Evergreen trees and shrubs retain their foliage and remain green year round. However, not all evergreens are the same. Most evergreen trees are needle bearing while evergreen shrubs also include broadleaf varieties. In addition, their growing characteristics vary greatly among species. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the differences between them before adding these plants to the landscape.
Needled evergreen trees make great additions to the landscape, especially when scattered amongst other interesting plantings. They have an extraordinary range of shapes and sizes and are well adapted to many soil types and growing conditions. Nonetheless, some varieties thrive better in certain locations and temperatures than others. The most preferred use of these trees within the landscape is for ornamental purposes. However, some varieties can offer suitable shade or screening as well. Distinguishing the differences between common evergreen varieties will make it easier to find a suitable tree that not only fits your particular landscape needs but also serves its intended purpose well.
Pines are probably the most notable of evergreen tree varieties. While most of them have long, needlelike foliage and are cone bearing, not all pine trees are the same. Each has their own unique characteristics to contribute. Some of the most common varieties include:
• Eastern White (Pinusstrobes) is a fast-growing species reaching 80 feet or more. It makes an ideal choice for use as a specimen planting or for screening and shade.
• Pinyon (P. edulis) is one of the slow-growing pines reaching only 12-15 feet in height. This evergreen tree is great for growing in pots, rock gardens, and shrub borders.
• Monterey (P. radiata) grows quickly and reaches anywhere from 80-100 feet tall without pruning. This particular pine is finicky and not tolerant of arid conditions or cool temperatures.
• Allepo or Mediterranean (P. halepensis), unlike Monterey, thrives in poor soils and drought-like conditions. It also tolerates heat and windy conditions. This fast-growing tree grows between 30-60 feet.
• Red (P. resinosa) has interesting reddish-colored bark. The Japanese red (P. densiflora) variety is an excellent slow-growing pine suitable for small areas.
• Japanese Black (P. thunberglana) has unusually dark gray to black bark. While it is a fast grower, reaching up to 60 feet, this variety easily accepts pruning. In fact, it is oftentimes used as a popular bonsai specimen for pots.
• Scots or Scotch (P. sylvestris) may not always be well adapted to landscape settings but is commonly used as a container plant or Christmas tree for its interesting yellow to blue-green foliage color.
Spruce trees, with their attractive short needles and hanging cones, also make excellent additions to the landscape. Popular choices here include the following:
• Norway (Picea abies) grows up to 60 feet and has attractive dark green foliage on drooping branches. The tree produces decorative, purplish-red cones as well. It enjoys cool conditions and makes an excellent choice for windbreaks or specimen plantings on large properties.
• Colorado Blue (P. pungens glauca) is another tall grower, 60 feet. This specimen tree is popular for its pyramidal shape and blue-gray foliage color.
• White (P. glauca) is a pale green species of spruce. The dwarf variety (Alberta) is commonly found growing in pots or as border and foundation plantings. It has feathery needles and is available in pyramidal or columnar shapes.
Fir trees make useful specimen plantings and have erect cones. Some of the most commonly planted firs include:
• White (Abies concolor) has soft, gray-green to silvery blue-green foliage. It makes a lovely contrast with dark-colored evergreens. This species grows between 35-50 feet.
• Douglas (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is an attractive, fast-growing evergreen tree that gets quite large, about 50-80 feet tall. It’s great for use as specimen, screening or group plantings. It also makes an ideal Christmas tree.
• Frasier (A. fraseri) has a narrow pyramidal shape and grows up to 40 feet. It makes an excellent choice for Christmas or placed in the landscape as border specimens or container plants.
Other interesting evergreen trees include cedar, thuga, and cypress. Each of these trees offers their own unique qualities to the landscape as well.
• Cedar (Cedrus spp.) tree varieties make elegant specimen plantings. Most have clustered needles with small erect cones. They grow anywhere from 30-60 feet with dwarf types available.
• Thuga, also known as arborvitae, is a commonly seen accent among many landscapes-either as a foundation planting or screening. This evergreen has shiny, scale-like leaves and reaches up to 40 feet.
• Cypress (Cupressus spp.) trees have a soft, feathery-like texture and symmetrical shape. They are most often used in creating privacy hedges and borders. Favorites include Arizona (C. arizonica) and Leyland (Cupressocyparis leylandii).
Evergreen trees make excellent choices for the landscape. They provide year-round interest, shade, and screening. Yet, not all evergreen trees are the same so you’ll have to do your homework in order to find just the right one for your landscaping needs.
Taylor’s Guide to Natural Gardening, Houghton Mifflin Co. 1993, pp. 400-404
The Flower & Garden Book, Beth York, Playmore Inc. NY 1981, pp. 150-153
Complete Guide to Gardening, Susan Roth, Better Homes & Gardens 1997, Evergreen Trees & Shrubs, pp. 203-233
