Evergreen Shrubs

Hebe 'Rhubarb Crumble' is a striking evergreen shrub grown as much for its colourful foliage as its flowers. New growth emerges in rich burgundy and pink tones before maturing to cream and green variegation, creating year-round interest. During summer, spikes of pale lilac to white flowers appear above the foliage, attracting bees and other pollinators while adding an extra layer of colour.

Its naturally compact, rounded habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, containers and small gardens where bold foliage can be appreciated throughout the seasons.

Horticultural Note: Trim lightly after flowering to maintain its neat shape and encourage fresh, colourful new growth.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Hebe 'Rhubarb Crumble'
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Pale lilac to white flowers with cream, green, pink and burgundy variegated foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.7m x S-0.7m
• Hardiness: Hardy in most Irish gardens; protect from severe frost and cold winds
• Flowering Period: June to August
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Elaeagnus 'Compacta' is a dense, evergreen shrub prized for its attractive silvery-green foliage, excellent year-round structure, and exceptional toughness. A more compact form of the popular Elaeagnus x ebbingei, it forms a neat, bushy plant that works beautifully as a low-maintenance hedge, screening plant, or specimen shrub.

In autumn, small creamy-white flowers appear, releasing a surprisingly sweet fragrance, followed by ornamental fruits in spring.

Horticultural Note: Regular trimming can be carried out in spring or early summer to maintain a formal shape if desired.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Compact Oleaster
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Silvery-green foliage with creamy-white flowers
• Max. Height & Spread: H-3m x S-3m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Flowering Period: September - November
• Position: Full sun to partial shade, hedging, screening, coastal gardens, wildlife gardens, mixed borders
• Pot Size: 3 Litre

One of the most popular and reliable English Lavenders, Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' is prized for its compact habit, rich violet-purple flower spikes, and wonderfully fragrant silver-green foliage. Flowering throughout summer, it creates a beautiful display in borders, pathways, cottage gardens, and containers while attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Its neat growth and excellent hardiness make it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Horticultural Note: 'Munstead' is renowned for its exceptional garden performance and ability to thrive in cooler climates. Its compact habit makes it particularly useful in smaller gardens and container displays.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: English Lavender 'Munstead'
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Violet-purple flowers with silver-green foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.6m x S-0.6m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Flowering Period: June to August
• Position: Full sun, borders, cottage gardens, gravel gardens, containers, edging paths, coastal gardens
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Hebe 'Wiri Mist' is a compact, evergreen shrub that produces masses of delicate white flower spikes from early summer into autumn. The neat, glossy green foliage provides year-round structure, while the long-lasting blooms attract bees and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

Easy to grow and low maintenance, 'Wiri Mist' brings fresh colour and evergreen interest to the garden throughout the year.

Horticultural Note: Removing spent flower spikes after flowering helps encourage fresh growth and can promote additional blooms later in the season.

Characteristics:

• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: White flowers with glossy green foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.9m x S-0.9m
• Hardiness: Hardy in most Irish gardens
• Flowering Period: June - September
• Position: Full sun to partial shade, borders, containers, coastal gardens, cottage gardens, low hedging
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

A compact and colourful evergreen shrub, Photinia 'Chico' is prized for its vibrant flushes of bright red young foliage that gradually mature to glossy deep green. Smaller and more naturally compact than many other Photinia varieties, it is ideal for low hedging, containers, mixed borders, and smaller gardens where year round structure and colour are desired.

Tough, adaptable and easy to grow, it brings reliable evergreen beauty to a wide range of garden settings.

Horticultural Note: Best foliage colour develops in a sunny position. Excellent for low hedging, foundation planting, containers, and year round structure in smaller gardens. Tolerant of pruning and easy to maintain in a compact shape.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Compact Red Robin
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Bright red new growth maturing to glossy dark green
• Max. Height & Spread: H-1.5m x S-1.5m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Flowering Period: May to June (small creamy-white flowers)
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Bright, bold and full of year round interest, Euonymus japonicus 'Extravaganza' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its dramatic foliage. New growth emerges a brilliant creamy white, creating a luminous display against the glossy dark green mature leaves below. This constant contrast gives the plant a fresh, vibrant appearance throughout the seasons.

A superb foliage plant for adding light and contrast to planting schemes, especially in shaded corners where its pale new growth can really stand out.

Horticultural Note: Thrives in most well drained garden soils and responds well to clipping. The brightest foliage colour is usually achieved in a position with good light while avoiding prolonged drought.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Japanese Spindle
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Dark green foliage with creamy white new growth
• Max. Height & Spread: H-1.5m x S-1.2m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Flowering Period: Insignificant flowers in late spring to early summer
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Pot Size: 15cm

Hebe 'Strawberries & Cream' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its attractive grey-green foliage and masses of soft pink and white flower spikes throughout summer. The blooms open with rich pink buds before fading to creamy white, creating a beautiful two-tone effect that attracts bees and other pollinators.

