31+ low maintenance evergreen shrubs

Low-maintenance evergreen shrubs are the backbone of garden design. These hardworking plants provide year-round structure to the landscape. Some make wonderful privacy screens, others are prime habitats for birds, and most can be left mostly unpruned, so you’re not out there with the shears every month. Here are some of the best low-maintenance evergreen shrubs to plant in your yard.

1. Gem Box Inkberry Holly

Gem Box Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra ‘Gem Box’) is a specialty cultivar of low-growing native holly. These low-maintenance evergreen shrubs naturally grow into a ball-like shape. Mature shrubs are 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.

The ‘Gem Box’ native holly is perfect for any garden, but especially if you are trying to use mostly native plants. With their dark green foliage, they make a great hedge or can line a garden bed.

Because they are excellent boxwood substitutes, they fit perfectly into many design schemes. Gem Box Inkberry Holly grows best in full sun but is tolerant of some shade. These slow-growing plants thrive in Zones 6-9.

2. Green Velvet Boxwood

Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus x ‘Green Velvet’) is an upright broadleaf evergreen. These small evergreen shrubs grow in a naturally round shape without heavy pruning and typically reach a mature size of 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. The Green Velvet Boxwood is a good variety for a 4-5 foot tall hedge.

This boxwood variety naturally grows into a rounded sphere shape. Individual plants can be planted alone or in groupings. Green Velvet Boxwood is also quite commonly used to create a formal boxwood hedge, but it’s much easier just to let them grow into a more natural free-form hedgerow. The glossy green leaves are the perfect attractive evergreen foliage for shrub borders.

Green Velvet Boxwood grows best in full sun but is tolerant of partial light. This shrub grows best in Zones 4-9 and is resistant to winter bronzing in cold climates.

3. Little Gem Norway Spruce

Little Gem Norway Spruce (Picea abies ‘Little Gem’) is a tidy, low-growing evergreen shrub. This needled evergreen grows to a mature size of only 1-2 feet tall and about 3 feet wide, making it very easy to manage.

‘Little Gem’ is frequently used as a foundation plant in front of smaller buildings and as a specimen plant in featured garden beds. They grow quite slowly and won’t outgrow their space, requiring minimal maintenance. These evergreen plants are also popular in rock gardens.

Little Gem Norway Spruce grows best in full sun. These shrubs are particularly cold-hardy and can be grown in Zones 2-8.

4. Manhattan Euonymus

Manhattan Euonymus (Euonymus kiautschovicus ‘Manhattan’) is a fast-growing low-maintenance evergreen shrub. These vigorous plants look a bit like giant boxwoods and reach a mature size of 6-8 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. This plant can also be grown as a vine and may climb walls.

Euonymus shrubs make wonderful informal hedges and can be used on their own or as a backdrop plant for a garden bed. They can also be trimmed into a more formal look or trellised along a wall. The downside of Euonymus is that the deer do like to nibble them.

Manhattan Euonymus grows best in full sun but is quite tolerant of shade. While the plant won’t grow as vigorously in full shade as it would in full sun, it still manages to put on quite a bit of growth each year. This plant thrives in Zones 5-8.

5. Moonglow Juniper

Moonglow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Moonglow’) is a tall evergreen shrub with attractive silvery-green foliage. These popular plants reach a mature size of 12-15 feet tall in ten years and 6-8 feet wide. This large type of evergreen is one of the most popular low-maintenance landscaping shrubs (especially in cooler areas).

‘Moonglow’ is most commonly used as a hedging plant or for a tall privacy screen. The plants have a natural pyramidal form and are very low-maintenance (unless being sheared regularly into a formal hedge). Juniper is also common as a grouped planting in wildlife gardens, as this native plant is a favorite songbird habitat.

Moonglow Juniper grows best in full sun, and is not tolerant of shady conditions. That said, this plant is very cold-hardy and can be grown in Zones 3-7. Junipers are very drought-resistant and are not a favorite food of deer.

6. Fragrant Tea Olive

Fragrant Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans) is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen flowering shrub. These beautiful plants reach a mature size of about 10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.

Tea Olive shrubs are most commonly planted on their own as a specimen plant, similar to Gardenias. The fragrant flowers have an almost jasmine-like scent, which makes they perfect for along breezy pathways.

