Evergreen shrubs are the cornerstone of any garden, providing beauty and structure all year round. As we look towards 2024, here are nine of the best evergreen shrubs to consider for your garden.

1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – Boxwoods are classic evergreen shrubs that can be sculpted into formal shapes. They offer lush foliage that remains green throughout the seasons.

2. Rhododendron – Known for their vibrant blooms and large, dark green leaves, rhododendrons are a popular choice for adding a splash of color to your garden.

3. Camellia (Camellia japonica) – Camellias provide glossy, deep green leaves and stunning rose-like flowers that bloom in winter or early spring, depending on the variety.

4. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.) – Azaleas, part of the Rhododendron family, offer dazzling flowers in spring and remain green throughout the year. They thrive in dappled sunlight.

5. Yew (Taxus baccata) – Yews have dense, needle-like foliage and are perfect for hedges or topiary forms due to their tolerance for heavy pruning.

6. Holly (Ilex spp.) – With their distinctive glossy leaves and bright red berries, hollies add a festive touch to gardens. They’re also great for creating privacy screens.

7. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) – This native American shrub has beautiful spring blossoms and shiny foliage that stays green all year, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.

8. Dwarf English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’) – A compact version of laurel with dark green leaves and white flower spikes in spring, this plant is ideal for small spaces or as ground cover.

9. Pieris japonica – Known as Japanese Andromeda, Pieris japonica boasts cascading chains of bell-shaped flowers in early spring and new foliage growth that is often brightly colored.

Incorporating these evergreen shrubs into your garden will ensure that it remains vibrant and colorful throughout the year, no matter the season.