Evergreen Shrubs Thriving in Zone 5 Gardens

For those living in zone 5 climates that experience frigid winters, finding the right evergreen shrubs to provide year-round greenery can be a challenge. But there are quite a few attractive broadleaf and needle evergreens well-suited to withstanding the cold temperatures in gardens north of zones 6 and 7.

The key to success with evergreen shrubs is choosing varieties rated for zone 5 that can survive winter temperatures dipping as low as -10 to -20degF. This list of popular evergreens includes dwarf cultivars for foundation plantings and full-size varieties better suited for border hedges or screening.

Common Evergreen Shrubs That Grow Well in Zone 5

Home gardeners in the colder zones of the north can enjoy both broadleaf evergreen shrubs as well as needled varieties. Many of these plants produce colorful flowers or berries that add seasonal interest.

Popular Broadleaf Evergreens

Broadleaf evergreens have leaves rather than needles. Many types noted below have vibrant foliage that remains through winter.

• American Holly: A classic Christmas plant known for its red berries and spiny foliage growing 20-50 feet tall.
• English Laurel: Glossy leaves on a dense shrub that can reach 10 feet tall and wide.
• European Privet: A fast-growing hedge option that tolerates pruning well and reaches 8-15 feet tall.
• Firestorm Rhododendron: One of the hardiest rhododendrons with bright magenta blooms in spring.
• Fetterbush: Features white flowers in spring and grows to about 6 feet tall in shrub form.

Needle Evergreens That Endure Zone 5 Winters

While broadleaf shrubs drop their foliage in autumn, needle evergreens retain year-round greenery. Most withstand winter cold better than broadleaf varieties.

• Mugho Pine: A popular dwarf pine shrub growing only 2-4 feet tall and wide, with two-toned green/grey needles.
• Dwarf Alberta Spruce: Slow growing rounded form only reaches 2-5 feet tall and 3 feet wide even after 10 years.
• Blue Star Juniper: Steel blue needles on a low-growing Juniper that only reaches 1-2 feet tall with a 3 foot spread.
• Sargent Juniper: An attractive spreading or vase-shaped evergreen Juniper growing only 3 feet tall.

Evergreen Shrubs With Winter Berry Display

Several broadleaf evergreens also produce colorful berries that last into or through winter, providing food for birds when insects are scarce.

• Winterberry Holly: Bright red persistent berries on female shrubs with yellow flowers in spring.
• Inkberry Holly: An alternative to boxwoods, it produces dark purple berries and grows 6-8 feet tall.
• Red Sprite Wintercreeper: One of the smallest euonymus that grows only 2 feet tall with red berries.

Choosing the Right Evergreen Shrubs for Your Zone 5 Garden

With so many evergreen shrubs rated for growing in zone 5, it can get overwhelming to select the best varieties for your specific needs and landscape conditions.

Consider Mature Size for Proper Spacing

When choosing shrubs, the first consideration is the width and height dimensions they will reach at maturity. This allows proper spacing for airflow and sunlight penetration when planted near other landscape plants and hardscaping.

For example, a full-size American holly can grow over 40 feet tall, making it far too large for most foundation plantings. Instead, it would make an ideal evergreen hedge or enclosing an outdoor space. Meanwhile, compact shrubs like dwarf mugo pine and blue star juniper fit beautifully along walkways, fences, and entries under 3 feet tall.

Factor in Sun Exposure Needs

While many evergreen shrubs tolerate partial shade or even full shade conditions, most will thrive with at least 4-6 hours of direct sun per day. This is especially true for varieties that flower or fruit.

For example, broadleaf evergreen shrubs like rhododendron produce the most flowers with full sunlight. Meanwhile, English laurel, while shade tolerant, is susceptible to fungal leaf spot diseases if situated in too much shade with poor airflow.

Account for Soil Moisture and pH Preferences

Evergreen shrubs also have preferences when it comes to soil moisture and pH levels. Checking these factors before planting allows amendments to improve growing conditions if needed.

For example, fetterbush prefers consistently moist acidic soil. Meanwhile, many needle evergreens like mugo pine tolerate drier soil conditions but also prefer acidic pH levels. This information helps determine the best location to plant them in the landscape.

Preparing the Planting Area for Evergreen Shrubs

While some evergreen shrubs tolerate a wide range of conditions, taking time to prepare the planting area helps them establish roots faster and grow more vigorously long-term.

Improve Drainage in Wet or Compacted Soil

Evergreens planted in sites with excessive moisture or poor drainage often decline as roots suffocate and rot. Amending the soil with extra organic material creates air pockets for better drainage. For extremely wet sites, consider raised planting beds filled with fast-draining soil mix.

Amend Acidic or Alkaline Soil pH for Healthy Roots

Testing soil pH using an inexpensive kit determines current levels. Acid-loving evergreens grow best in slightly acidic conditions between 5.5-6.5 pH. If too alkaline, amend beds with elemental sulfur several weeks before planting. For rhododendrons, azaleas and other ericaceous shrubs needing more acidic soils below 5.5 pH, use ammonium sulfate fertilizer to lower pH levels.

Add Compost to Enrich Nutrient-Poor Native Soil

While evergreens are more tolerant of infertile soil than other plants, compost improves moisture retention and provides a slow-release source of nutrients to encourage vigorous root systems. Thoroughly mix 1-3 inches of compost into existing soil before planting shrubs.

Planting Tips for Evergreen Shrub Success

Proper planting technique when introducing evergreen shrubs into the landscape ensures they establish as quickly as possible to withstand winter cold.

Dig Holes Twice the Width of the Root Ball

Evergreens often have fine fibrous roots just under the soil surface. Making holes too narrow damages these essential uptake roots trying to wedge them into place. Gently loosen root bound containers before placing in planting hole.

Carefully Handle Root Balls to Avoid Breakage

Rough handling when removing evergreens from containers risks snapping off delicate feeder roots that absorb water and nutrients. Carefully squeeze sides of pots to loosen before gently sliding out root balls. Refrain from pulling at trunks to avoid harming stem tissue.

Apply 2-3 Inches of Organic Mulch After Planting

Maintaining consistent soil moisture encourages the fastest root establishment after planting evergreens. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of shredded bark, wood chips or pine needles as mulch around shrubs without touching stems.

Ongoing Care of Evergreen Shrubs in Zone 5

Evergreen shrubs require some routine care and maintenance to keep them healthy and prevent decline or damage, especially in cold climates.

Prevent drought stress while fibrous feeder roots establish by watering evergreens regularly the first two years after planting. Apply 1 inch of water across the root zone weekly if rainfall is inadequate. Then shrubs should be fairly self-sufficient requiring only occasional irrigation during prolonged dry periods.