced fertilizer will help them get the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
In conclusion, caring for evergreen shrubs in a shaded location requires attention to watering, pruning, and fertilizing. With proper care, your evergreen shrubs will thrive in their shaded location.
How do I choose the right evergreen shrubs for my shaded landscape?
Choosing the right evergreen shrubs for a shaded landscape requires careful consideration of several factors. First, it's important to assess the amount of shade in the area where you plan to plant the shrubs. Some evergreen shrubs, such as boxwood and yew, can tolerate full shade, while others, such as camellias and rhododendrons, need partial shade.
Next, consider the size and growth habit of the shrub. Some evergreen shrubs, like holly and dwarf Alberta spruce, grow slowly and stay compact, making them ideal for small spaces. Others, like junipers and arborvitae, can grow quite large and are better suited for larger areas.
It's also important to consider the soil type and moisture level of the area. Some evergreen shrubs, like azaleas and hydrangeas, prefer acidic soil and consistent moisture, while others, like barberry and cotoneaster, can tolerate dry soil.
Finally, consider the overall aesthetic of your landscape and choose evergreen shrubs that complement it. Some shrubs, like boxwood and holly, have a formal, manicured look, while others, like rhododendrons and azaleas, have a more natural, woodland feel. By taking all of these factors into account, you can choose the right evergreen shrubs to create a beautiful and functional landscape.
What are some low-maintenance evergreen shrubs for a shady garden?
When it comes to landscaping a shady garden, evergreen shrubs can add a year-round appeal and structure to the landscape. Low-maintenance evergreen shrubs are an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of having plants in their garden without spending too much time and effort on maintenance. Some of the best low-maintenance evergreen shrubs for a shady garden include:
1. Boxwood: This popular shrub is known for its dense growth and round shape. It requires minimal pruning and can withstand shade and drought.
2. Japanese Pieris: This evergreen shrub has unique foliage and produces clusters of delicate flowers in the spring. It is easy to grow and requires little maintenance.
3. Camellia: Camellias are beautiful flowering evergreen shrubs that thrive in partial shade. They require minimal pruning and can grow up to 10 feet tall.
4. Rhododendron: This evergreen shrub produces stunning blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. It requires minimal pruning and prefers partial shade.
5. Holly: Holly is a classic evergreen shrub that adds a festive touch to any garden. It is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance.
Overall, these low-maintenance evergreen shrubs are an excellent choice for shady gardens as they add beauty and structure to the landscape without requiring too much effort.
What are the best evergreen shrubs for shady areas?
When it comes to choosing evergreen shrubs for shady areas, there are numerous options available. Some of the best evergreen shrubs for shady areas include:
1. Boxwood: Boxwood is a popular choice for shady areas as it can tolerate low light conditions. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 8 feet tall.
2. Holly: Holly is another great option for shady areas. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 12 feet tall and produces attractive berries during the winter months.
3. Camellia: Camellia is a beautiful evergreen shrub that produces large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. It prefers partial shade and can grow up to 20 feet tall.
4. Azalea: Azaleas are popular for their colorful blooms and can grow well in shady areas. They come in a variety of colors and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
5. Rhododendron: Rhododendrons are another popular choice for shady areas. They produce large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white and can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Before selecting any evergreen shrub for your shady area, it is important to consider the soil type, moisture levels, and overall growing conditions to ensure the plant thrives.