Between kids, work, and life in general, I don’t have time to baby my garden.
That’s why I’m obsessed with these plants that do double duty – they give me pretty flowers AND stay green all year!
If you’re busy like me but still want a nice yard, you’re going to love these.
Why I Love Evergreen Flowering Plants
Let me tell you, discovering these plants was a total game-changer for my garden. Instead of having bare patches in winter and trying to coordinate different plants for different seasons, these beauties do it all.
I remember the day I first planted my Lenten roses – my neighbor thought I was crazy putting them in during February. Now she asks me for gardening advice!
10 Best Flowering Evergreens
1. Lenten Rose
My absolute favorite winter warrior! These gorgeous plants pop up when everything else is sleeping.
They grow about 18 inches tall and spread to 24 inches wide.
The flowers come in amazing colors like purple, pink, yellow, and even blue – though technically, those aren’t true flowers but sepals (I learned that at my garden club!).
2. Candy Tuft
This little cutie is perfect for borders and rock gardens – I have mine lining my front walkway.
It stays compact at just 10 inches tall, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
The white flowers have this subtle lavender tint that makes them look almost magical in the morning light.
3. Creeping Myrtle
This is my go-to problem solver for shady spots where nothing else wants to grow.
It’s a sweet little ground cover that only grows 3-6 inches tall but spreads nicely.
Just check if it’s invasive in your area first – I learned that lesson the hard way in my first garden!
4. Creeping Phlox
Talk about a spring showstopper! This ground cover puts on the most amazing flower display.
I love how it only grows about 6 inches tall but spreads out to create a beautiful carpet of color.
You can find it in pretty much every color of the rainbow – I’m particularly fond of the bi-color varieties.
5. Chinese Fringe Flower
This is what I call my “southern belle” – it loves warmer climates and puts on quite a show.
The hot pink flowers are stunning, but honestly, those burgundy-tinted leaves are what sold me.
It gets pretty big – about 5 feet tall – so give it some space to show off!
6. Daphne
Oh my goodness, the fragrance! If you’ve never smelled Daphne in bloom, you’re missing out.
It stays manageable at about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
The white to pink flowers might look delicate, but this plant is tougher than it appears.
7. Andromeda
This is my winter interest champion with those gorgeous red flower buds.
I love watching the orange-brown new growth emerge in spring – it’s like nature’s fireworks display.
At 6-8 feet tall, it makes a fantastic privacy screen that looks good all year.
8. Mountain Laurel
This native beauty is my go-to for woodland gardens.
It can grow up to 12 feet tall, but don’t let that scare you – it’s pretty slow-growing.
The flower clusters in late spring are absolutely stunning, especially with those uniquely shaped buds.
9. Rhododendron ‘Cynthia’
This is what I call the “statement piece” of my garden – it’s impossible to miss!
Those rose-colored flowers against the large, glossy leaves are simply spectacular.
It’s a big plant (8-15 feet), perfect for creating privacy or a gorgeous backdrop.
10. Stewartonian Azalea
This is my three-season wonder child – it never gets boring to look at.
You get bright red flowers in spring, gorgeous fall color, and evergreen leaves in winter.
At 4-5 feet tall and wide, it’s the perfect size for most gardens.