Last week’s blog was all about small deciduous trees. This week it’s small conifers and evergreens -- including both small trees and large shrubs -- and the list is even longer, even though I stopped short of listing every possibility.

In addition to serving as specimens in small gardens, many of these selections are great for year ‘round screening as well. Want to know the difference between conifers and evergreens? Here’s a previous blog on the subject:

Aucubas are dynamite broadleaf evergreen shrubs for shade, and they’re available with solid green or variegated foliage. Their large, glossy leaves make them stand out in any setting, and butterflies flock to their flowers. Expect most varieties to slowly reach 4’ to 6’ in height. For the best in variegated leaves, check out ‘Mr. Goldstrike.’ It’s gorgeous.

All hollies do best in rich, acidic soil that drains well, although Yaupons will also grow in wet soils. They all need a good deal of sun, but will tolerate a few hours of afternoon shade. Most, but not all will produce the familiar red berries. Here are the best choices for our area in descending order of size. All make excellent hedges.

The classic southern Magnolia can ultimately reach heights of 60’ to 80’. But there are two smaller versions available -- ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Teddy Bear.’ Both have all the attributes of the original -- including its huge, richly fragrant flowers -- but grow to only 20’ in as many years. Plant in full sun and well drained soil, and keep in mind that they do not take well to transplanting.

One of the best small trees in this category is the variety known as ‘Emerald Green.’ Its rich green foliage and narrow form make it an outstanding choice for screening, and it holds up well in our summer heat and humidity. This beauty grows at a moderate rate to roughly 15’ tall and 3’ wide. Needs rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Grows best in full sun, but a bit of afternoon shade is fine.

Hands down, the two most popular junipers are ‘Taylor’ and ‘Spartan.’ Both grow fairly rapidly to about 20’ tall and less than 5’ wide. Taylor is the narrower of the two (3’ wide at most) and has silvery blue-green foliage, whereas Spartan is bright green. Both need full sun, and both are reasonably drought-tolerant once established. Ideal for screening, and reminiscent of the classic cypress trees seen throughout Italy. For something different, check out the twisted, contorted shape of the Hollywood juniper.

If you’re unfamiliar with this conifer, by all means check it out, especially the variety called ‘Black Dragon.’ Its short-needled foliage is light green in early spring, then turns a deep black-green in summer. It forms an irregular pyramid shape so it works in formal and informal settings. Plan on it getting around 6’ or 7’ tall and 4’ or so wide in sun to part shade. Needs acidic soil, so add our Custom Azalea Mix at planting time.

Blue Atlas cedars can get quite tall, as in well over 60’ or more. But the ‘Horstmann,’ which looks like its giant parent, tops out at a mere 10’ after five years. Its icy-blue foliage and architectural form have made it one of the most popular cedar selections of all time. Looks great as a specimen or planted in groups of three. Needs full sun, but adapts to most soil types with good drainage.

What a winner! This choice conifer tops out at around 12’ with weeping branches and dark green, needled leaves. Fits nicely into tight spots and grows in most soil types so long as they drain well. It’s a slow grower, but well worth the wait. Ideal for Asian-themed gardens, courtyards, or any sunny spot that calls out for an eye-catching specimen.

The dwarf Alberta is a dense, pointed conifer (think classic Christmas tree form) that grows to around 8’ by 5’. Although it can handle plenty of sun, I think it benefits from a few hours of shade in the afternoon. Soil must drain well, and because its dense foliage can trap and hold moisture, it needs a spot with good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases. This is one of the best conifers for growing in containers.

Another fantastic choice for shade are the yews, and one called Hicks is a great choice for screening. It slowly grows to 10’, maybe 12’ tall and roughly 3’ to 4’ wide. Needled foliage is a dense, glossy green which contrasts beautifully with its red berries. Grows best in moist, evenly moist soil. ‘Capitata’ is another great choice with a pyramidal form that can grow to 20’ and is fruitless.

The popular red-tip or Fraser Photinia grows to between 10’ and 20’ tall and 5’ to 10’ wide as a large shrub or small tree with a single or multiple trunks. Its new foliage is striking red, and it produces masses of white flowers in spring, especially when it gets plenty of sun. It’s not too picky about soil type, but does prefer those that are alkaline rather than acidic. Provide good air circulation to minimize the threat of fungal disease.

At roughly 8’ by 4’, this is one tough evergreen. It’s a fast grower, hardy, tough as nails, and will adapt to just about any soil type. It even grows in wet areas. Fragrant white flowers appear in spring and attract lots of pollinators. Makes a great living fence.

If you’ve held off growing roses because you think of them as finicky or difficult to grow, I’ve got news for you -- neither is true. It all comes down to picking the right rose for your situation.