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Evergreen red trees


10 trees with red leaves for stunning garden color

Adding one or two trees with red leaves to your plot is a wonderful way to introduce beautiful structure, ornamental detail and vibrant color to your plot. 

Planting a tree in your garden is a rewarding thing to do and a sustainable way to make a positive impact on the environment. If you want your tree to have standout factor pick one with red foliage, and its bold and beautiful good looks will certainly get noticed.

The beautiful reds, yellows and oranges that light up our gardens in fall are stunning but it's perhaps the gorgeous varied tints of red that make their mark most. There are a range of different trees with red leaves to choose from, with all shapes and sizes on offer so even if your outdoor space is small there are still plenty of options that will work.

A splash of red foliage can lift grey days and make everything better. So whether you're looking for something more vibrant to work alongside our pick of the best evergreen trees or you simply want to inject a little wow factor into your plot, there are plenty of trees with red leaves to choose from.

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Add bold color with our favorite trees with red leaves

If you want to add a tree with red leaves for a burst of color in the autumn and winter garden, pick from our selection of 10 of the best trees with stunning foliage. 

1. Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ (Japanese maple)

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This small deciduous tree has a naturally rounded shape and layered branching structure. The leaves are unusual because they're purple in spring rather than green, then in summer the foliage starts to change color, becoming scarlet by autumn as the seasons shift.

Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ is one of the easiest trees to grow for fall color. It suits gardens of all sizes and even grows well in containers. 

In general Japanese maples are easy to maintain, with the tallest reaching a maximum of 26ft (8m), while this particular one reaches a height of around 13ft (4m). While each variety of acer differs in size and colour, they all share a similar fiery color palette so it's worth finding out how to grow acers for guaranteed year round interest in your plot.

This elegant ornamental tree is a sun lover that does best planted in a sheltered position with well-drained soil but can easily thrive and adapt to most conditions. They are also easy to propagate because they have shallow roots. In terms of trees with red leaves, you can't beat acers.

2. Cotinus ‘Grace’ (smokebush)

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Cotinus 'Grace' is a colorful shrub with red-burgundy leaves and clusters of pink-purple flowers. The frothy flowers cover the plant in June and is said to give the appearance of smoke surrounding the plant, giving rise to its common name of smokebush. 

As the seasons shift, the foliage color of this tree also changes. During spring, the foliage looks light red and eventually darkens throughout the summer until fall when the deciduous oval leaves turn brighter shades of scarlet red and orange for a stunning display. 

It should be cultivated in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or will work in part shade if you're looking for the best trees for shade.  

Cotinus is reasonably drought tolerant and can cope with some exposure to wind. Expect it to grow to an eventual height of 16ft (5m).

3. Photinia ‘Red Robin’ 

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This beautiful tree is highly sought after for its striking evergreen foliage, making it one of the best trees for privacy. It produces vibrant red new foliage in spring that contrasts beautifully with the existing glossy green leaves. In addition, ‘Red Robin’ has attractive ivory white flowers in April-May, making it a great tree for adding interest to the garden whatever the season.

The best evergreen shrubs add year round interest to the garden and photinia ticks all the boxes. It's easy to look after and will grow well in partial shade or full sun if you give it well-drained soil. The sunnier the position, the more intense shade of red the leaves will be. In early spring give it a boost by layering on well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant.

Requiring little pruning, it’s easy to control if you wish to keep it looking shapely and it’s also a popular tree for topiary. Reaches an eventual hight of 13ft (4m).

4. Katsura

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One of the most spectacular trees for fall color, the Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) has copper-toned foliage that transforms into a blaze of yellow, pink and scarlet in autumn. The fiery tones are complemented by the delicious sweet caramel fragrance of the leaves. It’s sometimes called the caramel tree or the candyfloss tree because of this.

The Katsura is native to China and Japan where it can grow to an incredible 147ft (45m), making it one of the largest deciduous trees in Asia. But elsewhere it generally grows to around 20ft (6m) over a 20-year period.

The new heart-shaped leaves that emerge in spring are supplemented by pretty flowers. With an elegant structure, the Katsura tree will grow on most soils, with acidic soil producing the most vibrant displays of color. It prefers sun or light shade in a slightly sheltered position to protect from late frosts.

