Evergreens - Beyond Christmas Trees!

By Victor Carrano (victorgardener) December 23, 2007

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For those of us forced to endure long, cold winters, evergreens act as beacons of hope that Nature does indeed still have a pulse. They are as much emotional, as physical reminders, that better times and brighter days lie ahead. Evergreens deserve a place in every garden.

Evergreens are plants that retain their foliage for the winter, and are generally categorized as either needle or broadleaf. Needle evergreens include familiar 'Christmas Tree' varieties such as firs and spruces, as well as pines, arborvitae and junipers. These needle bearing plants grow their seeds within cones, so they are also referred to as conifers. Some examples of broadleaf evergreens are rhodendrons, azaleas, camellias and mountain laurels, and they are generally slower growing than the conifers. Evergreens are generally low-maintenance, easy care plants.

USDA Hardiness zone and winter severity are factors affecting whether a specific plant actually remains evergreen. A viburnum, for example, may be reliably evergreen in zone 8, but may drop its leaves in zone 6. Similarly, a particularly cold winter can trigger leaf drop in a shrub or tree that usually retains its leaves. The individual leaves or needles however, do have a finite lifetime, and are regularly replaced. Anyone with a white pine certainly knows this!

Within each category, there is a tremendous variety of evergreens that will suit growing conditions that run the gamut. For example, pines generally require good drainage and will grow well in very sandy soil. Conversely, I have arborvitae growing very happily in a low, wet area in my clay soil. Many broadleaf varieties, such as rhododendron, prefer shadier conditions and acidic soil, whereas junipers thrive in full sun and can tolerate more alkaline conditions.

In addition to these important cultural considerations, gardeners must also factor in size, shape, texture, color and how the plant will be integrated into the garden. Will it be used as a specimen, as part of a mixed bed or perhaps as a screen?

As lot sizes continue to shrink, gardeners are looking to evergreen screens as living fences to shield prying eyes and secure one of the last bits of privacy left in our lives. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of planting a straight row of one particular type of evergreen. Inevitably, as this hedge matures, one or more of the individuals will succumb to disease, pests or a brutal winter. Then the screen is ruined and finding full-sized replacements will be impossible or very expensive. It is also unnatural looking (it looks like a fence!) and calls undue attention to itself. A much better option is to use a number of different shrubs, perhaps including some natives, and stagger them from front to back, in a much more naturalistic fashion. Not only will it more closely resemble Mother Nature's layout, but if you lose one, it can be replaced without ruining the entire effect. This does not require much more room to accomplish.

In this search for privacy, gardeners have recently flocked to faster growing evergreens. One of the most popular is Thuja 'Green Giant'. It resembles American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) in appearance and form, but reportedly grows three to five feet per year once established. Unpruned, it can eventually reach about 30 feet high in 30 years. I have one, but it has not grown nearly that fast, adding about two feet per year. That might be a result of the few hours of shade it receives in the afternoon. In fact, my two Norway spruces (Picea abies) have grown just as fast, and I find it a more attractive tree. It is, however, a much wider tree. The final size can be more than 70 feet high and 30 feet wide. Leyland cypress is falling out of favor as a choice due to disease and pest problems, as well as requiring regular pruning.

Dwarf evergreens have also become more popular since our gardens are getting smaller and people are looking for lower maintenance plants. There are many to choose from, in both conifer and broadleaf. Breeders have been hard at work at producing dwarf specimens, such as Monrovia's rhododendron 'Scarlet Wonder Dwarf', which sports bright red flowers and grows only two feet tall. One of the things I love about rhodos is how they tell me just how cold it is outside! When temperatures drop to the twenties, their leaves begin to curl up. They do this to reduce moisture loss. As the temperature drops further, this effect gets more pronounced, and in the low teens the leaves are completely closed, and they droop down as if trying to hide from Jack Frost. So in January and February, I always glance outside at my rhodos before heading out so I know what I'm in for.

I grow a number of dwarf conifers, such as Cryptomeria japonica 'Black Dragon', which grows slowly to six to ten feet, with a pyramidal shape. The needles grow in branchlets which give it an attractive 'whirled' appearance. It turns a nice dark green in winter. I also grow dwarf alberta and blue spruces. All these are small enough to easily fit into the mixed border, as I use them. One of my absolute favorites is a dwarf deodar cedar called 'Silver Mist'. It has bluish-white needles that sparkle in the sun, though the plant should be shaded in the hottest part of the day. One of the delights of conifers in general is the range of colors and textures available - from near white to blue, gold and many shades of green, and textures ranging from the finest feathery needles, to the stiffest weapon-like, scaly armor!

A cautionary word about dwarf evergreens - they tend to be expensive, primarily because it takes so long to propagate them. And they do grow very slowly, so be prepared to wait up to ten years or more for that one foot tall plant to reach three or four feet!

