25 tall evergreen shrubs

Tall evergreen shrubs give structure and privacy to our landscapes. Use these stately shrubs as sentinels at the end of your driveway or on either end of a wide porch. Planted in a line, a lush wall of dense greenery can give you year-round privacy or hide an unsightly adjacent property. Here are 25 of the best tall evergreen shrubs to consider for your yard.

1. Leyland Cypress

Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) is the ultimate tall evergreen shrub. This giant absolutely towers over other shrubs.Leyland Cypress trees have an annual growth rate of 3-4 feet/year and generally mature at a size of 60-70 feet tall and 15-20 feet wide.

Leyland Cypress plants are fast-growing evergreen trees that block out views or noise, making them excellent for large properties. With a rapid growth rate and tall mature height, this tree is ideal for perimeter planting. Leyland Cypresses are also tolerant of shearing, so they can be easily shaped into a more polished look if you desire.

The best location to plant this tree is in full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade. Keep in mind, though, that growth will be slower without direct sunlight. These trees aren’t great for windy areas or places where ice builds up on branches because they have long limbs that can snap under the weight. If you’re looking for a similar option that’s more resistant to those harsh conditions, try Green Giant Arborvitae.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’) is another very tall evergreen that’s popular for good reason! This extra-large hybrid arborvitae reaches its mature size of 40-50 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide. ‘Green Giant’ shrubs can grow 2-3 feet higher each year until they reach full height.

‘Green Giant’ is mostly for privacy screens, large hedges, or accent pieces. They grow quickly but should only be planted if there’s enough room for them to reach 30 feet at maturity. If you don’t want to trim them multiple times a year, choose ‘Emerald Green’ for a smaller alternative, as they grow to about half the height.

Arborvitae grows best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight but can also survive in partial shade though the growth will be significantly slower.

The Green Giant Arborvitae thrives in areas ranging from Zone 5 to 8 according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live in a region that experiences harsh winters, then this is the plant for you as it can resist both heavy snowfall and high winds.

3. Spartan Juniper

Spartan Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Spartan’) is a popular coniferous evergreen. These plants reach a mature size of 15-18 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. They are a little slower growing than Leyland Cypress or Green Giant Arborvitae, but they have the important benefit of being deer resistant. And they still put on 12-18 inches of height per year in good conditions.

These tall, tidy shrubs are most commonly used as privacy screens, foundation plants, or medium-tall hedges. The dense foliage provides year-round screening and can withstand heavy shearing if needed.

Spartan Junipers grow best in full sun but can get by with partial shade. If you want them to reach their potential growth-wise, however, don’t plant them in full shade. For optimal growth, add some organic matter to the soil before planting and then keep them well hydrated for the first 1-2 years after they’re planted.

Spartan Junipers can be grown in Zones 4-9.

4. Hicks Yew

Hicks Yew (Taxus x media ‘Hicksii’) is a dark green needled shrub often used for hedges or privacy screens. These shrubs grow more slowly than Arborvitae or Juniper but still put on a respectable 6-10 inches per year (depending upon conditions). Mature Hicks Yew can reach 10-15 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide.

‘Hicks’ is most commonly used as a barrier planting. Yew is particularly good at filling in dense foliage on bare limbs, making it somewhat self-healing. So while they don’t grow in height as fast as arborvitae, they may be a better long-term choice. These plants can also be sheared into topiary shapes.

Hicks Yew is tolerant of a wide range of sun exposure, from sunny all day to partial shade. It can be grown in Zones 4-8.

5. Emerald Green Arborvitae

Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald Green’) is an evergreen conifer with dense, lush green foliage. This variety of Arborvitae reaches a mature size of about 10-15 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.

Emerald Green is mostly used as a perimeter plant because it forms thick hedges. Perfect for privacy screens in locations with little space, these shrubs can grow 1-2 feet taller each year in optimal conditions. They’re also good for topiary and can stay alive in containers for years if necessary.

Emerald Green Arborvitae grows best when it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Those grown in partial sun or shade don’t grow as well. For optimal growth, the plant needs moist soil too.

Emerald Green Arborvitae can be grown in Zones 4-8.

6. Moonglow Juniper

Moonglow Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Moonglow’) is a tall evergreen shrub with attractive silvery-green foliage. With a growth rate of about 2 feet in height each year, these popular plants reach a mature size of 18-20 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.

‘Moonglow’ is mostly used as a hedging plant or for privacy screens because of its natural pyramidal form. They require little upkeep unless they are trimmed regularly into a formal hedge. Another great reason to have junipers on your property is that they serve as fantastic habitats for local wildlife and songbirds!

