Outdoor Plants That Live Year Round

Incredible Outdoor Plants That Live Year-Round: A Guide to Evergreen Beauties

Transform your outdoor space into a vibrant oasis all year long with the introduction of evergreens, the hardy plants that defy seasonal changes and remain verdant throughout the year. Whether you seek privacy, add color, or create interest in your garden, these remarkable plants are sure to fulfill your landscaping desires.

From towering trees to ground-hugging shrubs, the world of evergreens offers an array of varieties to suit any garden style. Here, we explore essential aspects to consider when choosing and caring for these resilient plants:

Selecting the Right Evergreens

Determine the purpose and location of your planting to guide your plant selection. Consider factors such as mature size, growth habit, foliage texture, and soil conditions. For example, tall evergreens like pines and spruces are excellent for privacy screens or windbreaks, while low-growing junipers and boxwoods create attractive borders and groundcovers.

Native evergreens are well-adapted to your local climate and generally require less maintenance. They also support local wildlife and biodiversity. If you prefer non-native species, ensure they are suitable for your growing zone and soil type.

Planting and Care

Follow these steps for successful evergreen planting and care:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep.
Carefully remove the plant from its container, loosen any circling roots, and place it in the hole.
Fill in the hole with well-drained soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets.
Water deeply and regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Most evergreens prefer well-drained acidic soil. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and size, but avoid excessive pruning that can damage the plant's natural form.

Benefits of Evergreens

Incorporating evergreens into your landscape offers numerous benefits:

Year-Round Beauty: Evergreens provide visual interest throughout the year, adding color and texture to your garden.
Privacy and Screening: Tall evergreens create natural privacy screens, shielding your property from prying eyes and reducing noise.
Wind Protection: Dense evergreens act as windbreaks, protecting other plants and reducing wind chill.
Wildlife Habitat: Evergreens provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
Low Maintenance: Evergreens generally require less maintenance than many deciduous plants, making them ideal for busy gardeners.