Evergreen shrubs are a staple of the winter landscape, providing color and interest when all else is dormant. While there are many different types of evergreen shrubs to choose from, not all of them will thrive in every climate.
In USDA zone 6, the average lowest temperature is -10°F. This means that any evergreen shrub you choose to plant in this zone should be able to withstand freezing temperatures.
Top 7 Evergreen Shrubs for Zone 6
To help you choose the best evergreen shrub for your garden, we’ve rounded up 7 of our favorites to bring life to your yard all year round.
Lithodora
Lithodora is a compact, evergreen shrub characterized by its little star-shaped flowers that bloom during summer. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s easy to care for, and it will thrive in full sun but will also be able to tolerate partial shade. It can grow about 6-12 inches tall, making it a perfect choice for border plantings or groundcover.
In addition, you can also propagate Lithodoras by either softwood cuttings or by seeds.
Weigela
Weigela is a vigorous, deciduous shrub that’s perfect for the climate in zone 6. It’s a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 120 inches tall, and it’s known for its beautiful pink or red flowers that bloom in late spring.
This shrub is best planted in full sun, giving it at least 8-10 hours of sunlight each day. It’s also important to note that Weigelas are known to be somewhat drought-tolerant once established, so they don’t require a lot of water.
Rosemary
Rosemary is another evergreen shrub that will grace your gardens with its green needles and blue flowers. It’s an aromatic plant that’s often used in cooking, and it can also be used as an ornamental shrub.
It can grow 3-5 feet in height and is best grown in full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates the cold pretty well and can survive in temperatures as low as -10°F.
White Texas Star Hibiscus
If you’re worried about your evergreen shrub being covered in snow, the White Texas Star Hibiscus is a good option. It’s an upright, deciduous shrub that can reach 5 feet in height and is known for its beautiful white flowers that bloom from spring to fall.
Its needles and cones are a deep green, providing a nice contrast to the white flowers. It does best in full sun, being able to tolerate a bit of shade every once in a while. Its cones are also a great source of food for birds during the winter.
Boxwood
Prized for their ability to be shaped into topiary, boxwood shrubs remain a classic favorite in zone 6. This slow-growing shrub can be used as a hedge or border plant and can reach up to 240 inches tall. Other than its size, one of the boxwood’s most notable features is its glossy green leaves and its ability to tolerate shearing.
Perfect for creating formal gardens, boxwoods are best grown in full sun and may tolerate some shade. They’re also relatively drought-tolerant, making them an ideal choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time watering their plants.
Holly
The glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries make Holly an excellent choice for adding color to your winter landscape. This broadleaf evergreen shrub is often used as a privacy hedge, reaching up to 72 inches tall. Its sunlight preferences depend on the type of Holly you choose to plant, but most will do well in either full sun or partial shade.
Although used for hedges, take note that they grow slower than other shrubs. Give them some time to reach their full height. This is also not recommended if you have pets, as the leaves and berries can be poisonous if ingested.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub with showy flowers. It’s a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 16 inches tall, and it’s known for its beautiful purple flowers that bloom in late spring.
This shrub prefers full sun and acidic, well-drained soil. It should be watered 1-2 times a week. Additionally, it’s important to note that Rhododendrons are sensitive to salt, so be sure to keep them away from roadsides and sidewalks where salt is used in the winter.
Final Thoughts
In the dead of winter, it can be hard to find color in your garden. But with these evergreen shrubs, you can add a splash of green (or white and blue) to your yard. A bit of green foliage is a welcome sight in the snow, surely helping you beat the winter blues.