Evergreen shrubs, whether conifers or broad-leafed, provide year-round color in a landscape. Pyramidal-shaped shrubs are good substitutes for trees that may grow too tall for the growing space or for the landscape plan. They work well at foundation corners or as specimen plants. Dwarf cultivars can also be grown in containers.
Once identified mainly with southern gardens, camellias (Camellia japonica) grow over a wider range along the California coast than anywhere else. Camellia japonica grows in a pyramidal form and reaches heights of 6 to 12 feet. Unscented blooms appear in the cool season and are typically red, pink, white or a combination of the three colors. All varieties thrive in filtered shade. They grow best in moist, well-drained, highly organic soil. Water young plants as needed. Older, established plants usually do not need supplemental watering. Do not fertilize the first year, as over fertilization produces an open growth habit that spoils the appearance of the plant. After the first year, apply 8 to 16 ounces of cottonseed meal annually. Prune dead or thin wood when the growth is too dense for the flowers to open properly. Camellias do well in Sunset Zones 4 through 9, 12 and 14 through 24.
Wichita Blue Juniper
With bright blue foliage that persists all year, Wichita Blue Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet. Needles are small and prickly when young and develop into overlapping scales when mature. The shrub is drought tolerant, requiring little or no additional water. Full or partial sun is ideal, but this juniper is tolerant of a variety of conditions. Birds love the fleshy, berry-like fruits. Wichita Blue Juniper does well in Sunset Zones A2, A3 and 1 through 24.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly
Nellie R. Stevens holly (Ilex x. Nellie R. Stevens) is a favorite of landscapers for its striking conical growth form. It grows rapidly and can reach heights of 30 to 40 feet. A well-drained soil is best, but the plant tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Avoid wet areas. Leaves are glossy and deep green. The plant produces red berries in the winter. Prune after the first flush of spring growth to keep a tight, conical form. Nellie R. Stevens does well in Sunset Zones 4 through 9 and 14 through 24.
A native to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Anise Shrub (Illicium anisatum) grows to heights of 6 to 10 feet. Its growth habit is conical and leaves are oval to lance-shaped and glossy green. Flowers are scentless and produced on short, nodding stalks. They are yellow when first open, and then they fade to creamy white. Anise grows best in partial shade and moist, well-drained, organic soil. Anise grows well in Sunset Zones 4 through 9 and 14 through 24.
- The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel
- N. C. State University: Cooperative Extension Service: Horticulture: Camellia japonica
- N. C. State University: Cooperative Extension Service: Horticulture: Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'
- N. C. State University: Cooperative Extension Service: Horticulture: Illicium anisatum
- University of Connecticut: Plant Database: Juniperus Scopulorum
- Colorado State University Extension: Evergreen Shrubs for Home Grounds
- N. C. State University: Cooperative Extension Service: Horticulture: Camellia Culture
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