Gardening Plants & Flowers Shrubs

15 Small Evergreen Shrubs for Your Landscape

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
and
David Beaulieu
David Beaulieu
David Beaulieu

David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 05/14/24
Reviewed by
Kathleen Miller
Kathleen Miller
Reviewed by Kathleen Miller
Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and horticulturist with over 30 years of experience in organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
emerald n gold euonymus

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

Small, low-growing evergreen shrubs are ideal in any landscape. They can be added as an accent border, grown in a container, or scattered as groundcovers—the possibilities are limitless.

These compact shrubs grow only a few feet in height and spread, but they often sport bright blooms and interesting foliage. Evergreen shrubs retain live foliage from one season to the next and supply color to the landscape in winter when other trees and shrubs are bare.

Here are some of the most popular types of small evergreen shrubs that will work well in any home landscape.

Tip

Before purchasing any small plant, check the mature size of the variety as well as its annual growth rate. What is considered a dwarf in one species may be much taller in another. Some dwarf evergreens grow as little as one to six inches per year, but others add up to 12 inches in that timeframe.

  • 01 of 15

    Blue Star Juniper

    Blue star juniper shrub with short blue-green needles near mulch

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The standout quality of blue star juniper is its blue-gray foliage. With its short blue-green needles that overlap and grow in dense whorls of three, blue star junipers look especially nice planted next to broadleaf evergreens with golden foliage. The shrub tends to grow out rather than up and is often massed to form a groundcover on a slope.

    • Name: Blue Star juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star')
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
    • Color Varieties: Blue-gray foliage
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Mature Size: 1 to 3 ft. tall, 1 to 4 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Compact, spreading
  • 02 of 15

    Mountain Laurel

    Mountain laurel bush branch with small white blossoms and pink buds clustered together closeup

    The Spruce / K. Dave

    This broadleaf evergreen shrub produces clusters of rose, pink, or white flowers with purple markings in late May to early June. Mountain laurel grows quite large; for small spaces, consider the dwarf variety 'Minuet'. This compact cultivar also has more colorful flowers than the species. Lightly prune the plant after it is finished blooming to keep it looking full and bushy.

    • Name: Minuet mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia 'Minuet')
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
    • Color Varieties: White flowers with a purplish-red band
    • Sun Exposure: Partial shade
    • Mature Size: 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide
    • Growth Habit: Compact, rounded
  • 03 of 15

    False Cypress ‘Golden Mop’

    False cypress 'golden mop'

    Grace Cary / Getty Images

    'Golden Mop' is a cultivar of the threadleaf false cypress, a yellow-needled evergreen shrub that is native to Japan. It grows slowly and may take up to 10 years to reach two feet in height. This is a low-maintenance plant that seldom needs pruning to maintain its mophead shape. The small size makes it an excellent choice for a patio planting or low hedge.

    • Name: Golden Mop false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop')
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
    • Color Varieties: Bright, golden, thread-like foliage 
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
    • Mature Size: 2 to 5 ft. tall and wide
    • Growth Habit: Compact, ball-shaped
  • 04 of 15

    Dwarf Azalea ‘Amoena’

    Azalea amoena

    Cristina Ionescu / Getty Images

    'Amoena' are dwarf azaleas derived from hybrid azaleas that were originally discovered in the mountains of Japan. These evergreen azaleas are compact and known for their hardiness as well as their small, magenta flowers. The dwarf azalea's small size and tolerance for partial shade makes it ideal for cottage gardens, woodland settings, and specimen plantings. Popular in the United Kingdom, these azaleas may be difficult to find in the United States.

    • Name: Dwarf azalea (Rhododendron x obtusum ‘Amoenum’)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
    • Color Varieties: Masses of magenta-pink blooms in spring
    • Sun Exposure: Partial shade or dappled shade
    • Mature Size: 1 to 3 ft. tall, 2 to 4 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Mounding, spreading
    Continue to 5 of 15 below
  • 05 of 15

    Dwarf Alberta Spruce

    Dwarf Alberta trees shaped as cones in middle of garden

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    While classified as a shrub, a dwarf Alberta spruce will eventually grow into a dwarf tree. It is a slow grower, though, adding only about two to four inches per year. It maintains its conical shape as it grows and prefers well-drained, neutral soils in full sun. Best suited for cold winters, cooler summers, and low humidity. A dwarf Alberta spruce is often used as an anchor plant near a home entrance or as a specimen plant in the garden.

    • Name: Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-6
    • Color Varieties: Bright green needles
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Mature Size: 10 to 13 ft. tall, 7 to 10 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Upright, conical
  • 06 of 15

    'Gem Box' Inkberry Holly

    Inkberry holly shrub with bright green leaves near pathway

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    While most inkberry broadleaf evergreen shrubs mature at five to 10 feet tall, the 'Gem Box' cultivar forms a dense ball-shaped shrub that matures at three feet. An excellent alternative to boxwood as a durable, low hedge, 'Gem Box' thrives in many hardiness zones in full or partial shade. Perfect for those who enjoy a low-maintenance garden, it does not require pruning or trimming to maintain its shape.

    • Name: Gem Box inkberry holly (Ilex glabra ‘Gem Box’) 
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
    • Color Varieties: Deep green leaves
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
    • Mature Size: 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide
    • Growth Habit: Compact, ball-shaped
  • 07 of 15

    Japanese Holly ‘Compacta’

    Japanese holly shrubs with dense cone-shaped branches in front of fence

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    This small cultivar of box leaved holly is a low, compact, globose version with small black fruit, rich dark green foliage, and a spreading habit. The easy-to-transplant evergreen prefers clay soils, making it perfect for urban environments. 'Compacta' works well in mass plantings, borders, and foundation beds. It is attractive to bees who pollinate the plant.

