Small Evergreen Shrubs For Shade: Beautiful Options For Your Garden

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Are you looking for beautiful and evergreen shrubs to add life to your garden? Then small evergreen shrubs are the way to go! Not only do they add beauty, but they also survive in shade areas. In this article, we have selected 5 small evergreen shrubs that are perfect for shady areas.

Benefits of choosing evergreen shrubs for shade

Evergreen shrubs, unlike their deciduous counterparts, keep their leaves throughout the year. And this offers a constant source of greenery for your garden during all seasons. Additionally, since evergreens do not shed their leaves, they offer better coverage in areas where privacy is critical.

Factors to consider when selecting shade-loving shrubs

When shopping for small evergreen shrubs for your shady spot, you need to consider the following:

• Hardiness Zone: Find out your hardiness zone before planting any shrub. It is crucial because different plant varieties thrive in different zones.
• Sun Exposure: Although the plants are suitable for shady spots, it's important to know the degree of shade they prefer. Some shrubs will curl up in intense shade while others will die without enough sun.
• Soil quality: The selected shrub should adapt well to the existing soil type while allowing good drainage.
• Growth rate: Selecting slow-growing shrubs can save you time, money and growth-management headaches.
• Plant size: Choosing compact evergreen shrubs works in small gardens or tight spaces.

5 Small Evergreen Shrubs Perfect for Shady Areas

1. Japanese Pieris

The 'Japanese Pieris' (Pieris japonica) is an elegant and attractive evergreen shrub native to Japan that grows between 3 to 4 feet tall and moderately wide. Its lustrous leaves bloom roses or white bell-shaped flowers during spring. Japanese Pieris is easy to grow and only requires light pruning after blooming.

2. Boxwood

Boxwood (Buxus) is a favourite and popular plant among gardeners globally. They can be trimmed into various shapes and sizes, making them perfect for formal hedges, topiaries or low edging shrubs. The evergreen shrub boasts oval-shaped leaves that grow densely and compactly to around 2-3 feet in height but spreading widely for about 5 feet. Plus, the shrub is drought tolerant and enjoys light trimming.

3. Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica') is an evergreen shrub that grows slowly to form a cone-shape. This unique morphology earns it the name 'living sculpture.' It grows up to 6ft tall by 4ft wide, forming a pyramid with dense green needles and uniform branching patterns. Dwarf Alberta Spruce tolerates shade well, but for optimal growth, it's best to ensure that its soil is well-draining.

4. Daphne Odora

Daphne Odora is a slow-growing shrub that originated from China and Japan. It thrives well in acidic soil when grown under partial shade. When mature, the shrub attains a size of 3 to 4 feet tall with glossy leaves that glisten on sunny days. During winter and early spring, it produces fragrant pink to white blooms that smell like jasmine.

5. Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica, also known as 'Heavenly bamboo', isn't a true bamboo plant but classified under the Berberidaceae family. This evergreen shrub is bushy and thrives on partial shade. The foliage turns deep red during fall, creating an ideal contrast. Heavenly Bamboo features compound leaves with finely toothed edges that resemble ferns.

Choosing the right small evergreen shrubs for shade can add beauty and life to any garden. Plus, most of them are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. You only need to water them occasionally and ensure the soil has adequate drainage.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about small evergreen shrubs that grow in shade:

Can all evergreen shrubs grow in shade?

Yes, but it's essential to research each shrub's shading requirements before choosing one to purchase.

Are these small evergreen shrubs easy to take care of?

Most of the small evergreen shrubs listed above are generally low-maintenance plants, with slight differences regarding water requirements, soil type, pruning needs and frequency.

Do I need to prune evergreen shrubs regularly?

It's crucial to prune your evergreen shrubs regularly, especially when they start outgrowing their designated space. Regular pruning ensures that the shrubs retain their shape and size and allows enough sunlight to penetrate through the entire plant.

How tall can these small evergreen shrubs grow?

Most of the small evergreen shrubs listed above mature between 3-6 ft tall, making them ideal for gardens with limited space.

What other plants pair well with these small evergreen shrubs?

Complimentary plants vary depending on your garden's aesthetics and soil type. However, some of the most popular plants that pair well with these small evergreen shrubs include ferns, hostas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas.

Which of these small evergreen shrubs is the most heat-tolerant?

Heavenly Bamboo is the most heat-tolerant of all the above-discussed small evergreen shrubs.

Do any of these evergreen shrubs bloom flowers?

Yes, Daphne Odora and Japanese Pieris produce fragrant spring flowers.

Are these small evergreen shrubs safe for pets and children?

Most of the evergreen shrubs are safe; however, the berries of the Heavenly Bamboo plant are toxic.

Can these evergreen shrubs survive colder climates?

Yes, most small evergreen shrubs are cold hardy if grown in the appropriate planting zone.

How often do I need to water these small evergreen shrubs?

Watering frequency depends on the species and soil quality. It's best to let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again.