Best Small Evergreen Bushes For The Northwest (2025 Update)

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If you’re looking for small evergreen bushes to brighten up your garden in the Northwest, you’ll want to choose wisely. But with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start. Before you make a purchase, consider the factors that will impact your decision.

First, think about the climate in the Pacific Northwest. The region is known for its cool, damp weather, which can be challenging for some plants. Look for evergreen bushes that are hardy and can thrive in a variety of conditions. You’ll also want to consider the amount of sunlight and shade available in your garden, as this will affect the growth of your bushes.

Another factor to consider is the size and shape of the bushes. The best small evergreen bushes for the Northwest are those that fit well into your garden and complement the existing landscape. A bush that is too large or too small can look out of place, and the wrong shape can disrupt the flow of your garden.

Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few questions to consider when choosing small evergreen bushes for your Northwest garden: What color foliage do you prefer? Are you looking for a bush with berries or flowers? Do you want a bush that provides year-round interest? By considering these questions and doing your research, you’ll be able to find the perfect small evergreen bushes for your garden in no time.

10 Best Small Evergreen Bushes For The Northwest

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for outdoor landscaping in full sun areas with its compact, fine-textured evergreen shrub and easy maintenance.
2
This product is ideal for creating privacy in outdoor spaces with its large and developed evergreen trees.
3
The product is ideal for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden with its bright coral-colored flowers.
4
This product is ideal for creating evergreen privacy hedges with 40 live plants.
5
The product is ideal for adding ornamental value to gardens and landscape design.
6
Ground cover grass, perfect for areas with low water availability and offers an attractive and lush appearance.
7
The product is ideal for landscaping and adding evergreen foliage to outdoor spaces.
8
Creeping thyme seeds are ideal for landscaping and adding a perennial herb to your garden.
9
This product is ideal for creating a natural and tall hedge that provides privacy.
10
This product is ideal for individuals looking to add a low-growing evergreen groundcover shrub to their indoor or outdoor space.
Ideal for outdoor landscaping in full sun areas with its compact, fine-textured evergreen shrub and easy maintenance.
This product is ideal for creating privacy in outdoor spaces with its large and developed evergreen trees.
The product is ideal for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden with its bright coral-colored flowers.
This product is ideal for creating evergreen privacy hedges with 40 live plants.
The product is ideal for adding ornamental value to gardens and landscape design.
Ground cover grass, perfect for areas with low water availability and offers an attractive and lush appearance.
The product is ideal for landscaping and adding evergreen foliage to outdoor spaces.
Creeping thyme seeds are ideal for landscaping and adding a perennial herb to your garden.
This product is ideal for creating a natural and tall hedge that provides privacy.
This product is ideal for individuals looking to add a low-growing evergreen groundcover shrub to their indoor or outdoor space.

1. Compact Soft Holly: Full Sun Evergreen Shrub.

Introducing the Soft Touch Holly, a beautiful and versatile shrub that is sure to enhance the greenery in your garden or landscape. This shrub boasts a dense yet soft foliage and a round growth habit, making it an excellent alternative to the very similar boxwood shrubs.

Growing at a fast pace, the Soft Touch Holly reaches a mature height and width of 2-3 feet, making it a perfect choice for smaller gardens or as a border plant. In the spring, this shrub produces very small white flowers that add to its charm. As the cooler weather sets in, the Soft Touch Holly bears glossy blackberry-like fruits, attracting birds and butterflies to its dense foliage.

If you want to keep the Soft Touch Holly a certain size or shape, it tolerates pruning well. Heavy pruning is best done in late winter or early spring. However, you can also let the shrub grow naturally with no pruning at all.

Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, the Soft Touch Holly thrives in full sunlight, but can also adapt well to partial shade at certain times of the day. For the first few months, it is recommended to water the shrub several times a week. Once it takes root, you can reduce the watering frequency.

Your Soft Touch Holly will arrive as a 2.5 quart potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. Please note that it is not guaranteed to be in bloom upon arrival. Unfortunately, this plant is unavailable for shipping to Hawaii and Alaska.

2. Emerald Green Privacy Trees For Large Spaces.

This tree cannot be shipped to Arizona due to federal restrictions. If you reside in Arizona and place an order for this tree, your order will be cancelled.

Please note that your plant may arrive slightly dry, as it has been shipped from another part of the country. It is important to unpack your plant and give it a good drink of water to help it perk back up. If you have any concerns about your plant's condition upon arrival, please do not hesitate to contact the seller immediately.

