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Best Small Evergreen Bushes For The Northwest (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your garden, then small evergreen bushes are the perfect addition. Not only do they add a splash of color to your landscape year-round, but they also require minimal maintenance. However, when choosing the right small evergreen bushes for the northwest region, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure the optimal growth and longevity of your plants.

First and foremost, it’s important to take into account the climate in your area. The northwest region can be characterized by long, wet winters and mild summers. Therefore, it’s essential to select evergreen bushes that can withstand these conditions, such as the Oregon grape and the dwarf hemlock. Additionally, you should consider the amount of sunlight and soil quality in your garden before purchasing any plants.

Are you tired of constantly re-planting your garden every year? Are you interested in adding some color to your landscape without the hassle of constant maintenance? If so, small evergreen bushes may be the solution you’ve been searching for! With their year-round beauty and minimal upkeep, these plants are perfect for busy homeowners. Keep reading to learn more about the top small evergreen bushes for the northwest region, and find the perfect addition for your garden today!

10 Best Small Evergreen Bushes For The Northwest

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for landscaping and adding diversity to gardens with visually appealing shrubbery.
2
Ideal for outdoor landscaping in areas with full sun to part shade, with low-maintenance requirements and evergreen qualities.
3
The product is ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with its unique curled leaf privet plants.
4
This plant is ideal for outdoor landscaping with its low-growing evergreen shrub and bright yellow foliage in full sun to part shade.
5
Wintergem Korean Boxwood is ideal for creating evergreen hedges, borders, edging, topiary, or as a standalone specimen plant.
6
Ideal for creating a dense, evergreen privacy hedge.
7
This product is ideal for creating privacy with evergreen trees.
8
The product is ideal for creating a fast-growing, eco-friendly privacy screen or windbreak.
9
Ideal for protecting and nourishing trees and shrubs for 12 months, promoting growth, and preventing insect and disease damage.
10
The product is ideal for creating a tall and beautiful natural hedge for privacy purposes.
The product is ideal for landscaping and adding diversity to gardens with visually appealing shrubbery.
Ideal for outdoor landscaping in areas with full sun to part shade, with low-maintenance requirements and evergreen qualities.
The product is ideal for creating an evergreen privacy hedge with its unique curled leaf privet plants.
This plant is ideal for outdoor landscaping with its low-growing evergreen shrub and bright yellow foliage in full sun to part shade.
Wintergem Korean Boxwood is ideal for creating evergreen hedges, borders, edging, topiary, or as a standalone specimen plant.
This product is ideal for creating privacy with evergreen trees.
The product is ideal for creating a fast-growing, eco-friendly privacy screen or windbreak.
Ideal for protecting and nourishing trees and shrubs for 12 months, promoting growth, and preventing insect and disease damage.
The product is ideal for creating a tall and beautiful natural hedge for privacy purposes.

1. 2 Gal. Obsession Nandina Shrub

Add a pop of color to your garden with this stunning plant that boasts vibrant leaf color all year round. Perfect for USDA zones 6-10, this plant thrives in both sun and partial shade. With low maintenance requirements, it's easy to care for and only needs to be watered twice a week until established, after which it only requires weekly watering. Although it doesn't bloom, its beautiful leaf color is perfect for brightening up your garden during the winter months. Ideal for full sun exposure, this plant is a must-have for any garden lover.

Looking for a plant that adds a burst of color to your garden all year round? Look no further than this stunning plant! Perfect for USDA zones 6-10, it thrives in both sun and partial shade and is incredibly low maintenance. Water it twice a week until established, and then simply water once a week thereafter. Although it doesn't bloom, the vibrant leaf color is a beautiful addition to any garden, especially during the winter months. Make sure to plant it in full sun for best results.

Pros

  • Stunning leaf color all year round
  • Perfect for USDA zones 6-10
  • Thrives in both sun and partial shade
  • Low maintenance
  • Ideal for full sun exposure

Cons

  • – Does not bloom

2. 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.

Pros

  • Compact and easily maintained habit
  • Tight leaf structure is perfect for topiary art
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9

Cons

  • – Cannot be shipped to AK, HI, & TN due to agricultural regulations

3. Ligustrum Japonicum Recurvifolium | Curled Leaf Privet | 20 Live Plants | Evergreen Privacy Hedge

The Wavy Leaf Ligustrum is a large, upright, broad-leaved evergreen shrub that is highly adaptable and easy to grow. Its lustrous dark green, wavy foliage creates a handsome small accent tree, foundation hedge, or privacy screen. This shrub is a fine addition to fragrance gardens and Xeriscape gardens with low water needs. If you're looking to create a quick privacy screen or natural or clipped hedge, the Wavy Leaf Ligustrum is an excellent choice.

