Evergreens: Sturdy Winter Classics
by: Liz Roberts

Mention evergreen to the average person and they’ll instantly think of what belongs in their living room this Christmas. However evergreens come in all shapes and sizes, varying as much as people. They could be as delicate looking as the cream ball or as scary as the firethorn, both considered evergreens. One thing that unites all types is the fact that they last throughout the year without losing their leaves.

Map out your yard before you plant any tree. Do you want your evergreens to be used as a decorative border or a protective fence? Smaller trees look good around a house. These don’t obscure the sun or trap in dampness which can lead to mold. Little evergreens also make a lovely garden screen or border fence. One of the tiniest is the cream ball (Latin name Chamaecyparis pisifiris) which can be used as a hedge or garden border. This is a cousin of the cypress tree looks like a mossy dodge ball growing only on foot during a ten year span.

Another evergreen that would add to any yard is the aucuba japonica. This is a small evergreen primarily used for ornamental hedging. It is similar to the holly bush with plants being divided into males and females. Usually one male is planted, surrounded by a “harem” of five or six female plants. The female is the one that produces decorative but slightly toxic cranberry red berries. Aucuba japonicas can grow anywhere from eight to fifteen feet in height, making them the perfect natural fence. They do require pruning so not to over crowd surrounding trees and shrubs. With this they can be trimmed to a neat six feet to fit into any garden.

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you may want to think about planting the Salal evergreen.(Gaultheria shaulon). This is a tree that can grow in moist, acidic loam as well as dry, dusty dirt. It has been relegated to forests for years. However homeowners are now just beginning to recognize its’ beauty as a decorative tree and want it as a vital part of the garden. The Salal has shiny dark leaves along with edible berries which resemble blueberries. Gardeners can harvest these in the fall and they make for tasty syrups and jams. Salal evergreens have to be pruned. They can take up an entire corner if left uncut. Most homeowners let them grow to six feet and then start shaping. They also do well in the shade of other trees, so plant them near taller ones. Salal evergreens can be bought from nurseries or uprooted from the roadside. However nursery bought ones tend to last longer and transplant easier.

Those living in warmer climes, such as Hawaii, southern California or Florida can have their own evergreen, the firethorn bush (Pyrocantha coccinea). This tree is originally from the southern Europe but has been brought to the States where it does thrive. It can do well in colder temperatures as it has overseas since 1629.(although be extremely careful the leaves don’t suffer from leaf burn – a kind of plant frostbite). These evergreens require a great deal of sunlight and dry soil. Too much shade and they can overproduce berries only on the top. This creates a top heavy tree and breaking branches. Plant them in a light, airy area of the backyard. Be very careful when pruning them. The firethorn bush has lethal two to four inch thorns. They make the natural equivalent of a barbed wire fence, perfect for keeping out nosy neighbors. The bush produces edible berries that can be added to homemade jams. They do have to be boiled first to remove the slightly toxic seeds ( the same amount of toxin also found in cherry pits and apple seeds.) Firethorn fruit are rich in vitamin C. Harvest them late in the winters however don’t be surprised if they’re already eaten. Birds love these tart cranberry looking berries as well.

If you live in tropical or warm climates, you can plant your evergreens in December as opposed to waiting til the spring. Remember when planting to dig bowl shaped planting holes. These should be twice as wide as they should be deep. (this is done because evergreens develop what is known as lateral or horizontal roots that could be entangled with neighboring shrubbery or flowers). When filling in remember to add either planting mix or organic compost to the soil.

Most evergreens need to be planted in well drained soil. Water only when the soil becomes dry. Planting them in sun or partial sun is a bonus to them. Most evergreens need only a yearly fertilization for their first five years. Those planted in porous and/or infertile dirt require a bit more nourishment. .Fertilize these on a twice yearly basis. The best time to feed any evergreen is in the early spring when new growths start to appear. Remember to use a plant food that has a timed release fertilizer for gradual feeding. This way your evergreens stay nourished for five to six weeks. Start six inches away from your evergreen’s base, evenly scattering the fertilizer in a six inch wide circle.(this area is known as the “drip zone” – which is where water drips down from the tree leaves.) Cover up soil with a two to three inch layer of pine needles and leaves. (or any combination to create an acidic mulch). Test pH levels. The soil around your evergreens should have a pH anywhere between 5.5 to 7.5. If below or over these figures, then adjust with soil additives.

Evergreens are the only trees that add color all year round to your garden. Their bright green leaves and cheery fruit can make a dull winter landscape shine. They come in all shapes and sizes so homeowners have a wide variety to choose from. Best of all they add to the beauty of the yard whether it be winter, summer, spring or fall. They truly are ever green.