Its neat, bushy habit makes it ideal for borders, rockeries, coastal gardens, and containers where year-round foliage provides lasting interest. Easy to grow and low maintenance, this colourful Hebe is perfect for adding long-lasting structure and reliable summer colour to gardens of any size.

Horticultural Note: Plant in a sunny, sheltered position for the best flowering. Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to encourage fresh growth and maintain a tidy shape.

Characteristics:

• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Pink buds opening to soft pink and creamy white flowers; grey-green foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.8m x S-0.8m
• Hardiness: Hardy in most Irish gardens; benefits from shelter in particularly cold or exposed locations
• Flowering Period: June - September
• Position: Full sun to partial shade, borders, rockeries, containers, coastal gardens
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Pseudopanax 'Moa's Toes' is a distinctive evergreen shrub from New Zealand, prized for its bold, architectural foliage. The long, leathery green leaves radiate from the stems in a striking rosette pattern, creating a dramatic, tropical appearance that stands out in contemporary, coastal, and exotic-style gardens.

Horticultural Note: Despite its unusual look, it is surprisingly easy to grow and provides year-round structure and interest.

Characteristics:

• Type: Evergreen architectural shrub
• Colour: Glossy deep green foliage with subtle reddish leaf margins
• Max. Height & Spread: H-2.5m x S-1.5m
• Hardiness: Hardy in mild and coastal Irish gardens; benefits from shelter in colder inland areas
• Season of Interest: Year-round interest
• Position: Full sun to partial shade, sheltered borders, coastal gardens, contemporary planting schemes, courtyard gardens
• Pot Size: 3 Litre

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Repens', commonly known as Creeping California Lilac, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that produces a spectacular display of powder-blue flower clusters in late spring and early summer. Its glossy green foliage forms a dense, spreading carpet throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for banks, slopes, cascading over walls or filling the front of sunny borders.

This versatile shrub is easy to grow in a sunny, sheltered spot and becomes drought tolerant once established.

Horticultural Note: Lightly trim after flowering to maintain its shape. Avoid cutting back into old wood.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Creeping California Lilac
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Powder-blue flowers with glossy green foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.6m x S-3m
• Hardiness: Hardy in most Irish gardens; protect from severe frost and cold winds
• Flowering Period: May - June
• Position: Full sun, sheltered position
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Tom Thumb' is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its rich purple-black foliage and naturally rounded habit. Fresh new growth emerges bright green before deepening to glossy burgundy and almost black, creating striking contrast throughout the year. Small, dark purple, honey-scented flowers appear in late spring, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Easy to grow and requiring very little maintenance, this colourful shrub provides year-round structure and dramatic foliage in gardens of any size.

Horticultural Note: Light pruning in late spring or early summer will help maintain its naturally compact, rounded shape.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Tom Thumb Pittosporum
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Dark purple-black foliage with small dark purple flowers
• Max. Height & Spread: H-1m x S-1m
• Hardiness: Hardy in most Irish gardens; best in a sheltered position in colder areas
• Flowering Period: May - June
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Mahonia 'Sweet Winter' is a compact evergreen shrub that brings valuable colour and fragrance to the garden during the colder months. Clusters of bright yellow flowers appear from late autumn into winter, releasing a sweet scent that attracts pollinators on mild days.

Its glossy, holly-like foliage provides year-round structure and interest, making it an excellent choice for borders, woodland gardens, and sheltered patio containers.

Horticultural Note: One of the best shrubs for winter interest, 'Sweet Winter' combines fragrant flowers with attractive evergreen foliage at a time when few other plants are in bloom.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Sweet Winter Mahonia
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Bright yellow flowers, dark green foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-1.5m x S-1.5m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Flowering Period: November to February
• Position: Full sun, partial shade, or full shade
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Hebe vernicosa is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its neat, glossy foliage and elegant clusters of small white flowers that appear throughout summer. The tiny, rounded leaves form a dense mound of year-round greenery, while the nectar-rich blooms attract bees and other pollinators.

Its naturally tidy habit makes it an excellent choice for borders, rockeries, patio containers, and low-maintenance gardens. Hardy, versatile, and easy to grow, Hebe vernicosa adds structure and subtle seasonal colour to gardens of all sizes.

Horticultural Note:

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Hebe vernicosa
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: White flowers with glossy dark green foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.8m x S-0.8m
• Hardiness: Hardy in most Irish gardens
• Flowering Period: June - August
• Position: Full sun to partial shade, borders, containers, rockeries, coastal and cottage gardens
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Rhododendron impeditum 'Saint Merryn' is a beautifully compact evergreen rhododendron that delivers a striking spring display of rich violet-purple flowers. In April and May, the shrub becomes densely covered in open, star-like blooms with prominent stamens, creating a vivid splash of colour that stands out brilliantly against its small, glossy, dark green leaves.