Pruning of evergreens is more complicated than with deciduous plants. Different approaches and times are required for the various plants, and they are far less forgiving of errors than the deciduous are. This can be the subject of a future article.

Evergreens are indispensable for anyone wishing to attract wildlife, especially birds. Two of the four requirements for a 'backyard habitat' are cover or shelter, and a place to nest. Conifers - large trees in particular, are ideal for this. I have had the pleasure of watching so many birds nest and take cover in my spruces and cedars. And my Norway spruces are the overnight home to swarms of mourning doves. I had a genuine Alfred Hitchcock experience the first time I saw hundreds of them 'coming home' at dusk! They first land on nearby trees and shrubs before sorting out their 'sleeping arrangements'. I am awestruck each time I witness it.

There is also a very practical use to evergreen trees in the garden - reducing the heating bill! By planting tall conifers between your home and the prevailing winds, you can significantly cut the wind effect on your house. In fact, this was the main reason I planted my two Norways my first year in my house. Now that they are around 20 feet high, we get much less wind hitting the house.


So whether for beauty, diversity, privacy, energy efficiency or wildlife, evergreens deserve a place in your garden. Oblige them!










Look for an upcoming article from Dea that will profile conifers in greater depth!



Photos: 1. Dragon's Eye Pine 2. Rhododendron 3. Nandina domestica
4. Deodar Cedar 'Silver Mist' 5. Mockingbird taking refuge in Norway Maple
6. Backyard scene - l - r: Blue Spruce, Arborvitae and Eastern Red Cedar


Sources: More information on evergreens
Backyard Habitat
Thuja 'Green Giant'
Another fast growing conifer
'Scarlet Wonder Dwarf' Rhododendron
Source for Broadleaf Evergreens and Conifers Watchdog Entry
Source for Conifers Watchdog Entry
Source for Rhododendrons Watchdog Entry

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Subject: Of course!

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Posted by Candyce (from The Monadnock Region, NH) on December 23, 2007 at 7:22 AM:

Victor:

Of course you would write about evergreens!

This is a great article, and I found myself listed under the 'planting all of one type of evergreen' category. I guess that this would be an example of what NOT to do ...

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Posted by gloria125 (from Greensboro, AL) on December 23, 2007 at 7:47 AM:

You've given me a new perspective, Victor!

In the south, evergreens include hollies and magnolias. My 100 yr old property is anchored by 3 huge Magnolia Grandifloras. But, you have reminded me I need more.

Recently, adjacent properties have been clear cut, leaving me exposed to straight line and hurricane winds. The protection of some tall sturdy evergreens is just what I need to baffle the wind and keep me cozy during winter storms.

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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 23, 2007 at 10:51 AM:

Thanks ladies. Gloria - my Norway spruces have made a very noticeable difference on the wind. Our bedroom is in the front of the house where they are and we used to dread windy winter nights. Though we have good windows, we don't have Tyvek wrap, since the house was built in the early 60's.

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Posted by gloria125 (from Greensboro, AL) on December 23, 2007 at 11:00 AM:

I am still interested in the extent to which trees can moderate wind. I don't think this has been studied to nearly the extent that we need, given the increases in wind damage we are getting on some parts of the country.

My house as Ive said is 100 years old+. It has a temporary siding on it, awaiting the time I can have cellulose blown in to insulate it. Unfortunately, my lot is quite narrow on the north side, so Ill need some skinny evergreens if I am going to get any relief from the wind on that side.

Guess we needed an engineer to point this out, Victor!

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Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on December 23, 2007 at 11:02 AM:

Absolutely fantastic article Victor. You've described the varied types and uses with such great enthusiasm. We love evergreens and particularly conifers.

Don't know how we would ever get through the dreary winter months without them.

Your photos by the way are stunning - well done - this was a real treat to read !

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Posted by planolinda (from Plano, TX) on December 23, 2007 at 11:04 AM:

thanks for the information--i have a few evergreens in my yard and one just came up on it's own and i have no idea how--guess some animal dropped a cone? anyhow-i just bought a little pine for a christmas gift and noticed it is an "island" pine and must stay indoors ---which i can do but i had thought it would say the opposite--to plant it outside --i want the pine needles that fall under the big pines!! (none of mine are big)--i think those pine needles would make a pretty mulch!

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Posted by ViburnumValley (from Scott County, KY) on December 23, 2007 at 11:43 AM:

Good article, Victor. Now, when can we expect volumes II - XXII?

The use of plants to attenuate wind and sun has been practiced for quite a long time, though that doesn't mean it is common knowledge.

One can easily google or otherwise to find plenty more information about how to strategically locate plants to aid in energy efficiency. The height of the plant and the distance that wind is affected has been studied and calculated. One then can apply this principle to the site in question.

