Types of Evergreen Shrubs

Winter Daphne

• Winter Daphne (Daphne odora) is an evergreen shrub also referred to as Fragrant Daphne. The shrub has a slow-to-moderate growth rate and reaches a mature height of 3 to 4 feet with a 2- to 4-foot spread. Winter Daphne develops into a densely branched, rounded mound, and blooms with purple buds and rose pink flowers from late winter to early spring. Winter Daphne grows best in areas of full sun to partial shade and in very well-drained soil. The 1-½ to 3-½ inch long, dark green foliage is leathery, glossy, and pointed at both end. Winter Daphne is not long lived.

Little Gem Arborvitae

• Little Gem Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Little Gem') is a slow-growing evergreen shrub, which grows to a mature height of 1 to 3 feet. The shrub has a medium texture and a dense, compact growth spreading to about 4 to 6 feet. Landscapers use Little Gem Arborvitae as a low-growing hedge and is primarily grown for its foliage. The glossy, dark-green foliage is crowded and crumpled, the flat sprays growing at different angles. Little Gem Arborvitae grows best in areas of sun to light shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

P.J.M. Rhododendron

• P.J.M. Rhododendron (Rhododendron 'P.J.M') is an evergreen shrub, which grows best in areas of partial shade. The shrub thrives in acidic, well-drained and moist soils well amended with organic matter. P. J. M. rhododendron has a moderate growth rate and grows to a mature height of 3 to 6 feet with a 4- to 6-foot spread. The shrub blooms with bright-lavender-pink flowers in late spring and has 1 to 2-½ inch long, leathery, dark green foliage with rusty-scaly undersides. The foliage changes to a shade of purple during winter. P.J.M. Rhododendron has a high tolerance for cold.