Evergreen plants are those that keep their leaves year-round, providing greenery even during the winter months. These plants offer both aesthetic and spiritual benefits, adding color and life to any space they occupy. While those living in warmer climates have a wider variety of options, there are still plenty of evergreen perennials available for those living in colder areas. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best options for different hardiness zones, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of these beautiful plants.

The term “evergreen” is quite self-explanatory, referring to plants that retain their green color for a prolonged period, giving the impression of permanence. These plants are perennials, meaning they last more than one growing season and keep their foliage all year round. Including evergreens in your landscape has numerous benefits, and here are five reasons why it’s worth planting them.

Evergreen plants have numerous benefits for gardens and landscapes. Not only do they provide visual appeal throughout the year, but they also serve practical purposes. For instance, they make excellent windbreaks against the cold, snow, and wind. When planted near houses, they protect properties and provide additional insulation, especially tall evergreen perennials such as shrubs and bushes.

Moreover, tall evergreen perennials can serve as natural privacy screens or fences and look better than wooden or chain-link fencing. They also act as a buffer against noise, improving the landscape by reducing sound travelling through the wind, unlike deciduous shrubs that primarily rely on their leaves to reduce noise.

Additionally, if you love bringing nature indoors, evergreen plants are a perfect choice. You can snip off a flower or leaf stem and add to your vase year-round as a bonus. Furthermore, evergreens provide year-round shelter for wildlife, especially birds, and a source of food in many cases. Since development has destroyed much of the natural habitat, we must restore it for our wild friends.

Finally, selecting evergreens based on hardiness zones is essential. These zones determine the plants that can grow in specific regions, depending on the climatic conditions. Thus, knowing the hardiness zone of your region will help you choose suitable evergreen plants that can thrive optimally.

It’s important to know the hardiness zone of your garden to determine which types of evergreens will thrive in your area. Most guides for evergreen plants only feature options that keep their foliage and flower in warmer climates, leaving those in colder regions feeling left out. However, there are still plenty of options for evergreen perennials in all climates. This list is organized by zones so that you can easily find the best options for your area without the hassle of searching through a plethora of plants that won’t survive. It’s worth noting that some perennials may be evergreen in one region but not in another due to climate and weather patterns. Therefore, it’s essential to research and choose plants that are well-suited to your specific environment. For those in zones 3-5, Mountain Rock Cress (Arabis alpina) is a great evergreen option.

The Mountain Rock Cress is a tough, short evergreen plant that can withstand harsh conditions. Its unique rosette-shaped foliage makes it a standout in any garden landscape. The grayish-green leaves complement the plentiful and fragrant white flowers that bloom abundantly in the spring. This native plant can grow up to 8-10 inches tall and is perfect for zones 4-7, and possibly even zone 3. It thrives in full sun and is resistant to drought, deer, and rabbits. Another great option for gardeners is the Sea Thrift, also known as Armeria maritima.

Sea thrift is a highly resilient plant that requires minimal attention. The plant’s circular clusters of vibrant pink or purple flowers give it an exceptional appearance as a perennial. The flowers grow on slim stalks that stand high above the dark green foliage reminiscent of grass. Although it is not a tall plant, it adds a charming evergreen component to any garden with a height that averages between 6 to 12 inches. The admirable Sea Thrift blooms during the mid to late seasons of spring and can be effortlessly maintained with little to no attention. This particular plant is evergreen to zones 3-9 and thrives in full sun. Additionally, it’s deer-resistant and attracts butterflies and bees, making it a native favorite of the Pacific Northwest. Basket of Gold (Aurinia saxatilis) is also an excellent option for your garden.

The plant known as Basket of Gold is a great addition to rock gardens and borders because of its mounding, flowing habit. This type of evergreen perennial is named for its stunning bright-yellow flowers that make it look like a golden masterpiece when in full bloom during spring. The gray-green foliage serves as a perfect backdrop to the vibrant yellow flowers that appear in large numbers. With a height that ranges from 6-12 inches tall, the Basket of Gold’s mounding habit makes it ideal for cascading over stone walls or as a border plant. This type of perennial is evergreen and can thrive in zones 3-7, requires full sun, and is deer resistant. Furthermore, it is also known to attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Another great plant to consider for your garden is the Mountain Andromeda, also known as Pieris floribunda.

