evergreen shrubs - A Selection

In May, Rhododendron 'Purple Cushion' is adorned from top to bottom with funnel-shaped, mauve-purple blooms. This small evergreen azalea makes a beautiful cushion of evergreen foliage, just as its name indicates. This self-flowering cultivar is low-maintenance and practically takes care of itself. This plant is suitable for putting in patio planters or in front of acid borders. Height: 75 cm (30). Spread: 1 m (39).

Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' In the depths of winter, this hardy, deciduous shrub bursts into life producing masses of richly perfumed blooms on bare, woody stems. The dark pink flowers fade slowly to white before giving way to small, rounded, purple berries in summer. By autumn, the green foliage of Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn' transforms to a vibrant cloak of orange and yellow, in one final display before the winter returns. This superb RHS AGM variety has a particularly long season of

Camellia is a striking evergreen shrub that's known for its stunning spring display. Glossy leaves reflect the light and the big buds open to reveal beautiful ruffled flowers in red, pink or creamy white.

Fresh shoots will add a touch of drama to your garden with their fine red colouring. Superb, compact camellia with a pyramidal shape, the buds are just as gorgeous as the blooms, blushed with pink. Grown best in acid soil.

From May to June this compact Californian Lilac is covered in dense clusters of deep blue flowers that make an enchanting feature in sunny mixed borders. Ceanothus 'Skylark? is a compact variety, with a spreading habit that lends itself nicely to wall training where space is at a premium.

An evergreen azalea that has dark green foliage. Beautiful crimson-red flowers from April into May. Height 90-100cm.

The Chinese Snowball Bush, Viburnum macrocephalum Happy Fortuna, is a hardy deciduous shrub that grows well in a variety of conditions. They reveal excellent autumn colours later in the year. Large blooms, resembling hydrangeas, appear green in late spring and turn a sharp, clean white as they mature. The leaves on the shrub are tightly packed and provide a wonderful accompaniment to the blooms. Height: 500cm (197). Spread: 400cm (157).

The upright stems of Photinia x fraseri 'Scarlet Blaze' bear fresh and colourful, glossy young leaves in spring, providing a real treat for the eyes! Young leaves emerge vibrant red and remain this shade for a touch longer than other varieties before turning bronze and gradually maturing to dark green in summer, creating a tri coloured display. In late spring cream blooms contrast beautifully with their backdrop of eye-catching foliage. This evergreen shrub will provide colour and structure in

Transform your garden with the timeless elegance of Camellia ?Nuccio?s Gem?, a prized evergreen shrub celebrated for its formal double, deep pink blooms. Flowering from winter into early spring, it brings vibrant colour and sophistication during the colder months when the garden often feels bare. With its lush green foliage providing year-round interest, this Camellia is perfect for creating structure in borders, containers, or shaded corners of the garden.This moderately growing shrub thrives

Elegant white flowers with a central cluster of golden stamens make a dazzling display from late Winter onwards. The loose, peony-like blooms of Camellia japonica ?Silver Anniversary? sparkle like snowflakes against a backdrop of glossy, dark green foliage.

Camellia x williamsii 'E.T.R. Carlyon' offers a stunning display of white blossoms in spring, which contrast beautifully with its dark, glossy foliage. The semi-double flowers appear in abundance later in the season, creating a striking effect. This variety is exceptionally hardy, with a bushy, upright growth habit, making it an excellent choice for a garden screen or as a standout specimen shrub in acid soils. It can reach a height of 4m (13?) and a spread of 2.5m (8?). Culinary note: The

Exceptionally pretty, Rhododendron 'Dora Amateis' is a free flowering variety producing a fabulous display in late April. Palest pink buds open to reveal glistening white flowers with a delicate hint of pink.

Large, showy flowers in a delightful shade of pink with deeper spotting at the throat of each bloom characterise Rhododendron 'Dearest'. This evergreen Azalea looks great in a pot on the patio or creeping over low walls and rockeries. It enjoys a slightly shady location away from the cold winter winds, but other than that, it requires very little care. It is indeed a prolific late spring bloomer! Height: 40 cm (16). Spread: 80 cm (31).

This robust evergreen Rhododendron is perfect for adding colour to a shady acid border! Rhododendron ponticum 'Variegatum' has deep green leaves with silvery edges. A plethora of mauve flowers bloom in huge clusters from late May. The leaf markings are more faint than some variegated species, blending in well with borders and providing a nice background for other plants. Height and spread: 150 cm (59).

Rhododendron 'Firecracker' is a striking, low-maintenance deciduous azalea that provides a burst of colour to the garden with its bright scarlet-red flowers. It is ideal for adding vibrancy to partial shade or dappled sunlight areas and can be used in borders, containers, or mass plantings. With its compact size, glossy green foliage, and long-lasting blooms, it?s a perfect choice for creating a colourful, easy-care garden. As with all azaleas, 'Firecracker' thrives in acidic, well-drained soil