There is a common misconception in the gardening world that evergreens are just the “wallpaper” of the landscape—the steady, reliable green backdrop that stays the same while other plants do the heavy lifting. But if you lean in a little closer over the garden fence, I will let you in on a secret. Some of our hardiest, most dependable evergreen shrubs are actually hiding a spectacular spring surprise.
As the mountain air begins to soften, these stalwarts of the garden do much more than just stand there looking green. They erupt into a celebration of color and fragrance that can rival any temperamental perennial. When you choose the proper flowering evergreens, you aren’t just planting for winter structure; you are setting the stage for a sensory explosion. These plants provide year-round foliage and then, like clockwork, infuse the air with delightful scents and vibrant blooms just when we need them most.
Whether you want to attract pollinators, add privacy, or simply indulge in the pleasure of a fragrant walk to your front door, here are the top picks that thrive in our unique mountain conditions.
The Fragrant Leaders
Daphne – if you’ve ever wondered which evergreen bush smells the best in spring, look no further. This plant is cherished for its intoxicating fragrance. It produces delicate clusters of pink or white flowers that punch far above their weight class in the scent department. Because they are compact, I always recommend planting them in containers near your outdoor seating areas or right next to the porch steps, so you can enjoy that sweet perfume up close.
Gardenia is hard to beat for sheer elegance. It offers an irresistible combination of creamy-white blooms and glossy, deep-green foliage. Beyond its sophisticated look, the fragrance is legendary. It creates a captivating sensory experience, making it a favorite among gardeners who like to bring a few cut flowers indoors to freshen up the kitchen.
Color for Every Corner
Azalea and Rhododendrons are for those tricky shady spots. These compact evergreens offer a dazzling display of blooms in shades ranging from bold purples to bright whites. They thrive in partial shade, making them ideal for covered entrances or under the canopy of larger trees. They are surprisingly easy to care for once established, providing a lush, forest-like feel to any backyard.
Camellias are famous for their waxy, rose-like flowers. They bloom profusely in early spring, acting as a stunning focal point while providing much-needed nectar for early-season pollinators.
Rugged Beauty for Mountain Landscapes
In the mountains, we need plants that can handle a bit of “tough love” wind, sun, and lean soils. The Oregon Grape Holly, Mahonia, is a true local hero. Often mistaken for true holly, it produces solar-yellow flowers that cover the plant in spring, followed by edible summer berries. In winter, the leaves turn a beautiful cranberry-orange. It is a plant that loves the sun and requires very little water once it finds its feet.
Indian Hawthorn is built for the Arizona heat. It produces vast clusters of pearl-pink flowers and is tough enough to be planted along driveways or medians where reflected heat usually spells doom for more delicate plants.
Lily of the Valley, Pieris japonica, is for those who want variety in texture, offering graceful, bell-shaped flowers that hang like tiny chandeliers. Its glossy foliage adds interest year-round, making it a versatile choice for hedges or borders.
Heath, Erica, blooms early—sometimes even while there is still a chill in the air. These alpine evergreens have an incredibly long bloom period, often starting in late winter.
The Multi-Taskers
Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina, is a top seller that should not be overlooked. It isn’t actually bamboo, so don’t worry about it taking over the yard! It stays around hip high, with bamboo-like foliage that turns bright red in winter. In spring, it’s graced with white flowers that eventually form bright red berries. It is the most versatile plant on this list, happy in sun or shade, and completely javelina and deer-proof.
Holly, Ilex, remains a classic. As it grows taller, its dark leaves provide a sharp contrast to its famous red berries. It is nearly impervious to mountain wildlife, making it a “plant it and forget it” solution for north-facing borders.
The grand finale has to be Red Cluster Berry Cotoneaster. Reaching ten feet tall and wide. It is a fortress of a plant, standing up to sun, wind, and even javelina, while providing a vital food source for birds well into the New Year.
Choosing the right evergreen is about more than just picking a plant; it’s about guiding your backyard on a journey of discovery. When these “green” shrubs finally reveal their colorful secrets, you’ll be glad you planted them.
Free Gardening Classes Every Saturday @ 9:30 am
Join us for these upcoming topics:
- February 21: Surprising Evergreens with a Colorful Spring Secret
- February 28: Buds to Bloom this Springs Roadmap in the Garden
- March 7: Welcome to Hummingbirds – Creating a Garden Oasis
Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners plant the most beautiful evergreens here at Watters Garden Center.
Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Evergreens.com
