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When selecting “evergreen” ground covers, consider choosing plants rated for a hardiness zone at least one colder than your own. This increases the chances they will remain evergreen throughout the year, even during harsher winters.

Winter Interest with Evergreen Perennials

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Evergreen and semi-evergreen perennial plants are those that retain their leaves throughout the year or for a significant portion of it. They offer several benefits to gardens and landscapes:

Characteristics

These plants offer a multitude of benefits to the garden, providing year-round interest, structure, and functionality.

Year-Round Foliage:

Visual Continuity: Unlike deciduous plants that shed their leaves seasonally, evergreens provide constant color, texture, and form, creating a sense of stability and permanence in the garden. This can be especially valuable in winter when other plants are dormant.
Semi-Evergreen Nuance: While true evergreens retain their leaves throughout the year, semi-evergreens offer a dynamic element. They may lose some leaves during harsh conditions but maintain enough foliage to provide ongoing interest and structure. This can create subtle seasonal shifts in the garden.

Winter Interest:

Color and Texture: Evergreens contribute much-needed color and texture to the winter landscape when deciduous plants are bare. They prevent the garden from feeling stark and lifeless.
Focal Points: Evergreens can serve as focal points during the winter months, drawing the eye and providing visual interest. Consider plants with interesting foliage colors (like gold or blue conifers) or unique forms (like the architectural shapes of some yuccas).

Privacy and Screening:

Living Walls: Evergreens can be used to create effective privacy screens and windbreaks. Their dense foliage can block unwanted views, reduce noise pollution, and create sheltered microclimates within the garden.
Versatile Applications: From low-growing hedges to tall screening plants, evergreens offer flexibility in design. They can be used to define boundaries, create intimate spaces, or simply add a sense of enclosure.

Erosion Control:

Soil Stabilization: Evergreens, especially those with deep and extensive root systems, are excellent for erosion control. Their roots help to bind the soil, preventing it from being washed away on slopes or in areas with heavy rainfall.
Ground Cover Solutions: Low-growing, spreading evergreens can act as living mulch, protecting the soil from erosion and suppressing weed growth.

Wildlife Habitat:

Food and Shelter: Evergreens provide crucial habitat for wildlife throughout the year. They offer shelter from the elements, nesting sites for birds, and food sources in the form of berries, seeds, or nectar.
Supporting Biodiversity: By incorporating a variety of evergreen species, you can create a more diverse and ecologically balanced garden that supports a wider range of wildlife.

Additional Benefits:

Reduced Maintenance: Many evergreens require less maintenance than deciduous plants, as they don't need to be raked or cleaned up after leaf drop.
Improved Air Quality: Evergreens contribute to cleaner air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Increased Property Value: A well-maintained landscape with evergreen plantings can enhance the curb appeal and value of your property.

Visual appeal: Evergreen and semi-evergreen plants add year-round color, texture, and structure to your landscape.
Low maintenance: Once established, evergreen and semi-evergreen plants require minimal care. They often do not need to be pruned or fertilized as frequently as deciduous plants.
Environmental benefits: Evergreen plants can help to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Evergreen Perennials:

Ajuga (Bugleweed): Provides colorful foliage and attractive flower spikes.
Armeria (Common Thrift, Sea Pink): Offers grassy foliage and long-lasting blooms in various colors.
Bergenia (Heartleaf Bergenia, Pig Squeak): Features large, leathery leaves and rosy-pink flowers.
Dianthus (Pinks): Includes many varieties with fragrant, colorful flowers and often evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage.
Euonymus f. 'Colorata' (Purple Leaf Wintercreeper): Noted for its purple foliage that adds year-round interest.
Hedera (English Ivy): A versatile climber or groundcover with evergreen foliage. (Can be invasive.)
Helleborus (Lenten Rose): Provides early blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, and green.
Heuchera (Coral Bells): Offers a wide array of colorful foliage, from deep purples to vibrant oranges.
Iberis (Evergreen Candytuft): Produces abundant white flowers in spring.
Lavandula (English Lavender): Valued for its fragrant flowers and foliage.
Liriope (Lily-turf): Features grass-like foliage and spikes of purple flowers.
Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge): A popular groundcover for shady areas.
Sedum (Stonecrop): Includes many low-growing, evergreen varieties with succulent foliage and colorful flowers.
Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks): Unique rosette-forming succulents that add texture and interest.
Thymus (Creeping Thyme): A fragrant groundcover with culinary and medicinal uses.
Vinca (Myrtle, Periwinkle): A vigorous groundcover with attractive flowers. (Can be invasive.)

Semi-Evergreen Perennials:

Arabis (Rock Cress): Forms a mat of foliage with showy clusters of flowers in spring.
Carex (Sedge): Includes many varieties with attractive foliage that adds texture and movement.
Heucherella (Foamy Bells): A hybrid with colorful foliage and delicate flowers.
Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox): Creates a carpet of colorful blooms in spring.
Sagina (Irish Moss): A low-growing, moss-like groundcover.
Tiarella (Foamflower): Features delicate flowers and attractive foliage.
Yucca (Adam's Needle): Offers dramatic foliage and tall flower spikes.

Choosing Evergreen and Semi-Evergreen Perennials

Evergreen and semi-evergreen perennials offer year-round interest, structure, and functionality to the garden. To ensure they thrive in your landscape, consider these factors:

Climate and Hardiness:

USDA Hardiness Zones: Determine your USDA Hardiness Zone, which indicates the average minimum winter temperature in your area. Select plants that are rated for your zone or colder.
Microclimates: Be aware of microclimates within your garden. Some areas may be warmer or colder, wetter or drier than others. Consider these variations when choosing plants.
Winter Conditions: Even within a hardiness zone, winter conditions can vary. Factors like snow cover, wind exposure, and temperature fluctuations can affect plant survival. Choose plants that are known to tolerate your typical winter conditions.

Sunlight Requirements:

Full Sun: Plants that require full sun need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Partial Shade: These plants thrive in 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or dappled shade throughout the day.
Full Shade: Shade-loving plants prefer less than 4 hours of direct sunlight and do well in areas with filtered light or shade for most of the day.
Observe Your Garden: Pay attention to how sunlight moves across your garden throughout the day and choose plants accordingly.

Soil Conditions:

Soil Type: Determine your soil type (clay, sand, loam) as it affects drainage and nutrient availability.
Drainage: Ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot. Amend clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage.
Soil pH: Some plants prefer acidic soil, while others thrive in alkaline conditions. Test your soil pH and choose plants that are suited to it.

Size and Growth Habit:

Mature Size: Consider the mature size of the plant to ensure it will fit the available space without overcrowding.
Growth Rate: Understand how quickly the plant grows to avoid it becoming overwhelming or outgrowing its space too quickly.
Form and Texture: Choose plants with forms and textures that complement your overall garden design.

Purpose and Function:

Groundcover: Select low-growing, spreading plants for erosion control, weed suppression, or filling in bare areas.
Privacy Screen: Choose tall, dense plants to create privacy or block unwanted views.
Specimen Plant: Select plants with unique features or striking foliage to serve as focal points.
Wildlife Habitat: Incorporate plants that provide food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

Maintenance Needs:

Watering: Consider the plant's water requirements and choose those that are appropriate for your climate and watering habits.
Pruning: Understand the pruning needs of the plant to maintain its shape and size.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Choose plants that are resistant to common pests and diseases in your area.

Important Note:

While USDA hardiness zones provide a general guideline, remember that plant hardiness can be affected by various factors. Even plants rated for your zone may experience some dieback in extremely harsh winters. However, healthy plants typically regenerate new growth in spring.

The Resilience of Evergreen Perennials

Evergreen perennials bring life and vibrancy to the garden throughout the year, including the often dormant winter months. Their ability to retain foliage during winter is a testament to their remarkable adaptations. However, the extent to which they remain evergreen can vary depending on the severity of winter conditions and their location in the garden. Some may even transition to a semi-evergreen state during particularly harsh winters, losing some but not all of their leaves.

Survival Strategies of Evergreen Leaves:

Evergreen perennials have evolved a variety of strategies to withstand winter's challenges:

Structural Adaptations:

Stiff or Leathery Leaves: Many evergreens have tough, leathery leaves reinforced with lignin, a complex polymer that provides rigidity and helps them stand upright even under the weight of snow or ice.
Reduced Surface Area: Some evergreens have small, needle-like leaves, which minimize water loss through transpiration.

Surface Adaptations:

Waxy Coatings: A glossy, waxy coating on leaves helps to seal in moisture and prevent desiccation.
Hairy Surfaces: Fine hairs on leaves can trap a layer of air close to the leaf surface, reducing water loss and providing insulation.
Gray or Silver Coloration: Some evergreens have a gray or silver coloration that reflects sunlight, reducing heat absorption and water loss.

Growth Habit Adaptations:

Low-Growing Forms: Many evergreens hug the ground, taking advantage of the insulating effects of snow cover, leaf litter, and slightly warmer temperatures near the ground.

The Challenges of Winter:

Despite their adaptations, evergreen perennials face challenges during winter, primarily:

Desiccation (Winter Burn): This occurs when frozen ground prevents roots from absorbing water, while winter sun and wind cause leaves to lose moisture. The result is leaf browning and potential dieback.
Poor Drainage: Saturated, frozen soil can lead to root rot and plant death.

Protecting Evergreen Perennials:

Gardeners can help their evergreen perennials survive winter by:

Providing Winter Mulch: A layer of mulch (such as shredded bark or pine needles) helps to insulate the soil, protect roots from freezing, and moderate soil temperature fluctuations.
Ensuring Good Drainage: Plant evergreens in well-drained soil or amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage. For particularly susceptible plants, consider adding a layer of pea gravel mulch to further enhance drainage.
Watering During Thaws: If the ground thaws during winter, water evergreens thoroughly to replenish soil moisture.
Strategic Placement: Plant evergreens in locations that offer some protection from harsh winter winds and excessive sun exposure.

By understanding the adaptations and challenges of evergreen perennials, gardeners can provide the necessary care to ensure their survival and continued beauty throughout the year.

Popular evergreen perennials

One of the best features of evergreen perennials is the visual interest they provide when left standing over the winter. During winter months, many perennials provide winter interest in the garden. The following plants are evergreen in our zone 7, many may be evergreen throughout the country, some may be semi-evergreen 'down the street'.

Ajuga (Bugleweed)

Cultural Conditions: Thrives in sun or shade and adaptable to various soil conditions. Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates some dryness.
Benefits: Excellent ground cover for erosion control and weed suppression due to its dense growth habit. Attractive blue, pink, or white flower spikes in spring.

Arabis (Rock Cress)

Cultural Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established.
Benefits: Showy clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers in spring. Ideal for rock gardens, walls, and borders.

Armeria (Common Thrift, Sea Pink)

Cultural Conditions: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Salt tolerant, making it suitable for coastal gardens.
Benefits: Produces globe-shaped clusters of pink, rose, or white flowers in spring and summer. Attractive to pollinators.

Bergenia (Heartleaf Bergenia, Pig Squeak)

Cultural Conditions: Tolerates full sun to full shade. Prefers moist, fertile soil.
Benefits: Large, leathery leaves provide year-round interest. Rosy-pink flowers appear in spring.

Carex (Sedge)

Cultural Conditions: Many varieties with varying needs. Some prefer shade and moist soil, while others tolerate sun and drier conditions.
Benefits: Ornamental grasses with attractive foliage that adds texture and movement to the garden. Low maintenance and deer resistant.

Dianthus (Pinks)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil.
Benefits: Fragrant, colorful flowers in a variety of colors. Many varieties are evergreen or semi-evergreen.

Euonymus f. 'Colorata' (Purple Leaf Wintercreeper)

Cultural Conditions: Adaptable to sun or shade. Prefers well-drained soil.
Benefits: Purple foliage provides year-round interest. Can be used as a ground cover or climber.

Festuca (Blue Fescue)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Blue-gray foliage adds a cool color to the garden. Low maintenance and deer resistant.

Hedera (English Ivy)

Cultural Conditions: Adaptable to sun or shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Benefits: Versatile evergreen climber or ground cover. Can be used to cover walls, fences, or bare ground. Caution: Can be invasive in some areas.

Helictotrichon (Blue Oat Grass)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Attractive blue-gray foliage with graceful, arching flower stalks. Adds texture and movement to the garden.

Helleborus (Lenten Rose)

Cultural Conditions: Partial to full shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Benefits: Early blooming flowers provide color in late winter and early spring. Deer resistant.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Cultural Conditions: Partial shade to full sun (depending on variety). Prefers well-drained soil.
Benefits: Colorful foliage in a wide range of colors. Attractive to hummingbirds.

Heucherella (Foamy Bells)

Cultural Conditions: Similar to Heuchera. Partial shade to full sun (depending on variety). Prefers well-drained soil.
Benefits: Hybrid of Heuchera and Tiarella, with colorful foliage and delicate flowers.

Iberis (Evergreen Candytuft)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Abundant white flowers in spring. Good for rock gardens and borders.

Lavandula (English Lavender)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Fragrant flowers and foliage. Attracts pollinators.

Liriope (Lily-turf)

Cultural Conditions: Adaptable to sun or shade. Prefers well-drained soil.
Benefits: Grass-like foliage provides year-round interest. Produces spikes of purple flowers in late summer.

Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge)

Cultural Conditions: Shade to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Benefits: Excellent ground cover for shady areas. Dense growth habit suppresses weeds.

Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Masses of colorful flowers in spring. Ideal for rock gardens and slopes.

Sagina (Irish Moss)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Benefits: Low-growing, moss-like ground cover. Tolerates foot traffic.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Succulent foliage and colorful flowers. Attracts pollinators.

Sempervivum (Hen & Chicks)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Unique rosette-forming succulents. Ideal for rock gardens and containers.

Thymus (Creeping Thyme)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Fragrant foliage and flowers. Tolerates foot traffic.

Tiarella (Foamflower)

Cultural Conditions: Shade to partial shade. Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Benefits: Delicate flowers and attractive foliage. Good for woodland gardens.

Vinca (Myrtle, Periwinkle)

Cultural Conditions: Adaptable to sun or shade. Prefers well-drained soil.
Benefits: Evergreen ground cover with attractive flowers. Can be invasive in some areas.

Yucca (Adam's Needle)

Cultural Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant.
Benefits: Dramatic foliage and tall flower spikes. Deer resistant.

Evergreen Perennial Plants FAQ

What are evergreen perennials?

Evergreen perennials are a wonderful addition to any garden, providing year-round interest and structure. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you are sure to find some that will fit your needs. Unlike deciduous plants, which lose their leaves in the fall, evergreen perennials keep their foliage all year long. This means your garden will always look good, even in the winter.

What are the benefits of planting evergreen perennials?

Year-round interest: Evergreen perennials provide visual interest in your garden all year long, even when other plants are dormant.

Low maintenance: Most evergreen perennials are relatively low-maintenance, requiring little pruning or watering once they are established.

Winter protection: They can help to protect your home from harsh winter winds and snow.

Habitat for wildlife: They provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

How do I choose the right evergreen perennials for my garden?

Consider your zone or climate: Some evergreen perennials are more cold-hardy than others. Be sure to choose plants that are suited to your climate zone.

Think about the size and shape of your garden: Some evergreen perennials can grow quite large, while others are more compact. Choose plants that will fit well in the space you have available.

Select plants with the right sun exposure needs: Some evergreen perennials prefer full sun, while others do better in partial shade or shade.

How do I care for evergreen perennials?

Watering: Water your evergreen perennials regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Once they are established, they can usually tolerate dry periods.

Fertilizing: Fertilize your evergreen perennials in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pruning: Prune your evergreen perennials when necessary to remove dead or diseased branches or to shape the plant.

What are some common problems with evergreen perennials?

Winter burn: In colder climates, the leaves of some evergreen perennials can be damaged by winter sun and wind. You can protect your plants by planting them in a sheltered location or by wrapping them in burlap during the winter.

Pests and diseases: Evergreen perennials can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Be sure to monitor your plants for signs of trouble and treat them promptly if necessary.

What are the considerations when selecting Evergreen perennial plants?

When choosing evergreen perennials for your garden, be sure to consider the following factors:

Sun or shade: Some evergreen perennials prefer sun, while others prefer shade. Be sure to choose plants that will be happy in the amount of sunlight that your garden receives.

Moisture: Some evergreen perennials are drought-tolerant, while others need more moisture. Be sure to choose plants that will be happy in the amount of moisture that your garden receives.

Soil: Some evergreen perennials prefer acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline soil. Be sure to choose plants that will be happy in the type of soil that you have.

Size: Evergreen perennials come in a wide variety of sizes, from small groundcovers to large shrubs. Be sure to choose plants that will be the right size for your garden.

With a little planning, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance garden with evergreen perennials.

What are popular evergreen groundcover perennials?

Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed): Ajuga is a low-growing groundcover that produces small, blue flowers in the spring. It is also known as carpet bugleweed. It is tolerant of shade and drought, making it a versatile choice for any garden.

Bergenia cordifolia (Heartleaf bergenia): Bergenia is a shade-loving perennial that produces large, glossy leaves and pink flowers in the spring. It is also known as pig squeak. It is deer-resistant and easy to care for.

Heuchera sanguinea (Coral bells): Heuchera is a popular perennial that comes in a wide variety of colors, including green, purple, and red. It is tolerant of sun and shade, and it is deer-resistant.

Lamium galeobdolon (Yellow archangel): Lamium is a shade-loving groundcover that produces small, yellow flowers in the spring. It is also known as golden deadnettle. It is easy to care for and it spreads quickly, making it a great choice for filling in large areas.

Vinca minor (Myrtle): Vinca is a shade-loving groundcover that produces small, blue flowers in the spring. It is also known as periwinkle. It is deer-resistant and it spreads quickly, making it a great choice for filling in large areas.

What are evergreen perennials?

The key characteristic of an evergreen plant is that it retains its leaves all year round, unlike deciduous plants which lose their leaves in the winter. Therefore, evergreen perennial plants are evergreen by definition, as they are both perennials (living multiple years) and evergreens (keeping their leaves throughout the year).

Are all perennials evergreen?

It is important to note that not all perennials are evergreens. Many popular perennials, like daylilies and hostas, are deciduous and lose their leaves in the fall. On the other hand, some plants that you might not think of as perennials, like boxwoods and holly bushes, are actually evergreen perennials because they live for many years and keep their leaves year-round.

So, there is not a specific season or time when perennial plants become evergreen. If a plant is genetically programmed to be evergreen, it will simply retain its leaves throughout the year, regardless of the time of year.

What are other factors to keep in mind about evergreen perennials:

Different types of evergreens: There are two main types of evergreen foliage: broadleaf and needle-like. Broadleaf evergreens like boxwoods and rhododendrons have flat, wide leaves, while needle-like evergreens like conifers and junipers have narrow, pointed leaves.

Varying degrees of evergreen-ness: Some evergreen plants may lose some of their older leaves throughout the year, but they will continuously produce new leaves to replace them. Others may hold onto their leaves for several years before dropping them.

Regional considerations / Semi-Evergreen: The climate in your region may determine if some perennials are evergreen or semi-evergreen. In colder climates or zones, some evergreen plants may lose their leaves during periods of extreme cold or drought.

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Evergreen Perennial Plants FAQ