-
Japanese gardens celebrate nature’s beauty with a focus on evergreen shrubs.
-
Understanding each shrub’s climate and soil needs is key to successful gardening.
In Japanese culture, evergreens are admired for their steadfastness. They represent perseverance and are often planted in gardens to evoke a sense of continuity and timelessness. As we explore the traditional Japanese garden evergreen shrubs, I’ll guide you through selecting, planting, and caring for these living sculptures that bring harmony to your outdoor space.
Disclaimer: The plant list and variety descriptions included in this article are based on recommendations from Yoko Kawaguchi as found in ‘Authentic Japanese Gardens’ book. This article serves as a reference guide and does not intend to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of the author or publisher.
I. Key Evergreen Shrubs List for a Traditional Japanese Garden
Need expert advice? Discover the best online landscape design services. Schedule a free initial consultation to bring your vision to life. See the full reviews here!
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Camellia sinensis (Tea, Cha-no-ki) |
Zones 7 to 9 |
Evergreen shrub/small tree, white flowers, leaves used for tea |
Typically 6 to 15 feet in height, but can grow taller under ideal conditions |
Camellia sinensis
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ardisia japonica (Marlberry, Yabu-koji) |
Zones 7a – 11 |
Evergreen shrub with clusters of pink flowers and red berries |
Typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches (0.5 to 1 foot) Spreads to a width of 6 inches to 3 feet, depending on environmental factors |
Ardisia japonica (Japanese Ardisia )”
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel, Aoki) |
Zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b |
Evergreen shrub with variegated leaves, tolerates shade, dry soil, pollution |
Can grow to be about 6 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 9 feet wide |
Aucuba japonica • Japanese Aoki
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Elaeagnus x ebbingei (Ebbing’s Silverberry) |
Zones 7 to 11 |
Dense evergreen, silver/gold variegated leaves, fragrant flowers |
Grows to about 8 to 10 feet tall and wide |
Elaeagnus x ebbingei
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Euonymus japonicus (Japanese Spindle, Masaki) |
Zones 6 to 9 |
Glossy green leaves, often used for hedges, variegated foliage |
Typically 6 to 15 feet tall and 2 to 8 feet wide |
Euonymus japonicus ‘Japanese Pindle …”
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eurya japonica (Hi-sakaki) |
Zones 7 to 9 |
Small evergreen shrub, dense foliage, small flowers |
Usually around 2 to 5 feet tall and wide. |
ヒサカキ Eurya japonica 沖縄の維管束植物 (Hi-sakaki)”
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fatsia japonica (Yatsude) |
Zones 7 to 10 |
Large, palmate leaves, spherical white flowers |
Typically 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. |
.jpg)
Fatsia japonica (Yatsude)
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens (Hai-byakushin) |
Zones 4 to 9 |
Low-growing juniper, spreading habit, used as ground cover |
Generally 1 to 2 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. |
“Juniperus procumbens“
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mahonia japonica (Hiiragi-nanten) |
Zones 7 to 9 |
Evergreen, holly-like leaves, yellow flowers |
Typically 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. |
Mahonia japonica | (Hiiragi-nanten)
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Photinia glabra (Red-leaf Photinia) |
Zones 7 to 9 |
Bright red new foliage, matures to green |
Can grow to 10 to 15 feet tall and wide. |
Photinia glabra (Red-leaf Photinia)
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pieris japonica (Japanese Andromeda) |
Zones 5 to 8 |
Evergreen shrub, bell-shaped flowers, attractive foliage |
Typically 9 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. |
“Pieris japonica (Ericaceae); Japanese …”
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Viburnum odoratissimum (Sweet Viburnum; Sangoju) |
Zones 8 to 10 |
Dense evergreen, large glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers |
Grows to about 12 to 20 feet tall and wide. |
Viburnum odoratissimum | (Sweet Viburnum; Sangoju)
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Viburnum suspensum (Sandanqua Viburnum) |
Zones 8 to 10 |
Evergreen shrub, leathery leaves, fragrant white flower. |
Typically 6 to 12 feet tall and wide. |
Viburnum suspensum
Need expert advice? Discover the best online landscape design services. Schedule a free initial consultation to bring your vision to life. See the full reviews here!
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of traditional Japanese garden evergreen shrubs, let’s take a moment to appreciate the quiet beauty they bring to our landscapes. These hardy plants remind us of nature’s resilience and the importance of finding peace in our surroundings.
By choosing the right evergreens for our gardens, we’re not just planting shrubs; we’re cultivating peace. Each plant is a brushstroke in a larger picture, one that brings us closer to the natural world and to a sense of inner calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you embark on your gardening journey, you may have questions. Here are answers to some common queries:
How to Select Evergreens for Various Climate Zones?
Look at the USDA Hardiness Zone for each plant, which tells you the temperature ranges it can handle. Choose evergreens that are suited to your zone to ensure they thrive.
Can These Shrubs Be Grown in Containers?
Many evergreens do well in containers, provided they have enough room for their roots. Make sure to use a pot with good drainage and choose a size that accommodates the plant’s growth.
What Are the Best Companion Plants for Japanese Evergreens?
Companion plants should complement the evergreens in texture, color, and size. Consider seasonal bloomers like azaleas and rhododendrons or textural contrasts like ornamental grasses.
How to Prune Evergreens Without Affecting Their Natural Beauty?
Prune sparingly and with a clear vision. Remove only what’s necessary to shape the plant or promote health. The goal is to enhance the plant’s natural form, not to alter it drastically.
When Is the Best Time to Plant Evergreen Shrubs in a Japanese Garden?
The best time to plant is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler. This allows the plants to establish their roots without the stress of extreme heat or cold.
Traditional Japanese gardens often include a variety of evergreen shrubs that provide year-round color and texture. These shrubs are carefully selected for their ability to thrive in the unique conditions of a Japanese garden, contributing to the overall serenity and aesthetic appeal of the space.
