In regions where colder seasons extend for several months, selecting the best evergreen shrubs can provide stable, year round coverage and long-lasting structure. Many evergreen trees and shrubs offer features well-suited for creating a privacy hedge, blocking wind, and enhancing the appearance of a winter garden.
These hedges supply consistent green foliage, withstand varying climates, and serve as versatile foundation plantings. When carefully chosen, these evergreen privacy shrubs can handle full sun, part shade, or even full shade, as well as adapt to well drained soil types. Some varieties can grow tall and wide, while others remain more compact, serving as an effective privacy screen even in tight spaces. Here is that list of 14 evergreen privacy shrubs that can provide your consistent coverage throughout the year, and are best fit for colder climate regions:
- Taxus baccata: English Yew / Common Yew
- Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia': Narrow-leaf Portuguese Laurel
- Laurus caucasica: Caucasian Laurel
- Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Yvonne': Yvonne Lawson Cypress
- Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia': Cherry Laurel
- Laurus 'Novita': Novita Laurel
- Hedera hibernica: Irish Ivy
- Thuja occidentalis 'Brabant': Brabant White Cedar
- Buxus sempervirens: Common Boxwood / Box
- Elaeagnus ebbingei: Oleaster / Ebbing's Silverberry
- Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin': Red Robin
- Cupressocyparis leylandii: Leyland Cypress
- Ilex crenata 'Convexa': Convex Japanese Holly
- Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus': Golden Euonymus
Benefits of These Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy
Establishing a privacy screen with evergreen shrubs provides consistent coverage throughout the year, ensuring your outdoor area remains shielded from unwanted views and noise. Many of these options - sucha s Taxus baccata (English Yew), Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress), or Thuja Occidentalis 'Brabant' (Brabant White Cedar) - offer dense, permanent foliage that stands firm in all seasons. Others, like Prunus Laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' (Cherry Laurel) or Laurus 'Novita' (Novita Laurel), grow quickly, filling gaps in less time and reducing exposure. More compact choices, like Buxus Sempervirens (Common Box) and Ilex Crenata 'Convexa' (Convex Japanese Holly), allow for tighter spacing where yard dimensions are limited.
Selecting these shrubs also helps create a more versatile yard. Varieties like Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia' (Narrow-Leaf Portuguese Laurel) and Laurus Caucasica (Caucasian Laurel) tolerate various conditions, thriving in well-drained soils and adapting to both full sun and partial shade. Others, such as Elaeagnus ebbingei (Ebbing's Silverberry) and Hedera Hibernica (Irish Ivy), are known for resilience - drought tolerance, easy maintenance, or the ability to climb structures - delivering effective privacy in challenging environments. Meanwhile, options like Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' add seasonal color interest as new leaves emerge with a reddish hue before transitioning to green, enhancing the appeal while not compromising with the coverage.
In addition, employing these shrubs supports practical benefits beyond screening. Species such as Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana 'Yvonne' (Yvonne Lawson Cypress) and Euonymus Japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' (Golden Euonymus) contribute year-round structure, helping define property boundaries and reduce noise or wind. By mixing foliage types - whether dark-green needle foliage from evergreen conifers or broad, waxy leaves from laurels - you create layered defenses against inclement weather and enhance long-term property value. Essentially, the thoughtful use of these evergreen shrubs ensures that your privacy needs are met with sustainable, attractive greenery well-suited to diverse landscapes.
Taxus Baccata - English Yew or Common Yew
The English Yew, known for its dark green needles, has long been a premier hedge plant in traditional gardens. It is a slow grower, but over time it can reach a significant mature height and width, making it useful for a privacy hedge or evergreen hedge that endures for decades. English Yew is a classic choice in the pacific northwest and other cooler regions since it tolerates part shade, does well in well-drained soil, and responds well to pruning in early spring.
It thrives in a growing zone that supports moderate climates. While it does prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soil, it can tolerate poor soil conditions and remain vigorous. English Yew's dense branches fill in over time, and its dark green hue offers a refined appearance. As new-growth appears each season, the shrub gains thickness, requiring little pruning to maintain structure. Highly drought tolerant, this shrub also stands up well to challenging conditions. Overall, English Yew's flexibility and longevity make it one of the best evergreen options for privacy and long-term investment.
