What Are the Best Evergreen Shrubs for Minnesota Landscapes?

Choosing the right shrubs for your yard can be a challenge. You need to consider different factors, such as climate, soil type, and sunlight exposure. For instance, for your Minnesota landscape, you want to choose plants that withstand temperatures that can go as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Read on to discover some of the best evergreen shrubs for Minnesota landscapes. 

Korean Boxwood

The only type of boxwood hardy enough for Minnesota conditions is Korean boxwood. It has broadleaved evergreen foliage that transforms from olive to purplish-green or yellowish in the cooler months. This shrub requires shade during winter and can grow up to two feet tall and three feet wide. Korean boxwoods can either be a part of low-growing hedges and borders or planted as individual specimens. 

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Another evergreen shrub you should consider in your landscape design is the emerald green arborvitae. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and features a conical shape. This versatile shrub can grow in most types of soil, especially well-draining ones. Place it in areas that receive full sun to full shade. These shrubs are common as privacy screens, tall hedges, and windbreaks. 

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons feature big purple to pinkish flower clusters that bloom in spring and early summer. They have large, oval, and leathery leaves that keep their colors through the seasons. They usually grow up to 8 feet tall and wide and adapt well to most soil types. This type of shrub requires full sunlight to partial shade. 

Japanese Yew

A spreading shrub that typically extends to around five feet tall and wide, the Japanese Yew is also ideal for Minnesota landscapes. It has dark-green needs, a tight and spreading form. During fall, it produces red fruits resembling berries.

At Backyard Reflections, our landscaping experts can help you choose the ideal plants and features for your outdoor living space. Give us a call at (218) 220-2785 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.