1
Southern Magnolia
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Known for their lush, waxy foliage and large white blossoms, southern magnolias are tall trees that need space to spread out, and they're also Watkins' favorite evergreen. “A single magnolia can add a sense of scale and elegance to even the largest home,” Watkins says.
Growing conditions: Direct sun or partial shade, well-drained soil
Drought tolerance: Good
Height at maturity: 40-60 feet
Zones: 7 to 9
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2
Canary Island Pine
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Unlike the traditional pine trees you see around Christmas time, Canary Island pine trees have long, beautiful needles. This tree is hearty and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.
Growing conditions: Direct sun or partial shade, well-drained soil
Drought tolerance: Very good
Height at maturity: up to 80 feet
Zone: 9-11
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3
Eastern White Pine
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If you live in the Northeast, Watkins suggests the stately Eastern White Pine. “It's a formal-looking pine with dark needles and a pyramidal, uniform branching structure,” Watkins says. Its dense branching structure also makes it perfect for adding privacy to your yard.
Growing conditions: Direct sun or partial shade, well-drained soil
Drought Tolerance: Semi
Height at maturity: 55-75 feet
Zones: 3-8
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Four
Live Oak
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Majestic and otherworldly, live oaks are some of the largest and oldest evergreens in the U.S. They're perfect for providing shade: “Homeowners can grow these trees with tall canopies to provide shade in the low winter light and block the harsh summer sun,” says Watkins.
Growing conditions: Direct sun or partial shade, well-drained soil
Drought tolerance: Good
Height at maturity: 40-80 feet
Zones: 7B to 10B
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Five
Coast Live Oak
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Also known as the California live oak, this variety thrives best in mild coastal climates. According to the Golden Gate National Conservation Area, the tree typically grows in well-drained soils on coastal hills and plains, often near streams that have year-round or year-round water.
Growing conditions: Direct sun or partial shade, well-drained soil
Drought tolerance: Good
Height at maturity: 20-70 feet
Zone: 8-11
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6
Blue Spruce
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Available in a variety of sizes, blue spruce is an excellent evergreen for small spaces. Native to the Rocky Mountains, this tree has a typical pyramidal shape and beautiful silvery-blue needles that retain their color all year round.
Growing conditions: Direct sun or partial shade, acidic, well-drained soil
Drought tolerance: Good
Height at maturity: Over 100 feet
Zones: 2-7
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7
Longleaf Pine Tree
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Longleaf pine is a “really fun, almost cartoon-like tree with long, pom-pom-like needles at the ends of the branches,” Watkins explains. It's found primarily in the southeastern United States.
Growing conditions: Direct sunlight or partial shade, acidic, well-drained soil
Drought tolerance: Very good
Height at maturity: 98-115 feet
Zones: 7 to 9
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8
Cypress
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Although caring for cypress trees can be a bit of a hassle, these towering trees are beloved for the privacy screening they provide when planted close together. Establishing a regular watering schedule from the beginning is important.
Growing conditions: Direct sun or partial shade, well-drained soil
Drought Tolerance: Semi
Height at maturity: 10-15 feet
Zones: 3-8
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Related: How to Grow and Care for Emerald Green Cypress Trees
9
Rhododendron
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These large flowering shrubs are a rare breed among evergreens. Rhododendron bushes are great for adding color to your garden out of season. “I don't know of any flowers more elegant than these,” says Watkins. Though they don't bloom all year round, these evergreen bushes are beautiful in their own right.
Growing conditions: Direct sunlight or partial shade, adaptable to soil
Drought tolerance: Good
Height at maturity: 6-10 feet
Zones: 4-8
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Ten
Italian Cypress
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Want to create an Italian country feel in your garden? The evergreen Italian cypress will transport you to the countryside in an instant. This tree grows up to 50 feet tall (shorter dwarf varieties are available) and prefers warm climates with well-drained soil.
Growing conditions: Direct sunlight or partial shade, adaptable to soil
Drought tolerance: Good
Height at maturity: 40-60 feet
Zones: 8 to 10
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