Low Maintenance Evergreen Plants

Planting low-maintenance evergreen plants in your garden is an easy way to have a garden full of colour all year round with very little maintenance. Many evergreen plants will also flower, and others will show different colour foliage at various times throughout the year. There are many available to choose from that will grow in different soil, aspects, and even in containers, so always check the label instructions and select the right plant for your space. These are some of our recommendations.

Top 5 Low-Maintenance Evergreen Plants to Plant in Fall

Fall is the best time to plant perennials, flower bulbs, shrubs, trees, and other plants. If you're looking for plants that don't require too much attention throughout the year, please read our top 5 low-maintenance evergreen plants to plant in fall.

1. Hebe

Hebes are a great option with so many different sizes and colours to choose from. They really are one of the best evergreen shrubs for gardeners. They specifically like free-draining soil and plenty of sun. The flowers are great for attracting pollinators, so they are good for all-round biodiversity. Hebe ‘Silver Anniversary' has lovely variegated foliage with purple flowers.

• Good for BC coastal planting as it can withstand salt-laden winds
• Not suitable for cold winters and needs protection such as a straw mulch to prevent damage

2. Daphne

The fragrance of the Daphne is unmistakable and a must in the garden. The perfume is the scent of sweet flowers, which also attracts pollinators. There are many Daphnes also perfect for growing in containers, so if you have little space, you can still enjoy the pretty flowers and fragrance. Try Daphne 'Eternal Fragrance' (suitable for zones 6-9) for the long-lasting flowers, and make sure it grows near your door or patio, so you can enjoy the scent every time you walk by or relax in your garden chair.

• Full sun to partial shade, slightly acidic soil (acid loving like azaleas), well draining soil a must
• Hardy in zones 4-9, semi-evergreen in zones 4-5
• If grown in a pot, winterizing is required to protect the root mass from freezing (wrap in burlap and straw mulch)
• Slow growing
• Although beautiful, Daphne and can die suddenly without obvious causes (particularly Winter Daphne)

3. Nandina

For some beautiful fall changing colour, Nandina is an excellent choice. The gold leaves change to green, then to a deep red, often with accents of fiery red. Not only do the colours change, but this evergreen also has pretty white flowers and stunning berries during the summertime. Try Nandina domestica 'Flirt'.

• Zones 6-9
• Full sun to part shade, can tolerate heavy shade and drought
• Well drained soil
• Semi-evergreen to deciduous in zones below 8 losing foliage when temperature drops below -12°C (10°F). Protect with mulch in cold climates
• Can be invasive - plant in containers to prevent spreading and prune berries to prevent seeding

4. Sarcococca

Sarcococca has lovely white flowers with a honey-filled scent. Not only are they pretty and fragrant, but they bloom just when there isn't much else in flower - during the depths of winter. Much needed by winter insects, the flowers are full of nectar, and the berries are loved by wildlife, too. From large to compact varieties, there is one for every garden. Plant it by your front door, so you can enjoy the fragrance every time you walk into your home.

• Tiny white flowers, almost hidden by the dark green foliage, turning to red to black berries.
• Shade loving, can tolerate full sun if moisture available
• Well draining soil with moderate fertility (nutrient level)
• Deer resistant

5. Choisya

You may know this as the Mexican orange blossom with its bright, beautiful foliage, and fragrant white flowers. This evergreen shrub is reliable, cheerful, and very pest and disease-resistant. The foliage is glossy green, through to bright yellow and really does add a feel of the tropics to a garden in the back of a sunny border. Choisya ternata 'Sundance' is the most popular.

• Flowers late spring to early summer Prune after flowering to encourage reblooming
• Great pollinator
• Drought tolerant
• Well draining soil
• Full sun preferred
• Provide protection from harsh winter winds. Not suitable below zone 7 (such as Interior BC)

Use fall to plant new low-maintenance evergreen plants such as those mentioned above. All varieties are moderate sized shrubs and suitable for our BC climates except in conditions noted above. If you don’t see these varieties at your local Buckerfield’s, we can order them in for you in season, typically available in 1 and 2 gallon pot sizes. We still have a large selection of evergreen plants in store. Visit us soon! Check our opening hours and make your garden and balcony greener.

Have more questions? Visit your local Buckerfield's and we'll be happy to help!