Prunus Lusitanica 'Angustifolia' - Narrow-Leaf Portuguese Laurel
The Prunus lusitanica 'Angustifolia', or Narrow-leaf Portuguese Laurel is valued for its deep green shade and bright green folaige, providing a sophisticated look in hedges that guard your property. This laurel adapts to various growing zone conditions and performs best in full sun or partial shade, thriving in draining soil. Its relatively drought tolerant once established.
This shrub can be shaped through pruning in early spring, ensuring a tall and wide formation that delivers a substantial privacy hedge. Some homeowners find it excels where heat and humidity are present, and its capability to grow in tight spaces makes it ideal for smaller yards. As new growth emerges, its green leaves fill in quickly, and with careful maintenance, it remains one of the best evergreen choices for year-round coverage.
Laurus Caucasica - Caucasian Laurel
Laurus caucasica, commonly known as Caucasian Laurel is often chosen for its green foliage that holds year round. It can form a tall hedge that works well as a living screen and can adapt to different growing zone parameters. While it thrives in full sun, it can handle part shade too, growing best in draining soil to prevent root rot. A combination of pruning and allowing for new growth helps maintain density.
Caucasian Laurel's resilience and low maintenance nature let it serve as a reliable privacy hedge that can handle full sun, resist pests, and stand strong through colder months. For those who want a barrier that maintains structure with moderate pruning, this laurel fits the criteria.
Prunus Laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia' - Cherry Laurel
Cherry Laurel, botanical name Prunus laurocerasus 'Rotundifolia', a versatile shrub, is a fast grower that can establish a tall hedge and form an impressive evergreen hedge quickly. It prefers well drained soil but tolerates tolerates slightly more moist soil that some alternatives. This shrub thrives in full sun and partial sun, offering white flowers in late spring that provide seasonal interest while maintaining its year round foliage.
The Cherry Laurel's green leaves respond well to careful pruning, and as new growth emerges, it fills in to create a robust barrier. Though it can handle some shade, placing it in a spot with ample light helps ensure a denser coverage. With proper timing and minimal pruning, homeowners find that Cherry Laurel balances ornamental flowering with dependable screening.
Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana 'Yvonne' - Yvonne Lawson Cypress
The Yvonne Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis Lawsoniana 'Yvonne') is favored among evergreen trees for its blue green tint and refined structure, making it useful for hedges that require visual appeal and privacy. It is related to the leyland cypress, sharing similar attributes while offering a unique appearance. Thriving in a growing zone suitable for moderate climates, Yvonne Lawson Cypress prefers full sun and well drained soil. While it is not known for flowering, its stable foliage holds year round color.
This conifer, known for its dense branches, responds to pruning that shapes it into an effective privacy hedge. Homeowners in regions like the pacific northwest appreciate its adaptability. Its ability to handle full sun exposure while maintaining its blue green hue cements its place as one of the best evergreen choices for privacy and consistent coverage.
Laurus 'Novita' - Novita Laurel
Novita Laurel, or Laurus 'Novita' is a versatile plant option that can establish robust hedges for privacy and protection. While technically a shrub, it's often grouped with evergreen trees in discussions of screening solutions. Novita Laurel is known for its consistent, dark green foliage, creating a lush privacy hedge that holds steady through changing seasons.
This shrub prefers full sun, but can adapt to various light levels. Similar to other well-known hedge staples like emerald green arborvitae or the green giant arborvitae, the Novita Laurel maintains density with minimal maintenance. Its reliable structure, strength, and year-round cover place it among the favored evergreen trees for homeowners seeking dependable privacy screens.
Hedera Hibernica - Irish Ivy
Hedera Hibernica, also known as Irish Ivy, while not a tree, works exceptionally well when allowed to climb and fill in gaps, effectively mimicking the coverage of evergreen trees. This classic plant can scale fences and walls, creating hedges that block unwanted views. Irish Ivy grows well in partial shade, which broadens placement options.
Though it's not a flowering species, its foliage remains consistent and dense, making it a suitable for forming a privacy hedge. For those who appreciate low-effort solutions, Irish Ivy can serve as a backdrop to other evergreen trees, ensuring a layered appearance with minimal plant upkeep.
