Best dwarf evergreens for small spaces – 5 compact shrubs for year-round greenery

Dwarf evergreens are perfect for maintaining interest in the garden, even in small spaces. Fortunately, there are many attractive species to choose from, all of which retain their foliage during dark and cold winter months.

As a former professional gardener, I’ve used many different dwarf evergreens in planting schemes, finding them particularly useful in urban plots where space is often at a premium. And, far from just forming the backbone of schemes, many dwarf evergreens are fragrant, have unusual coloring or even produce brilliant blooms, more than earning their spot in any yard.

So, if you’re seeking reliable but compact dwarf evergreens to plant underneath your evergreen shrubs, we have put together a list of five of the best to try this year.

Best dwarf evergreens

If you are landscaping with evergreens in smaller spaces, the good news is that there are hundreds of interesting and attractive dwarf evergreens to choose from. Importantly, remember to select species that are best suited to your US hardiness zone. For example, if you reside in zone 5, planting tender evergreens that are native to southern regions is not a good idea.

1. Creeping Juniper

'Junipers are some of the best fragrant evergreens,' says Sam Niemann, garden expert and founder of Grown by Design, a boutique landscape design firm based in San Diego. 'There are many compact varieties, including creeping juniper, Juniperus horizontalis, or the dwarf juniper, Juniperus procumbens, which both grow somewhere between one to two feet tall.

'I like junipers as they are effective even in colder, northern regions,' Sam says. 'Most can be grown from US hardiness zone 4 plus, making for an ideal evergreen ground cover plant even in states that experience frost and snow in winter.'

In terms of how to grow creeping juniper, plant in a sunny spot and well-draining soil. If you are looking to create cloud-like shapes or juniper mounds, prune in early spring for the best results. I would keep this evergreen alongside a pathway or patio, as the foliage will produce a delicate fragrance when brushed.

Creeping juniper live starter plants are available to order from Amazon.

Sam Niemann

Sam is a lifelong gardener whose passion for plants and nature has been the driving force behind his extensive knowledge and expertise in horticulture. He studied at San Diego State University, earning a degree in Finance while simultaneously founding Grown by Design, a boutique landscape design firm.

2. Dwarf bottlebrush

'Growing bottlebrush plants will fill any yard with firework-like blooms,' says Tatiana Anderson, plant expert and co-founder of Top Tropicals. 'In general, there are very few bottlebrush tree problems to be worried about, and these plants are tough and resilient.'

While you might be used to seeing large bottlebrush trees or shrubs in borders, often reaching between 10 and 20 feet tall, there are dwarf varieties, such as Callistemon viminalis 'Little John', which will grow to a height of 3 feet. As with all bottlebrushes, or Callistemon spp., 'these evergreens are best suited to warmer US hardiness zones, so stick to zone 8 and above,' Tatiana adds.

Position in a full sun location, ideally with six to eight hours of sunshine each day, in well-draining soil. 'They can tolerate poor, sandy soils, but beware of waterlogging, which can prove challenging for these plants.'

In a sheltered, sunny spot, the dwarf 'Little John' variety will retain its lance-shaped foliage year-round, making for a striking, if unique, evergreen. Live starter plants of the dwarf 'Little John' variety are available from Amazon.

Tatiana Anderson

Tatiana Anderson is the co-owner and co-founder of Top Tropicals, based in Fort Myers, Florida. Top Tropicals grow and sell a whole range of flowering and fruiting tropical plants. 

3. Dwarf mountain pine

Many of the best pine trees have dwarf varieties, including several different mountain pines, such as Pinus mugo 'Humpy' and Pinus mugo 'Mops'. Often considered one of the best evergreens for small front yards, the slow-growing Pinus mugo is a good option for compact spaces, and many designers use this species as a structural and textural foliage plant.

Most mountain pines tend to have a growth rate of 2 to 4 inches per year, meaning that they rarely require pruning. So, with a naturally rounded form that rarely requires attention, they are a great low-maintenance dwarf evergreen option.

Pinus mugo can be grown in both mild and cool regions from US hardiness zone 3 to US hardiness zone 7, thriving in full sun and poor soils.

Pinus mugo live plants are available from Walmart.

4. Pittosporum

There are over 250 species of plants in the family Pittosporaceae that come in a range of shapes and sizes. The popular Pittosporum tenuifolium, for example, can eventually reach 26 feet tall. However, there are many dwarf varieties available, including Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball', as seen in the image above. Another option is Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum', which grows only to a height of 3 feet and has leathery, succulent-like leaves.

These evergreen shrubs, while adaptable, tend to do better in mild and warmer regions, growing well from zone 8 plus. Plant them in full sun to part shade in a border that has well-draining soil.

Pittosporum shrubs benefit from annual pruning, helping to keep them compact and dense. If left unpruned for many years, they do have a tendency to turn woody, with foliage at the end of long stems. Therefore, regular trimming is crucial, which is best done from spring to late summer, avoiding any temperature extremes.

Pittosporum shrubs are available to buy online at Walmart.

5. Dwarf Hebe

Hebe plants are versatile, evergreens that look particularly impactful towards the front of a garden border. As you can see in the image here, certain hebe varieties have unique foliage shades and flowers, making for an ornamental addition to any space.

There are many dwarf varieties, such as Hebe ‘Emerald Gem’ or ‘Patty’s Purple’, both of which are perfect for small gardens. Hebe plants grow best from zone 7 plus, preferring a sunny spot and well-draining soil.

They can also grow well in pots or window boxes, which is a good option for renters or those with small urban terraces or balconies.

Hebe 'Patty's Purple' is a dwarf variety with lilac blooms, and is available to order from Nature Hills.

FAQs

What dwarf evergreen would you recommend for a container garden?

There are many dwarf evergreens that could be grown in containers. Pinus mugo is one good option that is slow-growing and would not need regular pruning. I grew this species in containers on a balcony when working as a gardener in east London, and found its drought-tolerant needles resilient even during hot summer months.

Whatever dwarf evergreens you grow, remember to water them consistently during the first year as they establish roots. Spring or fall is typically the best time to plant them, at a time when the soil is mild and moist. For more plant inspiration, see our guide to some of the easiest evergreen trees to grow this year, helping you to create a green canopy above your dwarf evergreen species. Or, if you want to boost your curb appeal this year, check out our list of the best low-maintenance evergreen shrubs for the front yard.