This shrub can grow naturally up to 10 feet in height, but it also responds very well to shearing for hedges that can be maintained at 5 feet or more in height. It is exceptionally easy to grow in a wide range of soils provided they are well-drained. The Wavy Leaf Ligustrum prefers a moist but well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. It is highly resistant to deer, disease, heat, humidity, and insects, and is exceptionally drought tolerant when established. While no pruning is necessary, it can be pruned as a formal hedge or small tree.

The Recurve Ligustrum, Ligustrum japonicum 'Recurvifolium', is a tough and adaptable fast-growing evergreen flowering shrub, which makes an excellent hedge or attractive small tree.

Pros

  • Highly adaptable and easy to grow
  • Creates a handsome small accent tree, foundation hedge, or privacy screen
  • Excellent choice for creating a quick privacy screen or natural or clipped hedge
  • Fine addition to fragrance gardens and Xeriscape gardens with low water needs
  • Highly resistant to deer, disease, heat, humidity, and insects
  • Exceptionally drought tolerant when established

Cons

  • – None mentioned

4. 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.

Pros

  • 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

Cons

  • – Pruning is necessary to keep its size under control

5. Wintergem Korean Boxwood – 20 Live Plants – Fast Growing Cold Hardy Evergreen Shrub

The Small-Leaved Boxwood is an excellent choice for those looking for an evergreen shrub that is perfect for small hedges. It is one of the hardiest among the small-leaved boxwoods and is known for its rich green foliage that can turn golden bronze in cold winter zones. This shrub is also one of the first to become green again in spring, providing year-round interest to formal gardens. In spring, it produces inconspicuous white flowers that add to its charm.

This compact evergreen shrub is easy to care for and can mature to a height of 3-5 feet. It requires a regular watering schedule during the first year of growth to ensure the development of a mature root system. Daily watering is essential during this period. Once the root system is established, watering can be done weekly, except during drought periods when regular watering is necessary. Mulching is recommended to prevent the growth of weeds and maintain moisture content.

Pruning is necessary during plant maturity to encourage branch development. The Small-Leaved Boxwood flourishes in partial to full sun in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, even during drought conditions. If you are looking for a reliable and hardy evergreen shrub for small hedges, the Small-Leaved Boxwood is an excellent choice. Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, you can trust the quality of this shrub.

Pros

  • Hardy and easy to care for shrub
  • Produces inconspicuous white flowers in spring
  • Maintains dark green velvety foliage in winter
  • Flourishes in partial to full sun in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9
  • Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger hedges

6. Ligustrum Waxleaf Privet – 20 Live Plants – Evergreen Privacy Hedge

The upright deciduous shrub is ideal for those who want to add a pop of color to their garden. It features creamy-white fragrant flowers followed by round blue-black fruit. Its dense and bushy characteristics make it perfect for privacy screens, wind screens, hedges, and small trees. Its dark green and bright green glossy foliage has larger leaves compared to the Sinense. This fast-growing shrub will reach 8-10 feet high, making it an excellent choice for people looking for fast results. The low-maintenance evergreen needs a regular watering schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. Once the root system is established, occasional watering is required, except during a drought, where regular watering is needed. Pruning is advised to keep the shrub in the desired shape, and shearing is recommended 2-3 times per year. Mulching is recommended to discourage weeds, retain moisture, and maintain low temperatures. It has a compact habit with glossy foliage that can be pruned into topiary or small standard trees. This shrub is an evergreen and displays a profusion of white blooms. It is useful as a hedge, screen, or windbreak, and performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen. Due to their versatility and undemanding nature, it is widely used in home landscapes. You can plant them as hedges, foundation plants, patio trees, or in shrub borders. Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage.

