Comparison: Best Evergreen Plants For Raised Beds (Updated | Jan 12th)
Looking to bring year-round color and texture to your garden? But with so many options, how do you choose the best ones? We’ve done the research and testing to bring you a handpicked list of evergreens that thrive in raised beds, stay lush all year, and require minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these reliable performers will keep your garden looking vibrant and full—no matter the season.
Key Takeaways
- Top pick offers fast growth and dense evergreen coverage for year-round privacy.
- Choose plants rated for your hardiness zone to ensure long-term survival.
- Opt for low-maintenance varieties ideal for raised beds and border designs.
- Ensure good drainage in raised beds to support healthy evergreen growth.
- Prioritize cold hardiness and foliage density when selecting evergreen plants.
Perfect Plants Blue Pacific Juniper Shrub 1 Gallon | Real Live Outdoor Plant | Exotic Groundcover Perennial | Evergreen Foliage All Year Long
Fast-Growing Ground Cover
- Fast growth rate
- Dense evergreen coverage
- Cold hardy zones 6-9
- BEST FOR FAST-GROWING GROUND COVER: Perfect Plants Blue Pacific Juniper Shrub 1 Gallon | Real Live Outdoor Plant | Exotic Groundcover Perennial | Evergreen Foliage All Year Long Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT BISTRO BOXWOODS: Two Green Velvet Boxwoods – 2 Live Evergreen Plants Shipped 6-8″ Tall by DAS Farms Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HEDGE-READY EVERGREENS: Wintergreen Boxwood | 20 Live Plants | Buxus Microphylla | Evergreen Shrub Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PRIVACY SCREEN STARTERS: Wintergreen Boxwood | 10 Live 4 Inch Plants | Buxus Microphylla | Evergreen Shrub Read More ↓
- BEST FOR LOW-WATER TOPIARY CHOICE: Japanese Boxwood | 10 Live Plants | Buxus Microphylla | Evergreen Shrub Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Evergreen Plants For Raised Beds
Perfect Plants Blue Pacific Juniper Shrub 1 Gallon | Real Live Outdoor Plant | Exotic Groundcover Perennial | Evergreen Foliage All Year Long
The Perfect Plants Blue Pacific Juniper is an excellent evergreen choice for raised beds, offering rapid growth and striking visual appeal. This dwarf creeping shrub spreads 2–4 feet per year, forming a dense mat of vibrant blue-green foliage that stays lush year-round.
Hardy in USDA zones 6–9, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for ground cover or border accents. Its trailing habit spills beautifully over bed edges, adding dimension to your garden.
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, it resists pests and requires minimal pruning. Perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking to enhance curb appeal with a hardy, fast-growing evergreen.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Fast growth rate
- Dense evergreen coverage
- Cold hardy zones 6-9
- Low maintenance
- Great for borders
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Spreads aggressively
- Needs full sun
- Not for shade gardens
Two Green Velvet Boxwoods – 2 Live Evergreen Plants Shipped 6-8″ Tall by DAS Farms
These Two Green Velvet Boxwoods from DAS Farms are compact, evergreen shrubs perfect for raised beds and formal garden designs. Shipped 6–8 inches tall in quart containers, they establish easily when planted directly in the ground.
Thriving in USDA zones 5–8, they prefer full to partial sun and well-drained soil. Their rich, glossy green foliage stays vibrant all year, offering a tidy, rounded appearance without excessive pruning.
Known for their resilience and slow growth, they’re ideal for low hedges, edging, or container accents. Each plant is double-boxed for safe delivery, and planting instructions ensure successful establishment.
A reliable, attractive choice for structured, long-lasting garden appeal.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Year-round green foliage
- Compact and tidy growth
- Easy to establish
- Ideal for edging
- Hardy in zones 5-8
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slow growth rate
- Must plant directly in ground
- Limited height for privacy
Wintergreen Boxwood | 20 Live Plants | Buxus Microphylla | Evergreen Shrub, Dense Foliage, Formal Garden, Low Maintenance, Privacy Hedge, Year-Round Interest, Landscaping Shrub
These 20 live Wintergreen Boxwood plants from Florida Foliage are an excellent choice for creating lush, year-round greenery in raised beds. Buxus microphylla is prized for its compact growth and dense, glossy foliage that stays vibrant through all seasons.