Rest assured, if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase or the seller's service, their team is committed to resolving any issues to your satisfaction. If you experience any problems, please notify the seller within 30 days of receiving your order.

It is important to note that these plants come in a 1-2 foot height range, as they are young and have not yet matured. Please keep this in mind when placing your order.

The Emerald Green tree is a versatile plant that can thrive in both partial shade and full sun. If you are looking to speed up the growth process, starting it in a shady spot and using all-natural fertilizers can assist in faster growth. When healthy, these trees have a growth rate of 3 feet or more per year.

3. Trumpet Honeysuckle Coral Live Plant – Lonicera Sempervirens

This particular plant is sourced from a licensed nursery with the registration number 47234100, ensuring its quality and authenticity. The plant comes in a pot that measures 3 inches in depth and holds 4.90 fluid ounces or 145.0 milliliters of soil. The plant itself ranges in height from 3 to 8 inches, making it suitable for a variety of settings such as on a windowsill, desk, or as part of a larger indoor garden.

The seller also provides a Live Delivery Guarantee, ensuring that the plant arrives in good condition. In case any issues arise, customers are encouraged to contact the seller within 48 hours after the plant's arrival and provide a picture of the plant for assessment.

4. Podocarpus Macrophyllus Japanese Yew | 40 Live Plants | Evergreen Privacy Hedge Shrub

Podocarpus macrophyllus, commonly known as Buddhist Pine, Yew Podocarpus, or Japanese Yew, is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub or small tree that can add a touch of elegance to any garden or patio. This pyramidal plant features dense, upright branching and lush, dark green foliage that takes well to shearing. With a growth habit of 15-20 feet tall, it can serve as an effective accent, screen, clipped hedge, or topiary, making it a highly versatile addition to any warm-weather landscape.

To ensure the growth of a mature root system, this low-maintenance evergreen requires a regular watering schedule. Once the root system is established, occasional watering is all that is needed, except during droughts when regular watering is required. Pruning is not necessary, but shearing annually will help maintain the desired shape. Mulching is recommended to prevent moisture loss, deter weeds, and moderate winter temperatures.

Hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, Podocarpus macrophyllus is a slow-growing tree or shrub that can serve as a specimen, sheared hedge, or espalier. It is an undemanding plant that can snuggle in nicely wherever an attractive, slender plant is needed.

Florida Foliage grows, packages, and ships this elegant plant exclusively, ensuring that customers receive a high-quality product that will add beauty and versatility to their outdoor spaces. With its lush evergreen foliage, dense upright branching, and versatility, Podocarpus macrophyllus is a must-have for any warm-weather landscape.

5. Globosa Colorado Blue Spruce – Globe Spruce – Live Plant

Introducing the Colorado Blue Spruce Globe, an exceptional addition to any garden or landscape. This evergreen tree boasts a unique globe-shaped appearance that is sure to catch the eye of any passerby. The Colorado Blue Spruce Globe is a dwarf variety, reaching a height of only 5 feet at maturity, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a compact tree that won't take up too much space.

This hardy tree can withstand even the harshest of winters, surviving in zones 2-8 with ease. Whether you live in a region with extreme cold or moderate temperatures, the Colorado Blue Spruce Globe is sure to thrive.

One of the best things about this tree is its low maintenance requirements. It is easy to grow and requires little attention, making it an excellent choice for those who want to add some greenery to their landscape without having to put in a lot of effort.

When you receive your Colorado Blue Spruce Globe, it will be a 1-year plant that is already 5 feet tall. It will be shipped to you in a container with soil, ensuring that it arrives at your doorstep healthy and ready to be planted.

6. Super Blue Liriope – 10 Live Plants – Drought Tolerant Ground Cover Grass

Florida Foliage presents the Super Blue Liriope, an exceptional variety of the popular Big Blue Liriope. This plant is known for its ability to grow taller and withstand more direct sunlight. It produces an abundance of blue-purple spikes of flowers that stand above its tufted, grass-like foliage in summer and are succeeded by clusters of black berries. The plant is perfect as a ground-cover, border, or edging plant, and also as a mass planting.

The Super Blue Liriope thrives in moist, loamy soil and partially shaded areas, though it can tolerate dry soil areas once it is established. It is a hardy plant, tolerant of both heat and drought, and its flowers bloom best in a sunny location. It grows up to 20 inches tall and is an ideal container plant, lush border or pathway edging, and for mass plantings, especially under large trees. This robust shrub is perfect for hard-to-grow places such as banks and slopes, driveways, or filling in gaps between shrubs.

