Effective Evergreen Shrubs for Weed Control - 5 Recommendations from Experts to Prevent Troublesome Plants in Your Garden
Evergreens are commonly known for their supporting roles in the garden, but they're worth acknowledging for their prowess in weed suppression too. In a sea of attention-grabbing blooms, these resilient shrubs tirelessly work behind the scenes to keep the dirt clear, much like an unsung hero.
From our experiences as professional gardeners, creeping juniper and prostrate rosemary have proven themselves worthy contenders against invasive weeds. In both private and public gardens across London, these robust evergreens create a dense covering that effectively restricts wind-blown seeds from sprouting.
That said, they're not perfect. A dandelion can find a way through, but that's alright. Gardening isn't about perfection; it's about balance. Let the evergreens handle the brunt of the weed war, and you can focus on the pesky stragglers that manage to worm their way in. Here's a rundown on five of the best evergreen warriors that have prevailed in our gardens, including tips on shaping and aftercare.
5 Best Evergreens to Combat Weeds
No matter where you reside or your USDA hardiness zone, weeds will always be a pesky problem. If you're pondering how to maintain your garden's defense against intruding weeds from your neighbors' yards or seeking methods to declutter your flowerbeds, these evergreen heroes could be your allies.
1. Illicium
Native plants are undeniably enchanting, and Illicium fits the bill. This native North American species brings lush, dense foliage to flowerbeds, making it a worthy addition for weed suppression and enhancing your outdoor space.
In a nod to our native plant options, Illicium parviflorum 'Forest Green' and Illicium floridanum (also known as Florida anise) stand out. The former boasts white flowers that bloom in part-shade, down to zone 7. The latter showcases crimson, spider-like blooms and leathery leaves that flourish in the image above.
Whether you decide to grow 'Forest Green' or Florida anise, they can reach up to 10 feet or so in height and width, but can be managed to maintain a compact, dense appearence that will fill borders and fortify your defenses against weeds. Just be mindful – the fruit of Florida anise is toxic if ingested, so keep pets and children away.
Looking to grow Illicium? Check out these starter plants available on Amazon and Walmart.
2. Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster is a versatile family of hardy shrubs hailing from diverse regions in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. With many species trailing as low as zone 3, these tough shrubs demand minimal attention.
If you're seeking low-growing evergreens, try the 'Cranberry Cotoneaster' variety available from Nature Hills. Its dense growth habit makes it an efficient weed suppressant in borders, while its attractive berries brighten your garden in the winter months.
To find the perfect Cotoneaster for your garden, consult the full list of species to discover their diverse moods, preferences, and ideal hardiness zones.
3. Yew
Should you question the effectiveness of evergreens, yew is your answer. Alex Kantor, owner of Perfect Plants Nursery, strongly advocates yew as a formidable ally against weeds. Here's a stellar suggestion for a low-maintenance, spreading yew available from Perfect Plants for your lawn.
Whether you're working on landscaping with evergreens or simply craving a dependable, dense shrub, this variety offers a reliable barrier against unwelcome intruders while flourishing in both full sun and shade. Shaped to your liking, it can grow all the way down to zone 4.
4. Inkberry
Longing for an alternative to boxwood? Inkberry holly, or Ilex glabra, is an ideal option, offering smooth, waxy evergreen leaves that form dense canopies in garden beds. Plus, this shrub is remarkably resilient against pests, with rabbits and deer typically eschewing its leaves.
Not only is inkberry impressive in terms of weed suppression, but its hardiness ranges from zone 5 to zone 10, making it a suitable fit for most gardeners. To score yourself some live inkberry plants, head to Amazon. Proper care includes trimming it lightly once a year in early spring, maintaining its dense growth and preventing areas for weeds to grow.
5. Arborvitae
Ever heard of thuja? In the realm of easy-to-grow evergreen trees and shrubs, arborvitae, or thuja, serves as a powerful weapon against weeds. These dense evergreens can thrive in zones 5 to 9, and many thrive well in full sun to light shade.
Select a compact variety like the 'Fire Chief' thuja, available from Fast Growing Trees, to ensure your evergreen hero remains suitably contained. With its striking autumn colors and dense habit, it'll create a sizable barricade against nettles and docks.
FAQs
Is nandina one of the best evergreens to stop weeds?
Indeed, nandina, or heavenly bamboo, can be deployed in borders to suppress weeds. However, the vigorous growth of this evergreen makes it invasive in certain areas like Texas and Florida, so proceed with caution. Consult your local government office to determine its suitability for your region. For smaller gardens, opt for a compact variety such as 'Firepower,' available from Perfect Plants Nursery.
When planting any of these species, remember to provide a deep watering following planting to help establish them. Once developed, many of these options will become autonomous, requiring minimal maintenance. Check out our guide on the best native perennials to stop weeds for more ideas.
Don't forget to arm yourself with the necessary gardening tools to tame the weed beast. These puncture-resistant leather gloves, lightweight weeding tools, and black kneeling pads are a great starting point. Happy gardening!
Incorporating evergreens into your home-and-garden lifestyle can lend a hand in keeping weeds at bay, especially in the landscaping of your home. Besides 'Creeping Juniper' and 'Prostrate Rosemary', consider adding 'Illicium', 'Cotoneaster', 'Yew', 'Inkberry', and 'Arborvitae' to your garden to fortify your defenses against weeds. Each of these evergreen warriors, such as the compact 'Fire Chief' thuja, offers a dense growth habit that effectively suppresses weeds and thrives in different USDA hardiness zones. These indoor plants can also help enhance your home-and-garden lifestyle by brightening up your indoor spaces with their evergreen foliage and attractive berries.
