Evergreen shrubs, ground cover and wall plants that keep their leaves through the winter, giving your garden structure in every season. They suit low hedges, foundation beds, banks and sunny walls in Irish and northern European gardens. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Which evergreen shrub should I plant?
Start with the job you need done. For a low, neat hedge or edging, choose upright Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire' or box-leaved honeysuckle. To cover a bank or bare ground, use spreading Euonymus fortunei or prostrate cotoneaster. For scent on a sunny wall or fence, grow star jasmine. For a formal focal point, a clipped Ilex crenata pyramid works well in a pot or by a door.
| Plant | Best use | Habit | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese spindle (Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire') | Low hedge, edging | Narrow, upright | Glossy dark leaves, clips well |
| Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Gaiety') | Ground cover, low walls | Spreading or climbing | White-edged leaves brighten shade |
| Box-leaved honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida 'Maigrün') | Low hedge, topiary | Dense, small-leaved | Fast-growing alternative to box |
| Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) | Sunny, sheltered wall or fence | Twining climber | Very fragrant white summer flowers |
| Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri) | Banks, ground cover | Low and spreading | White spring flowers, red autumn berries |
| St John's wort (Hypericum 'Hidcote') | Borders, informal hedging | Rounded bush | Golden cup-shaped summer flowers |
| Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Pyramide') | Pots, formal accents | Clipped pyramid | Year-round topiary shape |
Planting evergreen shrubs in Ireland
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are the best times to plant, when the soil is moist and warm enough for roots to settle. You can plant pot-grown shrubs at other times if you water well, but avoid frozen or waterlogged ground. On heavy clay, loosen the soil well beyond the planting hole and add organic matter so water drains away from the roots. Water new shrubs through their first summer, even after rain, as evergreens lose moisture through their leaves all year.
Hedges, screens and ground cover
For a low hedge, plant small shrubs from our six-packs in a straight line or a staggered double row, then trim lightly two or three times a season to keep it dense. Ground-cover shrubs such as Euonymus fortunei 'Dart's Blanket' and Hypericum calycinum knit together quickly and help to smother weeds. For taller screening, the clump-forming bamboo Fargesia 'Black Dragon' is non-invasive and hardy in Irish gardens. Most of these plants are toxic to pets if eaten, so check individual listings if you have a dog that chews.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best evergreen shrub for a small hedge?
Euonymus japonicus 'Green Spire' and Lonicera nitida both make neat, dense low hedges and respond well to regular clipping.
Which evergreen shrubs are scented?
Star jasmine (Trachelospermum) has the strongest scent in this range, flowering in summer. Use the Scented filter above to see all scented options.
What evergreen shrubs grow in shade?
Euonymus fortunei varieties and Hypericum calycinum cope with part shade, making them useful under trees and along north-facing boundaries.
Explore our shade garden plants, add scent with climbing plants, or see our landscaping page for larger schemes.