Looking for a tree that will stay green all year round? Well, look no further, for evergreens are the answer! Evergreen trees keep their green leaves throughout the year, providing much needed color to our landscapes and adding value to our homes. Whether you need a tree for naturally cooling down your home, or privacy from neighbors, or blocking unwanted views and noises, or just for a nice shady spot for entertaining, Moon Valley Nurseries has you covered! We have been custom-growing trees for over 20 years at our local grow farms, making sure our trees will thrive in your landscape. There are many varieties of evergreens to choose from, here are some of our favorites:
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) – A staple in yards throughout Texas! This gorgeous evergreen features large, glossy dark green leaves and giant, creamy white flowers that give off a sweet aroma. This tree is sure to add value to any home. Shade is amply provided with the dense growth habit which also provides privacy. Magnolias are easy to grow, very clean, and are water-wise once established. By planting a Magnolia strategically near windows, you can cut the cost of utilities and fill your home with a pleasant scent. These evergreens tend to grow more upright than wide and are a great choice for any landscape, no matter the style.
East Palatka Holly (Ilex x attenuata ‘East Palatka’) – A hybrid Holly that is very versatile! No wonder it’s a favorite throughout our area. It can be used as a privacy hedge and as street or lawn trees. East Palatka Holly is loved for its lush evergreen foliage and, in fall and winter, for the pop of color with bright red berries adoring its branches. They have a pyramidal growth habit and are smaller evergreens, making them perfect additions to yards with limited space. These Holly trees can tolerate urban conditions, great additions for urban gardens in Houston!
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) – Also known as “Southern Live Oak,” these trees are drought tolerant and require low water once established. Live Oaks have dense, dark green leaves that make up the wide spreading canopy that provides massive amounts of shade that we can all appreciate during warm sunny days. Use the giant canopy as a shady spot for a picnic or let the kids climb up the strong limbs. Live Oaks are a clean tree so they make great lawn trees. We also like to use them as a living privacy wall. Bonus points for their ability to tolerate extreme wind conditions!
Japanese Blueberry (Elaeocarpus decipiens) – This evergreen is most commonly used as a hedge or topiary tree. Native from Japan, this exotic tree has an upright growth habit and dense, lush foliage that provides shade as well as creates privacy when planted in rows. In spring, the foliage emerges as bronze colored leaves, maturing to shiny, dark green. In the fall, the dying leaves turn to a brilliant red-orange color; this gives the Japanese Blueberry stunning contrast throughout the year. Summer brings clusters of tiny flowers which attract butterflies. Little bluish-black inedible berries follow the flowers, these berries are where the name, Japanese Blueberry comes from. This is a low maintenance evergreen that requires very little pruning, but will take any shape desired through pruning. Being both heat and cold tolerant, the Japanese Blueberry is a great evergreen for any Texas landscape.
Oleander Tree (Nerium oleander) –Oleander trees are extremely drought tolerant, perfect for our local environment! This tree brings year-round interest with its dark green, leathery, semi-glossy leaves. From spring to fall, fragrant flowers ranging from colors of white, red, and pink bloom in contrast to the dark foliage. These beautiful flowers attract butterflies, so relax in the shade and enjoy the scene. This evergreen can be utilized as a privacy hedge or a lawn tree depending on the pruning. Homeowners appreciate its low maintenance and that it requires little to no water once established. Plant them where there is full sun exposure and watch it thrive. Oleanders can also grow in partial shade. Can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions and fit in with any style of landscape.