5 Evergreen Shrubs Perfect for Dry Season

Evergreen plants may maintain the appearance of lawns in all seasons, including the summer, the dry season, and even drought.

Regardless of location, evergreens are a necessary component of every garden.

In addition to providing year-round aesthetic appeal and privacy, they also give birds and other creatures food and refuge. Country Living says that there are countless species of evergreen shrubs available in every size and form, with hues ranging from the darkest emerald to the brightest golden green.

Some can even withstand intense temperatures, while still producing flowers.

Here are five examples from All About Gardening:

1. Boxwood

A thickly leafed shrub or tree, boxwood has ovate-shaped leaves that are lustrous and dark green in color.

Although once established, boxwoods don't need additional watering, some gardeners don't expect to see them as a drought-tolerant shrubs.

Place boxwood there and in drought-prone areas that are only partially shaded. However, it is crucial to remember that this plant is poisonous to animals in all areas, including horses.

2. Cliffrose

Cliffrose, also known as bitterbrush, is an evergreen perennial with creamy white flowers that give off a delicious aroma that draws insects to the garden.

It is advised to avoid consuming cliffrose and keep it out of the reach of children and dogs because it might be harmful.

Cliffrose that has reached maturity can endure dryness, and certain types may tolerate light shade.

3. Indian Hawthorn

According to iNaturalist, Indian Hawthorn is cultivated for its ornamental pink blossoms and is well-known in the bonsai community.

Small- to medium-sized and evergreen, Indian Hawthorn has a compact, rounded growth habit. This plant is a great choice for hedges, foundations, as well as containers because of its form.

Before becoming dark green, its leaf has a somewhat copper color. Indian Hawthorn has stunning, aromatic flower clusters and leaves that are two to four inches long and leathery. Light pink flower clusters on this shrub develop in late summer, and small bluish-black berries follow in the fall and persist into the winter.

Even though young Indian Hawthorn plants need wet soil, mature bushes can endure brief droughts. However, it should be watered well if the leaves start to droop.

4. Leatherleaf Viburnum

A drought-resistant, evergreen shrub with long, ovate-oblong leaves and a rough texture is known as a leatherleaf viburnum.

It belongs to the honeysuckle family, which has a similar opposite branching behavior. It has long, thick, green leaves that are hairy on the underside. The little, creamy yellowish-white flower clusters are framed by the foliage.

This particular viburnum grows well in most garden environments and, once properly established, can endure prolonged dryness.

5. Oregon Box Leaf

Many gardeners use the evergreen perennial Oregon Box Leaf as a ground cover or a low-growing hedge. With its small, glossy, dark-green leaves, this shrub is most famous for its foliage. For a lovely fall appearance in the winter, the leaves turn a burgundy tint.

From late spring through early fall, the tiny maroon blooms produce an alluring smell for the garden. They blossom near the base of the leaves.

Contrary to its common name, it belongs to the Celastraceae family and not the Boxwood genus. Once established, this plant can endure drought conditions, All About Gardening noted.