5. Japanese rowan

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If you want one of the best trees with red leaves, you'd be wise to consider this one. Widely regarded as one of the best rowans for autumn color, Japanese rowan (Sorbus commixta) has pinnate green leaves that fade to vivid red and orange, together with large clusters of red berries. 

It's also one of the top trees with berries, making it popular with garden birds throughout winter. The white flowers that appear in May are popular with bees and other pollinating insects too.

Slow growing and with a small erect form, it’s perfect for small gardens and other limited spaces as it will only grow to around 20ft (6m) in a 20-year period. 

It’s also a tough type of rowan that will be fine in an exposed position and thrives in both full or part sun. It will grow in most soils, although it is happiest with slightly acidic conditions.

6. Malus purpurea ‘Crimson Cascade’ (purple weeping crab apple tree)

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With its striking colors and compact size, weeping Malus purpurea ‘Crimson Cascade’ is one of the best trees for small gardens. The long whippy branches cascade down almost to the ground to create a stunning focal point.

In spring the blossom is dusky pink and emerges with pretty purple foliage, so it's worth considering this variety if you're a fan of flowering trees. The leaves then turn bronze-green in summer and fall, with deep red-purple crab apples developing to add ornamental value.

Plant ‘Crimson Cascade’ in full or partial sun and it will grow well in most conditions except wet soil. Expect it to grow to a height of 14.5 ft (4.5m) in 20 years.

7. Acer palmatum ‘Cascade’ 

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A fairly new variety of Japanese maple grown for its elegant and delicately arching branches, the tree Acer palmatum ‘Cascade’ is a good all-rounder that offers interest from spring through to fall.  

New foliage appears on red-orange stems in spring and glows coppery red. As the leaves mature through summer they fade to green then burst into vibrant shades of red and orange on bright red stems in autumn. 

With an eventual height of 9.5ft (3m), 'Cascade' is perfect for small gardens too. To get the best from your new tree plant it in a moist yet well-drained sheltered site in full sun to partial shade. Acers are also one of the best trees to grow in pots, so can be a good option if you only have a small patio or courtyard for your outside space. 

What's more, acers are a regular feature of Japanese garden ideas so are the perfect choice if you like the idea of adding a touch of Zen to your garden.

8. Chinese tupelo (Nyssa sinensis)

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This graceful tree with arching branches puts on a stunning leaf show in autumn. Native to China and Vietnam, Nyssa sinensis is a small deciduous tree, with long oval leaves that turn brilliant red, orange and yellow in fall.

It grows best in a sheltered, undisturbed site that’s sunny and partially shaded in moist well-drained soil, but will flourish in almost any location in the garden if it has enough room to flourish and reaches an ultimate height of 32ft (10m).

It’s one of the best low maintenance trees too as it naturally forms an attractive shape and generally doesn’t need pruning. 

9. Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy’

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Don't be confused - this is a tree with red leaves not the popular flower. The forest pansy is a small tree renowned for its dramatic foliage. It’s interesting in that its leaves start off red in spring rather than turning red in autumn.

When the heart-shaped leaves unfurl they are a glossy, vibrant ruby red which darkens to a rich purple-plum shade in summer. In fall they turn striking shades of orange, red, yellow and purple. This constantly shifting color palette is one of the things we love about this tree.

For best results grow in full sun or partial shade, in a south- or west-facing aspect. Most well-drained soils will be suitable. For the best leaf color, plant in an open, sunny position. You can expect an eventual size of around 16.5ft (5m) over a period of 20 years.

10. Cornus kousa 

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Beautiful and ornamental, in addition to the dark red autumn color this tree has creamy white flowers and dusky pink fruits for a long season of interest. It will thrive in most soils except those that are shallow and chalky. 

A more unusual option, the compact Japanese dogwood is particularly prized for its dazzling purple-red deciduous foliage in autumn. 

As it matures it forms a small multi-stemmed tree that makes an elegant focal point in the garden, and particularly suits small gardens as it only grows to a height of 16.5ft (5m).

What tree has dark red leaves?

If you like the idea of dark red leaves acers are a good choice. They come in a range of plummy shades from deep crimson to colors so dark they're almost purple.

Here are some of our top picks for acer trees with dark red leaves:

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' in autumn

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What kind of tree has red leaves all year long?

Acers are reliably at the top of everyone's list when it comes to the best trees with red leaves all year round. 

Other types of trees with a constant show of red leaves include Cercis canadensis ‘Forest pansy’ and Cotinus 'Grace'.

