Broadleaf Evergreen Guide: How to Grow Broadleaf Evergreen

Broadleaf evergreens are a type of shrub or small tree with large green leaves that hold their foliage year-round, unlike deciduous trees or plants which shed their foliage in the winter. These leaves are typically flat and dark green, with strong veins running through them. Some of these plants produce berries and others bloom in flowers. They are a favorite among gardeners for providing year-round color and greenery to your garden.

Here are some of the most popular broadleaf evergreen shrubs, trees, and ground cover.

1. 1. Green gem hardy boxwood (Buxus 'Green Gem'): As reflected by its name, green gem hardy boxwood is one of the hardiest evergreen shrubs, surviving in hardiness zones as low as 3b if covered and zone 4 if unprotected. It is a small round shrub with glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers.
2. 2. Japanese holly (Ilex crenata): These medium-to-large shrubs produce small oval-shaped deep green foliage all year round. In late spring, the shrub blooms small white flowers, and in fall, it produces small blackish fruits. These plants prefer moderate temperatures and cannot tolerate too much heat.
3. 3. Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica): Japanese camellia is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. There are hundreds of different cultivars of the Camellia, each with flowers of different colors and sizes.
4. 4. Rhododendron and azalea: Both plants come from the genus Rhododendron. The leaves of a Rhododendron plant are usually wide and leathery, while the leaves of the smaller azalea are narrower and more pointed. The flowers are often fragrant and come in a variety of colors.
5. 5. Euonymus (Euonymus kiautschovicus): This plant variety is native to Japan and produces greenish-white flowers that attract birds and pollinating insects, which turn to bright red berries in the fall.

If planting from seed, plant your broadleaved evergreens in spring to make the most of the spring and summer months to start your plant growing. If planting from an established plant, plant either in spring or in fall. However, the quickest way to propagate a broadleaf evergreen is to grow it from an already-established plant that you can buy at your local nursery. Follow these basic steps for planting your broadleaf evergreen plants.

1. 1. Purchase your plant. Purchase your chosen broadleaf evergreen shrub from your local nursery. Make sure to choose a plant that looks hardy and is in good condition.
2. 2. Choose a location. Decide where in your garden you're going to plant your broadleaf evergreen, whether directly into your garden bed or in a pot. Depending on what variety you’re planting, check to see whether your plant prefers full sun or partial shade.
3. 3. Prepare your soil. Dig your soil before planting to ensure it is draining properly. If planting in a container or pot, add some healthy potting mix. Dig a hole that is big enough to accommodate the root ball of your broadleaf evergreen plant.
4. 4. Plant your evergreen. Gently remove your small evergreen plant from its container, being careful not to disturb the root system, and gently place it in the prepared hole. Cover the roots with more soil and gently pat them down without compressing them. Water your plant immediately.

Most broadleaf evergreens are simple to maintain. Here are a few of the things you can do to set your plants up for success.

1. 1. Water your plants regularly. Most broadleaf evergreens are hardy growers but still need a good amount of water to thrive. As a general rule, watering once a week is a good amount, but you may need to water more regularly if you live in particularly dry or arid conditions. Check to see if the top two inches of soil is moist to see if your soil needs watering.
2. 2. Feed your plant fertilizer. Feed the soil around your evergreen with a fertilizer specifically made for evergreens to help stimulate growth, particularly if you have planted in the fall.
3. 3. Prune your plant. Some broadleaf evergreens can grow quickly without regular pruning, but they tend to get out of control. When the foliage turns, prune away any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
4. 4. Protect your plant during winter. To protect your plant’s roots during the winter frost, add mulch, straw, or compost to the soil around your broadleaf evergreens. This will help insulate the roots from damaging frost and winter winds.

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