Fragrant Tea Olive shrubs flower best when planted in full sun, but are tolerant of partial sunlight. These plants thrive in Zones 7-10.

7. Sunshine Ligustrum

Sunshine Ligustrum (Ligustrum sinense ‘Sunshine’) is a small landscaping shrub known for its bright golden-green foliage. A variety of Privet, this fast-growing shrub grows to a mature size of about 3-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

Sunshine Ligustrum is resistant to many common pests and disease, and also resistant to many environmental conditions. It is resistant to deer and pest insects, as well as to mildew fungal diseases. Ligustrum is typically both drought and heat tolerant once established.

This small shrub can be planted as a single specimen, a grouping of specimens, or as a low border along a walkway. This variety thrives in Zones 6-8.

8. Sea Green Juniper

Sea Green Juniper (Juniperus x chinensis ‘Sea Green’) is a relatively new juniper cultivar known for its free-form habit with gracefully arching branches. It grows fast and is not particularly prickly. This variety grows to a mature size of 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide within ten years (and can get bigger).

This variety is most commonly planted in a group, as either an informal hedge or as a staggered grouped planting. ‘Sea Green’ would do well along a driveway or fenceline. They are commonly used as a backdrop in a large garden bed as they pair nicely with ornamental grasses, flowering shrubs, and herbaceous perennials.

Sea Green Juniper grows best when planted in full sun and are very drought tolerant once established. These plants can be grown in Zones 3-9.

9. Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) is a dwarf evergreen tree that works well in the landscape as a compact cone-shaped shrub. These plants grow to a mature size of 5-8 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

Dwarf Alberta Spruces are usually planted as single specimens or accent trees that give the landscape year-round structure. They’re also good for low-maintenance landscapes, as they grow naturally into a neat triangular shape and do not need pruning.

Alberta Spruce is deer-resistant and can provide habitat to birds and other beneficial creatures. These miniature trees are also tolerant of container planting (as long as they are planted in a large exterior planter pot). You can even dress them up as tiny Christmas trees in your landscape! Alberta Spruce is hardy in Zones 3-8.

10. Oregon Grape Holly

Oregon Grape Holly (Berberis aquifolium, syn. Mahonia aquifolium) is a native broadleaf evergreen shrub. This plant is known for its bronzed-red green leaves, bright yellow flowers, and edible berries. Oregon Grape plants reach a mature size of about 3-5 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide (and can get taller if well-watered).

Oregon Grape is used mainly as a low-maintenance natural landscaping plant in wildlife-friendly areas. This early bloomer attracts beneficial pollinators in the springtime and birds as the berries ripen in summer and into the fall. The sharp leaves also make this plant deer resistant.

Oregon Grape Holly grows best in full sun but can be grown even in full shade (although it tends to grow quite thinly in low light). This small evergreen grows best in Zones 3-9.

11. Hollywood Juniper

Hollywood Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’) is a tall evergreen shrub with unique twisted foliage. These fast-growing shrubs reach a mature size of about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

This juniper cultivar is a superstar! It is most often used as a feature plant to mark gateways or to soften the look of privacy walls. While the natural form is rustic and gorgeous, it can also be made into a specialty topiary.

Hollywood Juniper grows best in full sun. This plant thrives in Zones 5-9.

12. Sky Pencil Holly

Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’) is a narrow evergreen shrub. These skinny plants grow naturally in a columnar with minimal pruning. They reach a mature size of 6-8 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.

Sky Pencil Holly is most commonly used as a hedge plant to create a low screen. You can plant them along a path to define the walkway or around a patio. They can also be used to screen an unsightly fence or even your recycling bins. A single specimen is also useful as a tall accent in smaller gardens.

Sky Pencil Holly grows best in full sun but is tolerant of a bit of shade. These manageable shrubs are also well-suited to container planting. This cultivar is a female variety, and will produce berries if grown nearby to a male cultivar. ‘Sky Pencil’ is hardy in Zones 5-9.

13. Green Gem Boxwood

Green Gem Boxwood (Buxus x ‘Green Gem’) is a classic small evergreen for formal gardens. These plants grow naturally into a compact ball shape, reaching a mature size of only 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.

