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10 Evergreens for Year-Round Foliage Interest

Evergreens are the garden’s backbone in summer and its stars in winter. These 10 trees, shrubs, and plants keep the landscape vibrant through the coldest months.

1. Colorado Spruce ‘Fat Albert’ (Picea pungens ‘Fat Albert’)

Slow-growing, perfect cone with striking silver-blue needles. Zones 3–7. 10–15 ft tall, 7–10 ft wide. Full sun, medium water.

2. False Cypress ‘Soft Serve’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Soft Serve’)

Compact, cone-shaped with soft, lacy branches. Deer resistant. Zones 5–7. 6–10 ft tall, 5–6 ft wide. Full to partial sun, medium moisture, well-drained.

3. Boxwood ‘Green Gem’ (Buxus ‘Green Gem’)

Broadleaf evergreen forming a dense 2-ft sphere. Great for containers or low hedges. Zones 4–9. 1.5–2 ft tall/wide. Full to partial sun, medium moisture, well-drained.

4. Japanese False Cypress ‘Lemon Thread’ (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Lemon Thread’)

Delicate chartreuse thread-like foliage brightens winter. Zones 4–8. 3–5 ft tall, 2–4 ft wide. Full sun to partial shade, medium water.

5. Cherry Laurel ‘Otto Luyken’ (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’)

Shiny green leaves, creamy white fragrant spring flowers. Prune to keep lower. Zones 6–8. 6–10 ft tall, 10–12 ft wide. Full sun to partial shade, medium water.

6. Japanese Holly ‘Golden Gem’ (Ilex crenata ‘Golden Gem’)

Chartreuse foliage best in full sun. Check invasiveness in your area. Zones 5–8. 1.5–2 ft tall/wide. Full sun to partial shade, medium water.

7. Blue Atlas Cedar ‘Glauca Pendula’ (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’)

Weeping habit makes a dramatic specimen. Zones 6–7. 3–12 ft tall/wide. Full sun, medium water.

8. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Emerald Spreader’)

Groundcover forming a thick mat; bright emerald-green holds through winter. Zones 3–9. 0.5–1.5 ft tall, 5–8 ft wide. Full sun, medium moisture, well-drained.