The flowering cherry Prunus serrulata ‘Royal Burgundy' has purplish, reddish foliage, while some types of crab apples and plum trees have purple-red leaves too.

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What kind of tree has red leaves in spring?

The forest pansy (Cercis canadensis) is known for its dramatic foliage. It’s interesting in that its leaves start off red in spring rather than turning red in fall, unlike many other types of trees with red leaves. So if you want red leaves to be a focal point of your spring garden ideas, this tree is perfect!

Evergreen trees for gardens: 10 of the best choices

Finding out about the best evergreen trees for gardens and adding a few to your plot will totally transform your outdoor space year-round, and especially during the desolate winter months. 

As the red and orange leaves fall off deciduous trees, leaving bare, skeletal bones, it is in winter that we come to truly appreciate the beauty of evergreen trees. Bringing life and color to the now sleeping garden, they are a stalwart that see us through winter and provide the backbone of our backyard ideas.

Evergreen trees for gardens

With their thick green leaves that last all year-round, evergreen trees are some of the best trees for privacy in a backyard. Not only do they hide unsightly views and offer a feeling of seclusion in your garden, but they can also reduce sound pollution, helping to create a sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in nature.  

What to consider when choosing evergreen trees for gardens

When selecting the right evergreen tree for your plot, it is vital that you consider the climate in which you live – some trees are evergreen in one climate but deciduous in another. 

You also need to think about the tree's size and the amount of shade it will cast. In the winter, light is limited, so you need to be careful not to cast large shadows over your house, as this will make it colder and can even increase your heating bill – in which case, you might want to research the best trees for a small garden – or the best trees for front yards, which will be naturally more compact.

Before you start searching, select the spot for your new tree as this will inform the size and growth rate that you require. Think about where it will cast its shadows and how it will look when fully grown. 

It is also key to consider your soil type and the light levels of your spot – picking a tree that is well-suited to both of these conditions will help it to thrive. You might also want to learn how to plant a tree so that you can give your evergreen tree the best start.

Having worked out these parameters, you are then ready to find the best evergreen tree for your garden. 

1. Magnolia grandiflora

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Magnolias are one of the prettiest evergreen plants for gardens. With verdant green leaves and their fragrant citrusy flowers blooming in the spring, magnolia trees make a statement in every season. 

However, many magnolia trees are deciduous, so if you're looking for evergreen trees for gardens, be sure to select the Magnolia grandiflora variety. Native to the South Atlantic states, they are a highly adaptable tree and grow in a wide variety of soils, though they thrive best in moist but well-drained, mildly acidic soils.  

'Magnolia grandiflora is a large plant with an average height and width of 30-45 feet. The broad leaves are glossy green and held at a 45 degree angle from the stems. In spring, it bears white to pink blooms that add to the appeal of its landscape value,' explains Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield . 

2. Fraser’s Photinia (Photinia x fraseri)

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A fast growing tree, Fraser’s Photinia can grow up to 3ft per year making them one of the best trees for privacy and screening in a backyard. Thriving best in full sun and hardy in zones 7 to 9, they offer a profusion of color all year round. Their new foliage emerges bright red, adding a firey hue to the rich green of the older leaves, and then explodes in white blooms come the spring. 

Taking around 12 years to grow to full size, they are an extremely versatile addition to the garden, and can be grown as a shrub, hedge or standard tree. They can even be espaliered against a wall for added architectural interest. If you do clip them into a standard shape, as above, it makes them a great choice if you are planning on landscaping around trees in your backyard.

3. Holly trees 

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There are two main types of evergreen holly that are popular throughout the US. The first are the English hollies, which are the typical festive holly tree, recognizable by its slightly curled spiky leaves. Variegated English holly trees have dark leaves with white edges creating an interesting and unusual addition to the garden. Their thick canopy but smaller size, usually around 25ft, makes them ideal evergreen trees for gardens.

American holly trees are very similar though there are some key differences. These trees are larger, growing to around 60ft, and have a lighter leaf color and subtly different berries. 

With both of these holly trees, if you want to produce berries – which are great for feeding birds in winter – then be sure you have 'one male for every one to five females for fruit to form,' advises garden expert and arborist Melinda Myers .

For best results, Melinda advises that you plant in moist acidic soil and select a variety that is suited to your growing conditions, 'for easy care and best results, shelter from drying winter winds.'