‘Green Gem’ plants have a round form and are most commonly used as formal foundation plants, low hedge plants, or edging plants. They can be left unpruned to grow naturally, making them low-maintenance (unless you wish to shear them regularly, which is not strictly necessary). With their shiny green leaves, these rounded shrubs are perfect for lining a low fenceline or pathway.

Boxwood grows most quickly in full sun but is tolerant of shade. These compact evergreen shrubs are also very cold-hardy and thrive in Zones 4-9.

14. Skip Cherry Laurel

Skip Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipka’) plants are tall broadleaf evergreen shrubs known for their shiny dark green leaves and showy white flowers. These fast-growing flowering evergreens typically grow to a mature size of 10-12 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.

Cherry Laurel shrubs are commonly planted as a flowering hedge or evergreen living fence. Cherry Laurel makes a great year-round privacy screen. A single plant can also be planted alone as a specimen shrub. The flowers attract pollinators, and then the blossoms ripen into small red fruits that feed the birds.

These shrubs grow best in full sun but are also tolerant of low-light environments. Laurel is also semi-tolerant to salty soil. Skip cherry laurels thrive in Zones 6-9.

15. Hinoki Cypress

Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is an evergreen species that offers several smaller cultivars. The compact cultivars make wonderful foundation plants.

• ‘Night Light’ Hinoki Cypress (matures to 4-5 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide)
• ‘Koster’s’ Hinoki Cypress (matures to 4-5 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide)
• ‘Tempelhof’ Hinoki Cypress (matures to 8-10 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide)

Hinoki Cypress, also called ‘False Cypress’, are native to Japan. They tend to grow best in Zones 5-8.

16. Dwarf Mugo Pine

Dwarf Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo var. pumilio) is a popular slow-growing dwarf conifer. These tiny needled evergreens have a dense habit and grow to a mature size of 4-6 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide. A nice variety is ‘Mops’, which grows 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

Mugo Pine is a popular specimen plant for front yards and garden beds where sight lines must be maintained. The plants are generally planted alone but can also be grouped organically in larger spaces.

Dwarf Mugo Pine grows best in full sun. This cold-hardy species thrives in Zones 2-8.

17. Green Mountain Boxwood

Green Mountain Boxwood (Buxus x ‘Green Mountain’) is a small cone-shaped broadleaf evergreen shrub. These beautiful plants grow to a mature size of 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.

Due to its pyramidal form, ‘Green Mountain’ is most commonly used as an accent plant. Consider planting it towards the back of a perennial garden bed or placing it at the end of a low hedge.

Green Mountain Boxwood grows best in full sun but is tolerant of shade. These plants grow best in Zones 5-8.

18. Bird’s Nest Spruce

Bird’s Nest Spruce (Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’) is a specialty cultivar of Norway Spruce known for its low-growing spreading growth habit. Mature plants typically reach a mature size of about 3 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide in ten years.

These plants are used almost exclusively as feature plants due to their unique form. As the name suggests, the plants are bowl-shaped, with the outside perimeter of the foliage growing taller than the foliage in the center of the plant.

Bird’s Nest Spruce should be planted in full sun for best results. This slow-growing plant thrives in Zones 3-7.

19. Dwarf Japanese Skimmia

Reeve’s Japanese Skimmia (Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana) is a slow-growing broadleaf flowering evergreen shrub. These mounded plants eventually reach a mature size of 2-5 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide.

This plant has many landscaping uses, from a low hedge to a container plant. If both a female and male plant are paired, the cream-white flowers turn into festive bright red berries by late summer. These are not plants that like dry soil, however, so be sure to plant them somewhere that the soil can be kept consistently moist.

Dwarf Japanese Skimmia should not be planted in full sun, and should instead be sited in partial sun (at most). This plant is quite tolerant of shade (even full shade), and is a great choice for a small blossoming shrub in a shade garden. Japanese Skimmia thrives in Zones 7-9.

20. Blue Star Juniper

Blue Star Juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’) is a very small cultivar of needled evergreen. These plants are mounded and symmetrical, reaching a mature size of 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

‘Blue Star’ is most commonly used as a foundation planting. It can also be used as a ground cover plant in larger spaces and on gently sloping hills. The silvery-blue foliage color makes this plant a wonderful choice for adding texture and tone to your garden design.

Blue Star Juniper should be planted in full sun for the best results, as juniper is not particularly tolerant of shade. These slow-growing plants thrive in Zones 4-8.