The vibrant green hue of Mountain Andromeda provides a delightful contrast against the pristine white of winter landscapes. This often overlooked indigenous plant deserves more appreciation due to its impressive resilience and stunning evergreen appearance. Its shiny, durable leaves in dark green shade inject a much-needed burst of color when everything else is covered in snow. During early spring, this shrub produces small white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in long clusters, attracting bees and butterflies while providing seeds and shelter for birds. Fetterbush, as it’s commonly called, can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it an ideal choice for borders or hedges or even as a striking centerpiece. It’s evergreen in zones 5-8, tolerant of partial shade, resistant to deer, and native to both the Northeast and Southeast. Additionally, Evergreen Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is another excellent option to add color and life to your garden throughout the year.

Candytuft is a fantastic addition to any garden, bringing beauty and interest year-round. Its pure white flowers resemble a blanket of snow and are complemented by dark-green, leathery foliage, adding texture and aesthetic appeal. These delicate flowers bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer, each petal featuring a captivating yellow dot. This evergreen perennial is perfect for borders along walkways, garden edges, or even as ground cover, growing 6-12 inches tall. Candytuft is also drought-tolerant and resistant to deer and rabbits, making it an excellent choice for zones 3-9. Another great option for a garden is the Bergenia (Bergenia sp.).

Bergenias are a versatile and easy-to-maintain plant that can fill up any space. With a wide variety of species to choose from, this perennial plant is extremely hardy and evergreen. The flowers bloom on top of thick stems, while the foliage is lush and rounded, resembling giant lettuce leaves. Depending on the species, the leaves may change color during winter. These plants can grow anywhere between 12-24 inches tall. Bergenias are an essential evergreen for any northern climate as it is low-maintenance, shade-tolerant, and has vivid blooms. There are three types of Bergenia: Winter-Blooming Bergenia, Heartleaf Bergenia, and Bergenia cultivars hybrids. Each offers a unique set of features such as varying colors, leaf shapes, and blooming periods. Bergenias can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade and are also resistant to deer and rabbits. Another evergreen plant that is worth mentioning is the Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia).

The Mountain Laurel plant is a popular choice among gardeners due to its lush evergreen foliage and stunning blossoms. This perennial shrub is native to various regions across the United States and is known for its hardiness and beauty. During late spring and early summer, it produces an abundance of light pink or white bell-shaped flowers that cover the bush in massive clusters. Its oval-shaped leaves are dark-green, glossy, and leathery, transitioning from light-green to dark-green and then purple as the seasons change. The Mountain Laurel is a favorite among butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds due to its attractive native flowers and fruits. This plant can grow up to 15 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for border planting. It thrives in partial shade and is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a great addition to any garden in zones 4-9. Another beautiful option for gardeners is the Dalmatian Bellflower, also known as Campanula portenschlagiana.

If you’re on the lookout for a stunning evergreen ground-covering flower, Dalmatian Bellflower is an excellent option. This perennial plant boasts bell-shaped flowers that bloom for an extended period, making your garden dazzle with vibrant colors all summer long. Its leaves are also captivating, forming a rosette and spreading across the ground. At 8-12 inches tall, this bellflower species is an ideal choice for filling in fence crevices, as edging or groundcover. However, it’s worth noting that not all bellflower types are good evergreen options, so choose wisely. For zones 3-9, Dalmatian Bellflower thrives in full sun or partial shade and is resistant to rabbits. Another great evergreen option is the Coral Bells (Heuchera sp.).

Coral Bells possess striking foliage that provides an array of interest throughout multiple seasons in the landscape. The plant’s leaf shapes and colors are dramatic, making it deserving of a spot in any garden. Depending on the climate, Coral Bells can be evergreen or semi-evergreen. The lobed foliage is deeply veined and often has contrasting colors, varying from red to pink to dark purple to lime green. In late spring, slim stems emerge above the foliage and bear tiny bell-shaped flowers. While sweet, these flowers aren’t the main attraction of the Coral Bells. Its bright, glowing foliage steals the show. This plant is perfect for zones 4-9 and thrives in partial or full shade. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while being deer resistant. Another plant worth mentioning is Rhododendron (Rhododendron sp.).

Rhododendrons are a widely admired evergreen plant for many good reasons. Apart from their stunning blooms, Rhododendrons are resilient enough to retain their deep-green, glossy foliage in cold and hot weather conditions. With a diverse range of cultivars to choose from, these plants are perfect for hedges, decorative accent plants, or privacy screens. However, it’s important to note that not all Rhododendrons are evergreen, and it’s easy to confuse them with Azaleas. When selecting a shrub from this family, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re opting for an evergreen one. Rhododendrons can grow up to 6-8 feet tall and spread as wide, making them a popular choice among gardeners. They can attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and birds. These beautiful plants thrive best in partial shade and are evergreen in zones 4-8 but may vary. Another recommended shrub to consider is the Lungwort (Pulmonaria).

