Colored Evergreen Shrubs

Evergreen plants don’t have to be boring and dull – these evergreen shrubs are in fact, not green at all. Colored foliage can add a sizzle of interest with red or orange foliage; or lend an air of mystery with dark colored foliage. Here are some of the best colored foliage shrubs for year-round interest in the garden.

Blackbird Spurge (Euphorbia ‘Blackbird’) – Purple/Black Foliage – Hardy zones 6-9

The blackbird euphorbia is a relatively new introduction in America and is larger and more sprawling than other euphorbias. This evergreen plant can grow 2′ x 2′ and has dark purple, nearly black foliage in full sun. Pink flower buds open to reveal green-yellow flowers that contrast beautifully with the dark foliage. A year-round accent for small gardens or containers, the dark purple evergreen foliage makes a dramatic statement.

Chinese Stranvaesia Photinia (Photinia davidiana var. undulata prostrata) – Plum/Maroon Foliage – Hardy zones 7-9

The Photinia (Stranvaesia) evergreen shrub is one that will add an amazing amount of beauty and interest to your garden year round. One called the Chinese Stranvaesia it is now classified as a Photinia and is not used enough for evergreen interest in a winter landscape. The foliage of this broadleaf evergreen turns a deep maroon, nearly plum color in the fall and remains that way all through the winter. In the summer the evergreen foliage slowly turns to a bright green and the berries begin to darken so that by fall the plant is covered with bright red berries. Photinia prefers sun or light shade and moist but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Photinia dadividana undulate grows to about 5′ tall and the variety undulate prostrata only reaches about 3′ tall unless trained up a wall or fence because of its sprawling nature.

Purple Hopseed Bush (Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’) – Red Foliage – Hardy zones 9-11

The hopbush or varnishleaf shrub is a Florida native that isn’t cold hardy, but does exhibit bright red winter foliage. A large evergreen shrub, the hopseed bush grows to be about 10′ tall and wide. Spring and fall flowers are followed by pendulous seed pods that are highly attractive in the garden. The hopseed bush prefers full sun but will tolerate drought, wind, poor sandy soil or salty ocean spray.

Powis Castle Wormwood (Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’) – Silver Foliage – Hardy zones 5b-10

This lovely shrub is evergreen in warmer areas and highly prized for the fuzzy, fern like foliage that makes such an excellent backdrop for other plants and shrubs in the garden. Artemisia grows to be about 3′ tall and 2′ wide and has lovely silver foliage. Artemisia grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. The fine-cut foliage is also aromatic making this shrub a well-known addition to aromatic gardens as well as perennial borders and foundation plantings.

Other evergreen shrubs that add winter interest to the garden include shrubs with variegated foliage, broadleaf evergreens, and conifers.

Weeping form evergreens also add winter interest through both color and silhouette. See all six ways to use plants in the garden for winter interest.