Whether you have a small urban space, a sprawling suburban property, or a small apartment balcony, you can add year-round color with small evergreen shrubs. From cold-hardy conifers to broadleaf evergreens suited to temperate climates, there are many varieties that can enhance your space.
Small evergreen shrubs come in different sizes, shapes and colors. Some are dwarf versions of larger plants, while others are naturally smaller. These small shrubs are versatile as beds, borders, foundation plantings, containers, ground covers, hedging or accent plants. Here are some of the best small or dwarf evergreen shrubs to add to your yard.
1. 'Kaleidoscope' Abelia (Abelia grandiflora)
Named for foliage that changes color in different seasons, new leaves are green and yellow, turning golden in summer, then developing red highlights in fall and winter. White flowers produced on red stems bloom for an exceptionally long period. Use as an eye-catching focal point, low hedging or in foundation plantings.
2. TATER TOT ARBORVITAE (Thuja occidentalis)
The elegant rounded growth habit and elegant green foliage add structure and texture to the landscape. Use this small shade-tolerant conifer as a low formal hedging, in containers, as a path edging or to separate garden rooms.
3. 'Green Gem' Boxwood (Buxus Hybrid)
With thick green leaves and a rounded habit, this versatile boxwood species has many uses in the landscape. Grow overhead in foundation plantings, containers or hedging. Trim this wide evergreen shrub neatly for a formal look or let it grow naturally for a softer look.
4. 'Green Spire' EUONYMUS (Euonymus japonicus)
This broadleaf evergreen produces glossy dark green leaves. The upright short habit is perfect for privacy screening, hedging, and tight spots like side yards. Use as privacy screening on a patio, deck or property line. Plants tolerate hard cutting.
5. 'Golden Mob' False Cypress (Chaemcyparis bicifera)
The elegant hard gold foliage has a slightly weeping habit, which adds elegance to Asian-style or formal landscapes. The growth habit of this dwarf conifer is slow and color is best in full sun. Use as a focal point, in a hedging or mixed border.
6. 'Nana' Dwarf Balsam Fir (Apis balsamia)
This exceptionally tough conifer produces thin hard dark green needles with light green new growth. Plants grow slowly, 2 to 3 inches per year, with a low mounding habit. Ideal for rock gardens, bonsai, ground covers, and Asian-style landscapes.
7. Winter heath (Erica cornea)
Low-growing evergreens produce dense needle-like green or golden leaves, some with a bronze tinge. Clusters of bell-shaped white, pink or purple flowers bloom from winter to spring depending on variety. Use this broadleaf evergreen as a ground cover on a slope, in containers, or in rock gardens. Requires good drainage.
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