Aside from their dependable, vibrant color year-round, evergreens are useful for every garden. Large trees create a screen to provide privacy. That privacy—and the traditional piney greens of conifers—won’t wane with the seasons. These trees and shrubs also create a buffer and noise barrier between your home and busy streets or loud neighbors. Virtually every garden has something to gain from turning to evergreen plantings as a base for its landscaping.
my favorites
Yaupon holly
This evergreen shrub is beloved for the red berries it produces in the fall and winter, which makes it a lovely addition to wreaths and garlands during the holiday season. Only female hollies will produce berries, so keep that in mind when you’re purchasing plants. The dwarf shrub variety, not grown for its berries, is very popular, and I have rows of them outside my offices in little rock. yaupon holly can be used as a hedge, screen or even a topiary! they grow quickly and have small leaves, which makes these shrubs ideal for shaping.
Boxwood
My garden would not be complete without boxwoods. I use them to create living walls and punctuate entries, and as focal points. their bright, green foliage pops against the gray winter landscape. you’ll want to plant these workhorse shrubs in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil. Even though they are shrubs, they can grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, depending on variety. Trust me when I say you will not be disappointed with the green foliage these timeless, classic beauties bring to your lawn. At my moss mountain Farm in Arkansas, I plant the ‘Green velvet’ variety. Keep in mind some boxwoods will ‘brown out’ in winter, so choose a variety that retains its green color.
camellia sasanqua
Beautiful evergreen foliage and blooms from late fall through early spring make camellias a staple in any home garden. they grow easily in zones 7 to 10 and are drought-tolerant. They’re also available in many sizes and shapes, so double check the height on any plants you purchase, especially if you’re placing them near your home. Camellias also can work well in containers and define spaces in the backyard or near decks and patios. ‘Yuletide’ is a favorite of mine, with its cheerful red petals and crown-like golden stamens.
