Zone 4 Evergreen Shrubs – Growing Evergreen Shrubs In Cold Climates

zone 4 evergreen
zone 4 evergreen
(Image credit: siur)

Evergreen shrubs are important plants in the landscape, providing color and texture all year-round, while providing winter protection for birds and small wildlife. Selecting zone 4 evergreen shrubs requires careful consideration, however, as not all evergreens are equipped to withstand winter temperatures that can plummet to -30 degrees F. (-34 C.). Read on for helpful tips and examples of cold hardy evergreen shrubs, all suitable for growing in zone 4 or below.

Growing Evergreen Shrubs in Cold Climates

Gardeners considering shrubs for zone 4 must be aware that USDA plant hardiness zones are simply temperature guidelines, and although they are helpful, they don’t consider microclimates within a zone, influenced by wind, snow cover, and other factors. Cold hardy evergreen shrubs must be tough and resistant to unavoidable temperature fluctuations that frequently occur in winter. 

A thick layer of mulch provides much needed protection to the roots during cold winter months. It’s also a good idea to plant zone 4 evergreen shrubs where the plants aren’t exposed to warm afternoon sun during winter afternoons, as sub-zero temperatures that often follow warm days can do serious damage.

Evergreen Shrubs for Zone 4

Needled evergreen varieties are commonly planted in cooler zones. Most juniper shrubs are suitable for growing in zone 4, and many are tough enough to tolerate zones 2 and 3. Juniper is available in low growing, spreading varieties and more upright types. 

Similarly, most types of arborvitaes are extremely cold hardy evergreen shrubs. Spruce, pine, and fir are also very cold hardy evergreen. All three are available in a range of sizes and forms. Of the above-mentioned needle-type plants, here are some good selections:

Zone 4 evergreen shrubs are popular in the landscape too. Here are some suitable broadleaf evergreen choices for this zone:

Mary H. Dyer
Writer

A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.