Dwarf Evergreen Flowering Shrubs

Dwarf evergreen flowering shrubs are common in many areas, especially temperate coastal regions such as the southern United States and the Pacific Northwest. Dwarfs are available for many types of evergreen flowering shrubs.

Full-sized rhododendrons are among the best known evergreen shrubs. You can choose from among many species of dwarf rhododendrons that can fit many niche locations in your landscape. Although they generally do better in warmer, more humid climates, some varieties of dwarf rhododendron can be cold-hardy down to between -5 and -10 degrees F. Rhododendrons often do best in loamy, acidic soil and can be tolerant of partial shade.

Azaleas are a member of the rhododendron family. As such, much of what is true about rhododendron cultivation, such as light preferences and soil, applies to azaleas. Azaleas are by nature, however, smaller than rhododendrons, and thus can fit well into garden areas where dwarf rhododendrons might work. Azaleas can have a variety of flower shapes in a number of different colors, ranging from 2-1/2 to 5 inches across.

Camellias, left to their own devices, can grow to over 40 feet tall. Some dwarf varieties of camellia can still grow to nearly 20 feet if not pruned. When growing dwarf camellia as an evergreen flowering shrub, you will need to prune the shrub every year to maintain its diminutive size. Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea is produced, is generally limited to around 4 feet through pruning and harvesting. Some camellias, such as Fujian camellia, can be easily limited to under a foot tall through pruning.