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Ornamental dwarf evergreen trees


15 Exceptional Choices for the Yard and Garden

If you’re looking for evergreen trees that stay naturally short-statured, have no maintenance requirements beyond watering, and stay green all winter long, you’ve come to the right place! While finding all of these traits in a single tree might seem too good to be true, it isn’t. In fact, there are lots of dwarf evergreen trees that offer all of these benefits and more to small-space gardeners. They’re also great choices for anyone who doesn’t want to spend their weekends pruning overgrown plants. Before I introduce you to 15 of my favorite small evergreen trees, let’s take a look at some of the perks these plants provide.

Why plant small evergreen trees?

There are many benefits of planting small evergreen trees in your yard and garden.

Dwarf evergreen trees, like this compact blue spruce, offer so much to the landscape.

Top 15 dwarf evergreen trees for small gardens

While there are hundreds of compact evergreens for small gardens, these 15 are exceptional varieties I’ve personally worked with. As a horticulturist, I see lots of evergreen trees and shrubs worth growing. But, those on this list are among the finest small-statured varieties available to home gardeners.

1. The Blues Weeping Colorado Spruce (Picea pungens ‘The Blues’): This amazing and extremely hardy variety of weeping blue spruce is a total show-stopper. Though it’s fast growing, it tops out at just 10 feet in height with a width between 5 and 10 feet. The blue-green needles are thickly packed on downward hanging branches. Hardy down to -50 degrees F, ‘The Blues’ is among the most deer resistant of the dwarf evergreen trees. It thrives in full sun conditions but will also tolerate some shade.

The weeping habit of ‘The Blues’ adds an extra layer of interest to the garden.

2. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa):  A compact, extremely slow-growing, soft-needled evergreen with a somewhat pyramidal form, Hinoki cypress have fan-shaped foliage that’s lush and dark green. It gives the plant an almost feathery texture. Winter hardy down to -30 degrees F, Hinoki cypress are 10 to 12  feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide when twenty years old. This evergreen requires full to partial sun and well-drained soils. If you’d like an even smaller version of this plant that tops out at just 5 feet tall, look for the cultivar ‘Nana Gracilis’

This Hinoki cypress has been pruned into a three-balled topiary, but its natural form is gorgeous, too.

3. Blue Wonder Blue Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Blue Wonder’):  This sweet little spruce is winter hardy down to -40 degrees F. It has beautiful blue-gray foliage and a lovely compact form. This dwarf evergreen is an excellent alternative to dwarf Alberta spruce and it looks great in winter container plantings, too. Slowly reaching 6 feet in height, ‘Blue Wonder’ is only 3 feet wide at maturity and has a naturally dense conical form.

4. Dwarf Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea ‘Nana’):  A squat, rounded fir with lush needles, this compact plant deserves a place on every list of dwarf evergreen trees. Hardy to -40 degrees F, the slow growth rate of this variety makes it great for folks who don’t have the time or inclination to regularly prune their shrubs. Like other balsam firs, this compact selection has dark green needles and densely packed branches. It reaches 5 to 6 feet wide after many years of growth.

5. Chalet Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra ‘Chalet’):  Swiss Stone pines have long been a favorite of mine, and this dwarf variety is no different. When it comes to dwarf evergreen trees, ‘Chalet’ has so much to offer! Slow growing with a beautiful form, this small evergreen tree is columnar in shape and densely branched. The needles are long and blue-green, lending a soft look to this compact evergreen. With a hardiness down to -40 degrees F, ‘Chalet’ is an exceptional choice that reaches just 8 feet in height with a width of 4 feet.

No matter what their variety, Swiss Stone pines are among the finest dwarf evergreen trees on the market.

6. Tip Top Dwarf Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra ‘Tip Top’):  So, just to prove I wasn’t kidding about loving Swiss Stone pines, here’s another variety of these dwarf evergreen trees worth planting in small gardens. ‘Tip Top’ is extremely hardy (-40 degrees F) and downright adorable. In 10 years it reaches just 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The white undersides of the needles, combined with their long form and soft feel, make this evergreen look like a shaggy green Muppet. Its growth habit is narrow and conical, and like all of the other dwarf evergreen trees on this list, ‘Tip Top’ requires zero pruning to maintain its small stature.

7. Dwarf Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika ‘Nana’):  The dense growth of this compact evergreen tree makes it a super choice for small garden beds and foundation plantings. Like other Serbian spruces, this dwarf form has green needles with white striping on the undersides, giving the tree a soft appearance. Slow-growing and reaching a maximum height of just 3 to 5 feet with an equal width, dwarf Serbian spruce thrives in garden zones with winter temperatures down to -30 degrees F. Loosely pyramidal in form with no pruning required.

Dwarf Serbian spruce does not grow large, and it’s a great small evergreen for a small yard.

8. Green Spire Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus ‘Green Spire’):  Winter hardy down to -10 degrees, ‘Green Spire’ euonymus is well behaved, giving it a more formal appearance than some other options. The glossy, green foliage is perfect for creating a narrow hedge or screen. Maxing out at 6 to 8 feet in height with a spread of just 1 to 2 feet, this naturally narrow shrub is a fast grower, too.

9. Green Arrow Weeping Alaska Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootakatensis ‘Green Arrow’):  Tall and narrow, ‘Green Arrow’ is one of the finest narrow evergreen trees for small yards and gardens. Of all the weeping Alaska cedars, ‘Green Arrow’ offers the most slender girth. Topping out at 20 feet in height and 1 foot wide, you might not consider it dwarf, but it’s super small footprint makes it great for even the tiniest of backyards. The weeping branches have soft foliage with a fan-like appearance. Winter hardy down to -20 degrees F, ‘Green Arrow’ makes a phenomenal addition to the garden.