Thuja Occidentalis 'Brabant' - Brabant White Cedar
Brabant White Cedar aka Thuja Occidentalis 'Brabant' stands out as one of the most recognizable evergreen trees for forming uniform, tidy hedges. This plant thrives in full sun, offering consistent growth and reliable coverage. While not known for flowering, it remains a top choice for screening. Brabant White Cedar reaches a substantial mature height and width, making it ideal for those who need a towering privacy hedge.
Often considered alongside other conifers like the leylaand cypress (a variant often referenced as Leyland Cypress), this cedar is alsoa sturdy alternative to more familiar options, such as the emerald green arborvitae. Like most evergreens, Brabant White Cedar prefers moderate conditions, but it can adapt well, showcasing why it is commonly selected for year-round solutions.
Buxus Sempervirens - Common Boxwood or Box
Common Boxwood remains a popular plant for neat, formal hedges. Though comparatively slow growing, it can be pruned into precise shapes, delivering a polished look in both classic and modern settings. Boxwood's dark green foliage contributes to a timeless appearance. While not generally categorized with large evergreen trees, it often plays a similar role in framing spaces, defining boundaries, and contributing to privacy. Thriving best in full sun, it's well-suited to structured landscapes. Consider mixing Boxwood with other evergreen trees for a multi-tiered effect that ensures long-lasting coverage without the need for frequent replacement.
Elaeagnus ebbingei - Oleaster or Ebbing's Silverberry
This adaptable plant is valued for its robustness and resilience. Although not towering like some evergreen trees, it helps form thick hedges that screen off views effectively. Elaeagnus ebbingei is notable for its drought tolerant nature, and it can thrive in full sun without compromising its density. While it's modest flowering shrub, bearing small white flowers that add subtle seasonal interest, its main advantage lies in reliable, year-round greenery. For homeowners seeking durability and reduced upkeep, Elaeagnus ebbingei stands out as a stable selection, even in challenging conditions.
Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' or Red Robin
The Red Robin presents a vibrant contrast against traditional evergreen trees, offering new red-tinted leaves that mature into a rich green. This plant can adapt to partial sun, making it suitable for various yard layouts. Although it is known more for its colorful foliage than for its flowering, it does produce clusters of small white flowers. When established, Red Robin can serve as a privacy hedge, especially when pruned to maintain fullness. Compared to more coniferous evergreen trees, Red Robin adds visual appeal with each flush of new leaves, enhancing the overall character of the space.
Cupressocyparis leylandii - Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress is well-regarded as a fast grower among evergreen trees, enabling homeowners to form tall hedges in less time than slower alternatives. Often chosen by those who want immediate results, this plant can flourish in full sun and produce a substantial barrier with relative ease. While not inherently a flowering species, its uniform growth habit makes it a favorite for privacy hedge installations. Leyland Cypress is another top choice for those wanting quick coverage without the extended wait associated with other slow growing varieties.
Ilex Crenata 'Convexa' - Convex Japanese Holly
Convex Japanese Holly resembles boxwood in habit and foliage density, offering a refined look often associated with formal hedges. As a slow growing plant, it lends itself to meticulous shaping and careful placement. Though smaller than towering evergreen trees, this holly can complement them, adding depth to layered privacy solutions. Without showy flowering, it still contributes an understated elegance to a yard's structure, blending well with a wide range of other evergreen trees and shrubs.
Euonymus Japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' - Golden Euonymus
Golden Euonymus stands apart from many evergreen trees and shrubs with its variegated leaves that features contrasting hues. While it's not known for profuse flowering, this plant provides year-round color interest. Ideal in full sun, Golden Euonymus can hold its own in tough conditions and is notably drought tolerant. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for homeowners aiming to reduce maintenance concerns. Pairing well with larger evergreen trees, it contributes texture and brightness. Although not as tall aws some conifers, it still aids in establishing privacy and pairs seamlessly with other options to create a diverse, visually pleasing arrangement.
Tips for Growing Evergreen Shrubs for Privacy
Establishing a successful privacy hedge composed of evergreen trees or shrubs requires informed choices and long-term planning. Consider how each plant will adapt to your property's conditions, from soil type to the amount of full sun available. By aligning your selections with climate conditions and maintenance preferences, you can create hedges that endure for many years, often requiring only moderate attention. Some species are more drought tolerant, while others may prefer slightly acidic soil. Pay attention to whether your chosen shrubs are slow growing or known as a fast grower, as that can influence the timeline before you achieve a dense, fully formed barrier. Also keep in mind potential flowering tendencies, mature height and width, and adaptability to different light conditions. Tailoring your approach to these factors ensures that most evergreens will thrive as part of a well-chosen privacy hedge.
