USDA planting zone 7 a relatively moderate climate where summers aren’t blazing hot, and winter cold usually isn’t severe. However, evergreen shrubs in zone 7 must be hardy enough to withstand occasional temperatures well below freezing – sometimes even hovering around 0 degrees F. (-18 C.).
If you’re in the market for zone 7 evergreen shrubs, there are many plants that create interest and beauty year-round. Read on to learn about just a few.
Evergreen Shrubs for Zone 7
Since there are a number of evergreen shrubs that can fit the bill for planting in zone 7, naming them all would be far too difficult. That said, here are some of the more commonly seen evergreen shrub choices for inclusion:
- Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), zones 5-9
- Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), zones 7-10
- Japanese holly (Ilex crenata), zones 6-9
- Japanese skimmia (Skimmia japonica), zones 7-9
- Dwarf mugo pine (Pinus mugo ‘compacta’), zones 6-8
- Dwarf English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), zones 6-8
- Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), zones 5-9
- Japanese/wax privet (Ligustrom japonicum), zones 7-10
- Blue Star juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’), zones 4-9
- Boxwood (Buxus), zones 5-8
- Chinese fringe-flower (Loropetalum chinense ‘Rubrum’), zones 7-10
- Winter daphne (Daphne odora), zones 6-8
- Oregon grape holly (Mahonia aquifolium), zones 5-9
Tips on Planting Zone 7 Evergreens
Consider the mature width of zone 7 evergreen shrubs and allow plenty of space between boundaries such as walls or sidewalks. As a general rule, the distance between the shrub and the boundary should be a minimum of half the mature width of the shrub. A shrub expected to reach a mature width of 6 feet (2 m.), for example, should be planted at least 3 feet (1 m.) from the boundary.
Although some evergreen shrubs tolerate damp conditions, most varieties prefer well-drained soil and may not survive in consistently wet, soggy ground. A few inches (8 cm.) of mulch, such as pine needles or bark chips, will keep roots cool and moist in summer, and will protect the shrub from damage caused by freezing and thawing in winter. Mulch also keeps weeds in check. Be sure evergreen shrubs have sufficient moisture, especially during hot, dry summers.
Keep the shrubs well irrigated until the ground freezes. A healthy, well-watered shrub is more likely to survive a harsh winter.