Although the Super Blue Liriope tends to spread, it responds well to splitting and transplanting efforts and is one of the least invasive of the Liriope family. This variety thrives in moist, loose soil that is fertilized and well-drained and can tolerate dry soil conditions once established. It is heat, drought, and salt spray tolerant, making it a low-maintenance plant once established.

The plant's blue flower spikes are abundant and rise above the attractive, tufted arching, grass-like foliage, followed by clusters of black berries. It is an outstanding choice as an edging, border, or groundcover plant and can tolerate drier conditions when established. The Super Blue Liriope is evergreen and provides a year-round lush greenery to any landscape.

7. Weeping Engelmann Spruce – Picea Engelmannii 'bushes Lace' Live Plant

Introducing a stunning evergreen conifer with a graceful weeping habit and light powder-blue needles. This plant boasts tiny, fine-textured needles that create a dense and weeping silhouette, making it a graceful and glowing presence in any landscape.

One of the most impressive features of this spruce is its extreme hardiness, thriving in temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius, making it a perfect fit for Zone 1. At maturity, this tree reaches 6 feet and is shipped in a container with soil, suitable for Zones 5-8.

This plant is a great addition to any garden or landscape, offering a unique aesthetic that stands out among other evergreen conifers. The light powder-blue needles provide a stunning contrast to other green foliage, adding depth and interest to any outdoor space.

Not only is this spruce aesthetically pleasing, but it is also incredibly durable, able to withstand harsh weather conditions and thrive in a variety of climates. Its hardiness makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners and homeowners alike.

8. 8000+ Creeping Thyme Seeds – Perennial Herb For Landscaping

Creeping Thyme is a versatile and adaptable dwarf groundcover that is highly popular for landscape designs. It is commonly used as borders for flower beds and walkways, as it can tolerate moderate foot traffic with ease. This perennial herb is well-suited for zones 4-9 and can over-winter well in these areas.

To grow Creeping Thyme, it's best to direct sow the seeds outdoors between May and August, when temperatures consistently remain in the high 60s or above. Division of established plantings can also be done in March and April. However, it's recommended to avoid fall plantings to protect against freeze damage.

When planting the seeds, it's important not to cover them with soil. Instead, press them firmly into the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact, which will lead to ideal germination rates.

Marde Ross & Company has been a licensed California Nursery since 1985, and they are committed to providing high-quality plant products to their customers. With their expertise and experience, you can trust that you're getting a top-quality product when you purchase Creeping Thyme from them.

9. Green Giant Thuja Liners: Luxe Nature's Privacy Fence.

Looking for a classic and beautiful green fence that can provide privacy to your property? Look no further than the Leyland cypress, the most popular evergreen tree used for this purpose. This fast-growing tree can reach a height of 3-5 feet per year, making it an ideal choice for those who want a quickly-growing fence.

At maturity, the Leyland cypress can reach an impressive height of 60-80 feet and a width of 15-25 feet, providing ample privacy and beauty to any property. This tree is hardy in zones 6-10, making it a great option for a wide range of climates.

Please note that due to restrictions placed by the California Department of Agriculture, we are unable to ship certain plants and sizes to California. However, we are happy to provide smaller bags or semi-bareroot plants for shipping to this area.

10. Zen Bonsai Groundcover – Live Desk Plant!

Looking for a resilient groundcover? Look no further than Procumbens Nana Juniper. Unlike many other fast-growing and invasive plants, this slow-growing shrub is highly manageable and easy to care for. With its needle-like blue-green foliage, it makes for a unique addition to any non-traditional green space. This juniper shrub has a very dense and low-growing habit, maturing to 6 inches to 1 foot tall by 4-6 feet wide.

If you're interested in bonsai trees, the Juniper is a perfect choice. Considered a hardy conifer, it is a non-flowering tree that is known for its easy pruning and training. It is no surprise that this tree is one of the most popular bonsai trees on the market, loved by enthusiasts worldwide.

Looking to take care of your Nana Juniper? With the right environment, it is easy to maintain. Wiring is a great option for this tree, as it will bend into styles with ease. When pruning, it is important to avoid removing all the growing tips simultaneously, as this could cause the leaves to turn brown and the whole plant to decline. Instead, trim dense foliage areas with small, sharp pruning shears.

