Evergreen Plants

Evergreen plants keep their foliage year-round, while semi-evergreen plants may lose some or all of their leaves in colder conditions but remain evergreen in milder climates.

Both types provide structure and visual interest through much of the year, with performance depending on climate, exposure, and plant selection.

Most evergreens keep their foliage year-round, but their color and appearance can change during winter—especially in colder climates. This is a natural response to temperature, light, and wind exposure.

• True evergreens stay leafy: They do not drop all their leaves or needles, even in freezing conditions.
• Winter bronzing is normal: Many evergreens (especially arborvitae, hollies, and some broadleaf varieties) may shift to bronze, copper, or deeper green tones in winter as a protective response to cold and dryness.
• Color returns in spring: Once temperatures warm and days lengthen, bronzed foliage typically returns to its normal green shade.
• Site conditions matter: Plants in exposed, windy, or sunny winter locations may show more color change than those in sheltered spots.

So while evergreens do stay evergreen, it’s completely normal for some varieties to change tone during winter—especially in colder regions. Their foliage remains intact and healthy, even if the color shifts for the season.

Evergreens are some of the best choices for creating structure in the landscape, especially when you want dependable privacy or tidy, attractive foundation plantings. The right plants depend on your space, desired height, and preferred look.

• For tall privacy screens:
  Arborvitae varieties, upright junipers, and columnar hollies are excellent for creating dense, year-round coverage. Their vertical growth habits make them ideal for property lines and narrow borders.
  
• For medium-height hedges:
  Compact hollies, dwarf conifers, and semi-evergreen shrubs provide reliable screening without overwhelming smaller yards. Many offer rich color and strong structure throughout the year.
  
• For foundation plantings:
  Smaller evergreens—such as dwarf boxwoods, low-growing junipers, and compact conifers—work beautifully along walkways, porches, and the front of the home. They add symmetry, year-round color, and a clean architectural look.
  
• Mixing varieties:
  Combining different textures (needle, broadleaf, fine foliage) creates a layered, balanced appearance while maintaining four-season interest.
  

Whether you need a full privacy solution or subtle evergreen structure around the home, there are dependable options for nearly every style and space.

Yes—many evergreen shrubs and small trees grow beautifully in containers. They offer year-round color, structure, and style for porches, patios, entryways, and balconies. With the right care and container setup, evergreens can thrive for many years in pots.

• Choose compact or slow-growing varieties:
  Dwarf conifers, small hollies, compact junipers, and other naturally tight growers are ideal because they maintain their shape without outgrowing the container too quickly.
  
• Use a large, insulated pot:
  Bigger containers protect roots from temperature swings and provide room for healthy root development. Ceramic, resin, or wood planters are great cold-weather options.
  
• Ensure excellent drainage:
  Evergreens dislike sitting in water. Use a well-draining potting mix and make sure your container has sufficient drainage holes.
  
• Winter considerations:
  Container plants are more exposed to cold. In colder climates, choose hardier varieties, group pots together for protection, or move containers to sheltered areas during extreme weather.
  
• Regular watering:
  Evergreens in pots dry out faster than those in the ground. Check soil moisture frequently, especially in summer and during dry winter periods.
  

With the right plant choice and proper care, evergreens can deliver four-season beauty and structure in containers just as well as they do in the landscape.

Most evergreens prefer full sun to partial sun and consistent moisture during their establishment period. Requirements vary by species, so checking individual product pages is important.

Once established, many evergreens become drought-tolerant and low-maintenance when planted in well-drained soil.

Yes—many evergreens naturally experience bronzing or subtle color changes during winter. This seasonal shift is a normal protective response to cold temperatures, dry winds, and reduced sunlight.

• Winter bronzing is common:
  Arborvitae, junipers, hollies, and some broadleaf evergreens often take on bronze, copper, or deeper green tones during the coldest months.
• It helps prevent damage:
  These pigments act like a natural sunscreen, helping the plant manage winter stress and moisture loss.
• Color returns in spring:
  As temperatures rise and daylight increases, foliage typically shifts back to its vibrant green color.
• Site conditions influence color:
  Plants in windy, exposed, or full-sun winter locations may bronze more noticeably than those in sheltered spots.
• Bronzing ≠ damage:
  As long as the foliage remains flexible and the plant holds its needles or leaves, the color change is healthy and expected.

Seasonal bronzing is simply part of an evergreen’s natural rhythm and usually signals that the plant is adapting well to winter—not that something is wrong.