21. Japanese Aralia

Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica) is a rounded broadleaf evergreen shrub for warm climates that’s known for its large, exotic leaves and ornamental black berries. These plants grow at a moderate rate to reach a mature size of 6-9 feet tall and 6-9 feet wide (or larger).

Fatsia japonica is very versatile in the landscape. It can be used as a foundation plant, a privacy screen at the back of a perennial garden bed, or alongside a patio or pool. This evergreen flowering shrub blooms in late winter with delicate white flowers. In cool climates, Japanese Aralia can be planted in a container and moved indoors when there is threat of frost.

Japanese Aralia should not be planted in full sun, and should instead be sited in partial sun (at most). This plant is also tolerant of shade and prefers shade during hot summer afternoons. Japanese Aralia is a warm-climate plant and thrives in Zones 8-11.

22. Winter Gem Boxwood

Winter Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica ‘Winter Gem’) is a classic small evergreen shrub. Popular in both traditional and modern garden design, these plants grow to a petite mature size of 3-4 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide. They are a bit smaller than Green Velvet, and can be trimmed back.

‘Winter Gem’ is most commonly used as a low hedging plant or low-growing foundation plant. The plants can be left unpruned for informal designs or can be sheared into a straight hedge for a formal appearance. These boxwoods can also be planted in containers.

Winter Gem Boxwood grows best in full sun, but is tolerant of shade. These plants thrive in Zones 4-9.

23. Arp Rosemary

Arp Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’) is a small broadleaf evergreen shrub with both landscaping and culinary appeal. These classic plants grow to a mature size of 3-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide.

‘Arp’ is known as a cold-hardy rosemary cultivar for landscaping. While chefs prefer specific cultivars, such as ‘Tuscan Blue’, this variety is also wonderful for cooking with and for adding to fragrant bouquets and potpourris. Rosemary is known for its showy blue-purple flowers that bloom in early summer.

Arp Rosemary is best planted in full sun. The plant may become weak and thin and may not flower well if planted in partial shade. Arp Rosemary can be grown in Zones 6-10 but is susceptible to winter damage at the cooler end of this range. Winter damage may consist of dead stem tips, leaf drop, or even the death of the entire aboveground portion in a particularly cold year.

24. Mohave Pyracantha

Mohave Pyracantha (Pyracantha x ‘Mohave’) is a large broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its thorny stems and brightly colored red berries. This cultivar grows to a mature size of 8-12 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide. It is most commonly used as a barrier plant or trained on a fence or wall.

In large spaces, Pyracantha is often used as a barrier planting such as a hedge, windbreak, or privacy screen. The species is also popular in wildlife gardens due to the attractiveness of the berries with the birds. In smaller sites, this plant can be grown up against a wall or fence and trained along the surface rather than left to develop naturally into a rounded bushy form.

Pyracantha is best planted in full sun, where the leaves can get enough bright sunlight for photosynthesis to create energy for all those beautiful berries. This plant thrives in Zones 5-9 (although they can lose their leaves in winter below about -20C) and is most popular in coastal regions.

25. Eternal Fragrance Daphne

Eternal Fragrance Daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’) is a broadleaved evergreen flowering shrub known for its beautiful scent. This compact variety grows to a mature size of 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.

The floral scent of this plant makes it a good choice for along a walkway or next to an entryway. Place them around a patio or deck, where they can be fully enjoyed. They can also be massed along a gentle slope.

Daphne flowers best in full sun, but is tolerant of partial shade. This plant thrives in Zones 6-9.

26. Tom Thumb Cotoneaster

Tom Thumb Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster apiculatus ‘Tom Thumb’) is a dwarf evergreen that is very low maintenance. These adorable little plants grow to only about 1 foot tall and 1-2 feet wide.

27. Soft Caress Mahonia

Soft Caress Mahonia (Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’) is a dwarf mahonia variety with a compact growth habit. This yellow-flowering plant grows to a mature size of 4-6 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide.

This plant works well as either a featured accent plant or in a low mass planting in a larger space. Unlike most types of Mahonia, this variety is named for its softer leaves (making it more appropriate for beside walkways than the sharp-leaved varieties).