Moonglow Juniper grows best in full sun and is not tolerant of shady conditions. This plant is very cold-hardy and can be grown in Zones 3-7.

7. Nellie Stevens Holly

Nellie Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie Stevens’) is a hybrid holly that is prized for its dense, glossy green foliage. Nellie Stevens Holly reaches a mature size of 15-25 feet tall and 8-15 feet wide, with a quick growth rate of about 2-3 feet/year in good conditions.

You can prune this holly cultivar into a privacy hedge or fenceline or leave it unpruned for a more natural look. Because of its fast growth rate and dense foliage, Nellie Stevens is one of the best options for privacy screens. It’s also deer resistant, which is an added bonus if you live in an area with a lot of wildlife.

Nellie Stevens Holly grows best in full sun but tolerates some shade. These shrubs are hardy in Zones 6-9.

8. Prague Viburnum

Prague Viburnum (Viburnum x pragense) is a hybrid cross between two other Viburnum species. These medium-sized shrubs typically reach 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity.

If you’re searching for a plant that can serve as either a hedge or an accent, look no further than the beautiful evergreen. In addition to providing gorgeous green leaves year-round, this Midwestern winter-hardy shrub also boasts lovely pink buds that turn into fragrant cream flowers come springtime.

Prague Viburnums can grow rapidly, adding about 2 feet of new growth each year. Viburnum grows most rapidly in full sun but are tolerant of partially shady conditions. Prague Viburnums can be grown in Zones 5-8.

9. Victory Pyracantha

Victory Pyracantha (Pyracantha koidzumii ‘Victory’) is a fast-growing flowering shrub known for its thorny stems and brightly colored red berries. It reaches a mature size of 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity.

In large spaces, Pyracantha is often used as a thorny 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.

Victory Pyracantha grows about a foot per year and is best planted in sunny spots where the leaves can get enough bright sunlight for photosynthesis to create energy to produce berries. This plant thrives in Zones 7-9, and is most popular in coastal regions.

10. Hollywood Juniper

Hollywood Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’) is a tall coniferous shrub with unique twisted foliage. These fast-growing shrubs reach a mature size of about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, with a growth rate of 1-2 feet/year.

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 sunny planting locations. This plant thrives in Zones 5-9.

11. Cherry Laurel

Cherry Laurels (Prunus laurocerasus) are tall broadleaf evergreen shrubs known for their shiny dark green leaves and showy white flowers. These evergreens grow about 2 feet per year to reach a mature size of 10-12 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.

The Cherry Laurel shrub is a popular choice for those looking for a fast-growing evergreen. Perfect for creating privacy screens or living fences, these shrubs also make beautiful specimen plants. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, Cherry Laurels benefit local wildlife – their flowers attract pollinators and ripen into small red fruits that birds love!

These shrubs grow best in full sun, but are also tolerant of partial shade. Laurel is also semi-tolerant of salty soil. Cherry Laurel can be grown in Zones

12. 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 and dark blue-green leaves, this variety grows to a mature size of 10-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.

The “Blue Princess” plant works great as a hedge or privacy screen and also provides shelter for birds and other helpful creatures. You can also use them to fill space in the back of your garden borders.

Blue Princess Holly grows best in full sun but is tolerant of partial shade. This plant thrives in Zones in 5-9.

13. Rosebay Rhododendron

Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) is a large evergreen shrub native to the eastern USA and Canada. This plant typically reaches a mature size of 10-15 feet tall and 5-12 feet wide (although it can grow much larger towards the warmer end of its climatic range).

The Rhododendron maximum plant grows best in areas that are partially to fully shaded, especially locations that have afternoon shade (as opposed to morning shade). For optimal growth, this plant needs a moist location. Additionally, it does well in zones 3-7.

14. Stonehenge Yew

Stonehenge Yew (Taxus x media ‘Stonehenge’) is a specialty landscaping evergreen with a tall, columnar habit. Similar to the Hicks Yew, but skinnier, these shrubs grow to a mature size of 8-10 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide.

While they are a bit more difficult to find than Hicks, they’re well worth searching for if you are either short on space or have big plans for other plants. Stonehenge Yews look great when planted in pairs as part of an entryway or foundation planting. They also work well as tall, skinny hedges, living fences, and privacy screens.

Stonehenge Yews grow best in full sun to partial shade locations. These shrubs are tolerant of a variety of soil types but prefer well-drained conditions. They are best suited for planting in Zones 4-7.

15. Debutante Camellia

Debutante Camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’) is a relatively low-maintenance flowering evergreen shrub. These somewhat slow-growing yet pretty plants grow to reach a mature size of 8-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide.