The tall but narrow appearance of ‘Green Arrow’ weeping Alaska cedar is a show stopper, and it’s suited to even the smallest garden.

10. Green Penguin Dwarf Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris ‘Green Penguin‘):  A chunky, yet tidy dwarf evergreen, once you see ‘Green Penguin’ you’ll realize how it got its name. With new growth that’s feathery and older growth that’s long-needled, this dwarf scotch pine is very unique. It has a thick, pyramidal form that never has you reaching for your pruning shears, and ‘Green Penguin’ is hardy to -40 degrees F. Maximum height is 6 feet with a width equal to half its height.

11. Dwarf Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii ‘Kotobuki’):  Fully winter hardy to -20 degrees F, this needled evergreen reaches just 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The upright candles of new growth in the spring, coupled with its narrow growth habit, make ‘Kotobuki’ an excellent choice for containers and small gardens. Slow growing, with a dense structure, this deer-resistant evergreen has needles that are about half the length of regular Japanese black pines.

Japanese black pines are lovely trees, and the compact variety ‘Kotobuki’ is a prime choice for smaller landscapes.

12. Dwarf Pencil Point Juniper (Juniperus communis ‘Compressa’):  Evergreen and columnar in form, dwarf pencil point juniper is both unique and slow growing. With an average height of 5 feet and a width of just 1 foot, this sun-loving evergreen has blue-green needles. Female plants may produce blue “berries” in the fall as well. Its tapered form means it’s a great “exclamation point” accent plant for smaller landscapes. Winter hardy to -40 degrees F.

13. North Star Dwarf White Spruce (Picea glauca ‘North Star’):  Extremely hardy, this compact evergreen tree is pyramidal in shape and covered with green needles. Deer-resistant and hardy to -50 degrees F, ‘North Star’ tops out at 5 to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It prefers full to partial sun and requires little to no pruning to maintain a neat-and-tidy shape. Easy to grow and tolerant of all but the wettest soils, ‘North Star’ is among the finest dwarf evergreen trees available.

‘North Star’ white spruce is a densely branched, beautiful compact evergreen.

14. Upright Japanese Plum Yew (Cephaloxatus harringtoniia ‘Fastigiata’):  This broad-needled evergreen is hardy to -10 degrees F. Its upright, slender growth habit maxes out at 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Though it’s non-flowering, Japanese plum yews have dark green needles that are densely spaced on bottlebrush-like, upright branches. Each needle is about 2 inches long. It thrives in full to partial sun, but prefers afternoon shade in hot southern regions during the summer months.

The upright branches of the Japanese plum yew mean it doesn’t take up much room in the garden.

15. Little Gem Dwarf Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’):  Like its full-sized kin, this compact southern magnolia is lush and attractive. The leaves are just as dark green and glossy as traditional southern magnolias, but they’re smaller in size. Large, white, perfumed flowers cover this columnar dwarf evergreen tree in late spring through summer. A second bloom may occur again in the fall in cooler climates. While at a mature height of 20 feet tall, ‘Little Gem’ certainly isn’t as petite as some of the other trees featured here. But, it is significantly smaller than a standard southern magnolia and is one of the finest dwarf evergreen trees available. Winter hardy down to 0 degrees F.

The ease of maintenance, beauty, and diversity of these dwarf evergreen trees is hard to deny. There’s no doubt making a home for one or more of them in your garden pays big dividends all year long.

For more on using compact plant varieties in your garden, check out the following articles:

What are your favorite compact evergreen trees? We’d love to hear about them in the comment section below.

Dwarf Evergreen Trees | Buy Evergreens Online

Almost our evergreen trees, from towering redwoods to reliable spruce trees, and from the graceful cedars to sturdy pines, all have special relatives that are among the most important garden plants. These are all small versions of their big parents, often with unique forms and foliage in stunning colors. Bred and collected over the years, there are many to choose from, and these versatile little plants can be used for everything from simple low hedges to stunning specimens of beauty and rarity. Dwarf evergreens add year-round interest to our gardens, and it’s hard to imagine gardening without the support of these sturdy little helpers. Whether you use them in the foreground of your regular beds, plant them in a rock garden, make special display beds just for them, or grow them in planters and pots, these fascinating miniature jewels bring grace, elegance and color to your garden – with the bonus of mostly being very easy to grow and largely trouble-free.

These plants are so important in gardens that we have given them their own section on our site, gathered together, where you can come and meet them, instead of searching for them scattered among their larger relatives – which are mostly plants more suitable for big trees, hedges or screening. Let’s see what you can do with these wonderful Dwarf Evergreens and inspire you to create a better garden. Plants in this section won’t be over 5 or 6 feet tall after 10 years, and most will be much smaller.

Using Dwarf Evergreens in Your Garden

As Specimens

When we set up our beds, we want them to play a tune for us. A rhythmic flow of form and color should lead us along them, catching our attention and making us stop to admire one or the other, depending on the season. Dwarf evergreens are always attractive, so you are guaranteed something interesting in your beds on every day of the year. Many change colors, either dramatically or more subtly, as the seasons pass, so there is always something fresh and unique to see.

The forms of Dwarf Evergreens vary enormously, from flat spreaders to pencil-thin upright columns, with everything in between. No matter what kind of accent you want, there will be a plant for that. They can be used alone, or in groups and clusters – either way you will create wonderful looks.

Among Foundation Plants

Considering how prominent the foundation planting is around your home, it is surprising how often we see it planted with the most boring of round, green plants. If you inherit a mature planting around a new home that is like that, you can work miracles with it by adding interesting shapes and colors in the foreground, or between green bushes. Touches of gold, blue or silver will really make it sparkle and draw attention, and you can frame doors and windows elegantly too, with a classy touch.

