Evergreens are plants that live up to their name; they keep their vibrant green color year-round, no matter the season, temperature, or other weather phenomena. They are hardy plants that provide variety, form, and texture while filling in space when other plants die. Although many people regard evergreens as boring, here are some beautiful ideas for evergreen plants, shrubs, and trees that will fit perfectly in any Valley Village garden!
SoCal Evergreen Landscape Plants, Trees, and Shrubs
1. Australian Willow
Don’t let its weeping branches fool you – the Australian Willow is a perfect low-maintenance willow. It stands 20-30 feet tall and 20 feet wide but doesn’t have any of the traditionally undesirable qualities of willows like invasive roots, high water demands, or pests and diseases. It even bursts into a delicate, fragrant flowering season in the spring!
2. Bottle Tree
The bottle tree is an Australian plant that thrives in the full Southern California sun. It is a very drought-resistant plant that lives all around the SoCal area, from coast to desert. Its tall, thin shape grows 50-60 feet and allows individual placement in narrow spaces or as a small grouping to provide shade or make a statement. Its leaves dance mesmerizingly in the breeze, and its trunk stores water for droughts.
3. Toyon
Toyon is a native California plant that thrives in the LA area year-round. It varies greatly in height, from 6 to 20 feet and 5 to 15 feet wide – you can consider it either a tree or a large shrub! It has leathery, holly-like leaves and bright red berries that attract wildlife and make delicious jams. Toyon does need more water than the average California plant but is found healthiest in full sun or partial shade.
4. California Flannelbush
California Flannelbush is a widely popular, fast-growing evergreen shrub. Its large, beautiful flowers blossom throughout the spring. California Flannelbush produces immediate results – it can reach 20 feet tall by 20 feet wide within five years! However, be careful; this plant thrives best in sandy soil, and has some unique water requirements, so be sure to do your research!
Design Scapes – Your Experts in All Evergreens
While adding evergreens to your landscaping is both beautiful and functional, trees require particular care. We highly recommend speaking with a professional landscaping company (like us) or an arborist to ensure that you choose the right evergreens for your space and learn how to properly care for them.