4. Juniper 

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Best known as the key ingredient in gin, juniper trees are actually a worthwhile addition to the garden in their own right. A type of conifer, they are praised for their versatility and hardy in zones 3 through to 9. 

'Junipers come in various colors and can grow in soils that are difficult to grow other plants. With all of the different varieties available, you’ll easily be able to find one that fits in with your garden. Most junipers do best in full sun, though a few like the shade in the late afternoon,' recommends Emilly Barbosa Fernandes, small space gardener at House Grail .

Junipers also suit a variety of different styles, the tree can be pruned into a neat triangular shape, or can be left to grow more naturally for a more rustic appearance.  

5. Hemlock (Tsuga)

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Hemlock is a type of evergreen fir tree praised for its versatility. There is a variety to suit almost all conditions throughout the US, from the Canadian Hemlock which thrives from zones 3 to 8; to the Western Hemlock which grows in zones 6 to 8 and will even grow in the densest shade. Plus, there are the Eastern and Caroline hemlocks which are also great evergreen trees for gardens.

Loved for their pyramidal shape, dark, evergreen needles and decorative cones, they are a popular evergreen tree for backyards. 

'More shade tolerant than most evergreens, they need protection from drying winter winds and sun. Therefore it is important to plant in an appropriate location with adequate moisture, good drainage and cool acidic soil,' advises gardening expert and arborist Melinda Myers.

6. Scarlet Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)

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Characterized by deep red berries, thorny stems and dense foliage, Pyracantha coccineas offer a host of benefits to the garden. Their berries are loved by birds, and the vivid red of them makes them one of the best trees for autumn color. The thorny foliage offers a safe space for our feathered friends to nest during the spring and summer, too. 

Growing up to 10 feet tall and offering a host of sharp stems and thick foliage, Pyracantha coccineas can be grown to increase the security and privacy of your home and garden. What's more, Pyracantha coccinea is one of the most durable evergreen trees for gardens making it perfect for those who are less confident in gardening. They grow well in both full and partial sun and can thrive in almost all soil types including chalk, clay, loam and sand.

7.  Shore Pine (Pinus contorta 'Chief Joseph')

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Pines are one of the most popular evergreen trees for gardens, however, Shore Pines offer something a little different. Unlike their larger relatives, Shore Pines are fairly petite with a slow growth rate. This makes them great evergreen trees for gardens that are on the smaller side – they can even be grown in a pot.  

However, what makes these evergreen trees really special is their color. Throughout summer and fall, the leaves are not particularly noteworthy, though they do offer a rich green backdrop for other plantings, but come the winter and spring, they are transformed into a captivating golden hue that brightens even the darkest plot. Consider pairing with hellebores for a beautiful winter border.

8. Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)

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A rather understated choice, strawberry trees are amongst the best evergreen trees for gardens due to their unusual character. With peeling bark, evergreen foliage, and small white flowers blooming from October to December, they brighten up the darkest fall and winter days. The strawberry tree's slow growth rate also makes it one of the best trees to grow in small gardens.

Following flowering, they produce bright red fruit – the same color as strawberries – though different in shape and flavor. 

'The scarlet red fruits only fully ripen in the following year, as a new set of flowers emerge,' explains Sue Sanderson, horticultural executive at Thompson & Morgan . While the berries can be eaten off the tree, they are best preserved in jams, liqueurs and syrups. 

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9. Giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata)

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Giant arborvitae also known as Thuja plicata is one of the easiest evergreen trees to introduce to your backyard. Native to western North America, the giant arborvitae is relatively hardy, 'it grows well in zones 5-9 and does exceptionally in zones 6 to 8,' says Tammy Sons garden expert and CEO at Online Plant Nursery .

When it comes to finding a spot for your Giant arborvitae, it is vital to consider the plants needs. 'It prefers full sun though will tolerate light shade and fertile, moist well-drained soil. However, it is somewhat tolerant of heat of dry conditions once established,' advises Melinda Myers.

As a quick growing tree you will either need to factor in a large amount of growing space or you can use it for topiary. Giant arborvitae are one of the best evergreen trees for topiary and will create a beautiful focal point in your garden. Simply prune to shape in the spring, and then prune to maintain come the fall.

10. Olive tree

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With their Mediterranean heritage, you would assume that humble olive trees are deciduous. However, they are one of the best evergreen trees for gardens for zones 8 to 10.  Though they are hardy down to around 10°F, though anything below 45°F  will inhibit their fruit production. As a result, they are one of the best trees to grow in pots, as you can move them into a greenhouse for the coldest winter spells. 