In Rock Gardens and On Retaining Walls

Dwarf Evergreens have a natural affinity for rock and stone. So, if you have retaining walls, terracing, or a natural rock garden, these plants are perfectly in scale for it, and fit neatly into pockets among the rocks, or along a terrace. Used in this way, perhaps adding tumbling flowers as well, they give more structural form, and with walls and terracing they break up those long vertical lines very effectively, perhaps with something cascading over their edges.

In Xeric Gardens

There is a spreading trend to reduce or eliminate watering in gardens, in response to shortages and environmental concerns. Many (although not all) of the Dwarf Evergreens are very drought resistant, once they are well established, so they fit perfectly into this trend. Many will grow even in poor soil too, so for projects where you want a ‘plant it and forget it’ garden they are often ideal. Make sure you pick tough guys for this, and avoid more delicate, or miniature types, which may need more care than gardens like this have to offer.

In Their Own Display Beds

Some people become entranced and fascinated by Dwarf Evergreens, and find themselves seeking more and more of the rarest and most exciting types. For these collectors – or for anyone who just likes the neat look of these plants – creating a special bed is an ideal way to grow them. In northern zones there are a relatively limited number of plant types available, but fortunately many of the Dwarf Evergreens are very cold resistant, and thrive in zones 3 and 4. You can make a lovely display bed in your yard for them, which will always look colorful, especially in the coldest months, where most of the trees are bare.

Choose a sunny spot, perhaps on a slope if you have one. Sloping ground ensures good drainage. Prepare the bed and plant it with a diverse collection of Dwarf Evergreens. Remember to space them out well and allow enough room for their mature sizes after 10 years at least. You don’t want it to become a crowded mass, where their individual character will be lost. Place some attractive boulders among them, mulch the bed with gravel or broken stone, and you have a display that will look better and better every year, as the plants turn from new arrivals into mature specimens.

The Appearance of Dwarf Evergreens

Among all the groups of plants, it is with Dwarf Evergreens that we see the greatest diversity of forms. Some, often Junipers, are low-growing carpets, just a few inches tall, but covering in time several square feet, or even yards. These are ideal in the front of beds, especially where they can spread unhindered across paving, or flow over the edge of a wall. Others are slender columns, just a few inches wide, but several feet tall. Pick the ones that do this best naturally, as clipping can give a look that is too formal and artificial, as well as needing work.

In between there are a host of shapes. Some are rounded globes, perfect for accents. Others are neat pyramids, and those can be relatively tall, or very short and broad. Then there are weeping plants that can be allowed to cascade over the ground, or trained up to make graceful curtains of foliage. Each one of these becomes a unique individual, with no two looking the same by the time they mature. You can have fun with them, and guide them as you choose, for something very eye-catching and special.

You can easily see from the photographs of each plant what form it has, so browsing for a particular shape is simple.

Colors of Dwarf Evergreens

We all love to see color in our gardens, and getting it from flowers can be hard work, with just a few weeks a year as reward. Dwarf evergreens bring color 365 days of the year, and they come in many colors. Some have stable, all-year colors, perhaps golds, or silver-blues. Others change more, including many that are bright yellow in spring, and turn more chartreuse in summer. Some turn purple or bronze in winter, which is sometimes not desirable if you want green in winter, but for other plants it can be considered a positive feature. The spectrum of colors available is large – golds and yellows, all tones of blues and silvers, grays, blue-greens, purples, and of course many shades of green. All these colors can be used to good effect to lift your garden and make it more interesting.

Tree Forms of Dwarf Evergreens

You will notice that some plants are listed as ‘Tree Form’. This is also called by nurseries, ‘standard’, but that name tells you very little, since it doesn’t mean ‘normal’, but ‘raised above the ground’, like a flag on a pole. It is possible, with skill, to graft a dwarf evergreen onto a strong stem, between 1 and 3 feet long, which lifts it up into the air, making a taller plant. These Tree Form plants turn a mounding dwarf pine, for example, into a miniature tree 3 or 4 feet tall. Our Tree Form versions of Dwarf Evergreens are perfect for giving extra height in narrow beds, and they really show off the beauty of these little plants.

Growing and Caring for Dwarf Evergreens

Almost all these trees are easy to grow, usually free of pests or diseases, and trouble free. Once established they can be left to take care of themselves, and they will do that well, becoming more and more attractive and substantial over the years. When choosing and planting, remember to take note of the size after 10 years, which we list as ‘mature size’, and also remember that these plants keep growing as long as they live, and can easily become double that size in time – there is no final limit, just age. Don’t make the mistake of planting them too close to walls and paths, or to other plants, just because they look so ‘small and cute’ when you plant them.

Hardiness

In general, Dwarf Evergreens lean towards the colder zones, and many are cold-hardy in zones 3 and 4, while relatively few are hardy in zone 9. Large evergreen trees are characteristic of northern climates. This is a real bonus for northern gardener’s, who don’t have such a big range of other garden plants available to them.

Light Requirements

Full sun is almost always best for Dwarf Evergreens. The growth will be compact and dense, and the colors will be their strongest. Some golden forms can burn in hot summers, so a little afternoon shade may suit them better, with plenty of sun in the morning.

Soil Conditions & Watering

The majority of Dwarf Evergreens need well-drained soil to thrive. Wetness is their enemy, especially in winter. Otherwise they are rarely fussy, although some have a slight preference for acid soils. Many, such as the spruce, tolerate poor soils, including clays, rocky soils and gravels. Overall, they will grow in ordinary garden soil with no trouble, another plus in their favor.