Pros

  • Fast-growing shrub that reaches 8-10 feet high
  • Ideal for privacy screens, wind screens, hedges, and small trees
  • Compact habit with glossy foliage that can be pruned into topiary or small standard trees
  • Displays a profusion of white blooms
  • Useful as a hedge, screen, or windbreak and performs well in containers and as a topiary specimen
  • Low-maintenance evergreen
  • Grown, packaged and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage

Cons

  • – Requires regular watering to establish a mature root system
  • – Needs occasional watering after the mature root system is established
  • – Pruning is necessary to keep the shrub in desired shape

7. Thuja Arborvitae Green Giant – 10 Live Quart Size Plants – Evergreen Privacy Trees

The Thuja Green Giant is an excellent choice for those who want to add a decorative accent or create a privacy screen. This rapidly-growing, broad pyramidal evergreen tree has medium to dark green foliage that can grow up to 30-50 feet tall. The plant is adaptable and easy to grow, but it needs a regular water schedule to ensure the growth of a mature root system. During the first year of growth, it requires watering at least once per day. After the mature root system is established, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought when watering is required regularly. Pruning is not necessary. To maximize its growth, it is important to allow the necessary amount of space. The Thuja Green Giant prefers full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant. It prefers deep well-drained soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including saturated soils. It is cold-hardy in zones 5-9. This fast-growing evergreen is perfect for creating a privacy hedge or wind screen. Plant one every 5-6 feet, and they will quickly create a dense barrier. Grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage.

Pros

  • Fast-growing evergreen
  • Adaptable and easy to grow
  • Creates a dense barrier for privacy
  • Drought tolerant
  • Cold-hardy in zones 5-9
  • Grown, packaged, and shipped by Florida Foliage

Cons

  • – Requires regular watering to establish a mature root system
  • – Needs adequate space to maximize its growth

8. 50 Austree Hybrid Willows – Grow 10ft/yr!

Aussie Hybrid Willows are a popular choice for those looking for fast-growing trees that provide privacy and shade. These trees are well-known for their attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements. The best part is that they don't produce any seeds or cotton, making them a great choice for those who don't want to deal with the mess of other types of trees.

Apart from their aesthetic appeal, these trees are also environmentally friendly. They are great for erosion control, and they can help dry up bogs. Additionally, they produce oxygen and filter the air, making them a great addition to any landscape. They are also wildlife-friendly and deer-resistant.

Growing Aussie Hybrid Willows is easy, and the seller provides detailed instructions and tips for success. They even include links to YouTube videos to help you get started. If you have any issues with your purchase, CZ Grain offers a guarantee on all their products. Simply contact them for a fast and easy solution.

Pros

  • Fast-growing trees that provide privacy and shade
  • Attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements
  • Don't produce any seeds or cotton
  • Great for erosion control and drying up bogs
  • Produce oxygen and filter the air
  • Wildlife-friendly and deer-resistant
  • Comes with detailed instructions and tips for success
  • CZ Grain offers a guarantee on all their products

9. Bioadvanced 12 Month Tree And Shrub Protect And Feed Ii, Concentrate, 1 Gal

Protect your trees and shrubs for up to a year with just one application of this insect and pest killer. It not only kills listed insects but also prevents new infestations for up to 12 months. You can easily get rid of Japanese Beetles, Emerald Ash Borers, Adelgids, Leafminers, Aphids, Caterpillars, and more.

This slow-release fertilizer not only kills pests but also improves the health of your trees and shrubs. It is a systemic protection that safeguard your potted and outdoor plants from the roots to the stem of every leaf.

Please note that this product is not available for sale in NY, CT, MD, MA, ME, & VT.

Pros

  • Provides protection for up to a year with just one application
  • Kills listed insects and prevents new infestations for 12 months
  • Improves the health of trees and shrubs with slow-release fertilizer
  • Systemic protection for potted and outdoor plants

Cons

  • – Not available for sale in NY, CT, MD, MA, ME, & VT

10. Green Giant Privacy Hedge – 25 Plants

For those who are looking for a classic and beautiful green fence that offers privacy, Leyland cypress is a popular choice. This evergreen tree is known for its fast growth, reaching up to 3-5 feet per year. It can grow up to 60-80 feet in height and 15-25 feet in width when mature. This plant is hardy in zones 6-10, making it a great option for different climates. It is important to note that certain plants and sizes cannot be shipped to California due to restrictions from the California Department of Agriculture. In some cases, the plant may be shipped in smaller bags or semi bareroot to ensure its safe arrival.

Leyland cypress is a great option for those who want to create a natural privacy fence that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Its fast growth rate makes it an excellent choice for those who want to establish a fence quickly. Additionally, its evergreen nature means that it will provide year-round privacy and beauty.

Overall, Leyland cypress is a strong choice for those who want a classic and beautiful green fence that offers privacy and can thrive in different climates. While there may be restrictions on shipping to California, the plant can still be a great option for many homeowners.

