Flowering evergreen bushes add to the beauty of your garden landscape throughout the year. Evergreen bushes bloom with leaves from spring through autumn, and they flourish with leaves all winter. Whether it’s a front or back yard lit by day-long sunlight or a shaded garden, there are flowering evergreen shrubs for every condition.
Knowing the proper sunlight exposure levels is essential for planting suitable evergreen bushy plants. The great thing is that there are several kinds of flowering shrubs with evergreen leaves to pick from. Evergreen flowering shrubs for full sun include andromeda japonica and Indian hawthorn, for example.
Leathery evergreen leaves and spectacular pink, red, white, and purple blooms characterize mountain laurel, rhododendrons, some azaleas, and garland flowers. In full sun and deep shade, stunning camellia flowering shrubs thrive without losing their leaves in the fall.
The greatest flowering evergreen bushes for planting in a front or backyard are described and photographed in this article. In addition, you’ll learn how to grow shrubs in both shade and full sun for ideal aesthetic appeal.
What are Flowering Evergreen Shrubs for Shade or Full Sun?
Bushy plants with foliage that stays on the shrub throughout the year are known as flowering evergreen shrubs. Showy blooms with clusters of colorful ruffled petals, funnel or bell-shaped flowers are typical of flowering shrubs. Shrubs, which are multi-stemmed and shorter, generally grow between 1 and 10 feet (0.3 and 3 meters) tall than trees.
Ornamental evergreen shrubs for full sun A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day is required. Without adequate sunlight, intolerant of shade, full sun shrubs may grow leggy or fail to bloom.
Flowering evergreen shrubs for partial sun or shade With four to six hours of sunlight, they perform best. Partial shade, shrubby plants typically need shelter from strong midday and early afternoon sunlight.
Decorative evergreen flowering shrubs for full shade Get at least two or three hours of sunlight. North-facing gardens or planting in constant shadows are ideal for these evergreen shrubs.
How to Choose the Best Evergreen Shrubs
It is critical to understand the amount of sunlight in your yard when planting evergreen flowering shrubs. Check where there is shade in your yard between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to determine the best location to plant evergreen shrubs. In the afternoon, there will be a 4 p.m. session For partial shade or full shade, choose evergreen bushes that are shaded.
If there is no direct sunlight, choose blooming evergreen plants for complete shade. Other factors to consider when deciding to cultivate evergreen bushes in your yard include the USDA planting zone, shrub size, care requirements, moisture levels, and soil type.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub that can tolerate some shade in the garden. Its attractive clusters of pinkish-white blooms and leathery, glossy green leaves are the ornamental shrub’s appealing characteristics. Umbrella-like, light pink flowers bloom from April through July on the leafy shrub’s blooms.
Mountain laurel grows up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) wide and 4 to 15 feet (1.2–4.5 meters) tall. The evergreen lanceolate leaves are 2″ to 5″ (5 – 12 cm) long, and the showy flower clusters measure 4″ to 6″ (12 – 15 cm). USDA zones 4 to 6 are suitable for the native flowering shrub.
The plant thrives in acidic, moist, well-drained soil and thrives best in partial shade. Mountain laurel bushes, on the other hand, can survive either deep shade or full sun. In shrub borders, woodlands, or cottage gardens, plant mountain laurel in a landscape.
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Japanese camellia landscaping shrubs, which have tiny blooms and are suited for partially shaded gardens, create red, pink, or white flowers. With their evergreen leaves, shade-loving Japanese camellias have a variety of flower colors. Miniature flowers are 1.5″ (4 cm) in diameter, while huge double blooms are 5″ (12 cm) in diameter.
In USDA zones 6 through 10, Japanese camellias are ideal for partly to fully shaded landscapes. Flowers that look like roses, peonies, or cup-shaped blossoms may be seen on long-blooming shrubs. The sun-tolerant nature of mature Japanese camellias is also noteworthy.
Depending on the cultivar, Japanese camellias may grow 4 to 10 feet (1.2 to 3 meters) tall. For a shaded landscape, here are some gorgeous blooming evergreen camellia shrubs:
Camellia japonica ‘Elegans’—With pinkish-red anemone-form double blooms and clusters of yellow stamens, this medium-sized evergreen shrub is The camellia blooms have a diameter of 5 inches (12 cm).
Camellia japonica ‘Sea Foam’—With pure white peony-type blooms measuring 4″ to 5″ (10 – 12 cm), this fast-growing, white, evergreen flowering shrub is a stunning addition to any garden.
Camellia japonica ‘Kumasaka’—A stunning evergreen shrub with ruffled pink blooms and glossy foliage that contrasts with dark green.
Camellia japonica ‘Kumasaka’
Camellia sasanqua
Camellia sasanqua is a gorgeous fall-blooming evergreen shrub with big single or semi-double blooms that thrives in partially shaded settings. Pink, white, or dark red blooms with ruffled petals characterize the heavily scented camellia. Camellia sasanqua bushes, which grow up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) tall, are partial-shade lovers. Landscaping with camellia bushes requires from partial shade to full shade.