Procumbens Nana Juniper is hardy in zones 4a-9b and can be grown in a variety of environments. Whether you live in an area with heat, humidity, drought, polluted/urban environments, or even salty coastal environments, this tree can thrive. It typically takes approximately six weeks for plants to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, it is important to water plants every 2-4 days and then once per week.

Shipped as a 2.5 Quart potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast, this juniper is unfortunately unavailable to ship to California, Hawaii, and Alaska. Keep in mind that while this juniper is a nonflowering plant, it is still a beautiful addition to any green space.

Best Small Evergreen Bushes For The Northwest FAQs

Are there any evergreen bushes that can withstand the heavy rainfall and cold winters of the Northwest?

Yes, there are several evergreen bushes that can tolerate heavy rainfall and cold winters in the Northwest region. One of the most popular options is the Oregon Grape, which can grow up to 6 feet tall and has yellow flowers in the spring. Another option is the Mountain Laurel, which has clusters of pink or white flowers and can grow up to 10 feet tall. The Boxwood is also a good choice, as it is extremely hardy and can tolerate heavy pruning. Other evergreen bushes that can thrive in the Northwest include the Rhododendron, Holly, and Yew. When selecting an evergreen bush for this region, it is important to consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and water drainage to ensure the plant thrives in its environment. It is also recommended to consult with a local nursery or landscaping professional for advice on the best options for your specific location.

Are there any small evergreen bushes that are native to the Pacific Northwest and therefore well-suited to the region's climate?

Yes, there are several small evergreen bushes that are native to the Pacific Northwest and are well-suited to the region's climate. One such example is the Salal (Gaultheria shallon), which is a low-growing evergreen shrub that is commonly found in the region's forests. It has glossy dark green leaves and produces small white or pinkish flowers in the spring and summer, followed by edible berries in the fall. Another example is the Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium), which is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves that are dark green and spiny. It produces bright yellow flowers in the early spring, followed by blue-black berries in the summer. Other native evergreen bushes that are suitable for the Pacific Northwest include the Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), the Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), and the Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum). These native plants are well adapted to the region's climate and soil conditions, making them low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable choices for landscaping and gardening.

Can I grow small evergreen bushes in containers in the Northwest?

Yes, you can definitely grow small evergreen bushes in containers in the Northwest. The Pacific Northwest climate is known for its mild temperatures and abundant rainfall, making it a great place to grow a variety of plants. When choosing evergreen bushes for container gardening, it's important to select varieties that are well-suited for container growth. Some great options include dwarf varieties of conifers like junipers, cypress, and pines, as well as boxwood, holly, and yew.

When growing evergreens in containers, it's important to choose the right size pot, use high-quality potting soil, and provide regular watering and fertilization. You may also want to consider adding mulch or other organic materials to help retain moisture and promote healthy root growth. With proper care, your evergreen bushes can thrive in containers and provide year-round beauty to your outdoor space.

How do I choose the best small evergreen bushes for my specific location in the Northwest?

Choosing the best small evergreen bushes for your specific location in the Northwest requires careful consideration of several factors. Firstly, you need to determine the amount of sunlight and type of soil available in your location. Different evergreen bushes thrive in different soil and sunlight conditions. Secondly, consider the size of your space and the desired height of the bushes. You want to choose bushes that will not outgrow the space or become too tall for your liking. Thirdly, consider the climate in your location. The Northwest region is known for its cool, moist climate, which means you need to choose bushes that can withstand the cold winters and damp conditions. Some popular evergreen bushes that are well-suited for the Northwest include the Emerald Green Arborvitae, Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, and the Dwarf Alberta Spruce. It is always advisable to consult with a local nursery or landscape professional for expert advice on the best evergreen bushes for your specific location.

How do I ensure that my small evergreen bushes survive and thrive during the winter months in the Northwest?

Ensuring the survival and thriving of small evergreen bushes during winter in the Northwest requires taking the necessary steps to protect them from harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds and cold temperatures. First, it is essential to water the bushes deeply before the ground freezes to ensure they have sufficient moisture to withstand the winter. Secondly, adding a layer of mulch around the base of the bushes will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Another way to protect small evergreen bushes is to cover them with burlap or a breathable fabric, which can help shield them from the wind and prevent desiccation. It is also essential to prune the bushes before winter to remove any damaged or diseased branches and encourage healthy growth in the spring.

