In contrast to the needle evergreens, such as yew, pine, hemlock, spruce, and many others, the broad-leaved types are valued for their richly-textured foliage.
Many have showy blooms, which add a note of contrast and accent wherever they are used. Since they vary in size and shape, these broad-leaved plants are easily adapted to entrance plantings for present-day houses.
No need to plant monotonous groups of conifers (the needle evergreens), which soon outgrow their spaces when so many tailored shrubs can be used. Many of the plants on these pages grow slowly and compactly by nature.
Others can be kept within bounds by careful pruning. Big-scale plants like rhododendrons, laurel, and American holly need a setting where they can develop in all the fullness of their beauty.
Excellent Broad-Leaved Evergreens For Accents
These shrubs are the accents or the punctuation points for your garden. Let’s think of them in this way when they are placed, and the results will be most rewarding.
- The Carolina rhododendron (Rhododendron caroliniana) seldom grows more than six feet tall and will spread equally as wide. However, skillful pruning keeps it within bounds.
- Japanese Pieris or lily-of-the-valley shrub (Pieris japonica), averaging six feet, has glossy foliage and showy racemes of white bell-like flowers. New growth has rich, bronzy tones.
- American holly (Ilex opaca), with its tree-like habit (even when young), is well worth having. Plants of both sexes are needed to produce berries. Named varieties are obtainable in small sizes from specialists.
- Hybrid rhododendrons, forms of Rhododendron catawbiense, provide flowers from pure white to deep purple. Unusual varieties and seedlings arc available from discriminating growers. Choose your colors wisely.
- English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a particularly striking plant for accent. It can be sheared or allowed to grow with charming irregularity in the sun or partial shade.
- Korean boxwood (Bum koreana) seldom grows more than five or six feet tall and can be kept much lower by shearing. It will withstand cold winters in severe climates where other types succumb.
- Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is one of our most adaptable flowering shrubs. Excellent for shade, it also flourishes in full sun. Prepare your soil thoroughly for rhododendrons.
- Mountain pieris (Pieris floribunda) is less well known than the taller Japanese kind, but it fits in well where a low shrub is needed. Use it between rhododendrons or among conifers.
- Drooping leucothoe (Leutothot catesbati), like mountain laurel, is one of our notable native shrubs. Its bronzy winter coloring and metallic luster are winter assets. Flower arrangers use it wisely.
- Several forms of Euonymus fortunei can be found in most nurseries. Its uses are many, and its foliage, flowers, and fruit are highly decorative.
- Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea lalandi) belongs in this group because its foliage is generally evergreen, though partially so in severe climates. Blooms in spring and abundant fruit in autumn make it a useful double-duty shrub. Use it as a big-scale specimen, an informal hedge, or an espalier against a wall.
- Rose daphne or garland-flower (Daphne cneorum), with its fragrant pink flowers and dense carpeting effect, makes a good ground cover or edging plant. Shelter from winter sun and wind is advisable.
- Japanese holly (Rex crenata convera) and several related forms make good substitutes for boxwood. Its twiggy growth and glossy, dark green foliage are among its assets.
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