Perfect for formal hedges or garden borders, these low-maintenance shrubs thrive in full sun to partial shade and adapt well to various soil types. Each plant arrives healthy and well-established, ready to grow with minimal pruning.
Ideal for busy gardeners who want a polished, timeless look without constant upkeep. Their small size fits perfectly in raised beds, offering texture and privacy.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Year-round green foliage
- Low maintenance
- Dense, compact growth
- Easy to shape
- Great for hedges
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slow growth rate
- May need winter protection
- Slightly higher cost
Wintergreen Boxwood | 10 Live 4 Inch Plants | Buxus Microphylla | Evergreen Shrub, Dense Foliage, Formal Garden, Low Maintenance, Privacy Hedge, Year-Round Interest, Landscaping Shrub
This pack of 10 live Wintergreen Boxwood plants (4-inch size) offers a space-saving solution for raised bed gardens. Buxus microphylla delivers rich, evergreen color and a tidy appearance with minimal care.
These compact shrubs are perfect for defining edges, creating low borders, or adding structure to mixed plantings. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and tolerate a range of soil conditions, making them ideal for beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
The smaller quantity suits tighter spaces or smaller raised beds. Plants arrive rooted and ready to establish quickly, providing long-term beauty and privacy in a natural, elegant form.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Perfect for small spaces
- Fast establishment
- Dense evergreen foliage
- Low pruning needs
- Ideal for raised beds
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Only 10 plants
- Slight size variation
- Limited spread coverage
Japanese Boxwood | 10 Live Plants | Buxus Microphylla | Evergreen Shrub, Low Maintenance, Ideal for Hedges, Dense Foliage, Perfect for Borders, Hardy Versatile Landscaping
Bring timeless elegance to your raised beds with these 10 live Japanese Boxwood plants from Florida Foliage. Known for their dense, glossy foliage and slow growth, these evergreen shrubs stay green year-round with minimal care.
Perfect for borders, low hedges, or sculpted topiaries, they thrive in partial to full sun and adapt well to various soil types as long as drainage is adequate. Once established, they require little watering, making them drought-tolerant and eco-friendly.
Their compact size and neat appearance enhance structured garden designs while resisting pests and diseases. Ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking reliable, long-lasting greenery.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Year-round greenery
- Low water needs
- Pest resistant
- Easy to shape
- Great for borders
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Slow growth
- Needs well-drained soil
- Slight winter browning
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for when choosing evergreen plants for raised beds?
Look for plants with shallow root systems that thrive in confined spaces. Consider soil drainage, sunlight exposure, and mature plant size to ensure they fit well in your raised bed. Evergreens like boxwood or dwarf conifers adapt well and provide year-round structure. Also, check hardiness zones to ensure long-term survival.
How do evergreen shrubs compare to ground cover plants for raised beds?
Shrubs like dwarf holly offer height and privacy, while ground covers like creeping juniper spread horizontally and suppress weeds. Shrubs typically require more maintenance but add architectural interest. Ground covers are low-maintenance and ideal for filling space quickly, offering a lush, green appearance year-round.
Which evergreen plants offer the best value for money?
Dwarf conifers and yews are excellent long-term investments due to their slow growth and minimal care needs. They last for years without frequent replacement. Though slightly higher in upfront cost, their durability saves money over time. Pair them with affordable ground covers for a balanced, cost-effective planting scheme.
Are there low-maintenance evergreen options for raised beds?
Yes, plants like mountain laurel and Japanese spurge require little pruning and thrive with minimal care. They prefer well-drained soil, common in raised beds, and resist pests and diseases. Once established, they need only occasional watering and mulching. These traits make them ideal for busy gardeners.
What are the best evergreens for small raised beds?
Choose compact varieties like dwarf boxwood, dwarf Alberta spruce, or hebe. These stay small and won’t overcrowd limited space. They’re also easier to manage and maintain neat appearances. Their slow growth reduces the need for frequent trimming.
How important is soil quality for evergreens in raised beds?
Soil quality is crucial since raised beds drain faster and can dry out quickly. Use a mix rich in organic matter to retain moisture and support healthy roots. Most evergreens prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amending soil at planting time boosts growth and resilience.
Can I mix different evergreens in the same raised bed?
Yes, combining textures and heights—like spiky hollies with soft hemlocks—creates visual interest. Ensure all plants have similar sun and water needs for best results. Avoid overcrowding by spacing according to mature sizes. A well-planned mix can provide full, year-round color and structure.