Lastly, it is crucial to monitor the bushes throughout the winter regularly. Check for signs of damage, such as broken branches or browning leaves. If damage is detected, take appropriate action immediately to prevent further harm to the plants. By following these steps, you can ensure that your small evergreen bushes survive and thrive during the winter months in the Northwest.

What are some of the most popular small evergreen bushes for landscaping in the Northwest?

The Northwest region of the United States is characterized by its cool, wet climate, which can be challenging for growing plants. However, there are several small evergreen bushes that are well-suited to this region and are popular choices for landscaping. One such option is the Boxwood, which is a classic shrub that can be pruned into various shapes and sizes. Another popular choice is the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, which has a conical shape and is ideal for accenting garden beds or as a focal point in the landscape. Other popular small evergreen bushes for landscaping in the Northwest include the Japanese Holly, which has dark green leaves and a compact growth habit, and the Oregon Grape, which has yellow flowers in the spring and purple berries in the fall. Overall, when choosing small evergreen bushes for landscaping in the Northwest, it is important to consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and water availability to ensure that the plants thrive in their environment.

What are some small evergreen bushes that are deer-resistant in the Northwest?

The Northwest region of the United States can be a challenging environment for gardeners due to the wet, cool climate and the abundance of wildlife, including deer. When it comes to evergreen bushes that are deer-resistant, there are a few options that gardeners can consider. One popular choice is the Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), which is native to the region and produces yellow flowers in the spring and edible berries in the summer. Another option is the dwarf inkberry (Ilex glabra 'Compacta'), a slow-growing shrub that is low maintenance and produces small, black berries in the fall. For a splash of color, gardeners can also consider the dwarf blue spruce (Picea pungens 'Montgomery'), which has blue needles and a compact growth habit. Other deer-resistant evergreen bushes that may thrive in the Northwest include the boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), the pieris (Pieris japonica), and the yew (Taxus baccata). When selecting evergreen bushes for your garden, be sure to choose varieties that are well-suited to your specific growing conditions and that will provide the proper amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients.

What are some small evergreen bushes that provide year-round color in the Northwest?

One evergreen bush that provides year-round color in the Northwest is the Oregon Grape Holly. It has shiny green leaves that turn bronze in the winter and produces bright yellow flowers in the spring, followed by deep blue berries in the fall. Another option is the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, which features soft, feathery foliage that is green in the summer and bronze in the winter. It grows slowly and maintains its compact shape, making it ideal for small gardens or containers. The Wintergreen Boxwood is another great choice, with small, glossy leaves that are green year-round and a compact habit that makes it easy to maintain. Lastly, the Mountain Laurel is a beautiful evergreen shrub with deep green leaves and showy clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring. Its glossy foliage remains attractive throughout the year, making it a great addition to any garden.

What are the maintenance requirements for small evergreen bushes in the Northwest?

Small evergreen bushes are a popular choice for landscaping in the Northwest due to their year-round foliage and low maintenance requirements. However, like any plant, they do require some care to ensure they thrive.

Firstly, it is important to choose the right type of evergreen bush for your particular climate and soil conditions. Once planted, regular watering is necessary, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base of the bush can help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is also important for maintaining the shape and health of the bush. It is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This involves removing any dead or diseased branches, as well as any crossing branches that may be rubbing against each other.

Fertilizing can be beneficial for promoting growth and maintaining the health of the bush. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring or fall.

Overall, with proper care and attention, small evergreen bushes can be a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any landscape in the Northwest.

What are the top small evergreen bushes that thrive in the Pacific Northwest climate?

The Pacific Northwest climate is known for its mild temperatures and abundant rainfall. This makes it an ideal environment for many types of evergreen bushes. Some of the top small evergreen bushes that thrive in the Pacific Northwest climate include the Dwarf Hinoki Cypress, the Blue Star Juniper, the Blue Rug Juniper, the Emerald Gaiety Euonymus, and the Golden Euonymus. The Dwarf Hinoki Cypress is a slow-growing evergreen bush that has a unique texture and can be used as a focal point in a garden. The Blue Star Juniper is a compact bush with blue-green needles that can be used as a ground cover. The Blue Rug Juniper is a low-growing bush that is ideal for slopes and banks. The Emerald Gaiety Euonymus has variegated green and white leaves and can be used as a hedge or border plant. The Golden Euonymus has golden yellow leaves that brighten up any garden. These top small evergreen bushes are easy to care for and will provide year-round interest in your garden.

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