Choosing the Right Evergreen Privacy Shrub for Your Yard
Selecting the ideal plant depends on understanding your property's unique layout and environmental conditions. Thoughtful decisions ensure that your evergreen shrubs remain healthy and visually appealing as they mature.
Property Size and Layout to Match Your Preferred Shrub
Start by gauging how large your privacy hedge should be. Smaller yards may benefit from compact shrubs, while more spacious areas can accommodate larger evergreen trees. Consider how closely you'll plant them together to achieve a dense barrier without overcrowding. In smaller or irregularly shaped gardens, you might favor shrubs that fit neatly into corners, while expansive properties can accommodate sweeping rows of evergreens.
Height and Spread of Evergreen Shrubs to Fit Your Space
Assess the mature height and width of each plant before making a final decision. Taller varieties can block second-story views, while lower hedges define boundaries at eye-level. It you prefer minimal maintenance, look for evergreen shrubs that naturally maintain a neat form. Some options are slow growing, making them easier to maintain at a desired height, while others can quickly reach substantial dimensions.
Climate and Soil Suitability to Grow These Privacy Shrubs
Different types of evergreen shrubs thrive in varying climates and soil types. Certain shrubs flourish in acidic soil, while others handle neutral or even slightly alkaline conditions. Additionally, consider temperature extremes - selecting the appropriate species for your plant hardiness zones ensures long-term vigor. If your region receives ample rainfall, moisture-loving shrubs may thrive, while more drought tolerant options are better for drier climates. Matching your selection to the environment helps ensure robust growth and consistent coverage.
Assessment of Sunlight Exposure These Privacy Shrubs Might Need
Some evergreen trees prefer full sun, while others tolerate partial sun or do well in shadier spots. Evaluating light conditions on your property allows you to choose a plant that will remain healthy and green. Lack of adequate sunlight can lead to thinner growth, reducing the effectiveness of your privacy hedge. With proper placement and consideraiton of sun requirements, your hedges will maintain fullness over the long term.
Growing Evergreen Privacy Shrubs to Match Aesthetic Goals
Beyond functional screening, evergreen trees and shrubs can complement the visual style of your property. From uniform, tightly clipped hedges that convey a formal look, to more relaxed arrangements featuring a mix of textures and occasional flowering, it's important to select shrubs that reflect your personal taste. Whether you lean towards a classic shape, a modern minimalist design, or a naturalistic feel, the right combination of evergreen trees will help you achieve a cohesive look that remains attractive through changing seasons. Ultimately, by aligning your choices with both practical and aesthetic goals, your plant selections will serve as enduring elements of your outdoor space.
Additional Tips to Grow and Care for Your Evergreen Privacy Shrubs
Establishing a thriving privacy hedge is not just about the initial plant choice - it also involves ongoing care. Regularly inspect soil moisture and drainage, ensuring that conditions remain stable. In areas with frequent dry spells, choosing a drought tolerant variety eases maintenance. Proper mulching, light pruning at the right intervals, and maintaining consistent soil health all contribute to the hedge's longevity, helping you avoid unnecessary replacements or intensive interventions.
How to Plant These Privacy Shrubs?
Begin by preparing a well-dug trench or hole that accommodates that shrub's root system. Loosen the soil and incorporate organic matter if needed, balancing moisture retention with aeration. Position the plant at the correct depth - usually level with or slightly above the surrounding soil - then backfill and gently firm the soil. Water thoroughly after planting, and apply mulch to keep roots cool and maintain moisture. Over time, minimal but timely pruning helps guide shape and density. The result: healthy, long-lived hedges that provide the screening you need without constant upkeep.
Privacy for Your Outdoor Space
Ultimately, selecting and caring for the right evergreen trees and shrubs sets the foundation for enduring privacy and comfort. Whether you're creating a defined boundary, buffering street noise, or simply carving out a quiet retreat, a well-chosen privacy hedge can add lasting value. By understanding the growth habits, site requirements, and mainteannce practices, you ensure that each plant thrives over time. As a result, your property remains well-protected, visually appealing, and ready to be enjoyed without interruption.
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