Whether the discussion revolves around food or plants, there are some things we just don’t like. For me, it is sushi and junipers. Junipers are an evergreen shrub that have a coarse texture and for many cause a slight rash when touched. Years ago, we had some junipers left over at the end of the season and I made the spur of the moment decision to plant them in the back of our yard. Each January for over 20 years, I enjoyed looking at those junipers as they were partially covered in snow. Honestly, I never really noticed them in the summer, but in the winter, they were one of the few plants in my back yard that actually looked good as the temperature dropped below zero. Although I don’t advocate planting something in a yard that the homeowner doesn’t like, I do advocate at least considering what plants may provide some winter interest. As the leaves fall, the vast majority of the branches in our landscaping will be bare for five long months. This column will focus on evergreen trees and shrubs that provide winter interest and stability in our landscapes.
While many plants are either cut down to the ground or look like sticks throughout the winter, evergreens as their name implies keep their leaves and are green year-round. Evergreen trees and shrubs come in all shapes and sizes. Spreading junipers may only reach 4-6” in height while spruce trees can easily grow up to 60’ tall. Some evergreen plants have flat glossy leaves and others have sharp spiky needles. While most evergreens don’t have a particularly showy flower, there are some that have a gorgeous flower in the spring. Keeping in mind one’s own particular tastes and interests, there may be an evergreen that appeals to everyone.
Boxwood (Buxus), with its glossy, flat leaves is a very versatile broadleaf evergreen shrub. While there are many boxwood cultivars, Wilson Northern Charm and Chicagoland Green are two of the hardiest for our area. Hardiness refers to the likelihood of a plant making it through our cold winters. Boxwoods are typically slow growing and reach a height and width of about 2.5’. Green Mountain, which is also hardy, is an upright, cone shaped version.
Wintercreeper (Euonymus) is considered a groundcover type of evergreen. It’s flat, soft leaves are often composed of two or more colors. The white and green or yellow and green variegated leaves add color unseen in winter landscapes. Emerald Gaiety and Emerald N Gold are two well proven cultivars. Emerald N Gold grows approximately 1.5’ tall and 3’ wide. Emerald Gaiety grows about 3’ tall and wide. They are both easily pruned.
Rhododendrons/Azaleas are a well-known, gorgeous spring blooming shrub. Rhododendrons do phenomenally well on the west and east coasts. In our area there are only a few cultivars that I would recommend. Karens Azalea, with its bright pink flower in May grows to about 2.5’ by 3’. The Northern Lights Series of Azaleas was developed in Minnesota and offers a wide range of flower colors from white to orange. All do better when sited in an area that offers some protection.
Mugho Pines (Pinus mugho) are a mound shaped shrub with medium sized dark green needs. Slowmound Mugho Pine is a true dwarf plant growing only to about 18” tall and 24” wide.
Junipers embody the plant it and forget it theme. If they are planted in a space that considers their mature height and width and given proper cultural care, they are a relatively trouble-free plant. They are drought resistant, and not particularly susceptible to insects and diseases. Gold Lace Juniper has a beautiful gold tinge to the foliage that intensifies in the fall and winter. It grows to about 3.5’ tall and 6’ wide. The new growth Daub’s Frosted juniper has a light yellow color that matures to a bluish tone. It grows about 2’ tall and 5’ wide. All junipers do better in full sun.
Golden Mops (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Golden Mops) are an unusual plant with thin, pendulous, golden leaves. This showstopper adds a burst of yellow color year-round. It is shade tolerant and grows approximately 2’ tall and 3’ wide.
In the 1950s and ‘60s, yews (Taxus) were overplanted earning them a negative reputation. Thankfully, plant breeders have developed improved cultivars. One of them is Everlow Yew. The aptly named shrub only grows to a height of 18” and does not require a lot of pruning. It grows well in sun and shade and is very low maintenance.
Arborvitae (Thuja) shrubs have earned their place as a plant that provides a great vertical accent in the garden. Upright arborvitaes such as Emerald Green, Holmstrup and North Pole provide screening and work well in small spaces. Smaller, globe arborvitae varieties such as Danica work well in planting areas that are adjacent to the foundation of the home. Fire Chief is a newer variety that offers a beautiful array of gold and orange tones throughout the needles.
Blue Spruce (Picea glauca) trees, for many years, were considered the backbone of our landscapes during the winter. Unfortunately, the prevalence of diseases and insects has resulted in many plants needing to be removed and some simply not being grown in this area anymore. Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika) are both considered to be great alternatives and serve to emphasize the importance of increasing plant diversity.
Concolor Fir (Abies concolor) with its beautiful soft bluish needles is great addition to our landscape. It grows almost perfectly pyramidal and reaches a height of 40-50’ and a 20’ width. While it is very adaptable it doesn’t like to be overly irrigated. It is routinely free from insects and diseases.
For evergreens that are currently planted, I highly encourage homeowners to water them regularly, thoroughly and deeply this fall. While we are enjoying the gorgeous fall weather, our soil is very dry. Please consider watering all of your evergreen shrubs and trees whenever the soil is dry and until the soil freezes which may be around Thanksgiving. I cannot overemphasize the importance of this. Also, please consider spraying an anti-desiccant spray on your evergreen shrubs this fall. This minimize water loss throughout the winter.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc.,a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