When purchasing an olive tree, Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS, stresses the importance of buying from a reputable supplier that gets stock from areas free of the notifiable disease, Xylella; 'so long as you purchase from a reputable supplier, olives are generally free of pests and diseases'.

Despite being evergreen trees, Guy explains that you shouldn't be surprised if many leaves fall in April, 'this is natural turnover of older leaves to make way for new ones'.

What is the most beautiful evergreen tree?

Magnolia grandiflora is the most beautiful evergreen tree. Erupting in a profusion of blooms in the spring adding beauty and scent, these trees are at their best at the start of spring, heralding the warmer days ahead. However, for the rest of the year, they are elegant additions to  gardens as their broad, glossy leaves offer year-round interest and brings continual life, even in the dead of winter. 

What is the best evergreen tree for a small garden?

Holly is the best evergreen tree for a small garden as it offers vibrant leaf color, visual interest and a great source of food for visiting wildlife, all the while maintaining a small stature. 

While there are some larger varieties, there are also plenty of smaller options, like the Chinese dwarf holly, that are slow-growing. If your garden is particularly small, consider growing evergreen trees in pots as this will help you to keep control of their size. 

Flowering shrubs for the garden and birds

Shrubs are used by gardeners to add structure and color to the garden and create hedges.

A shrub is a small tree, but the term is used more for a woody plant that has a mass of branches from the base instead of a single trunk. Some trees can be grown as shrubs, especially in hedges if pruned. The dense branches provide birds with a nesting and roosting area.

Blackthorn plum

Prunus spinosa

Small deciduous shrub or tree, with many small white flowers in May before the leaves appear. The round, shiny berry - the blackthorn - remains on the tree throughout the winter, and is loved by many birds. The dense foliage provides a nesting site.

Height - 4 m Crown width - 3 m

Cultivation. Prefers full sun and soil that is neither waterlogged nor too acidic. Trim in late fall when the nesting season is over.

Species. The sloe has many hybrids. In Russia, apricot thorn and fragrant thorn are often found.

Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster microphyllus

They are deciduous and evergreen shrubs with stiff, often hanging branches. The small, dark green leaves make for dense cover, and the red berries are popular with many birds.

Height - 1 m Crown width - 2 m

Cultivation. Prefers dry places in full sun or partial shade. Good for seaside locations.

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna

A small deciduous tree with thorny branches often used as a hedge. Dark red berries are eaten by many birds (thrushes, waxwings, bullfinches)

Height - 10 m Crown width - 8 m

Cultivation. Prefers full sun but grows in shade, even in polluted areas.

Species. Common hawthorn is a large shrub with abundant fruiting of berries.

Pyracantha Pyracantha coccinea

Dense thorny evergreen shrub that can be grown as a hedge or along a wall. Scarlet berries are eaten by some birds.

Height - 2 m Crown width - 2 m

Cultivation. Pyracanthus can be planted in a mild climate, for example, in the Black Sea region. Prefers sun or partial shade and grows in any well-drained soil. Guide the growth of the plant along the wall with a trellis or wire.

Species. Pyracantha hybrid with mass of yellow berries; pyracantha angustifolia grows along walls facing north.

Irga Lamarka Amelanchier lamarckii

Deciduous shrub or small tree, in autumn its foliage changes color from dark green or bronze to red and orange. Berries are popular with birds.

Height - 6 m Crown width - 3 m

Cultivation. Winter-hardy and drought-resistant. Needs full sun or partial shade and prefers moist to well-drained, fairly acidic soil. Trim in late fall to maintain shape.

Species. Tree shadberry, smooth shadberry and Canadian shadberry are similar species that are often confused with lamarck shadberry.

Black elderberry Sambucus nigra

Deciduous shrub or small tree. Purple-black berries are loved by birds, including thrushes, warblers. It grows relentlessly.

Height - 4 m Crown width - 4 m

Cultivation. Needs a sunny location and moist, well-drained soil. Cut off old shoots in winter.

Species. Aurea black elder is smaller and less prolific than native species; has attractive golden foliage, very winter-hardy.

