Evergreen Plants & Shrubs

Emerald Green Arborvitae

• Arborvitae is a medium- to fast-growing evergreen shrub that reaches a maximum height of about 20 feet. The emerald green variety has soft foliage with a near-iridescent green color and grows with an almost perfect pyramidal formation without pruning. It is not resistant to drought, but thrives in hardiness zones 3 through 7, where it is commonly used in hedge rows. For best results, plant 2 or 3 feet apart in well-drained soil with full or partial sun.

Mugo Pine

• Some types of mugo pine may grow to tree-size, exceeding 30 or 40 feet, but most are densely needled, slow-growing shrubs with low spread that rarely exceed 10 to 15 feet tall, with about the same width. Though native to the mountains of southern Europe, mugo pine will survive in zones 3 through 7 of the United States, and prefers full sun or light shade and well-drained soil. It will tolerate a variety of soil types, but is not drought tolerant.

Oleander

• Oleander grows fast and can grow up to 20 feet, but is usually trimmed to a rounded mound about 10 feet tall and wide. This evergreen shrub is suited to zones 8 to 10, making it an option for southern growers. With long, thin leaves, oleander blooms in summertime with large, showy flowers. Various cultivars produce different-colored blooms ranging from red, pink and salmon to white or light yellow. Though adaptable, it grows best in warm, humid climates and will survive excess or lack of water. Oleander is also toxic, so do not plant in areas frequented by children.

English Ivy

• English ivy is a fast growing vine that is tolerant of a wide range of soils and grows well in full or partial shade. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, some varieties of English ivy are deciduous, but most are evergreen. It makes ideal ground cover beneath shade trees, and can grow as far as 40 feet up walls, fences, trellises and arbors. English ivy's small blue-black berries are inedible to humans but will attract birds to your property.