Mahonia grows best in partial sun to partial shade. While tolerant of full shade, the plant likely will not flower well with little available sunlight for photosynthesis. This plant thrives in Zones 7-9.

28. Blue Princess Holly

Blue Princess Holly (Ilex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’) is a large holly cultivar that’s easy to care for. Known for its bright red berries (if you have a pollinator Blue Prince) and dark blue-green leaves, this variety grows to a mature size of 10-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.

‘Blue Princess’ is often planted as a hedge or privacy screen, and also makes a wonderful habitat planting for birds and other beneficial creatures. You can also plant them at the back of perimeter border gardens as a living backdrop for your ornamental perennials.

Blue Princess Holly grows best in full sun but is tolerant of partial shade. For berries, you need one male plant for every 1-5 female plants. This plant thrives in Zones in 5-9.

29. Emerald Gaiety Euonymus

Emerald Gaiety Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’) is a broadleaf evergreen known for its variegated leaves. This low-growing mounded plant reaches a mature size of 3-6 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide, and can climb.

‘Emerald Gaiety’ is often used as a foundation planting alongside a building or as a year-round interest plant in a perennial garden bed. These low-maintenance plants can also be planted en masse over a gently sloping area to cut down on mowing requirements.

Emerald Gaiety Euonymus grows best in full sun but is tolerant of partial shade and even of full shade (although the variegation likely won’t be as striking). These plants thrive in Zones 4-9.

30. Southern Wax Myrtle

Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera, syn. Morella cerifera) is a large broadleaf evergreen shrub. This quick-grower has dense foliage and reaches a mature size of about 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

These tall shrubs are perfect for privacy screens and tall hedges, as they keep their leaves year-round in most climates. With their dainty green-yellow flowers, they also make a wonderful living backdrop for your perennial beds or for a wildlife garden space (the birds love the fruit in the wintertime).

Wax Myrtle grows best in full sun but is tolerant of partial shade. This plant is for warmer southern climates and thrives in Zones 7-11.

31. Perfume Princess Daphne

Perfume Princess Daphne (Daphne x ‘Perfume Princess’) is a flowering evergreen shrub known for its highly-scented and long-lasting flowers. This plant grows to a mature size of about 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Daphne is best planted where it can be enjoyed. This variety blooms particularly early and for a particularly long time. It works well as a foundation planting (especially under a working window, where its fragrance can be enjoyed indoors and out). It’s also perfect beside a driveway, pathway, or entrance.

Daphne flowers best in full sun as long as the plant receives enough water. This cultivar is particularly tolerant of sunlight and heat in warmer climates and is a good choice for a sunny spot. These shrubs are also tolerant of partial shade, and while they may not flower as much in the shade, they won’t require watering as frequently and may benefit from afternoon shade in the hottest climates. Perfume Princess Daphne can be grown in Zones 7-9.

32. Debutante Camellia

Debutante Camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’) is a relatively low-maintenance flowering evergreen shrub. These pretty plants grow to reach a mature size of 8-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide (but are easily managed or trained).

Camellias are best planted where their gorgeous flowers can be most frequently enjoyed. Use them as a privacy hedge along a pathway, where their evergreen foliage is useful year-round and the flowers can be enjoyed in the spring. With their peony-like flowers, they also make wonderful flowering backdrops for herbaceous perennials.

Camellias flower best when planted in full sun but somewhat tolerate partial shade. These plants thrive in Zones 7-10, and are hardy down to 10℉ (-12°C).

33. Emerald Fountain Canadian Hemlock

Emerald Fountain Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Monler’) is an easy-to-grow evergreen that typically tops out at 6-10 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, although it eventually often grows a bit larger.

Canadian Hemlock makes a wonderful hedge or privacy screen with low care requirements. The branches grow dense columns of foliage without pruning, and the branches stay full throughout winter. Canadian Hemlock can be grown in Zones 4-8.

FAQs about low-maintenance evergreen shrubs

Resources

• Tall evergreen shrubs
• Fast-growing evergreen shrubs
• Best evergreen shrubs for privacy
• Small evergreen flowering shrubs

References

• Colorado State University Extension, Evergreen Shrubs
• University of Missouri Extension, Selecting Landscape Plants: Broad-leaved Evergreens
• University of Minnesota Extension, Choosing evergreens for your landscapes
• PennState Extension, Evergreen Native Plants