When looking for shrubs to add to your landscaping, evergreen shrubs are a fantastic option. Not only do they stay green all year round, providing a touch of colour and texture to your outdoor space throughout the seasons, but they also require low maintenance and can be relatively easy to care for. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best low maintenance evergreen shrubs for your garden.
Benefits of evergreen shrubs
Having evergreen shrubs in your garden provides numerous benefits. For starters, they can act as a natural privacy screen or hedge, providing separation from neighbours and passers-by while adding a touch of greenery to the space. Additionally, because they stay green all year round, they provide visual interest throughout the seasons—no matter what time of year it is. Furthermore, evergreen shrubs are often more drought-resistant than other plants, meaning they require less water and maintenance to stay healthy.
Top 5 Low Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs
Shrub #1: Boxwood (Buxus)
1. Description of Boxwood
Boxwood is a versatile evergreen shrub that has been used in gardens for centuries. It’s known for its dense, glossy foliage and can be grown as low hedges or topiary shapes. Boxwood is also quite tolerant of pruning, making it easy to maintain.
2. Maintenance requirements
Boxwood is an ideal low maintenance evergreen shrub since it doesn’t require much in terms of care. The most important aspect of caring for boxwood is to water it deeply when needed and prune it annually or biannually, depending on the desired shape. Additionally, fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer.
3. Potential issues and solutions
Boxwood is susceptible to canker, blight, and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, do not over-water the plant and avoid planting in overly damp areas. Additionally, prune the plant regularly and make sure it has adequate air circulation.
Shrub #2: Holly (Ilex)
1. Description of Holly
Holly is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green foliage and bright red berries that appear in the fall. It’s a popular choice for hedges and borders due to its durability and easy maintenance. Holly can also be grown as a topiary or into various shapes and sizes, making it quite versatile.
2. Maintenance requirements
Holly is a low maintenance evergreen shrub and requires minimal care. Water the holly deeply during dry periods, but don’t overwater as this can lead to root rot. Prune the plant annually or biannually to maintain its shape and size, and make sure it’s getting adequate sunlight for best results. Additionally, mulch around the base of the plant to keep its roots cool and the soil moist.
3. Potential issues and solutions
Holly can suffer from scale, mites, and aphids, so if you notice any of these pests on your holly, treat it with an insecticide or other suitable pest control product. Furthermore, holly is susceptible to leaf spot and root rot, so make sure not to overwater the plant.
Shrub #3: Yew (Taxus)
1. Description of Yew
Yew is an evergreen shrub with dark, glossy foliage and red berries that appear in the fall. It’s often used for hedges or topiaries due to its ability to be pruned into various shapes. Yews are easy to maintain and can tolerate a range of climates, making them a great choice for low maintenance gardens.
2. Maintenance requirements
Yew is a relatively low maintenance evergreen shrub. Water deeply every couple of weeks during dry periods, and prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape. Additionally, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer for best results. Yews are also fairly drought-tolerant, so they don’t need to be watered as frequently as other plants.
3. Potential issues and solutions
Yews are generally quite hardy, but they can suffer from pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. If you notice any of these pests on your yew, treat it with an insecticide or other suitable pest control product. Additionally, yews are susceptible to canker and root rot if overwatered. To prevent this, make sure to water regularly but not excessively.
Shrub #4: Juniper (Juniperus)
1. Description of Juniper
Juniper is an evergreen shrub with needle-like foliage and a conical or columnar shape. It’s easy to maintain and can survive in both dry and wet climates, making it a great choice for low maintenance gardens. The foliage can vary from blue to green depending on the variety, giving the plant versatility in your garden design.
2. Maintenance requirements
Juniper is a low maintenance evergreen shrub that requires minimal care. Water the juniper deeply during dry periods, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and size, and make sure it’s getting adequate sunlight for best results. Additionally, mulch around the base of the plant to keep its roots cool and the soil moist.
3. Potential issues and solutions
Juniper can suffer from pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. If you notice any of these pests on your juniper, treat it with an insecticide or other suitable pest control product. Furthermore, juniper is susceptible to canker and root rot if overwatered. To prevent this, make sure to water regularly but not excessively.
3. Potential issues and solutions
Shrub #5: Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)
1. Description of Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Dwarf Alberta Spruce is an evergreen shrub that has a conical shape and dense foliage. It has a slow-growing, compact form that makes it perfect for creating low maintenance gardens or hedges. The needles are bright green in the spring and turn to a softer blue-green in the summer and fall. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making it a great choice for almost any garden.
2. Maintenance requirements
Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub that requires minimal care. Water the plant deeply during dry periods, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and size, and make sure it’s getting adequate sunlight for best results. Additionally, mulch around the base of the plant to keep its roots cool and the soil moist.
3. Potential issues and solutions
Dwarf Alberta spruce can suffer from pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. If you notice any of these pests on your plant, treat it with an insecticide or other suitable pest control product.
Tips for Planting Low Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs
Site selection
When selecting a site for planting low maintenance evergreen shrubs, it is important to consider the soil type and sun exposure. A well-drained soil and adequate sunlight are essential for the health of these plants. Soil pH should be between 6.5-7.5 for optimal growth, and you may need to adjust the pH with lime if needed. Additionally, make sure to select a spot that will not be subject to strong winds, as these can cause damage to the shrubs.
Soil preparation
Soil preparation is an important step when planting low maintenance evergreen shrubs. The soil should be amended with compost or aged manure prior to planting to provide essential nutrients and improve drainage. Additionally, the soil should be loosened around the root ball to allow for better water and nutrient absorption. For best results, consider having your soil tested for pH levels and nutrient content before planting your shrubs .
Planting instructions
When planting low maintenance evergreen shrubs, it is important to follow the instructions provided by the plant supplier. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and at least as deep as the root ball. Place the root ball in the center of the hole and gently cover with soil, making sure to completely fill any air pockets around the roots. Water deeply after planting, and mulch around the base of the plant to keep its roots cool and the soil moist.
Watering and fertilization guidelines
Low maintenance evergreen shrubs generally require little water and fertilization, however, it is important to follow the specific guidelines for each species when caring for your plants. Water deeply during dry periods, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. In general, these shrubs should not need to be fertilized more than once a year. If you do choose to fertilize, use a slow-release fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package for proper application.
Conclusion
Low maintenance evergreen shrubs are an excellent choice for creating attractive, low maintenance gardens or hedges. Dwarf Alberta spruce is one such shrub that has a conical shape and dense foliage, making it perfect for any garden. When planting such shrubs, it is important to consider the soil type, sun exposure, and water and fertilization guidelines for each species. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy beautiful evergreen shrubs in your garden for years to come.