Spotlight: Undervalued Evergreen Shrubs

(Above: Otto Laurel Luyken and Bowling Ball Arborvitae)

There are evergreens that designers and home owners often gravitate towards when planning and planting in the garden. Boxwood, arborvitae shrubs and flowering rhododendrons are all beautiful, hard working evergreens, but there are many other shrubs that are just as amazing that you should consider when creating your next space.

Cryptomeria Globosa Nana is a dwarf cedar that has soft leaves, arching branches and a graceful shape. Staying compact in size (approximately 3'x3'), it is a great substitution for a smaller arborvitae or false cypress shrub. I like using them as a specimen plant, tucking one into a landscape border among other flowering shrubs and perennials. It provides a textural interest that stands out among other more delicate leaves.

Another gorgeous evergreen that has a multitude of uses is Manhattan Euonymus. It has dark, glossy leaves and it produces small pink fruit in the fall. This versatile shrub grows in a neat shape but it can easily be pruned if needed. I like the natural form but if you prefer a formal hedge it is a great substitute for holly or boxwood. It prefers full sun but I have two planted in part sun and they are thriving. I would suggest protecting them from harsh winds but otherwise they are an easy care, beautiful evergreen.

The Northern Bayberry shrub is another dark, glossy leaf evergreen that is a stunner in the landscape. I love it for it's elegant, round shape that provides a dramatic effect in any garden bed. At 9'x9' it will fill in any sunny spot and require minimal care or effort. An American native, Bayberry loves sandy soil so it is a fantastic option for east coast gardeners.

I am obsessed with variegated leaf plants but this Honey Maid Holly is one of my absolute favorites. The color is a bluish green with creamy white margins and when planted in mass it demands your attention. I am partial to letting this holly grow in it's natural form as an informal hedge but you can certainly trim it if you prefer. Another fantastic use is as a house foundation plant among other evergreens. Where it only grows around 6' tall and 4' wide it won't overtake most corners.

(Above: Dwarf Mugo pine)

Evergreens are one of the first plants we consider when beginning to design our garden spaces. With so many to choose from you should definitely try some lesser used, more unique varieties. Although maybe not as well utilized, they are just as functional and beautiful.