To Trim or Not to Trim?

Almost all the Dwarf Evergreens are naturally dense, be they globes or columns. They rarely need trimming – much of their appeal is in how they grow neatly all by themselves. You can easily spoil their special look with trimming, so we don’t recommend it. The exception is with plants like dwarf arborvitae (Thuja) grown as hedges, or if you need very formal balls, cones or spirals, where you will need to trim.

Staking

When growing most of the weeping and trailing forms, especially with spruce or cedar, you have a choice. You can allow them to grow naturally, and with most varieties that will mean a trailing plant that could spread over a large area. This can be very effective on a slope, among boulders, or spilling over a wall.

The alternative is to train a main stem up a stake, allowing the branches to cascade from it, and creating a tall plant with weeping branches. These trees can be very beautiful as specimens. If you choose this route, start with a strong metal stake, as wood will rot and snap at ground level in time, potentially breaking your tree. You can grow your tree as tall as your stake – above that it will begin to weep and grow downwards. Tie up the chosen branch loosely and check the ties at least once a year to make sure they aren’t cutting into the bark. You could strangle the main stem and kill everything above the tie.

Types of Dwarf Evergreens

Foliage Types

It can be confusing, looking at Dwarf Evergreens, to see plants that have very different foliage, yet with the same species name. Many evergreens have two types of foliage. One type has leaves that are flat scales, attached firmly to the smaller stems. These create sprays or fans of foliage, with a smooth feel. This is called ‘adult foliage’. The other type, always seen in seedlings, is called ‘juvenile foliage’, and in nature it protects the plant from being eaten. The leaves grow outwards and they are often sharp, or they give the plant a fuzzy feel and a ‘softer’ look. Either type can be found in Dwarf Evergreens derived from the same plant species, creating some very different looks and textures. You will usually find which type of foliage each plant has in our detailed plant descriptions.

Examples of Dwarf Evergreens

Arborvitae (Thuja) – these hardy plants, growing well even in zones 2 and 3, are well known for hedging, but there are dwarf forms as well. Several are grown as globes, trimmed or untrimmed, and the most popular are ‘Little Giant’, ‘Hetz Midget’, and the well-named ‘Mr Bowling Ball’. These are green, but there are golden varieties too, such as ‘Golden Globe’. A more upright but still small golden arborvitae is ‘Rheingold’, and for winter interest there is ‘Fire Chief’, which turns red in the cold months.

Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria) – most of these are taller trees, but there is a small, round one, more refined than the arborvitae, for zones 5 and warmer. Called ‘Dwarf Globe’ it makes a very neat mound, or consider ‘Mushroom’, which is wider than tall, and again very neat.

Cedar (Cedrus) – the spectacular Himalayan, Atlas and Lebanese Cedars are wonderful large trees if you have the room for them and live in at least zone 6. But there are dwarf forms too, such as the globe-shaped ‘Compressa Dwarf’. There are also some wonderful weeping forms, especially the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (‘Glauca Pendula’). It is not really a dwarf, but it’s very suitable for trailing down walls or staking into a unique specimen.

Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) – this Japanese tree offers some of the most beautiful and elegant dwarf evergreens, often with graceful shell-shaped sprays of foliage. They are too numerous to list, and there are both green and golden forms. Some are conical (e.g. ‘Cripsii’, Fernspray Gold, and Koster’s). Others are more rounded (e.g. ‘Nana Gracilis’ and ‘Nana Lutea’)

False (Sawara) Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) – also from Japan, many of the dwarf varieties of this tree are among the best of the golden evergreens, often with feathery juvenile foliage. Among the best are King’s Gold, Sungold and Gold Mop.

Junipers – among these rugged plants, hardy to zone 3, silver blue is the most common color. The trend is either for flat spreading plants (e.g. ‘Blue Rug’ and ‘Blue Chip’) or very narrow columns (e.g. ‘Pencil Point’). ‘Blue Star’ is a rounded compact plant with a soft look. Many are too large to qualify as ‘dwarf’, but among the bigger ones the Hollywood Juniper deserves mention for its special look, even if it grows over 6 feet tall. Twisting and looping in all directions, each tree is unique, with coral-like clusters of foliage studded with blue berries. Always worthy of a special spot in the garden.

Pine – two of the most widely grown Dwarf Evergreens are pines – the Mugo Pine and the Dwarf White Pine. Mugo pine is available in a range of forms, some more dwarf than others, while a popular Tree Form is made from the Dwarf White Pine. With their distinctive needles these dwarf pines give a look that no other Dwarf Evergreen can bring. Carsten’s Wintergold is a Mugo pine with beautiful golden needles in the winter months, deserving a special place where it can be admired.

Spruce (Picea) – another tough group, all hardy in zone 3, most spruce trees grow well over 6 feet tall. Some are smaller, such as the popular Dwarf Norway Spruce, and the Little Gem Norway Spruce. For a silver-blue globe, consider the Globe Blue Spruce, which is often available on a trunk as a Tree Form. The Columnar Blue Spruce is an attractive narrow column, and for weeping forms the Weeping Norway Spruce (which needs staking) and the beautiful The Blues Weeping Colorado Spruce are stand-outs.

Conclusion

The world of Dwarf Evergreens is a large one, and with so much to choose from there is something for everyone, whatever their taste or garden style. They give us important structural elements in our gardens, especially in smaller space – no garden is too small for a miniature tree, so start growing them in yours, because they bring so much, yet ask so little.

7 evergreens for the garden: photos and names, what to plant in the country

Evergreens - a win-win option for decorating the site. In summer, their juicy greenery sets off the bright inflorescences of flowering plants, in winter it looks great against the backdrop of white snow. At any time of the year, they decorate the local area. We will understand the features of "undying" cultures and get acquainted with their best species.