Berry yew Taxus baccata

Evergreen shrub with dense foliage, often used for green hedges. Its fruits are bright red juicy berries, each contains a single seed. They ripen from the end of August, they are loved by many birds, including finches, starlings and waxwings. All parts of the yew are poisonous to humans.

Height - 15 m Crown width - 10 m

Cultivation. Grows nearly anywhere in full sun and shade and tolerates drought and polluted air. It is not recommended to plant yews in gardens where children are likely to be present.

Species. Dovastonia Aurea yew grows up to 5 m; Yew Far East - dwarf species, frost-resistant.

Wolf's bark Daphne mezereum

Small deciduous shrub with fragrant pink flowers. Rounded yellow fruits are eaten by many birds, and black-headed warblers drink nectar. Berries are poisonous.

Height - 1 m Crown width - 1 m

Cultivation. Grows in moderately fertilized, well-drained soil in full sun. Frost-resistant, but does not tolerate drought well. Mulch the ground regularly. It is not recommended to plant a wolf's bast in gardens where the presence of children is likely.

Species. Wolfberry Alba has white flowers and translucent amber fruits.

Common hazel Corylus avellana

Deciduous shrub with yellow male catkins in February. The nuts are eaten by many birds, including nuthatches.

Height - 6 m Crown width - 6 m

Cultivation. Prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soils. Nuts appear after 7 years.

Species. Hazel Contort with twisted branches.

Privet Ligustrum vulgare

Fast growing deciduous shrub ideal for hedges. The small, white, fragrant flowers attract insects, and the black berries are eaten by many birds.

Height - 5 m Crown width - 3 m

Cultivation. Prefers well-drained calcareous soils and full sun. Heavy pruning improves its value as a nest cover.

Species. Japanese privet and golden are suitable for decorative hedges.

Viburnum opulus Viburnum opulus

A deciduous shrub or small tree that produces clusters of white flowers in spring. Scarlet fruit eaten by many birds, including waxwings, jays, and bramblings.

Height - 4 m Crown width - 4 m

Cultivation. Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.

Species. Viburnum pride is suitable for gardens and grows well on calcareous soil. Viburnum vulgaris Compactum is a slow growing and dense shrub.

Blackcurrant Ribes nigrum

Deciduous shrub cultivated for its soft fruits. Small black berries that ripen in July are loved by many birds.

Height - 2 m Crown width - 2 m

Cultivation. Grows in moderately fertilized soil in full sun. Can be trained to grow up the wall. After picking the berries, cut off the old stems.

Species. Red currants and gooseberries are close relatives, also grown for their berries.

Blood red dogwood Cornus sanguinea

Thanks to its red twigs, this deciduous shrub or small tree makes the garden colorful in autumn and winter. Small black berries are popular with some birds.

Height - 4 m Width - 3 m

Cultivation. Grows in fertile calcareous soils and needs a sunny spot to develop red stems. Grows easily from side shoots.

Species. Canadian irga grows on acidic soils.

Holly magnolia Mahonia aquifolium

Evergreen shrub with yellow fragrant flowers, on which insects collect nectar and pollen. Black and blue berries are eaten by many birds.

Cultivation. Prefers some shading. In April, cut off the old stems. Frost-resistant and resistant to air pollution.

Common barberry Berberis vulgaris

Evergreen shrub with spreading branches and sharp spines, suitable for green hedges. The orange-red berries are eaten by many birds.

Height - 4 m Crown width - 4 m

Cultivation. Grows in full sun or partial shade and in almost any well-drained soil.

Species. Darivin's ever-flowering barberry is attractive to birds; Korean barberry is suitable for small gardens.

Euonymus europaeus Euonymus europaeus

A deciduous shrub or tree grown for its autumn leaf color and brightly colored berry-like seed pods that are eaten by birds, including finches. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Height - 6 m Crown width - 2 m

Cultivation. Grows in full sun or partial shade and prefers calcareous soils. Winter hardy, drought tolerant. Life expectancy is high - up to 62 years.

Species. Fortuna euonymus creeping plant, good hiding place for birds; evergreen Japanese eucalyptus - well withstands air pollution.

types of coniferous, deciduous trees and shrubs in garden landscape design

Evergreens are very popular in garden decoration. Gardeners get the opportunity to create an atmosphere of comfort on their site at any time of the year. Evergreen trees and shrubs create a pleasant partial shade in summer and serve as a backdrop for flowering plants. In late autumn they add variety to the dull gray landscape, and in winter they look very decorative against the backdrop of white snow.

