Perennially Vibrant Shrubs Suitable for Lack of Attention: Top 5 Plant Choices Delivering Year-Round Colour Despite Indifference
Revised Evergreen Shrubs for Neglect
Evergreen shrubs are the unsung heroes of any garden - they add texture, form, and year-round interest, especially during winter's long, dark months. If you're a time-poor gardener or a novice looking for an easy-to-maintain evergreen, here are five hardy options that thrive on neglect. These species have been road-tested in gardens, and they're sure to brighten up your yard without demanding much from you.
Five Evergreen Shrubs that Thrive on Neglect
Remember, when landscaping with evergreens (or any trees, shrubs, or perennials for that matter), always choose species suited to your climate and US hardiness zone. Don't plant shrubs that aren't hardy in your local climate - it'll only lead to disappointment.
1. Juniper
"Juniper is my go-to evergreen ground cover plant," says Sam Niemann, a gardening expert and the founder of Grown by Design, a San Diego-based landscape design firm. With dozens of species to choose from, ranging from low-growing creeping options to tall, stately trees, junipers are easy to grow and thrive in a wide range of environments.
For a vibrant, low-growing option, consider this 'Sea Green' juniper available from Perfect Plants Nursery. In terms of care, junipers are typically hardy down to USDA zone 4, preferring sunny spots and well-draining soil. Position these evergreen shrubs in a space where they are unobstructed, and pruning is only needed occasionally as most species only grow four to eight inches per year.
2. Camellia
If you're looking for one of the best evergreens for small front yards, camellias should top your wish list. When growing camellias, these shrubs do best in part shade. Avoid planting in full sun, as camellias can struggle with too much heat and light, unless you live in a cooler northern state. Other than that, camellias are low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning. They prefer slightly moist soil but, once established, won't need any supplemental watering.
The 'Silver Waves' camellia is a low-maintenance shrub perfect for pollinators, available from Nature Hills. This variety boasts open white flowers with easy pollen access for bees and butterflies, ideal for attracting wildlife to your garden.
3. American holly
Holly is one of the hardest plants to kill, often found growing in the wild without any support or attention. The native American holly, or Ilex opaca, can be grown as far north as zone 5 and as far south as zone 9, preferring full sun to part shade. The 'Nellie Stevens' holly shrub is underrated, offering dense foliage and perfect for creating a lush privacy hedge in your front or backyard.
4. Nandina
Nandina domestica, or heavenly bamboo, is one of the easiest evergreen shrubs to grow, hardy down to zone 6. It can be planted in part shade to full sun, and once established, is low-maintenance. With typical growth no taller than four to eight feet, you might encounter multicolored green and red foliage with vibrant berries in autumn if left alone. However, be aware that it can be invasive in many US states, so always consult your local government office before planting.
For smaller yards, consider the dwarf 'Firepower' variety, available from Perfect Plants Nursery. With multicolored foliage and reaching just three feet in height, 'Firepower' is an excellent dwarf evergreen option.
5. Brachyglottis
For evergreen shrubs that thrive in warm, southern regions and are hardy down to USDA zone 8, consider Brachyglottis. This flowering shrub does best in full sun and is drought-tolerant, thriving in rocky, free-draining, and poor soils. Once established, there's no need to water or feed this reliable shrub. For another low-maintenance option with silver foliage, try growing artemisia, available from Amazon.
Bonus Evergreen: Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
While not on the initial list, the Mountain Laurel is another excellent low-maintenance evergreen option, thriving in USDA zones 4a – 9a. It requires little to no fertilization, especially in native areas, and is water-efficient once established. Offering deep-green leaves and vibrant flowers in pink, white, or red, this adaptable shrub is sure to add beauty to your garden with minimal effort.
Incorporating evergreen shrubs like Juniper, Camellia, American holly, Nandina, and Brachyglottis into your home-and-garden landscaping can significantly enhance your lifestyle by offering easy-to-maintain, year-round interest, and vibrant beauty. Whether you're a time-poor gardener or a novice, these species thrive on neglect and are suitable for various environments.