All about evergreens for the garden

What it is
7 best garden varieties
— Coniferous
- Deciduous

Many people think that only conifers belong to evergreen crops, and even then not all of them. In fact, this is not so. Many plants retain their greenery all year round, but they do it in different ways. In evergreen foliage "lives" for several years. It does not fall either in the warm or in the cold season. This group includes mostly trees and shrubs.

There are also winter green crops. Their foliage remains throughout the winter season, and it completely retains its color. New leaves appear in the spring, after which last year's leaves fall off. This group includes mainly shrubs and herbaceous perennials. nine0003

Both groups can be used to decorate your garden with perennial greenery. It is important not to confuse them, because the care of crops should be different. Evergreens are less whimsical, better adapt to various conditions. Therefore, they are often chosen for growing on the site. They are suitable for spacious areas and for small areas. There are many varieties of them: from tall to dwarf.

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All crops that preserve greenery all year round can be divided into two groups. Let's talk about each of them.

Coniferous

Their main difference from other plants is the leaves in the form of thin long needles. Some conifers have flat, scaly foliage. The seeds of almost all ripen in cones, the shape, size and shade of which depend on the species. We list the most popular evergreen conifers among gardeners.

1. Spruce

Beautiful fluffy tree with short needles and brown cones. The average tree height is 25-30 m, under favorable conditions it grows up to 50 m. Spruces tolerate shading well, can grow in partial shade and in the sun. Sensitive to humidity and air purity. Prefer slightly alkaline light soils and moderately moist loams. There are more than 45 varieties of conifers. For the site, you can recommend such types.

Spruces are good in single and group plantings, for example, at the main entrance to the house or as the central figure of a multi-tiered composition. Dwarf and undersized specimens are planted in mixborders or rockeries, they make up hedges. nine0003

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2. Cypress

Tall conifer with scaly leaves. The crown can be pyramidal or spreading. Dislikes bright sunlight and strong shade. The best option is penumbra. Prefers loose fertile soil mixtures. It does not tolerate waterlogging, in the lowlands it is planted only on drained soils. We list the best varieties for decorating the local area. nine0003

Cypresses are undemanding and tolerate pruning well. Low-growing varieties can be used as the basis for a topiary.

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3. Yew

Beautiful slow growing conifer. There are shrub and woody varieties. The needles are short, soft, very pleasant to the touch, deep green. Forms fruits in the form of scarlet berries. Yew shade-tolerant and unpretentious. It takes root well on any soil, but prefers a fertile neutral substrate without excessive moisture. We list the best varieties for landscaping the site. nine0003

All cypress trees tolerate pruning well, which is used in landscape design to create topiaries and park sculptures. You need to know that cypress cones, bark and needles contain substances that are toxic to humans and animals. Therefore, it is necessary to plant it with caution where children and pets will walk.

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4. Thuja

Decorative conifer with many varieties. Among them there are dwarf shrubs growing up to half a meter, and seventy-meter giant trees. Tui are unpretentious, frost-resistant, grow well in partial shade and shade. Young seedlings have soft needles, which eventually turn into scaly needles. For the adjacent territory, such varieties can be recommended. nine0003

Tui are very different, which makes it possible to choose the most suitable type for your site. They go well with other plants, especially boxwood, juniper, barberry. Suitable for arranging hedges, flower beds and single plantings.

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Deciduous

Deciduous plants differ from conifers in the presence of lamellar petiole foliage. Its shape and size can be very different. We offer names and photos of deciduous evergreens for the garden. nine0003

1. Heather

A monotypic creeping shrub from 25 to 70 cm high. It has many upwardly directed branches covered with small triangular leaves. They are bright green in color, slightly rolled into a tube. Heather blooms in mid-summer. It is covered with bells of a lilac-pink hue. The plant is unpretentious, prefers open areas and slightly acidic soils. Feels good on poor soils. For landscape decoration, you can recommend these varieties of heather. nine0003

Heather is suitable for uniform plantings. For a greater decorative effect, you can choose different varieties. The evergreen bush goes well with other crops, for example, with juniper or thuja.

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2. Boxwood

These are slow growing shrubs or trees from 2 to 10 m high. The crown is compact and very dense. The branches are covered with glossy dark green leaves of round or oval shape. Starting from the age of 15-18, boxwood blooms with small yellowish flowers with a pronounced honey aroma. Prefers a slightly acidic or neutral fertile substrate of moderate humidity. Here are the varieties recommended for landscaping. nine0003

Boxwood goes well with flowering plants such as hydrangeas, roses or rhododendrons. It is planted in multi-tiered flower beds, in mixborders. It easily tolerates pruning, so it is used to create topiaries, hedges.

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3.
Honeysuckle

Differs in great species diversity. It happens one- and perennial, grows in the form of a liana or shrub. There are deciduous and leafy varieties in winter. Honeysuckle is decorative and edible. In the latter case, in addition to greens, you can also get a crop of large sweet and sour berries. The shrub is covered with oval-shaped leaves with wavy edges. The flowers, depending on the variety, can be white, pink or reddish. We list the best representatives of decorative honeysuckle. nine0003

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Undersized honeysuckle looks good in rockeries, upright bushes are used in group plantings. Creepers are planted along arbors, other small architectural forms on the site or in the form of a hedge.