Lungwort is an outstanding semi-evergreen perennial that offers a vast array of colors for your garden. It has incredible foliage that is speckled or spotted with silver and green, making it a sight to behold. With its height ranging from 10-15 inches and spreading along the ground, Lungwort is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for shaded areas. You can choose from a variety of flower colors, including pink, white, purple, blue, and bi-color options. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also deer and rabbit resistant, making it a great addition to any garden. If you’re looking for a great alternative, check out Rock Cress (Aubrieta deltoidea).

The perfect addition to your garden is the Rock Cress plant, which can be planted along borders, walls, and walkways. This perennial will bloom vigorously in late spring, making it difficult to see the foliage underneath. Its low, trailing, mat-forming shape makes it ideal for planting between path stones or along stone walls. Though the flowers of the Rock Cress are brilliant purple-red, there are also various cultivars with different flower colors, such as purple, red, or pink. It typically grows 4-10 inches tall and can spread out up to 2 feet. Not only is it semi-evergreen and suitable for zones 5-7, but it also thrives in full sun and is deer-resistant. Moreover, it attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Another great plant to consider adding to your garden is the Seaside Daisy, also known as Erigeron glaucus.

The Seaside Daisy is a stunning evergreen perennial that offers a long blooming season and attractive foliage year-round. Its lavender flowers, resembling daisies, bloom throughout spring and summer and make it an excellent choice for rock gardens, coastal landscapes, and ground cover. This native plant features multitudes of petals and a bright yellow center disk, and its spoon-shaped leaves have a blueish-green hue. The Seaside Daisy grows 6-12 inches tall and is a favorite of butterflies. It is drought tolerant, deer resistant, and native to the west coast of the United States. Another beautiful plant to consider is the Japanese Hardy Orchid (Calanthe discolor).

Japanese Hardy Orchids are a stunning addition to any landscape in high-mid to higher zones. These evergreen or semi-evergreen plants have delicate white and mahogany flowers that resemble little butterflies perched on tall stems. The foliage consists of 2-3 long, deep-green, pleated leaves that add an exotic touch to the garden. Calanthe sieboldii is another species of Japanese Hardy Orchid that grows taller, up to 18-24 inches, and produces buttery yellow blooms. ‘Katane’, a hybrid of C.sieboldii and C.discolor, features beautiful yellow, apricot, and cream-colored flowers. For optimal growth, these plants should be planted in partial shade or a sheltered site in zones 7-9. Another great option for adding color and interest to your garden is Rose Sage (Salvia pachyphylla).

One of the perks of having Rose Sage in your garden is its ability to attract busy pollinators. The striking purple flower spikes are a sight to behold and are sure to catch the attention of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This perennial plant is evergreen and native to the Southwest, making it low-maintenance and easy to care for throughout the seasons. Its silvery-gray foliage adds to its beauty, and it grows up to 2-3 feet tall and wide. Additionally, Rose Sage is hardy against drought, heat, and cold, and is resistant to deer and rabbits. Another great option for your garden is the Lenten Rose, also known as Hellebore.

Hellebores may seem fragile, but in reality, they are incredibly resilient plants that can withstand harsh conditions. These evergreen perennials are a stunning addition to any landscape, blooming in late winter or early spring and providing year-round interest. Known as Lenten Roses, their flowers are large and showy, resembling roses and growing on strong stems above blue-green foliage. While they typically stand at 10-24 inches tall, the various hybrids and cultivars available offer a wide range of sizes and colors, including pink, purple, red, peach, white, and even black. Hellebores thrive in zones 5-9 and prefer partial or full shade, making them perfect for gardens with limited sunlight. Additionally, they are deer-resistant, making them a low-maintenance option for your garden. Another plant that shares similar characteristics is the Fumewort, also known as Corydalis elata.

Butterflies are attracted to Fumewort, but rabbits tend to avoid it. This versatile plant is popular for its beautiful blue hue and pleasant scent, making it a great addition to any garden. With its bright yellow-green foliage and delicate appearance, Fumewort provides a lovely contrast to the vibrant flowers it produces. As an evergreen perennial, it blooms from late spring to midsummer, adding a burst of color to your summer garden. Growing up to 18 inches tall and thriving in partial shade, Fumewort is easy to care for and loved by butterflies. It is also rabbit-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens plagued by these pesky creatures. Another great option for your garden is Dianthus.