Unfortunately, some folks will find (like Gloria) that their property dimensions might not allow the maximum value of plant protection. They'll have to find some other solution. This information is best applied from the planning perspective, as in when someone is purchasing new land or building a new house. It DOES matter to think about such things ahead of time.

This is a veiled plug for use of landscape architects in planning and design. No LAs were harmed in the generation of this message.

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Posted by doccat5 (from Fredericksburg, VA) on December 23, 2007 at 12:03 PM:

Great article, and filled with wonderful information. Thanks for sharing.

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Posted by gloria125 (from Greensboro, AL) on December 23, 2007 at 12:18 PM:

Well, VV when you buy an historic property, of course you buy the history of landscaping that goes along with the clapboard siding and slate on the roof. Unfortunately, in the old days around here people knew perfectly well that trees deflect wind from buildings.

It is only the new-improved generation with their chain saws who think things would "look" better if all the old trees were removed and sold for timber or used for fence posts.

As a result in some historic sections old houses are exposed to environmental forces which they never were intended to sustain because of the removal of evergreen trees which were part of the original design of the property.

A note on "design".

gloria

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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 23, 2007 at 12:51 PM:

Thanks all.

VV - yes, it felt like Mission Impossible trying to write one article on evergreens, especially when there were sub-topics that had to be mentioned. It can easily be a multi-part series.

On the energy savings aspect, there are certainly many situations where a LA would be invaluable. I liked that ever so subtle LA plug - only thing missing was 'I am VV and I approved this message'! Of course many do not have the advantage of a 'clean slate' and I just wanted to mention another use of evergreens that people might not be aware of.

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Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on December 23, 2007 at 2:15 PM:

Victor, great article! You reminded me of our home in Colorado so very much...the evergreens were sometimes the only part of the landscape one could see!

It is very difficult sometimes to stop an article from becoming a tome, isn't it? These topics - especially the ones we "choose" instead of ones that are "requested", just want to carry us away to a world were everyone and everything is about that particular topic. Great job of finding just the right balance of great information and advise without overpowering the reader.

Looking forward to much more from you....
Happy Holidays!
Shari

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Posted by pixie62560 (from South China, ME) on December 23, 2007 at 2:40 PM:

Great job Victor! I love evergreens, (might have something to do w/living in Maine)and was so glad you choose that topic. As you know we bought the field behind our house, and a wide open field it is!
DH and I were just talking about what we will plant as a barrier from the wind of the lake and also for noise reduction from the 18 wheelers that travel our road. I couldn't of ask for better timing of your article to plead my case with DH. I thank you, as I do believe I won!! LOL

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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 23, 2007 at 3:14 PM:

Thank you Shari. Wow - that's some change of venue for you. Right now I would choose your current home! Very true on 'holding back' while covering these topics. Happy holidays to you and yours - thanks!

Thank you Celeste. Glad to be of help - though I certainly want no part of domestic discussions!

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Posted by Sofonisba (from Putnam County, NY) on December 23, 2007 at 3:32 PM:

Terrific article Victor!! I'm more and more thinking that I'm gonna put a bunch of conifers in my NW corner of the property.

I really loved your article. Thank you!!!!
Harper

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on December 23, 2007 at 6:54 PM:

Thank you, Victor. When we get some of the unidentified brush cleared out I will definitely put in an evergreen something, and I know whom to ask when I'm ready...
xxx, Carrie

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Posted by bbrookrd (from nantucket, MA) on December 23, 2007 at 7:12 PM:

Victor, I was so happy to learn the identity of one of the evergreens in your well written article. I had seen a small tree on two occasions, but both on the property of non gardeners, so they had no clue. I had kept my eye out when visiting nurseries for the last couple of years and never saw one, but now it is in my DG wanted journal. I will plant a dwarf deodar cedar 'Silver Mist' next spring and most likely surround it with a few bulbs. I would appreciate a list of your other favorites that are dwarf conifers. We have a much loved Dwarf Alberta, which has grown to a noble size from a tiny table top tree, but I have lots of room to add some interesting other small ones in my mixed perennial beds. I don't want to do an alpine garden, though I love seeing them. I will go visit the Arnold Arboretum in Boston this spring to see their collection as I haven't gone in a few years. You have sparked my interest. Thanks again, Patti

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Posted by jadajoy (from Newport News, VA) on December 23, 2007 at 7:16 PM:

Ahhh!
So thats how you put up a privacy screen without offending the nosy neighbors :-)

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on December 23, 2007 at 7:27 PM:

Hey Patti, let me know when you go, I'll go with you! I'm not sure they have many dwarfs. xx, Carrie

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Posted by bbrookrd (from nantucket, MA) on December 23, 2007 at 7:37 PM:

Carrie, only if I can sing. No, actually that would be fun. Something around Lilac weekend would be terrific, but I am totally flexible. Victor could be our guide. Patti

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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 23, 2007 at 7:42 PM:

Thanks ladies! Patti, I will try to get back to you with some that I like.