Horticultural Note: Like all dwarf rhododendrons, 'Saint Merryn' thrives in acidic conditions with good drainage. Mulch annually with bark or leaf mould to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots. A superb choice for gardeners seeking intense spring colour in a compact, easy-care shrub.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Dwarf Rhododendron
• Type: Evergreen flowering shrub
• Colour: Deep violet-purple
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.6m x S-0.8m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Flowering Period: April to May
• Position: Full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, acidic (ericaceous) soil
• Pot Size: 4.6 Litre

Chamaerops humilis, commonly known as the European Fan Palm, is a compact, slow-growing evergreen palm that brings a touch of the Mediterranean to any garden. Its striking fan-shaped, blue-green leaves form dense clumps on multiple stems, creating a bold architectural feature all year round.

One of the hardiest palms available, it is well suited to Irish gardens, thriving in sunny borders, coastal locations, and large patio containers.

Horticultural Note: Remove old or damaged leaves as needed to maintain its attractive appearance, and protect young plants during periods of prolonged severe frost.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: European Fan Palm
• Type: Evergreen palm
• Colour: Blue-green fan-shaped foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-3m x S-3m
• Hardiness: Hardy in most Irish gardens with shelter from severe frost
• Position: Full sun to partial shade, borders, patio containers, coastal and Mediterranean-style gardens
• Pot Size: 14cm

One of the most popular evergreen shrubs for year round colour, Euonymus 'Emerald and Gold' combines rich green foliage with brilliant golden yellow margins. The bright variegation brings light to borders and containers throughout the year, while colder weather often intensifies the foliage with attractive pink and bronze tints.

Tough, adaptable and easy to grow, it is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking for reliable evergreen interest.

Horticultural Note: Thrives in most soil types, including coastal and urban gardens. Can be lightly clipped to maintain a neat shape and is excellent for ground cover, edging and low maintenance planting schemes.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Wintercreeper
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Green foliage with golden yellow margins, often flushed pink in winter
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.9m x S-1.5m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Season of Interest: Year round foliage interest
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Pot Size: 2 Litre

Choisya ternata 'White Dazzler' is a compact, evergreen shrub that offers year-round structure with its narrow, aromatic dark green foliage and masses of fragrant white star-shaped flowers.

Flowering heavily in late spring and often producing a lighter second flush in late summer, it brings brightness and perfume to borders, patios, and smaller gardens. Its naturally rounded habit and tidy growth make it an excellent choice for low hedging, containers, or mixed shrub borders.

Horticultural Note: Lightly trim after the main flush of blooms to maintain a neat shape and encourage repeat flowering later in the season.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Mexican Orange Blossom 'White Dazzler'
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: White flowers with glossy dark green foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-1.5m x S-1.5m
• Hardiness: Hardy in most Irish gardens; best in a sheltered position away from cold winds
• Flowering Period: April - June, with a second flush in August - September
• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Pot Size: 1.5 Litre

Bright, bold and full of year round interest, Euonymus japonicus 'Extravaganza' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its dramatic foliage. New growth emerges a brilliant creamy white, creating a luminous display against the glossy dark green mature leaves below. This constant contrast gives the plant a fresh, vibrant appearance throughout the seasons.

A superb foliage plant for adding light and contrast to planting schemes, especially in shaded corners where its pale new growth can really stand out.

Horticultural Note: Thrives in most well drained garden soils and responds well to clipping. The brightest foliage colour is usually achieved in a position with good light while avoiding prolonged drought.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Japanese Spindle
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Dark green foliage with creamy white new growth
• Max. Height & Spread: H-1.5m x S-1.2m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Flowering Period: Insignificant flowers in late spring to early summer
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Pot Size: 5 Litre

Euonymus fortunei 'Harlequin' is a compact, evergreen shrub valued for its striking variegated foliage. Fresh green leaves are beautifully splashed and edged with creamy white, with new growth emerging almost entirely white before maturing into an attractive marbled pattern.

Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it perfect for brightening borders, rockeries, patio containers, or cascading over walls, providing year-round interest with very little maintenance.

Horticultural Note: Remove any plain green shoots if they appear to preserve the attractive variegated foliage. Once established, it is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions and requires very little care.

Characteristics:

• Common Name: Harlequin Spindle
• Type: Evergreen shrub
• Colour: Green and creamy white variegated foliage
• Max. Height & Spread: H-0.6m x S-0.9m
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Position: Full sun to partial shade, borders, containers, rockeries, ground cover, banks and slopes
• Pot Size: 3 Litre