The roots of evergreen bushes must be kept moist and cool after they have been established. As a blooming evergreen hedge, mixed shrub border, specimen plant, or in a big container, camellia shrubs may be used.
Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)
Cape jasmine is a flowering evergreen shrub with pure white showy blossoms, lush dark-green leaves, and clusters of tiny orange berries that adds beauty and fragrance to sunny landscapes. When in bloom from late spring through summer, the rose-shaped or star-shaped flowers of sun-loving cape jasmine emit an alluring fragrance.
Cape jasmine, sometimes known as gardenias, grows in USDA zones 7 to 11. The bushy evergreen plant is 3 to 6 feet (1.8 to 1.8 meters) tall and broad. In a sunny landscape, the brilliant white blooms contrast with deep green lanceolate leaves, adding drama.
Grow as an evergreen hedge, specimen plant, or trained to grow on a brick wall (espalier) by planting cape jasmine in full sun or partial sun. Select a dwarf variety if you want to cultivate an evergreen blooming shrub in a small yard or container yard. ‘Buttons,’ ‘Coconut Magic,’ ‘Crown Jewel,’ and ‘Daisy’ are examples of Cape jasmine cultivars that grow no taller than 4 feet (1.2 meters).
Virginia Sweetspire (Itea Virginia)
In warmer climates, the low-growing sweetspire shrub has lovely white blossoms and is evergreen. Virginia sweetspire has creamy-white bottlebrush blooms that are 6 inches (15 cm) long and lance-shaped leaves that may be up to 4 inches (10 cm) long in milder climates.
USDA zones 5 to 10 are suitable for the ornamental shrub. Virginia sweetspire is a low-maintenance shrub that may be grown in full sun or partial shade. In both full shade and basking in six to eight hours of direct sunlight, the decorative shrub thrives.
In the autumn before falling, Virginia sweetspire leaves take on a striking orange and red coloration in cooler climes. The shrub, on the other hand, thrives in semi-tropical settings like Florida and remains green all year. Landscaping with semi-evergreen Virginia shrubs is a good option for both the front and back yards.
The versatile plant may be used as a shrub border, hedge, or attractive ground cover along a foundation line. You can also plant the shrub near ponds or streams because it is tolerant of wet soils.
Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon grape holly is a gorgeous yellow-flowering evergreen shrub that produces blueberries in early spring. Oregon grape holly has clusters of brilliant yellow blooms, jagged holly-like leaves, and bunches of blue-purple edible berries as identifying characteristics. The 3 to 6-foot (1.8 to 1.8 m) tall evergreen flowering shrub
In USDA zones 5 to 8, Illinois grape holly shrubs are simple to maintain. Spring, with its golden-yellow blooms and glossy, bronze-red leaves; Summer, with its dark blue berries; Fall, with its burgundy foliage; and Winter, with its spiky leaves are the four seasons of visual appeal.
Oregon grape holly should be kept out of direct sunlight for optimum results. Foundation plantings, shade gardens, and small informal hedges are all perfect applications for the little decorative shrub in partial or deep shade.
Evergreen Japanese Mahonia Shrubs For Shade (Mahonia japonica)
Japanese mahonia is a medium-sized evergreen shrub with spikes of lemon-yellow flowers, lustrous dark green leaves, and blue-black berries that is ideal for landscaping partial or full shade settings. Spiky leaflets, a lovely lily-of-the-valley fragrance, and a long blooming season from summer through autumn are all decorative elements of the ornamental shrub.
This bushy plant reaches 8 to 10 feet (2.4–3 meters) in height and is shade-loving. In USDA zones 7 and 8, Evergreen Japanese mahonia bushes are ideal for full or partial shade garden landscapes. Their dramatic leaves and yellow flower clusters All four seasons are decorated by this lovely shrub. It works well as a decorative specimen shrub or foundation planting in a woodland garden.
Japanese Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)
Japanese skimmia is a miniature flowering evergreen shrub with leathery lance-shaped leaves and clusters of crimson berries that requires little care. It thrives in shade. The rounded habit of Japanese skimmia bushes is appealing. Its evergreen leaves, aromatic white blooms, and crimson berries provide vibrant color all year. In USDA zones 6 through 8, little Japanese skimmia bushes are ideal for shade gardens.
These evergreen bushes may be used to brighten up shady yards, or planted in shrub borders around a property’s edge. Japanese skimmia thrives in containers due to its slow growth and shrubby nature. Container gardens, patios, decking spaces, and balconies are all ideal for this decorative shrub.
Mountain Doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana)
Mountain doghobble is a lovely evergreen shrub for partial shade, with delicate white flower clusters. Drooping clusters of white, bell-shaped fragrant blooms 3″ (7.5 cm) long and 5″ (12 cm) bright leaves that turn red or burgundy in the fall are identifying features of flowering doghobble.
USDA zones 4 to 6 are appropriate for the tiny budding evergreen bushy plant. Flowering doghobble grows to be 2–6 feet (0.6–1.8 meters) tall and broad, with a spread of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters). The four-season color of the shrubby plant is ideal for adding to front and backyards. Furthermore, as an accent plant, hedge, specimen tree, or to cover a base, the shrub performs excellently.