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on December 23, 2007 at 7:57 PM:

Patti, you are welcome to sing, whatever pleases you. It would probably be a long trip for Victor, don't you think? And you're a couple zones warmer than the Arboretum. Maybe you should go drop in on Victor at SingSing instead! Actually, Lilac Sunday is totally jammed. Lilac Friday or Lilac Monday is much better. x, C

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Posted by bbrookrd (from nantucket, MA) on December 23, 2007 at 8:07 PM:

Actually we usually go before the official Lilac Sunday as it is often so late. I don't think I have every been on that Sunday. Plus a weekday is always better. I try to get to Mt Auburn Cemetery on the same day. I grow plants in Vt too. But Nantucket is warmer but harsh at times so I think of summer as a zone 7 but some trees and shrubs on the exposed NE side as a zone 6. Better safe than sorry with trees/shrubs. And I wouldn't ruin your day with even a peep. Patti

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Posted by AYankeeCat (from Fairfield County, CT) on December 23, 2007 at 9:28 PM:

Great article! Thank you!

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on December 23, 2007 at 9:30 PM:

You, Patti, could NEVER ruin my day. Mt. Auburn is lovely as well but have you ever been to the Forest Hills Cemetery? MUCH closer. x, C

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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 23, 2007 at 11:35 PM:

Thanks Cat.

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Posted by grammyphoeb (from Upper Hudson Valley, NY) on December 24, 2007 at 5:15 AM:

Great article!! Very informative and well written! Eleanor

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Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on December 24, 2007 at 6:47 AM:

Loved the article Victor! Andre Viette's conifer beds inspired us to plant one of our own, so many textures and the color transformation in winter is beautiful. I'm a real fan of Cedrus deodara and 'Silver Mist' looks like one I'll have to add to my list :)

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Posted by bbrookrd (from nantucket, MA) on December 24, 2007 at 9:45 AM:

Carrie, Forest Hills Cemetery was unknown to me until I just googled it. I definitely would love to visit it. Sounds wonderful. Mt Auburn is where most of my DH family are buried, and is significant to me as it is the original farm site of my family back in the 1600's on my mother's side. I also like to go there to bird. I will want to go to Garden in the Woods in Framingham this spring as it has been far too long since visiting there which must be close to you.

rcn48, I looked at Viette's site. That looks like a wonderful nursery. Lucky you. Patti

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Posted by carrielamont (from Milton, MA) on December 24, 2007 at 10:48 AM:

Forest Hills Cemetery is on the way between me and the Arboretum, literally. Of course, you will want to visit Mount Auburn! Let's discuss this further when it's warmer out! x, C

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Posted by sanannie (from White Lake, ON) on December 25, 2007 at 12:13 PM:

I enjoyed your article, Victor. I'm really starting to appreciate these wonderful shrubs and trees and have planted some dwarf conifers in a new garden bed. I hope you write a whole series of articles on conifers, especially how to prune conifers. This is all great information. Thanks.

Sandy

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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 26, 2007 at 1:04 PM:

Thanks Sandy!

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Posted by Candyce (from The Monadnock Region, NH) on December 28, 2007 at 10:20 AM:

I'm with Sandy. Victor knows so much about evergreens that I hope he writes a whole series. Please, Victor?

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Posted by gloria125 (from Greensboro, AL) on December 28, 2007 at 11:38 AM:

Himm. I thought that the point of conifers was that you didn't prune them, just pinch the growing tips.

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Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on December 28, 2007 at 11:39 AM:

Thanks Candyce, but I'm hardly an expert! I appreciate your kind words and will consider doing some that cover more specific topics.

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Posted by DonnieBrook (from N Hampshire/Florida
(United States)) on December 28, 2007 at 9:09 PM:

Great job, Victor! I had never focused on some of the points that you made about evergreens.....didn't even realize that there were the two types, needle and broadleaf....and the photos you included were top quality. Like everyone else, I am left wanting you to say more in future articles. However, this article was a great introduction with specific points that allow it to stand alone as a very well-written, informative and interesting article. I will come back to this one again. I was happy to see that you included the tip of including some natives in the living fence suggestion. I think I will research some evergreens to include in the living fence we are doing down here in Fla. so we will have an outdoor Christmas tree to decorate for the birds next year. Keep your pen working on a "next" article!!

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Posted by Candyce (from The Monadnock Region, NH) on January 1, 2008 at 12:03 PM:

Hear! Hear!

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