Cold-Hardy Evergreens for Salt Lake City Balcony Containers

In Salt Lake City (Sunset zone 2, USDA 5b), choose evergreens that tolerate severe cold in containers. Top picks for 5–7 ft height: boxwood, Japanese holly, dwarf Chinese holly, junipers ('Blaauw', 'Fruitland', 'Golden Armstrong', 'Holger'), Japanese privet, Vicary golden privet, Japanese photinia, arborvitae, Canada hemlock, and Viburnum burkwoodii.

Container plants grow slower and stay smaller than in-ground. Pot up gradually—never jump to a huge pot—to avoid water wicking away from roots. Use substantial containers, insulate in winter with burlap, and shelter from drying winds.