Evergreen species

The range of evergreens is very diverse. There are not only well-known conifers, but also deciduous shrubs with powerful and beautiful flowering. Diverse in height, size, growth rate, evergreens are suitable not only for large areas. Low-growing and miniature varieties do not take up much space and are very popular with owners of small plots.

Conifers

Conifers were once used exclusively for planting on city streets, but now they are often found in home gardens. Many gardeners have become true fans of these plants. The most common varieties of evergreen conifers:

  1. Spruce. An evergreen tree with hard needles, resistant to severe frosts, tolerates shading. Can grow on any soil, easily tolerates waterlogging. In garden design, medium-sized varieties are most often used, which are planted in mixborders, hedges. Dwarf spruces are located in alpine hills, used in indoor floriculture.
  2. Cypress. Spectacular tree with original needles, giving the yew a special decorative effect. There are species with a pyramidal and curved crown. The monumental form of cypress has found application in the design of alleys on the territory of sanatoriums and recreation centers. Dwarf varieties of cypress are common in indoor floriculture.
  3. Fir. The tree has a dense, cone-shaped crown, long, curved, bright green needles and beautiful purple buds. The tree is moisture-loving and in the dry period it needs abundant watering. In addition to the usual varieties, fir has miniature forms that take root perfectly in a small area and can withstand shading. Fir is planted in hedges, group compositions, paths, alleys are decorated.
  4. Boxwood. A small tree (10−12 m) with small dense leaves. In the axils of the leaves are small white flowers, collected in the form of a spikelet. The shiny foliage of boxwood is very decorative. The tree is planted in parks to frame roads, and various bizarre shapes are given to boxwood by shearing. The tree grows slowly, retains its shape for a long time.
  5. Tis. An unpretentious tree with dark green needles and bright red berries. The most shade-tolerant tree among conifers. Yew does not have a specific smell of needles. Planted as a background in rock gardens, used in topiary compositions. The poisonous plant is used in classical homeopathy.
  6. Thuja. A plant with a rich color palette of needles (blue, yellow, green). This allows you to pick it up for any landscape composition. Thuja is photophilous, not all species are resistant to frost. It tolerates a haircut well, it is often planted along alleys and in hedges.

In group plantings with the participation of conifers, it must be taken into account that their roots grow strongly and in the future these trees may occupy a rather large area.

Deciduous trees and shrubs

These plants come from tropical and subtropical countries, many of them are very thermophilic. Popular evergreen hardwoods:

  1. Heather. Low shrub (up to 70 cm) with a dark brown crown. The fruit is a capsule 2.5 cm long. Through the efforts of breeders, varieties with silvery, golden foliage and double white flowers were bred. Honey plant. Heather is widely used to create landscape compositions with ferns and low-growing deciduous trees. Looks beautiful in decorative boxes or flowerpots.
  2. Evergreen honeysuckle. Climbing plant with elliptical or oval dark green leaves. The flowers are large, red or orange, growing in groups. Does not like heavy, damp soil; in winter it can freeze. Like all climbing plants, honeysuckle is used for vertical gardening of walls, balconies, arbors.
  3. Callistemon. A low shrub with remarkable "brush" flowers, which are collected in cylindrical inflorescences up to 12 cm long. A light-loving plant, the buds may not open and die from a lack of sunlight. The bush blooms for 3-4 years, but its beauty justifies such long expectations.
  4. Camellia. An evergreen shrub, striking in its beauty, can become an ornament to any site. Dark green foliage is decorative at any time of the year. Luxurious camellia flowers resemble roses. There are 8 varieties of camellia. Flowers are white, pink, red, single or double. The shrub grows quickly, is able to turn the garden into an attractive flowering area in a short time.
  5. Evergreen laurel. A low tree with beautiful fragrant leaves covered with a dense, shiny skin. All parts of the plant contain essential oils, have a pleasant spicy smell. Laurel flowers are small and inconspicuous. The fruits are like berries, with a stone inside. Since ancient times, laurel leaves have been added to dishes as a fragrant seasoning.
  6. Holly mahonia. The diverse color palette of mahonia leaves was the reason for the popularity of the plant among gardeners. In spring, the leaves have a reddish tint, then it changes to dark green. By autumn, mahonia becomes golden-bronze. A low-growing shrub is planted in rock gardens, hedges, lawn and group compositions.

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