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Where evergreen plants are growing

Content

  • 4 Care

    • Needle evergreen forests grow on our beautiful planet, predominantly forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Evergreen trees such as spruce, pine, fir, podocarp and others are widespread here. In addition to needle evergreens, there are also deciduous evergreen trees, creepers and shrubs that inhabit the temperate rainforests of the Southern Hemisphere. The xerophilic (with thickened, hardened foliage that resists water loss) coastal forests of the Northern Hemisphere are home to evergreen rhododendrons (Pontus, dense rhododendron), laurel cherry, and holly. nine0003

    Most tropical rainforests contain broad-leaved evergreens. Their foliage is usually thicker and more leathery than that of the deciduous trees we are accustomed to. In addition, each leaf can remain on an evergreen tree for two or more years. An example is the evergreen cocoa tree. In cold-temperate and arctic regions, cone-shaped shrubs or coniferous trees, such as pines and firs, usually grow.

    Species of evergreens

    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. nine0194 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. nine0033
    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. nine0033
    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. Thuya. 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. nine0033

    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.

    Cypress

    The most "neat" tree - its crown is dense, symmetrical. Even fully ripened fruit cones do not shaggy, decorate the branches with medium-sized balls of light brown color. Cypress usually emphasizes the high status of the dacha owner. nine0003

    Capricious southerner, evergreen, pyramidal or Arizona species, winters well in the conditions of the Middle Zone, if the temperature drops do not exceed -20 °C. Undersized and dwarf varieties are considered the most suitable - they are easier to cover for the winter.

    The best place for planting is semi-shady, with fertile, loose soil that does not retain moisture. All cypresses are demanding on watering, air humidity and the introduction of nutrients into the soil.

    Juniper

    A coniferous evergreen plant belonging to the Cypress family. It can be both a tree and a shrub. Common juniper (Juniperus communis) grows mainly in the Northern Hemisphere of our planet. However, in Africa you can also find your own juniper - East African. In the Mediterranean and Central Asia, this plant forms juniper forests. Quite common are undersized species that creep along the ground and rocky slopes.

    Today, more than fifty species of juniper are known. nine0003

    As a rule, it is a photophilous and drought-resistant crop. Absolutely undemanding to soils and temperatures. However, like any plant, it has its own preferences - for example, it develops better in light and nutritious soil.

    Juniper , like all conifers, is a long-lived plant. Its average life expectancy is about 500 years.

    The needles of the juniper are bluish-green in color, triangular, pointed at the ends. The cones are spherical, gray or blue in color. Rod root. nine0003

    Magic properties were attributed to this coniferous plant. For example, it was believed that a juniper wreath scares away evil spirits and brings good luck. Perhaps that is why in Europe there was a fashion to hang wreaths on the eve of the new year.

    Juniper trees and shrubs are widely used in landscape design. Group plantings are good for creating hedges. Single plants also do an excellent job with the main role in the composition. Low-growing creeping varieties are often used as ground cover plants. They strengthen slopes well and prevent soil erosion. In addition, juniper lends itself well to a haircut. nine0003

    Scaly juniper (Juniperus squamata) is a creeping shrub. Thick branches with the same dense needles look very decorative.

    Glauka Globoza

    The famous spruce stands out with blue needles. Grows in height up to 2 meters. It is used in many countries to decorate urban and suburban landscapes. Due to the fact that the tree lends itself to shearing, original blue balls are made from it, which delight their fans all year round. nine0003

    Akrokona

    This type of spruce is characterized by a wide conical crown with hanging branches. Considered slow growing. For 30 years it grows to a height of up to 4 meters. Plant diameter is about 3 m. Prefers shady places. Spruce tolerates cold temperatures very well. In the summer heat, it needs watering.

    Pine

    Despite the dense crown, pines begin to thin out over time. The trunk of the tree is quite long, and the bark has a dark brown tint. As a rule, there are no problems with pruning, only the crown is given the desired shape in the summer, until the movement of the juice has stopped. To obtain side shoots, pinching is carried out in the spring. It is not recommended to choose pine trees for making a hedge, as they thin out, which can ruin the entire composition as a whole. nine0003

    Pine trees are drought-resistant and thrive on poor sandy soils

    Mountain pine with a squat crown is often planted on alpine hills. High decorativeness, easily formed crown, healthy air in the country, the possibility of propagation by cuttings are the main advantages of the tree. Most thujas tolerate frost well, needing only light cover or regular brushing of snow from the branches. nine0003

    For decoration, a variety of types are used - with a columnar or spherical crown, similar to spruce and creeping along the ground.

    Also read the article about planting thuja and growing this plant at home.

    All species and varieties tolerate shade, drought, heavy rains, provided there is good drainage.

    Columnaris

    The tree has a straight trunk and a narrow crown resembling a column. Grows up to 10 meters. The dense branches are directed upwards, which gives the tree a majestic character. nine0003

    Cedar

    Cedar, or Siberian cedar pine, rarely occurs in summer cottages: the tree requires special care at a young age, although it grows without problems in its natural environment, in the taiga. The main feature of the species is a very short growing season, only 45 days. Although it is often called a giant tree, its slow growth, as well as a variety of new varieties, make it possible to use it in the design of a summer residence.

    The place for planting a seedling is chosen in such a way that an adult plant is provided with free space with a diameter of about 10 m. The site should be open, but young plants need shading up to 10 years of age, especially during periods of abnormal heat. nine0003

    The soil needs a neutral pH, loose, well-drained. The plant loves regular moistening, fertilizing.

    Lebanese, Himalayan, Atlas cedars are considered real. Unlike the Siberian relative, their seeds are not suitable for food. The famous pine nuts - the pride of Siberia - are completely identical in taste to the seeds of any pine tree, differing only in size.

