How to Grow Best Evergreen Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Best evergreen shrubs is a plant that can live for more than two years. They have leaves that stay green throughout the year. Evergreens are found in cold and warm regions of the world.

How to Grow Best Evergreen Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Buxus sempervirens
  • Ilex crenata
  • Taxus baccata
  • Euonymus japonicus
  • Osmanthus heterophyllus

Things to Know

  • Deciduous vs. evergreen: Deciduous shrubs drop their leaves in fall, while evergreen shrubs keep their leaves year-round.
  • Size: Evergreen shrubs come in a range of sizes, from low-growing groundcovers to large bushes.
  • Sun or shade: Most evergreen shrubs prefer full sun, but there are also varieties that do well in shady areas.
  • Hardy: Evergreen shrubs are generally quite hardy and can withstand harsh conditions, such as freezing temperatures and strong winds.
  • Caring for evergreen shrubs: Proper care is essential for keeping evergreen shrubs looking their best. This includes regular watering, pruning, and fertilizing.
  • Popular evergreen shrubs: Some of the most popular evergreen shrubs include boxwood, holly, and yew.
  • Landscaping: Evergreen shrubs are often used in landscaping for their year-round color and texture.
  • Gardens: Evergreen shrubs can also be used in gardens, either as standalone plants or as part of a larger design.
  • Container gardens: Evergreen shrubs can also be grown in containers, which is a great option for small spaces.
  • Houseplants: Some evergreen shrubs, such as boxwood and holly, can also be used as houseplants.

Related plant:
Best Shrubs To Plant In Front Of House

How to Grow

  1. For best evergreen shrubs, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard.
  2. Then, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the shrub’s root ball.
  3. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill it with soil.
  4. Water the shrub deeply until the ground is saturated.
  5. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub.
  6. Water the shrub regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  7. Fertilize the shrub yearly with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune the shrub as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  9. Protect the shrub from winter damage by wrapping it with burlap or placing a plastic cover over it.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful, healthy evergreen shrub!

Related plant:
Best Shrubs

The Soil

About soil condition, the best evergreen shrubs are those that can tolerate a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay. They should be able to handle both dry and wet conditions, and be able to thrive in both sun and shade. Some of the best evergreen shrubs for these conditions include rhododendrons, azaleas, and hollies.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, sun light is a vital requirement for evergreen shrubs. Depending on the type of evergreen shrub, some require more sun than others. The amount of sun an evergreen shrub needs is typically written on the plant tag when you purchase it. It's important to adhere to the sun light requirementso your evergreen shrub will thrive.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are best for growing evergreen shrubs vary depending on the type of shrub. Some evergreen shrubs, such as rhododendrons, prefer cooler temperatures and will not do well in hot, dry conditions. Other evergreen shrubs, such as holly, can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and will do well in both hot and cold climates. When choosing an evergreen shrub for your garden, it is important to consider the climate in which it will be growing.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% The best evergreen shrub for areas with high humidity is the holly. This plant is known for its ability to thrive in moisture-rich environments, making it a perfect choice for gardens in the Southeast. Hollies are also tolerant of salt, making them a good option for coastal areas. Another plus is that hollies are low-maintenance, requiring little pruning or fertilizing.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this type of plant food, is composed of three main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This combination of nutrients is designed to promote healthy growth in all types of plants, including evergreen shrubs. The best fertilizer for evergreen shrubs is one that contains a high percentage of nitrogen, as this element is key to promoting foliage growth. Phosphorus and potassium are also important nutrients for evergreen shrubs, as they promote root growth and help the plant to resist disease.

About light

Pruning is a critical part of keeping your best evergreen shrubs looking their best. By pruning, you remove dead or dying leaves and twigs, which can help the plant to look healthier and more lush. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth, which can make the plant look more full and vibrant.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Many gardeners propagate their own plants from cuttings, seeds, or divisions. One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to propagate plants is from stem cuttings. Many popular shrubs can be easily propagated from stem cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. To take stem cuttings, cut a 6-inch piece of stem with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Make sure the cutting includes at least two sets of leaves. Strip off the bottom leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Place the pot in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Water the cutting regularly to keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, you should see new growth. Once the new growth is several inches long, you can transplant the new plant to a permanent home in your landscape.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by their species. However, the climate in which they are grown, the amount of sunlight they receive, and the quality of the soil also play a role in their growth. For example, evergreens that are grown in shady areas will grow more slowly than those that are grown in sunny areas.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant include: dieback, canker, twig blight, leaf spot, and root rot. dieback is the most serious problem and can kill a plant. canker is a serious disease that can cause stems to die back. twig blight can cause leaves to turn brown and drop off. leaf spot can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop off. root rot can kill a plant.

List to Know

  • Make sure to choose the right evergreen shrub for your garden.
  • Give the plant plenty of space to grow.
  • Plant the evergreen shrub in well-drained soil.
  • Water the shrub regularly, especially during hot summer days.
  • Fertilize the evergreen shrub regularly to promote growth.
  • Prune the evergreen shrub regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Keep the evergreen shrub free from pests and diseases.
  • Mulch around the base of the evergreen shrub to help retain moisture.
  • Provide the evergreen shrub with some protection from winter winds.
  • Enjoy the beauty of your evergreen shrub for many years to come!

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Source:
Evergreen Trees & Shrubs – Wisconsin Horticulture
Choosing evergreens for your landscape | UMN Extension
Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-leaved Evergreens

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category