    • Name: Compact Japanese holly (Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’) 
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-8
    • Color Varieties: Deep green leaves, black fruit
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Mature Size: 6 to 8 ft. tall, 6 to 10 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Compact, rounded
  • 08 of 15

    Little Giant Dwarf Arborvitae

    Little green arborvitae

    Rvo233 / Getty Images

    While many arborvitae get quite tall and conical, 'Little Giant' is a small, globe-shaped, slow-growing evergreen shrub. It holds its bright green color well, even during the winter months, and is perfect for foundation planting, hedges, or specimen planting with flowering plants.

    • Name: Little Giant dwarf arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Little Giant’) 
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
    • Color Varieties: Bright green feathery foliage
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Mature Size: 4 ft. tall and wide
    • Growth Habit: Compact, ball-shaped
    Continue to 9 of 15 below
  • 09 of 15

    Japanese Skimmia

    closeup of Japanese skimmia

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Japanese skimmia is a slow-growing flowering evergreen shrub that will produce white flowers and red fruit if you have both a male and a female plant. It is a broadleaf evergreen with greenish bark, leathery green leaves, fragrant flowers, and red berries. One of the few shrubs that love shade, it works well for foundation plantings and borders.

    • Name: Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica) 
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-8
    • Color Varieties: White, cream flowers, bright red berries
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
    • Mature Size: 3 to 4 ft. tall, 4 to 5 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Compact, rounded
  • 10 of 15

    Dwarf English Boxwood

    boxwood hedge

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Dwarf English boxwood is a classic shrub for hedges, topiaries, and as a background for other plants. The plant grows slowly, reaching from two to three feet tall, and has a slightly wider spread and works well in a container. Pruning will be your primary maintenance task when growing it as a hedge or border.

    • Name: Dwarf English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa')
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
    • Color Varieties: Medium green foliage
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
    • Mature Size: 2 to 3 ft. tall, 2 to 4 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Compact, rounded
  • 11 of 15

    Winter Heath

    winter heath

    The Spruce / David Beaulieu

    Winter or Scotch Heath provides an attractive show year-round as a low-growing evergreen shrub or groundcover. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and forms a dense mat, making it an excellent choice for slopes and rock gardens. It blooms in the winter and its flowers last up to six months.

    • Name: Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9
    • Color Varieties: White, pink, or purple blooms
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
    • Mature Size: 6 to 12 in. tall, 20 in. wide
    • Growth Habit: Mounding, spreading
  • 12 of 15

    Emerald 'n' Gold Wintercreeper

    emerald n gold euonymus

    The Spruce / Autumn Wood

    Emerald 'n' Gold wintercreeper has bi-colored gold and green leaves. The gold color gets brighter with sun exposure, but this shrub does well in partial shade. It spreads well and works as a groundcover, low hedge, and will even climb on a trellis.

    • Name: Emerald 'n' Gold euonymus (Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold')
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
    • Color Varieties: Green and gold foliage
    • Sun Exposure: Partial shade
    • Mature Size: 1 to 2 ft. tall, 4 to 4 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Mounding, spreading
    Continue to 13 of 15 below
  • 13 of 15

    Moonshadow Wintercreeper

    Moonshadow euonymus

    The Spruce / David Beaulieu

    The 'Moonshadow' wintercreeper also has a green-and-gold pattern of variegation. But its colors are the opposite of 'Emerald 'n' Gold,' with green at the margins and gold at the centers. 'Moonshadow' grows well as a container plant, since its spreading stems create a lush, cascading effect.

    • Name: Moonshadow euonymus (Euonymus fortunei 'Moonshadow')
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
    • Color Varieties: Gold and green
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
    • Mature Size: 3 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Mounding, spreading
  • 14 of 15

    Emerald Gaiety Wintercreeper

    Emerald gaiety shrub with green and white leaves growing as vine

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    'Emerald Gaiety' wintercreeper is a slow-growing bushy shrub. It has small leaves, inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers, red berries, and good fall color. If grown in partial shade, the leaves will be significantly variegated. The plant also can be trained to grow as a vine. Provide support, such as a trellis or mailbox post, and the branches will wind their way up.

    • Name: Emerald Gaiety euonymus (Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety')
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
    • Color Varieties: Green and white variegated leaves, red berries
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
    • Mature Size: 3 to 6 ft. tall, 3 to 5 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Mounding, spreading
  • 15 of 15

    Adam's Needle

    Adam's needle

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    When several plants are massed together, Adam's needle forms a formidable hedge, with its sword-shaped leaves that end in sharp-pointed tips. Its tall panicle of white bell-shaped flowers blooms in late spring to early summer. The plant is useful for a dry area of the garden where other plants might not grow. If you like golden foliage, chose 'Garland’s Gold' or 'Golden Sword.'

    • Name: Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa)
    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10
    • Color Varieties: Medium green foliage
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
    • Mature Size: 2 to 3 ft. tall, 3 to 4 ft. wide
    • Growth Habit: Upright
FAQ
  • How tall does a dwarf evergreen get?

    Most dwarf evergreen shrubs top out around three to four feet with a similar spread. Most dwarf evergreen trees only reach a height of about six feet.

  • What is the best low-maintenance shrub?

    Since every growing location is different, there is no single "best" choice for a low-maintenance shrub. However, boxwoods, azaleas, laurels, and euonymus are all very reliable options. Many low-maintenance dwarf shrubs require little care and tolerate less-than-ideal conditions.

  • What are evergreen shrubs with shallow root systems?

    Boxwoods, azaleas, yew, and compact hollies are all evergreen shrubs with shallow root systems. Dwarf evergreen shrubs, thanks to their shallow roots and slow growth, are good choices for foundation planting beds, since they do not typically cause issues with a home's foundation.