Many types of evergreen shrubs with non-invasive roots make excellent foundation plantings.
Keep in mind mature size as well so you could space your evergreen bushes appropriately.
Rhododendron (Rhododenron Spp.)
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Azaleas and rhododendrons belong to the same genus, and the difference is sometimes hard to identify.
This is a low-growing shrub (to about two feet) that sprawls out as much as four feet.
It can be a versatile ground cover for both sunny and shady areas.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
If given support, it will climb a low wall.
Be aware that the Euonymus scale can be a significant insect problem.
Warning
Wintercreeper is technically an invasive species.It can take over yards in a hurry.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
It’s not so aggressive as to avoid planting it, but it does require regular maintenance.
The species performs well in shady conditions.
When kept trimmed, the shrubby types form a dense living wall, making them effective privacy screens.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Boxwood (Buxus spp.
These are slow-growing shrubs that rarely grow more than five feet tall, usually kept trimmed even shorter.
In addition to being a very common low-hedge plant, boxwoods can make good shrubs for foundation plantings.
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Its older leaves develop a dark color that gives it its name.
The branch stems also are dark.
Hollies aredioecious, meaning that they have specific genders.
The Spruce / Cara Cormack
Blue holly is a versatile shrub used in borders, screens, hedges, and for foundation plantings.
It has a gnarled, multi-stemmed growth habit and elliptical, leathery leaves, similar to rhododendrons.
Mature plants will sometimes have the appearance of small trees with gnarly trunks.
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Mountain laurel is usually planted in masses around foundations, for screens, or in shrub islands.
Be aware that all parts of the mountain laurel plant are toxic.
Yew (Taxus spp.)
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The foliage color is generally very dark green, sometimes bordering on black.
It is commonly used for foundation plantings.
The leaves are grayish-green with cream-colored margins.
The Spruce / K. Dave
This shrub can be finicky, sometimes dying for no apparent cause.
It is a beautiful choice for shrub borders, screens, or as a foundation plant.
These shrubs remain under 18 inches in height, with a spread of as much as 10 feet.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The foliage is the familiar silver-blue color common to junipers, prickly and scaly in texture.
The seed cones are blackish berries.
Berry-like fruit appears in the late summer and fall andattracts birds.
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Its dark fruits give the plant good color in the winter but they need pollination to produce the fruits.
The plant is often used for casual hedging in moist woodland landscapes.
It works well as an accent bush or even as a small hedge.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This slow-growing evergreen shrub requires full sun and enriched, slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
It is native to the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The southern wax myrtle is hardy in the winter in USDA zones 7 through 10.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Do keep in mind it will only be semi-evergreen in northern zones.
This shrub likes full sun to partial shade and sand soil.
It thrives in full sun with well-drained and loamy soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This ensures they have proper room to spread.
Japanese hollies are often used as hedges or to create topiaries.
check that the Japanese holly has well-draining soil and have a way to protect it from the elements.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The needled evergreen is a slow-growing conifer with a pyramidal shape.
The eastern red cedar provides wildlife value but is also tolerant of deer.
It is air pollution and black walnut resistant.
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It is known for its dull and dark green leaves in a spiny shape.
It has a moderate growth rate and loves full sun.
It is resistant to deer.
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Winter Heath
Winter heath is an evergreen shrub that is a great choice for beginner gardeners.
It is fast growing and has many cultivars you could choose from.
Well-drained soil is also key.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
These are hardy evergreens with bright red berries.
It is a highly drought-tolerant plant.
Do be mindful where you plant, however, as a barberry does not handle being moved well.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Cotoneaster often show off in the fall and go through beautiful changes in color.
This is a low maintenance shrub, It attracts birds but it is deer resistant.
Heavy weather can weaken and break branches.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Kalmia latifolia,North Carolina State University Extension.
Toxicity of Yew Wood and Roots,PennState Extension.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
North Carolina State Extension.
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