There is an evergreen tree for every growing zone, and 8 is no exception. It isn’t just the northern climates that get to enjoy this year-round greenery; Zone 8 evergreen varieties are plentiful and provide screening, shade, and a pretty backdrop for any temperate garden.
Growing Evergreen Trees in Zone 8
Zone 8 is temperate with hot summers, warm weather in the fall and spring, and mild winters. It is spotty in the west and stretches through parts of the southwest, Texas, and into the southeast up to North Carolina. Growing evergreen trees in zone 8 is very much doable and you actually have a lot of options if you want year-round green.
Once established in the right location, your evergreen tree care should be easy, not requiring much maintenance. Some trees may need to be pruned to keep their shape and others may drop some needles in the fall or winter, which may necessitate a cleanup.
Examples of Evergreen Trees for Zone 8
Being in zone 8 actually gives you a lot of options for evergreen trees, from flowering varieties like magnolia to accent trees like juniper or hedges you can shape like holly. Here are just a few zone 8 evergreen trees you might want to try:
- Juniper. Several varieties of juniper will grow well in zone 8 and this is a pretty accent tree. They are most often grown together in a row to provide an attractive visual and auditory screen. These evergreen trees are durable, dense, and many tolerate drought well.
- American holly. Holly is a great choice for fast growth and for many other reasons. It grows quickly and densely and can be shaped, so it works as a tall hedge, but also as stand-alone, shaped trees. Holly produces vibrant red berries in winter.
- Cypress. For a tall, majestic zone 8 evergreen, go for a cypress. Plant these with plenty of space because they grow big, up to 60 feet (18 m.) in height and 12 feet (4 m.) across.
- Evergreen magnolias. For a flowering evergreen, choose a magnolia. Some varieties are deciduous, but others are evergreen. You can find cultivars in different sizes, from 60 feet (18 m.) to compact and dwarf.
- Queen palm. In zone 8, you are just within the limits for many palm trees, which are evergreen because they don’t lose their leaves seasonally. A queen palm is a fast-growing and regal looking tree that anchors a yard and lends a tropical air. It will grow up to about 50 feet (15 m.) tall.
There are a lot of zone 8 evergreen trees to choose from, and these are just a few of the most popular choices. Explore your local nursery or contact your extension office to find other options for your area.