    With patience, garden varieties of Siberian cedar, which are compact in size, can be grown in summer cottages in various regions. But only some varieties give fruits of the desired quality, the rest are used only for decorative purposes, including for creating bonsai-style compositions. nine0003

    Argenta

    The variety is characterized by original silvery needles, the tips of which are painted whitish. Every spring, luminescent yellow shoots come out of her buds. This unusual combination creates a stunning view on the site of a country house. And it lasts almost a whole month.

    European Maxwelli

    Dwarf shrub in the form of a wide cone. It tolerates winter frosts and shady places without problems. Grows up to a meter high. The diameter of an adult shrub is 2 m.

    Nana

    A dwarf tree that grows up to only 50 cm. The diameter of an adult plant is 1 m. The crown is rounded, slightly flattened. Works great in small areas.

    Sequoias

    The tallest and oldest tree on the planet - the sequoia grows wild only in California (USA). The branches of the conical crown are strictly horizontal, only occasionally slightly sloping down, the average life expectancy is about one and a half thousand years.

    Trees are not grown outdoors in our latitudes, they need a lot of moisture in the ground and air. Bonsai indoor options are more popular. They require a lot of patience and care, but the exquisite beauty of the composition compensates for all difficulties.

    Inverse

    The tree has a columnar crown and falling weeping branches that touch the ground like a plume. It grows up to a maximum of 8 meters. Mature plant diameter approx. 2.5 m.

    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. nine0033
    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. nine0033

    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. nine0033
    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. A lot of outgrowths during the season can form small thickets, so mahonia is successfully used to decorate the "bald" areas of the garden. nine0033
    Laurel cherry

    In all its appearance laurel cherry is similar to laurel , only laurel does not winter in the open ground in our region, and laurel cherry perfectly tolerates frosts down to -25. We are talking about laurel cherry officinalis, the most frost-resistant variety of all laurel cherries. All winter it is cheerful and cheerful , it grows very actively throughout the warm season. Responsive to clipping and pinching . It can be grown to form a bush-ball, it is possible on a trunk. Amazing plant! nine0003

    From the second year after planting it flowers and bears fruit .

    Holly - evergreen shrub

    A symbol of Christmas, it is traditionally used to decorate houses during the winter holidays.
    Holly evergreen shrub blooms from October to December, easily tolerates shading, but it is not a shade-loving plant.
    The greatest contrast of colors in this plant appears in the sun.

    Holly is especially beautiful in winter, when bushes with bright green leaves and
    beads of red, white, yellow, black and orange berries that stay on the bushes all winter.

    Lavender

    Lavender has been at the height of fashion in Russian gardens for several years now. In our region, this is one of the most unpretentious garden plants , which is important to give a lot of sun and lighter soil, and ensure timely pruning of . Everybody!

    My lavender reproduces by self-sowing so actively that in autumn I sell or give away 20 to 30 bushes from one mother plant. nine0003

    Mother bush near the boulder, already pruned after flowering. To the right and left of it, as well as between the plates and in the foreground, the bushes of this year. Soon I will dig them up and plant them in pots. I gave part of the self-sowing in the spring. Over the summer, the bushes become ready for planting in a permanent place by plants. Some even faded this summer Lavender sprig peeking out of the snowdrift last winter0383 ready to grow in almost any climate . In spring it is covered with blue flowers. In winter, it pleases with green shoots. In summer, the curtain becomes lush and actively grows. This beauty needs to be restrained.

    I have it growing in a "brazen" flower bed - all the active garden "invaders" got there: periwinkle, groundcover sedum, oxalis, psyllium hosta and mint.

    Hedera-Helix ivy

    The main "antidepressant" in our garden: in a dull southern winter this green juicy wall will definitely cheer you up . Reviews about his life in other climatic zones are very contradictory. I know exactly the garden in Voronezh, where he lives without problems without much care.

    Oleander

    Small shrub, 3 to 5 m high, fast growing, full bloom. The leaves are dark green in color. Inflorescences in diameter no more than 6 cm. This is a heat-loving plant, all year round in open areas can only be located in the south, where the air temperature does not fall below + 8 degrees.

    Oleander is used as a solitary plant, in group plantings, when decorating alleys, stairs and terraces

    Yucca

    Extremely unpretentious plant : sun, light soil and nothing more. For more rapid than usual flowering, you can apply simple agricultural techniques. I made a material about how I achieve large flower stalks in yucca for the second year in a row. I'll give you a link at the end of the article.

    Laurel

    A low tree with dense glossy leaves that have a pleasant aroma. All parts of the laurel contain essential oils. The flowers are small, the fruits are similar to berries. nine0003

    Laurels ideally tolerate shearing, suitable for creating hedges and garden compositions of the most diverse forms

    Choisia

    Choisia is a rounded evergreen shrub with a densely leafy crown all year round.
    Flat inflorescences of wax flowers appear in spring - both leaves and flowers are fragrant.

    Photo of Choisia

    Trifoliate Choisia - 2 m high. Flowering time: April - May.
    Location: sunny or slightly shady. nine0007 Propagation: cuttings under glass in summer.

    Guaiacum

    This is a short plant (6-10 m) with a diameter of 0.7 m. The tree has many curved branches that form a dome shape. The leaves are a rich green hue, leathery dense. Guayacum is unpretentious, tolerates drought well, and can be planted on any soil.

    Guaiac tree is grown for decorative and medicinal purposes

    Olive

    Deciduous shrub resembling a small tree. It reaches a height of 2-4 m, the branches are grayish-brown in color, on the shoots there are spines 5 cm long. The foliage is silvery in color and has an ovoid shape. nine0003

    European olive can grow in one place for hundreds of years

    This is quite a spectacular plant, so it can often be seen on the site. It is used both for single plantings and in a group with other crops. Thanks to the unusual color of the leaves, the plant can act as a background, making other plants look advantageous.