Pros

  • Fast growth rate of 3-5 feet per year
  • Mature size of 60-80 feet in height and 15-25 feet in width
  • Evergreen nature provides year-round privacy and beauty
  • Hardy in zones 6-10

Cons

  • – Cannot be shipped to California in certain sizes

Best Small Evergreen Bushes For The Northwest FAQs

What are some evergreen bushes that can tolerate the moist climate of the Northwest?

The Northwest region of the United States is known for its damp and moist climate, making it a perfect breeding ground for a variety of evergreen bushes. Some popular evergreen bushes that can thrive in this type of environment include Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Camellias. Rhododendrons are known for their large, showy blooms and come in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for landscaping. Azaleas also produce colorful blooms and are available in both deciduous and evergreen varieties. Camellias are another stunning evergreen option that produces large, vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Other options for evergreen bushes that can tolerate the moist climate of the Northwest include Boxwood, Holly, and Yew. These bushes are low-maintenance and provide year-round color and texture to any outdoor space. With their ability to withstand the moist climate of the Northwest, these evergreen bushes are a great addition to any garden or landscape.

What are some low-maintenance evergreen bushes for landscaping in the Northwest?

When it comes to landscaping in the Northwest, there are plenty of low-maintenance evergreen bushes to choose from. Some of the best options include the Boxwood, which is a classic evergreen shrub that can be pruned into various shapes and sizes. The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is another popular choice, as it is a slow-growing evergreen that only requires minimal pruning. The Oregon Grape is a native evergreen shrub that produces yellow flowers in the spring and blue-black berries in the fall. The Yew is a versatile evergreen shrub that can be used as a hedge or specimen plant, and it requires very little maintenance. Finally, the Rhododendron is a colorful evergreen shrub that produces beautiful blooms in the spring and requires only occasional pruning. These low-maintenance evergreen bushes are perfect for Northwest landscaping, as they add beauty and structure to your outdoor space without requiring too much attention.

What are some small evergreen bushes that thrive in the Pacific Northwest region?

There are several small evergreen bushes that thrive in the Pacific Northwest region. One popular choice is the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, which is a slow-growing coniferous shrub that can reach up to 10 feet in height. It has a pyramidal shape and is perfect for adding some vertical interest to a garden. Another great option is the Oregon Grape Holly, which is a low-maintenance shrub that produces vibrant yellow flowers in the spring and dark blue berries in the fall. It also has attractive foliage that is shiny and green year-round. For a splash of color, the Dwarf Japanese Pieris is a great choice. It has pink or white flowers in the spring and glossy green leaves that turn red or bronze in the winter. Finally, the Boxwood is a classic evergreen shrub that is perfect for creating hedges or topiaries. It has small, dense leaves and is very easy to maintain. All of these bushes are hardy and can survive the damp, cool climate of the Pacific Northwest.

What are the best varieties of evergreen shrubs for shady areas in the Pacific Northwest?

The Pacific Northwest is known for its mild and wet climate, making it an ideal region for growing a variety of evergreen shrubs. When it comes to selecting the best varieties for shady areas, there are several options to consider.

One popular choice is the Mountain Laurel, also known as Kalmia latifolia. This shrub produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, and red, and can tolerate shade and damp soil conditions.

Another great option is the Oregon Grape, or Mahonia aquifolium. This shrub features glossy, holly-like leaves and produces bright yellow flowers in the spring, followed by blue-black berries in the summer.

For a more unique option, consider the Japanese Andromeda, or Pieris japonica. This shrub produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white, and has attractive evergreen foliage that ranges in color from deep green to bronze.

Overall, the best varieties of evergreen shrubs for shady areas in the Pacific Northwest will depend on factors such as soil type, moisture levels, and specific growing conditions. However, these three options are a great starting point for any garden in the region.

Which evergreen shrubs are suitable for small gardens in the Pacific Northwest?

There are several evergreen shrubs that are perfect for small gardens in the Pacific Northwest. The first one is the boxwood shrub, which is a classic choice for formal gardens. It's a slow-growing shrub that can be pruned to any shape, making it perfect for topiaries or hedges. Another great option is the dwarf conifer, which comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are low maintenance and provide year-round color and texture to the garden. The camellia shrub is also a popular choice for its beautiful flowers that bloom in the winter and early spring. It prefers partial shade and acidic soil. Lastly, the pieris japonica shrub is a versatile evergreen that comes in different sizes and colors. It has a beautiful foliage that changes color throughout the year and produces clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. These are just a few examples of evergreen shrubs that can thrive in small gardens in the Pacific Northwest.

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