‘Little John’ Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John‘)
Bottlebrush ‘Little John’ is a tiny crimson red blooming shrub that thrives in full sun to moderate shade. Spiky red blooms that are 6 inches (15 cm) long and lance-shaped evergreen leaves are some of the distinguishing characteristics of this tropical shrub. Bottlebrush grows to be 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) tall and broad.
The blooms of Callistemon viminalis resemble a bottlebrush, as the name suggests. In tropical environments, the bright hues of these colorful blooms entice pollinators. In sunny gardens, where it grows as a foundation, sunny walls, low natural screens, or in pots, the compact evergreen shrub performs best.
In USDA zones 10 to 12, the bottlebrush ‘Little John’ is a good choice for residential landscapes.
Evergreen Rhododendron Shrubs
Most rhododendron shrubs are huge evergreen bushy plants with foliage that stays on the plant throughout the winter. They are ideal for full or partial sun. The lovely spring flowers of the ornamental shrubs are well-known. Purple, pink, yellow, white, red, and orange are some of the hues found in Rhododendron blossoms. Rhododendron flowers range in size from 1.5 to 3.1 inches (4 to 8 cm), with some reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm). Rhododendron bushes have thick, leathery leaves, ten or more stamens, and clusters of blooms that create magnificent floral displays. They are distinguished by these characteristics.
USDA zones 6 to 9 are ideal for most rhododendron shrubs, while zone 4 is hardy. Full to partial sun and organically rich, well-drained soil are the optimum planting conditions. For full sun, here are some gorgeous evergreen rhododendron flowering shrubs:
Rhododendron ‘Pollonia’—The trumpet-shaped pink blooms have an orange tint and are found on a huge plant. The long protruding stamens of the showy rhododendron also
Rhododendron ‘Norma’—The blooms are a star-shaped funnel of a reddish-orange color.
Rhododendron ‘Jacksonii’—In full sun, the fantastic rhododendron evergreen shrub thrives. Clusters of gorgeous white, bell-shaped blooms with ruffled petals and big pink stamens characterize the flowering plant.
Rhododendron ‘Jacksonii’
Evergreen Azalea Shrubs
Evergreen azalea shrubs are a beloved kind of blooming rhododendron subspecies with smaller leaves and can be either deciduous or evergreen. In the spring, the lovely bushes bloom and last for many weeks. Red, purple, pink, yellow, and green are some of the colors available in azalea flowers. Azaleas usually reach a height of 3 to 6 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) and a width of 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters).
Evergreen or deciduous azalea cultivars are available. As a result, it’s crucial to verify the kind of evergreen shrubs you’d want to install in your front or back yard. Azaleas, like rhododendrons, prefer partial sun. Nonetheless, certain cultivars may be planted in full sun areas with success.
What distinguishes azaleas from rhododendrons? Azalea blooms, unlike rhododendron blooms, are funnel-shaped or tubular and have fewer stamens. Azalea blooms, on the other hand, bloom individually rather than grouped. The flowers seem to grow in clusters due to the abundance of blooming stems. For a garden landscape, here are some gorgeous evergreen flowering azalea bushes:
Azalea indica ‘Formosa’—Deep purple blooms with papery petals make up this evergreen azalea plant, which grows into a trumpet shape.
Azalea encore ‘Autumn Princess’—The characteristic feature of this eye-catching azalea shrub is pinkish red blooms and tiny glossy green leaves.
Rhododendron ‘Ramapo’ – One of the nicest purple azalea types is this dwarf evergreen azalea. This hardy azalea can withstand full sun and requires minimal care. This little azalea may reach a height of 2 feet (60 cm) and a width of 3 feet (90 cm).
Rhododendron ‘Ramapo’
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry laurel is a shade-loving evergreen shrub with white conical blossom clusters, dark red berries, and leathery green leaves that may tolerate partial shade. The upright cone-like flower clusters are 5″ (12 cm) tall, and the lustrous lance-shaped green leaves measure 6″ (15 cm) long.
The bushy shrub grows to be 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) tall and 8 to 11 feet (2.4 to 3.3 meters) broad. In USDA zones 6 to 9, cherry laurel can be used in a shade garden. A privacy screen, windbreak, or hedge made from the shrub is ideal. The multi-stemmed shrub may also be trained to develop into a tiny decorative tree.
Chinese Fringe Flower (Loropetalum chinense)
The colorful evergreen foliage and deep pink flowers of the sun-loving Chinese fringe flower shrub The spidery flowers and small, pointed green leaves are identifying features of this decorative dwarf shrub. Depending on the cultivar, the flowers have wiry deep ping or dark red petals.
The Chinese fringe flower grows to be 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) in height and width. In USDA zones 7 – 9, plant Chinese fringe flower shrubs in full or part sun on an evergreen background. As a flowering hedge, foundation planting, border plant, and attractive container plant, the shrub thrives in a variety of settings.