    When planting evergreen trees and shrubs on the site, they should be properly cared for. Only in this way will plants decorate the site all year round. nine0003

    Star anise

    An evergreen shrub that can grow up to 15 m in height. The leaves are dense, their length reaches 15 cm. The flowers come in different shades: burgundy, red, yellow. Star-shaped fruits. The plant is unpretentious, but prefers partial shade. To form a beautiful bush, it is regularly pruned.

    Star anise prefers partial shade, blooms from March to May

    Japanese Akuba

    Japanese Akuba (Aucuba japonica) is a simple plant of high ornamental value,
    which can be enjoyed throughout the year.
    Likes shade or partial shade. Blooms in March-April.

    Juliana barberry

    Juliana barberry is a cold and unassuming plant.
    Tolerates both sun and drought.

    Barberry photo

    It develops well in any soil.
    Very suitable for hedges.

    Badan

    I don't have a photo of wintering badan, but, unlike pyracantha, it can endure not only the southern winter without any trouble. The species bergenia comes from Altai, so it is very hardy . The plant also has healing properties, but I love it very much for these spreading leaves . However, in two years it has not bloomed even once. I read that when an adult plant is divided, it can behave like this, so I expect it to bloom in 2022)

    Camellia

    It is an evergreen shrub with dense glossy dark green foliage.
    Blossoms unusually beautiful, forming inflorescences similar to roses.

    Photo Camellia

    But the value of this evergreen shrub is that its flowering begins ... in autumn and lasts up to three months.

    In garden design

    The choice of evergreens is great, which makes it possible to use them to decorate any garden landscape. Hedges and group compositions are formed with the participation of such plants:

    Evergreen shrubs are the perfect backdrop for many flowering plants. The following evergreen crops look good in solitary plantings:

    Evergreens improve the microclimate, save from monotony. They can become the main focus of the site or combined with other garden crops.

    The role of ornamental trees in a modern garden

    In addition to their natural aesthetic function - to give a person enjoyment of the beauty of nature, ornamental trees and shrubs are used by gardeners and designers to solve purely practical problems. nine0003

    How to calculate the number of seedlings?

    There are certain rules for planting trees on a personal plot. So, for example, trees should not be located too close to neighboring fences and power lines. Usually seedlings are located at a distance of 5-6 meters. Between plantings, certain intervals must also be observed so that the growing trees do not shade each other. nine0003

    When buying a seedling from a nursery, it is advisable to clarify how much space this crop requires, especially if it is exotic.

    On average, the distance between trees and shrubs in the orchard should be approximately the following: large fruit trees for the garden (apple, pear, apricot, sweet cherry) are planted every 5-6 meters, the distance between rows should be a little more - about 8 meters for the unimpeded transport of carts and other garden work. nine0003

    Plum, cherry, peach and quince are planted according to the scheme of 3x4 meters, grapes - 2.5x1.5 meters, raspberries - 0.75x1, gooseberries and currants - 1.25x1.5 meters.

    As long as the trees are small, separate beds with vegetables or berries can be planted between them. As the beds grow, they will have to be moved to another place.

    Based on these restrictions, you can estimate how many seedlings you need to purchase for a given site.

    Arrangement of trees in the garden

    For a garden to look truly decorative, each tree must be in its proper place.

    When planning a site and planting seedlings, one should be guided by the basic principles of landscape style:

    Combining various ornamental and fruit plants, taking into account the general concept of the site and existing buildings, you can eventually create a real dream garden.

    How to plan a garden?

    When buying seedlings and planting them, the gardener must have a good idea of ​​how they will look when they grow up, that is, in a few years or decades. When choosing trees, the following should be taken into account:

    If the garden is landscaped, trees should not be planted in rows. Mixed groups look picturesque, in which one tree is large, next to it two or three are lower and several shrubs of different species frame the whole group.

    When selecting seedlings for each such group, in addition to height, it is desirable to take into account the timing of flowering. nine0003

    A group in which flowering continues for a long period will always look spectacular. You also need to mix deciduous and evergreen plants.

    The following species can be planted in the garden:

    When choosing seedlings, it is necessary first of all to focus on the climate.

    You also need to know the height of the groundwater in the area. The high level of groundwater suggests that the site is swampy and acidic soils that need to be limed regularly. Not every tree will grow in such conditions. Plum fruit trees are the most resistant to such conditions, and weeping willow and willow are the most resistant to such conditions.

    Any shrubs except lilac grow on moist soils. Mock orange, cinquefoil, black elderberry, rhododendrons, blueberries are popular. nine0003

    Garden style

    You also need to decide on the style of the future garden. It can be:

    In order to get the effect of naturalness, you need to work hard, carefully considering how to place the trees in the garden. nine0003

    Care

    We water the trees as needed, top dressing in April. Pruning is a very important tree care operation. Spend it in winter or early spring. The formation of the crown begins in the nursery, continues after landing in a permanent place.

    The process is completed by bringing the trunk to the required height and giving the crown shape characteristic of this variety.

    The height of standard and grafted varieties depends on the rootstock and grafting height. Sanitary pruning is carried out annually, removing dry, broken or unwanted shoots. nine0003

    With the help of pruning, artificial crowns, oval, umbrella, etc. can be formed. The most suitable species for crown formation in the initial stage of growth: linden, plane tree, beech, field maple.

    Sheared, artificially shaped crowns require great skill and constant care, some of them require special metal or bamboo trellises in the initial stage, but in conspicuous places, in squares, at shopping centers or in small gardens and recreation areas, this gives them amazing effect. nine0003

    Every year we carry out sanitary pruning, which consists in removing dry, diseased and broken branches.

    Sources: