Evergreen shrubs that thrive on neglect – 5 expert plant picks that give year-round impact even when ignored

Evergreen shrubs are the backbone of any garden. Over several years working as a professional gardener, I have found that evergreen domes, hedges, and bushes are just as important as flamboyant perennials and annuals, not least because they add texture and form to the garden, even in the depths of winter.

Take camellias, fatsias, or juniper, for example. These evergreen shrubs can be relied on to provide year-round interest at the front or back of borders, even during those long and dark December and January weeks. These resilient shrubs deserve a spot in any yard, especially for time-poor gardeners or beginners looking for an easy evergreen option.

So, if you’re looking for one or two of the best evergreen shrubs that are tough, hardy and don't mind being ignored, this list is for you. The following five evergreen shrubs that thrive on neglect come highly recommended, and are species that I have put to the test during my time as a professional gardener.

5 evergreen shrubs that thrive on neglect

When landscaping with evergreens, or any tree, shrub or perennial for that matter, remember to always select species that are best suited to your climate and US hardiness zone.

You should only plant low-maintenance evergreen shrubs that you know will work for your locality. For example, planting a shrub that is only hardy to zone 8 in Chicago (found in zone 6) will only end in disappointment.

1. Juniper

'Junipers are some of my favorite evergreen ground cover plants to use in the garden,' says Sam Niemann, garden expert and founder of Grown by Design, a boutique landscape design firm based in San Diego.

'There are dozens of species to choose from, including low-growing creeping options to large, stately trees, and all of them are easy to grow,' Sam adds.

For a vibrant, low-growing option, try this 'Sea Green' juniper, with live plants available from Perfect Plants Nursery.

In terms of how to grow juniper, these fragrant evergreens are typically hardy down to zone 4, with a preference for sunny spots and well-draining soil.

Position these evergreen shrubs that thrive on neglect in a space where they are unobstructed, although you won't need to prune very regularly, as most species only tend to produce four to eight inches of growth per year.

'If planted in the right locations, junipers can be quite drought tolerant during summer, although be sure to complete some deep watering in the first year.

'There are many, many varieties of juniper to choose from,' Sam adds. 'One of my favorites is the ‘Blue Point’ juniper,' Sam says. 'This variety will only grow to about 10 or 12 feet tall, but has bluish green foliage that I love.'

'Blue Arrow' live juniper plants are available from Nature Hills.

Sam Niemann

Sam is a lifelong gardener whose passion for plants and nature has been the driving force behind his extensive knowledge and expertise in horticulture. He studied at San Diego State University, earning a degree in Finance while simultaneously founding Grown by Design, a boutique landscape design firm.

2. Camellia

If you are looking for one of the best evergreens for small front yards, camellias should be at the top of your plant wish list.

'When growing camellias, these shrubs do best in part shade,' says Bert Bast, garden expert and owner of Bast Brothers Garden Center.

'Avoid planting in full sun as camellias can struggle with too much heat and light, unless, that is, you live in a cooler northern state.

'Other than that, camellias are easy to grow and low-maintenance, with minimal pruning needs. They prefer slightly moist soil, but once established, they won't need any supplemental watering.'

The two most popular options are the Japanese camellia, Camellia japonica, and the fall-flowering Camellia sasanqua, both of which can be grown down to zone 7 or zone 6 in a sheltered yard.

For low-maintenance shrubs that are perfect plants for pollinators, try this 'Silver Waves' camellia, with live plants available from Nature Hills.

This variety has open white flowers with easy access to pollen for bees and butterflies, ideal if you are keen to invite wildlife into your borders in the years to come.

Bert Bast

Bert Bast is a garden expert and owner of Bast Brothers Garden Centre. Established in 2014 and nestled in the heart of Mullica Hill, NJ, Bast Brothers Garden Center is a destination for all things garden. 

3. American holly

For shrubs with winter berries, you will not find much better than holly. Some of the hardest plants to kill, holly will often be spotted growing in the countryside, in thickets and hedgerows, without any support or attention. It simply looks after itself.

In terms of how to grow holly, one of the toughest, most resilient options is the native American holly, or Ilex opaca, which can be grown as far north as zone 5, and as far south as zone 9, with a preference for full sun to part shade.

I love this 'Nellie Stevens' holly shrub, with live plants available from Perfect Plants Nursery.

With dense foliage, I think 'Nellie Stevens' is an underrated evergreen that is perfect if you are looking to create a dense, lush privacy hedge in the front or backyard.

I prefer allowing holly to grow in a natural form, so positioning it at the back of your borders or in a wild hedge is a good idea.

If you do need to prune, be sure to wear something like these thorn-proof gardening gloves, available from Amazon, which have longer arms to protect yourself from nasty spikes and thorns.

4. Nandina

One of the easiest evergreen shrubs that I have grown in London is Nandina domestica, or heavenly bamboo. Hardy down to zone 6, this evergreen can be planted in part-shade to full-sun, and once established, is remarkably easy to look after.

It typically grows no taller than four to eight feet, and will often produce multicolored green and red foliage with vibrant berries in fall, ideal for colorful borders and container displays.

However, be warned that it can be vigorous if left alone. In many US states, including Texas and Florida, it is considered an invasive plant, so always consult with your local government office before planting.

For smaller yards, try this dwarf 'Firepower' variety, with live plants available from Perfect Plants Nursery.

With multicolored foliage and reaching a height no taller than three feet, I do not think you will find a better dwarf evergreen than 'Firepower'.

5. Brachyglottis

In terms of shrubs that thrive on neglect, I can highly recommend Brachyglottis, particularly if you want evergreen plants with silver foliage.

This flowering shrub for full sun does best in warm, southern regions and is hardy down to zone 8.

I grew the yellow-flowering 'Sunshine' variety when working as a gardener in Italy, and its silver foliage was perfect for handling challenging July and August weather.

It is also remarkably drought-tolerant, thriving in rocky, free-draining and poor soils, growing to a height of around five feet tall. Once established, there is no need to water or feed this reliable shrub.

For another easy shrub with silver foliage, try growing artemisia, with live plants available from Amazon, which is another low-maintenance option for sunny and dry yards.

FAQs

Is Fatsia a low-maintenance evergreen?

Yes, Fatsia are relatively low-maintenance evergreen shrubs. They can be grown down to zone 8 and will thrive in shady and damp yards. However, I have always found them to be vigorous plants, sometimes producing three or four feet of growth in a single season. So, while they are easy to grow, they do require regular pruning to manage their spread. Live Japanese fatsia plants, Fatsia japonica, are available to order from Amazon.

Evergreens don't always need to be green. Similar to Brachyglotis, why not learn how to grow Texas sage, a native North American species with silver evergreen leaves and purple flowers?

Texas sage, or Leucophyllum frutescens, can thrive in challenging hot and dry conditions, the likes of which you might find in a desert. Our guide has all the information you need to know.

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