Evergreen shrubs are the backbone of a garden, providing year-round structure and lush greenery. When these shrubs also offer beautiful blooms, they become an essential choice for gardeners looking to add seasonal color and interest to their landscapes. Victoria, BC’s mild climate allows many evergreen shrubs to thrive, making it an ideal location for these versatile plants.

Here are 11 evergreen shrubs with stunning blooms to consider for your garden in Victoria, BC, including fragrant favorites like skimmia and sarcococca.

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1. Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)

Skimmia is a compact evergreen shrub that offers year-round appeal with its glossy leaves, fragrant flowers, and vibrant red berries.

Why Plant Skimmia?

• Seasonal Interest: Fragrant white or pink flowers in spring, followed by colorful berries in fall and winter.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives in partial to full shade.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to care for and pest-resistant.

Ideal Uses:

Great for shaded borders, foundation plantings, or woodland gardens.

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2. Sarcococca (Sarcococca confusa)

Commonly known as sweet box, sarcococca is prized for its small but highly fragrant white flowers that bloom in late winter.

Why Plant Sarcococca?

• Winter Blooms: Brightens your garden during the colder months.
• Fragrant Flowers: Emits a sweet, heady scent.
• Shade Loving: Thrives in full shade or dappled light.

Ideal Uses:

Perfect for shady corners, ground cover, or low hedges.

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3. Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Camellias are classic evergreen shrubs known for their stunning, rose-like flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring.

Why Plant Camellia?

• Showy Blooms: Flowers in shades of white, pink, or red.
• Evergreen Leaves: Glossy foliage provides year-round appeal.
• Long Lifespan: Can live for decades with proper care.

Ideal Uses:

Great for foundation plantings, mixed borders, or as a focal point in shaded areas.

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4. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.)

Rhododendrons are a staple in Victoria gardens, offering a spectacular display of large, colorful blooms in spring.

Why Plant Rhododendrons?

• Vibrant Flowers: Blooms in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white.
• Evergreen Foliage: Provides year-round greenery.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies.

Ideal Uses:

Perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as a privacy hedge.

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5. Azaleas (Evergreen Varieties)

Evergreen azaleas are a close relative of rhododendrons, offering smaller, funnel-shaped flowers and compact growth.

Why Plant Azaleas?

• Vivid Blooms: Available in shades of pink, red, orange, and white.
• Shade Tolerant: Thrives in partial to full shade.
• Compact Size: Ideal for smaller gardens.

Ideal Uses:

Great for foundation plantings, borders, or as accents in woodland gardens.

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6. Pieris Japonica (Japanese Andromeda)

Pieris Japonica is a versatile shrub with colorful new foliage and delicate clusters of bell-shaped flowers.

Why Plant Pieris Japonica?

• Early Blooms: Flowers in late winter or early spring.
• Year-Round Interest: Evergreen leaves with colorful new growth in shades of red or bronze.
• Shade Loving: Thrives in partial shade.

Ideal Uses:

Perfect for shaded beds or as a companion to rhododendrons and azaleas.

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7. Daphne (Daphne odora)

Daphne is a compact evergreen shrub known for its intensely fragrant blooms that appear in late winter or early spring.

Why Plant Daphne?

• Fragrant Blooms: Highly scented pink or white flowers.
• Compact Growth: Fits well in small gardens.
• Winter Interest: Flowers brighten up the garden during the colder months.

Ideal Uses:

Great for borders, near pathways, or as a container plant.

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8. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub with unique, cup-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.

Why Plant Mountain Laurel?

• Striking Blooms: Flowers in shades of pink, white, or red.
• Evergreen Leaves: Glossy foliage provides year-round greenery.
• Shade Tolerant: Grows well in partial shade.

Ideal Uses:

Perfect for woodland gardens or shaded borders.

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9. Hebe (Hebe spp.)

Hebes are evergreen shrubs with compact growth and charming flowers that attract pollinators.

Why Plant Hebe?

• Colorful Blooms: Flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.
• Low Maintenance: Hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
• Year-Round Interest: Evergreen leaves with some varieties featuring variegated foliage.

Ideal Uses:

Great for borders, rock gardens, or coastal landscapes.

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10. Mahonia (Mahonia spp.)

Mahonia, also known as Oregon grape, is a striking evergreen shrub with spiky leaves and cheerful yellow flowers.

Why Plant Mahonia?

• Bright Blooms: Yellow flowers in late winter or early spring.
• Evergreen Foliage: Provides texture and interest year-round.
• Wildlife-Friendly: Attracts pollinators and produces berries for birds.

Ideal Uses:

Perfect for shaded areas, borders, or woodland gardens.

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11. Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenias are known for their glossy evergreen leaves and fragrant, creamy white flowers.

Why Plant Gardenia?

• Fragrant Blooms: Emits a sweet, intoxicating scent.
• Year-Round Foliage: Glossy leaves provide consistent greenery.
• Shade Loving: Thrives in dappled light.

Ideal Uses:

Great for containers, near pathways, or as a focal point in shaded areas.

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Tips for Growing Evergreen Shrubs with Blooms in Victoria BC

1. Choose the Right Spot: Match the shrub’s sunlight and soil requirements to its planting location.
2. Amend the Soil: Use compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Water Regularly: Keep shrubs well-watered, especially during their first year.
4. Prune Annually: Regular pruning promotes healthy growth and encourages blooms.
5. Mulch for Protection: Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots.

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Enhance Your Garden with Evergreen Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs with beautiful blooms offer the best of both worlds: year-round greenery and seasonal bursts of color. From the fragrant flowers of sarcococca to the elegant blooms of camellias, these shrubs thrive in Victoria’s temperate climate and bring enduring beauty to your garden.

If you’re ready to plant or maintain a stunning garden, Ascent Yard Care can help with expert planting, pruning, and maintenance services. Contact us today to bring your garden vision to life!

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