14 Evergreen Shrubs for Pots in the Shade

Boxwood shrubs do very well in containers and can be shaped into topiaries. Place Boxwood away from strong winds and keep rotating the pot to keep the shape balanced and uniform. Depending on the pot size, there are dwarf varieties available. Littleleaf or Japanese boxwood reaches a height of 4 feet (1.2m), but being planted in a container will limit their growth.

Trailing or upright tuberous begonias are an excellent choice for pot plants in shaded areas. They prefer more shade and less heat. Be mindful of the begonia's needs when watering. Let the plant dry out between watering and allow them to become root-bound. Plant begonias in the well-drained soil mix, and they look stunning in a hanging basket.

Fuchsia is a shade plant that is beautiful in pots combined with other plants. Fuchsia grows best at a minimum of 32°F (0°C) and up to 86°F (30°C). It prefers temperatures below 85 °F (29C). Keep the soil damp but not soggy and feed regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Pinch out the tips often to force new blooms.

Cypress is a dwarf, evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that has excellent tolerance to drought and shade. It grows best at a minimum of 32°F (0°C) and up to 86°F (30°C). Keep the well-drained soil damp but not soggy. They are easy to grow in containers and will reward you for many years.

Nandina prefers well-drained, fertile, moist soil and performs well from hot to cold weather. They come in compact cultivars, which provide great contrast when planted with other plants, such as hellebore and heuchera, in a large container. In addition, their red and burgundy leaves look stunning against the green of other plants.

Aucuba is a very low maintenance shiny leafed, rewarding plant with variegated foliage. They can be placed in deep shade to partial shade or light shade and even dry shade. They grow tall, so make sure your container is heavy enough to stabilize wind. Dwarf varieties are also available, which reach about 3ft (1m). Keep soil moist but not soggy and let it dry between watering.

Shallow rooted coral bells bloom on spikes with pink flowers in late spring to early summer. The lighter color coral bells prefer shady areas. However, they will let you know if they are getting too much sun as the edges of their leaves will turn brown. Plant them up with a few half part compost and an organic fertilizer every six weeks during the growing season.

Yews are ideal for shaping as topiaries. They thrive in the shade, remain evergreen, and are stunning alone or grouped to form a screen. Plant yews in well-drained potting soil, which is mixed with compost. They are fast-growing, so they make ideal screening plants. Ensure enough water but never allow the container plant to stand in water.

A slow-growing flowering shrub or small evergreen tree with bronze foliage and beautiful flowers from fall to early spring. They are shade loving shrubs in Southern gardens. They are acid-loving plants so with acidic soil and lots of organic matter. Use azalea or camellia fertilizer during their growing season, which is winter to early summer. They need protection from the wind.

Both azalea and rhododendron are stunning showy flowering shrubs that will brighten up a shady area with their large blooms. Their requirements are the same, and they thrive in acidic soil. Rhododendron comes in dwarf varieties and an abundance of colors. Plant in acid soil and water thoroughly and keep moist or they will have bud drop. The flower through fall to mid to late winter.

A small compact evergreen shrub with underground rhizomes with glossy leaves and has a wintergreen fragrance. Evergreen plants with dark green foliage with a red berry that can tolerate cold and damp conditions make a good choice for potting or planting in shady areas. They can survive very low temperatures.

An easy-to-grow screening shrub that can tolerate drought and can be grown as a specimen plant in a container in a protected position. Only water once the soil is dry. To keep the plant small and contained, prune in spring to early summer.

Mountain laurel is large low maintenance, evergreen shrub with azalea like blooms and glossy leaves. They come in dwarf varieties better suited to containers. Water mountain laurel regularly and feed during the growing season. Plant in ericaceous soil mix as these are acid-loving plants.

Waxy white flower to creamy white with shiny green leaves, these heat-loving evergreen shrubs are easy to grow. Gardenia bloom from late spring to late summer. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and planted in well-draining soil. Never let the soil dry out but also do not overwater. They prefer acidic soil, which is rich in humus and a mulch of pine needles. They enjoy temperatures of between 60F (18C) to 70F (21C).