Bring Year-Round Color & Structure to Your Connecticut Landscape- Winter-Ready Evergreens That Thrive in Connecticut Winters
As temperatures drop and the vibrant colors of fall fade away, your landscape doesn’t have to lose its charm. At Shannon Lawn & Landscaping and Shannon Garden Center in Stratford, CT, we specialize in evergreens and four-season plants that thrive through New England winters—bringing beauty, structure, and color to your yard all year long.
Whether you’re designing a new landscape, refreshing garden beds, or adding interest to entryways and foundation plantings, these winter-hardy evergreens will keep your property looking polished and alive through every season.
Classic Evergreens for Structure and Year-Round Green
Nothing provides timeless structure like a classic evergreen. Boxwoods and Hollies are two of the most reliable foundation plants for Connecticut landscapes, known for their glossy foliage, compact habit, and ability to stay lush and green even in freezing weather.
Boxwood
Boxwoods are dense, slow-growing shrubs that tolerate full sun to part shade and prefer well-drained soil. They can be easily shaped into hedges, borders, or topiary forms—ideal for both formal and modern landscapes.
Popular varieties we carry include:
- ‘Little Missy’ Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) – A compact, rounded variety that stays small (2–3 ft tall) and resists winter bronzing. Perfect for edging walkways or planting in front of taller evergreens.
- ‘NewGen Freedom’ Boxwood (Buxus) – Vigorous and disease-resistant, this variety maintains a deep green color through winter. Grows 3–4 ft tall and wide, ideal for low hedges.
- ‘Green Velvet’ Boxwood (Buxus) – A customer favorite for its soft, velvety foliage and round form. Thrives in sun to part shade and matures around 3–4 ft.
- ‘Cranberry Creek’ Pyramidal Boxwood (Buxus) – An upright form perfect for seasonal planters or as a vertical accent in landscape beds.
‘Hoogendorn’ Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Hoogendorn’)
If you’re looking for an alternative to Boxwood, this low-growing holly offers similar texture with improved winter hardiness. It grows 2–3 ft tall, tolerates full sun to part shade, and holds its rich green color all winter. Excellent for borders or foundation plantings where you want structure without frequent pruning.
Add a Pop of Color All Year Long
Who says winter landscapes have to be dull? Add brightness and contrast to your garden with colorful evergreens that hold gold, chartreuse, or variegated tones throughout the coldest months.
Japanese False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera) These graceful evergreens bring soft texture and vivid color to the landscape.
- ‘Vintage Gold’ – A compact variety with fine, feathery golden foliage. Grows 2–3 ft tall and wide. Perfect for mixed borders or rock gardens.
- ‘Golden Mop’ – Features cascading thread-like foliage in bright golden-yellow that stays vibrant all year. Reaches 3–4 ft tall and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.
Dwarf Arborvitae Cultivars (Thuja occidentalis) Arborvitaes are known for their dense, hardy growth and rich evergreen color.
- ‘Hetz Midget’ – A perfectly rounded dwarf arborvitae that reaches 3 ft tall and wide, great for front foundations or low hedges.
- ‘Anna’s Magic Ball’ – Compact, golden foliage that glows in every season. Its cheerful color stands out against darker greens and snow, reaching just 2 ft tall.
Variegated Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei) For a splash of contrast, Wintercreeper varieties feature variegated leaves that bring light and movement to shaded or partially sunny areas.
- ‘Gold Splash’ – Large, rounded green leaves edged in golden yellow. Ideal for slopes, borders, or as groundcover.
- ‘Aureo-Marginata’ – A classic favorite with rich green centers and creamy-yellow margins. Excellent for adding winter brightness to beds and retaining walls.
Evergreens That Flower: Color and Fragrance Through Winter and Spring
If you love flowers but still want year-round foliage, consider flowering evergreens that bloom even in the cooler months. These plants add texture, fragrance, and seasonal interest—especially in shaded or protected spots.
Pieris (Andromeda) An elegant evergreen shrub prized for its cascading clusters of bell-shaped flowers and glossy green leaves. Thrives in part shade with acidic, well-drained soil.
- ‘Cavatine’ Pieris (Pieris japonica) – A compact variety growing 2–3 ft tall with white, fragrant spring flowers and rich evergreen leaves.
- ‘Prelude’ Pieris (Pieris japonica) – Slightly larger and equally stunning, it blooms early and provides beautiful red new growth that matures to deep green.
Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) Evergreen azaleas are a favorite in Connecticut landscapes for their spring blooms and winter foliage. They prefer filtered sunlight and acidic soil.
- ‘Silver Sword’ Azalea – Eye-catching variegated foliage with silver and green tones; blooms with soft pink flowers in spring.
- ‘Hino Crimson’ Azalea – A reliable early bloomer with striking red flowers and dense, evergreen leaves.
- White & Pink Varieties – Add contrast and color variety; many hold their foliage year-round in Connecticut climates.
Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) Large, showy evergreens that provide spectacular spring blooms and lush foliage throughout the year.
- ‘Crete’ Rhododendron – Features vivid purple-pink blooms and glossy dark green leaves. Grows 4–6 ft tall.
- ‘Percy Wiseman’ Rhododendron – A standout choice with blooms that open peachy-pink and fade to cream, creating a multicolor effect. Grows 4–5 ft tall.
Build a Four-Season Landscape with Shannon Lawn & Landscaping
Connecticut winters can be harsh—but your landscape doesn’t have to lose its appeal. With the right mix of evergreens, flowering shrubs, and colorful conifers, you can enjoy lasting texture, structure, and color in every season. When you hire Shannon Lawn & Landscaping, our professional team will guide you through every step of the landscape design and installation process. Together, we’ll create an outdoor space that’s not only beautiful but also functional and tailored to your property’s unique needs. With over 38 years of experience, Shannon Lawn & Landscaping is the trusted local name Fairfield and New Haven County homeowners rely on for exceptional results year after year.
📍 1111 Honeyspot Road, Stratford, CT 06615
📞 203-375-8240
🌿 www.shannonlandscaping.com
Take Your Lawn Back With Our Lawn Care & Landscaping Services Based In Stratford, CT and Serving Fairfield and New Haven Counties