If you’re looking for a way to add some greenery to your landscape without the hassle of constant maintenance, then low maintenance evergreen shrubs may be just what you need.
These shrubs are not only beautiful and versatile, but they also require minimal care and attention. With their ability to retain their foliage year-round, they provide color and texture to your garden even during the winter months.
Whether you’re a busy homeowner or simply want to enjoy your garden without spending too much time on upkeep, these low maintenance shrubs are sure to impress.
So, let’s explore some of the best options available and how to care for them properly.
What to Look for When Buying Low Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs
When selecting evergreen shrubs for your landscape, there are a few key characteristics to look out for.
First and foremost, the shrub should have dense foliage that retains its color throughout the year. Many evergreens also produce small berries or flowers, which can give your garden an added touch of beauty in spring or summer.
You should also consider the size of the mature plant, as this will determine how much space you need to provide for it. Some evergreens can get very large, so make sure that you have adequate room before buying any.
Deer resistant plants, especially those native to your area, are also great low maintenance options because they require less time spent on upkeep and protection from browsing animals.
The USDA hardiness zone is a system used to categorize each area based on their climate and the plants that can survive in those conditions. It divides the United States into 13 zones, each with its own range of minimum temperatures.
Gardeners and landscapers use this system to determine which plants are most likely to thrive in their region. By selecting plants that are suited to their local drought hardiness zone, they can ensure greater success in their gardening endeavors.
Look for resilient plants that can handle extreme temperatures, drought conditions and other environmental hazards. This will ensure that they continue to thrive in any climate.
Finally, make sure that the shrub is suited to your climate and soil type. Different species will thrive in different environments, so it’s important to do your research before making any purchases.
Best Evergreen Shrubs
Now that you know what to look for when selecting low maintenance evergreens, here are some of the best options available:
Full Sun Shrubs
Dwarf Alberta Spruce: This evergreen is perfect for rock gardens or other small spaces and requires minimal upkeep.
Juniper: This hardy shrub grows quickly and requires little attention to maintain its shape. It also produces attractive berries that add a splash of color to your garden.
Arborvitae: This conifer is great for creating a living fence or privacy screen, and its green leaves require minimal pruning.
Partial Shade Shrubs
Boxwood: This evergreen is perfect for adding structure and form to any garden. Its low maintenance nature makes it a popular choice among landscapers as a foundation plant.
Rhododendron: These beautiful evergreens boast colorful blooms and come in many varieties. They require minimal pruning and can thrive in partial shade as well as full sun.
Huckleberry: This evergreen shrub produces red berries that mature into a dark purple shade and are edible, making it a great addition to any garden! It is low maintenance and thrives in partial shade or full sun.
Full Shade Shrubs
Mahonia: This plant has attractive foliage and produces yellow flowers in the spring. It is low maintenance and can tolerate full shade conditions.
Viburnum: These evergreens produce fragrant flowers in the spring and bright berries in the fall.
Azalea: With dark green foliage, Azaleas are a classic full shade evergreen. They produce colorful clusters of blooms in the spring and require minimal pruning to maintain their shape.
Camellia: The camellia is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that blooms pinkish-white flowers during the winter or spring. It is hardy and low maintenance, making it a great choice for those with busy lifestyles.
Wintercreeper: A Wintercreeper works well as ground cover, a bush, or vine, and is an easy to maintain evergreen. It does well in full sun or partial shade, and its bright green foliage adds a cheerful touch to any garden.
Yew: Yew is an evergreen shrub that has glossy dark green leaves and works well as an accent plant. The green foliage requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape.
Here are a few more hedges to consider when you’re looking for hearty, easy to maintain evergreen plants:
- Inkberry Holly
- Needlepoint holly
- Mountain Laurel
- Korean Boxwood
These are just a few of the many evergreen shrubs available for your garden.
Whether you decide to plant one or several of these low maintenance shrubs, they can all help create an attractive landscape that requires much less work than traditional gardening.
Care & Maintenance
Caring for these evergreens is fairly straightforward. Regular pruning and maintenance will help them stay healthy and maintain their desired shape. It’s also important to fertilize the plants each season with an appropriate fertilizer so they can thrive in your climate.
Additionally, keep an eye out for pests such as beetles or mites, which may harm the growth of your shrubs. If you notice any signs of pests, consult with a local nursery or gardening expert for advice on how to safely treat the issue.
Late winter or early spring is the best time for pruning, as it allows the shrubs to recover before entering the growing season. Make sure to remove any dead or diseased branches and trim back any overgrown foliage.
With proper care and maintenance, these plants can be an attractive addition to your yard that require minimal effort. Don’t be afraid to give them a try, so you can enjoy their beauty for years to come!
More Ideas for Easy Yard Care
If you love having a beautiful yard, but also have other things you like to spend your time and energy on, search the entire library of low maintenance landscaping tips:
- Best Low-Maintenance Bushes for Your Oudoor Landscape
- Evergreen Low Maintenance Plants
- Fast Growing Low Maintenance Hedge Plants
- Low Maintenance Evergreen Climbing Plants
- Low Maintenance Evergreen Plants for Pots
- Low Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs
- Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas
- Low Maintenance Perennials
- Low Maintenance Trees
- Must-Have Low Maintenance Shade Plants