It’s important to note that not all Dianthus plants are evergreen, so be sure to double-check before making a purchase. These delightful flowers, also known as Pinks, are hardy and have a long blooming period spanning from late spring through fall. The foliage is low-growing, blue-green, and resembles grass. With hundreds of varieties available, Dianthus boasts bright blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, burgundy, and white. Not only do they add a vibrant pop of color to your landscape, but many also emit a sweet, fragrant scent. Dianthus is perfect for zones 5-9, thrives in full sun, and can withstand drought and heat. Additionally, they are deer and rabbit resistant and attract bees and butterflies. Another great option for your garden is Yarrow (Achillea).

If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain and beautiful addition to your garden, consider planting some yarrow! This plant is a partially evergreen perennial that blooms for a long time, making it perfect for those who want a low-effort garden. Yarrow is also drought and heat-resistant, as well as being deer and rabbit-proof – making it an ideal choice for those who love wildlife. Plus, butterflies absolutely adore this plant, so you’ll be able to enjoy their company in your garden too!

Yarrow grows to around 2 feet tall and boasts stunning green foliage that resembles fern leaves. Its flowers grow in dense clusters that are slightly rounded, and they give off a sweet and memorable fragrance. Yarrow comes in many different colors, ranging from vibrant yellow to delicate pink and white to bold red.

Yarrow is evergreen in zones 6-9 and thrives in full sun or light shade. For those living in zones 9-11, why not try adding some Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) to your garden? These beautiful flowers come in a range of colors and will add a pop of vibrancy to your outdoor space.

The Gerbera Daisy is a popular perennial that is adored for its vibrant and stunning flowers. It never fails to impress with its breathtaking colors that can be seen throughout the entire blooming season. This South African evergreen perennial grows up to 24 inches tall and thrives in sunny conditions. The flowers, which range from red to orange, pink, white, and yellow, are approximately 4-5 inches in width and bloom high atop leafless stems. Gerbera Daisies are known for their show-stopping beauty and are especially attractive when planted in large groups. They are suitable for zones 8-11 and require full sun or light shade. Another stunning option is the African Lily (Agapanthus africanus).

The African Lily is a unique and eye-catching plant that stands out in any garden. Its flowers grow in rounded clusters atop tall, rigid stems, resembling a giant lollipop. With trumpet-shaped blooms numbering in the dozens, the African Lily’s foliage is equally attractive with dense clumps of sword-shaped green leaves. These perennials bloom during early summer and are perfect for large groups or mixed borders. They’re available in blue, purple, and white color variants. With a full-sun requirement, these plants thrive in zones 8-10 and are resistant to deer and rabbits. Better yet, they attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and birds. Another exciting tropical plant worth mentioning is the Pineapple Guava or Acca Sellowiana.

The pineapple guava plant is truly remarkable and has a lot going for it. This beautiful evergreen perennial boasts stunning grayish-green leaves with white undersides, bi-color flowers, and deliciously sweet fruit. It can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 6-15 feet, making it an excellent choice for those with plenty of space. The red flowers with white tips and brilliant crimson stamens are not only visually striking, but also edible. During the summer months, the plant produces green egg-shaped fruits that taste like a delightful blend of pineapple and spearmint when they are ripe. Moreover, the pineapple guava is evergreen in zones 8-11, thrives in full sun, is drought tolerant, and attracts birds. Another wonderful option for your garden is the Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima).

The Red Bird of Paradise gets its name from its flashy appearance. This plant, which can grow as a tall shrub or small tree, is very adaptable and can produce blooms all year round in tropical areas. Its flowers are stunningly bright and come in clusters that are bowl-shaped, with orange and gold hues that attract hummingbirds. The Red Bird of Paradise is also an evergreen perennial that has thorns, making it an ideal natural hedge or barrier. Its green and feathery foliage is easy to shape and prune. This plant thrives in full sun and is drought tolerant, making it perfect for zones 9-11. Another great plant option for gardeners to consider is the Bigleaf Lantana (Lantana camara).

The Lantana shrub is a magnificent sight with its dense clusters of brightly colored flowers, making it a popular choice for those who love the sun. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 15-30 inches tall and blooms from spring to fall. The plant is deer and rabbit resistant, luring in hummingbirds and butterflies as well. Additionally, the dark-green foliage remains attractive throughout the seasons, making it a standout in any garden. The flowers are usually bi-color, transitioning from one color to another as they mature. One should be careful while planting Lantana since it can be invasive. It thrives best in zones 10-12 and is heat, drought, humidity, and salt-tolerant.

Creating a landscape with evergreen plants is a great way to add interest throughout multiple seasons, particularly in colder climates where everything seems gray. Evergreens are not only a smart landscaping choice from an aesthetic viewpoint, but also for the local wildlife. These perennials have numerous benefits, like providing essential color, privacy, and protection from natural elements, which enhance our quality of life.