Camellias are most appealing when their flowers can be appreciated often. Plant them as a living fence along a walkway, where you’ll benefit from their evergreen leaves year-round, and enjoy their springtime blooms. Thanks to their peony-like blossoms, they also make great flowering borders for herbaceous perennials.

Zones 7-10 are the most ideal for planting camellias, as they flower best in full sun though can still tolerate some shade. Additionally, these plants’ cold hardiness allows them to survive in temperatures as low as 10℉ (-12°C).

16. Hinoki Cypress

Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is an evergreen species with several tall cultivars. The compact cultivars make wonderful foundation plants.

• ‘Slender’ Hinkoki Cypress (matures to 12-18 feet tall, 5-6 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.

17. Wax Myrtle

Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is a large broadleaf evergreen shrub. This quick-grower can easily put on 2-4 feet of height per year. It develops dense foliage and often reaches a mature size of about 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

Perfect for privacy screens and tall hedges, these shrubs keep their leaves year-round. They also make a beautiful living backdrop with their dainty green-yellow flowers. Plus, the birds love eating the fruit off of them in wintertime!

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

18. Allegheny Viburnum

Allegheny Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophylloides ‘Allegheny’) is a quick-growingj m shrub with white flowers and red fruit. These plants grow 1-2 feet per year. The mature size is generally about 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

Not only is Viburnum a beautiful standalone plant with white flowers, but it also does well in hedges. Because of its moderate height, it can act as either a privacy screen or windbreak on spacious properties. Not to mention, birds love eating the fruit off the plant come autumn!

Allegheny Viburnum will produce flowers best in a sunny spot but is tolerant of shade. This plant can be grown in Zones 5-8, but may loose its leaves towards the cooler end of this range (Zones 5-6), especially during harsh winters, and should be considered more like deciduous shrubs in those areas.

19. Sky Pencil Holly

Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’) is a slow-growing 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 an ideal hedge plant if you’re looking to create a low screen. You can line them along a path or around your patio as way markers, or even use them to discreetly hide unsightly fencing or recycling bins. They also make great focal points in smaller gardens.

Sky Pencil Holly grows best in full sun but is tolerant of partial 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.

20. Victory Pyracantha

Victory Pyracantha (Pyracantha koidzumii ‘Victory’) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its thorny stems and brightly colored red berries. This cultivar grows to a mature size of 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide.

Pyracantha is most often used as a barrier planting in large, open spaces such as for hedges, windbreaks, or privacy screens. The plant’s berries also attract birds, making it popular in wildlife gardens. In smaller areas, Pyracatha can be grown up against walls or fences and trained to grow along the surface rather than left to develop naturally into a rounded bushy form.

Victory 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 7-9, and is most popular in coastal regions.

21. Emerald Fountain Canadian Hemlock

Emerald Fountain Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis ‘Monler’) is a specialty foliage evergreen. They typically grow to a mature size of 6-12 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide.

For those who want a hedge or screen that is low-maintenance, this is an excellent choice. It forms a densely branched column of evergreen foliage that requires little to no pruning and retains its dark green color in winter.

This plant grows best in Zones 4-8. It prefers full sun but will tolerate shade, making it a good choice for areas that are dappled or have partial shade for part of the day.

22. California Privet

California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) is a fast growing broadleaf plant that is semi-evergreen. While it looses its leaves towards the colder end of its range, these shrubs tend to keep them in warmer climates. California Privet shrubs typically reach 10-15 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide.

Privet is a popular choice for hedges, screens, and topiary. It can be easily shaped and pruned into any desired form, whether it’s a tall privacy screen or a low border hedge. The plant is also tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions.

California Privet grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. This plant is adaptable to a wide range of climates and soils, but does not do well in wet or poorly drained areas. It is hardy in Zones 5-9, but may lose its foliage in the winter in Zones 5-6 (and even in Zone 7 during harsh winters).

23. 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 as a specimen plant, in a similar manner to Gardenias. They have an almost jasmine-like scent which make them perfect for breezy pathways.

For anyone living in Zones 7-10, Fragrant Tea Olive shrubs are a nice option for a tall flowering shrub. They flower best when planted in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

24. American Holly

American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a native evergreen that grows as a large shrub or small tree. It typically reaches a mature size of 15-30 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide.

This holly is known for its smooth grey bark, glossy green leaves, and bright berries. The berries are an important food source for birds in the winter months. American Holly is also a popular plant for holiday decoration.

This plant grows best in full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained soil. American Holly is hardy in Zones 5-9.

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• Small evergreen shrubs
• Tall evergreen shrubs
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• Best evergreen shrubs for front of house
• Fast-growing evergreen shrubs
• Best evergreen shrubs for privacy
• Evergreen flowering shrubs
• 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