Evergreen Shrubs for Florida Landscapes
Hedges, privacy screens and foundation plantings that stay green all year
Evergreen shrubs do the quiet, essential work in a Florida landscape. They screen the neighbor’s pool cage, hide the AC units and pool equipment, soften the foundation of the house and give flowering plants a deep green backdrop to show off against. A well-chosen hedge looks full and tidy every month of the year.
The shrubs in this guide are the workhorses we rely on for hedges and screens across Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. They range from compact plants that stay under three feet to fast growers that form a 15-foot living wall. Compare them below to find the right fit for your space.
Browse Florida Evergreen Shrubs
Evergreen Shrub Comparison Chart
Mature sizes as listed in each plant profile; all of these can be maintained smaller as a sheared or natural hedge.
| Shrub | Mature Size | Best Use | Light | Cold Hardiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dwarf Podocarpus ‘Pringles’ | 2–3 ft tall, 3 ft wide | Low hedge, foundation | Sun to part shade | 8–11 |
| Sandankwa Viburnum | 6–10 ft | Medium hedge, shady spots | Part shade to sun | 8–11 |
| Podocarpus ‘Maki’ | 8–15 ft tall, 3–5 ft wide | Narrow screen, formal hedge | Sun to part shade | 8–11 |
| Awabuki Viburnum | 12–15 ft tall, 6–8 ft wide | Glossy privacy screen | Sun to part shade | 8–11 |
| Walter’s Viburnum | 15–20 ft (dwarf forms 2–4 ft) | Native hedge, wildlife | Sun to part shade | 7–11 |
| Sweet Viburnum | 15–20 ft tall, 10–15 ft wide | Tall, fast privacy fence | Sun to part shade | 8–11 |
| Small Leaf Clusia | 15–25 ft (usually kept 6–8 ft) | Coastal privacy hedge | Sun to part shade | 10–11 (9B if protected) |
How to Choose an Evergreen Shrub
Decide how tall the screen needs to be. For a full privacy screen along a back property line, Sweet Viburnum and Awabuki Viburnum grow tall and dense quickly. For a narrow side yard where you need height without width, Podocarpus ‘Maki’ forms a slim, upright column. For a low hedge along a walk or under windows, Dwarf Podocarpus ‘Pringles’ and dwarf forms of Walter’s Viburnum stay compact.
Go native where you can. Walter’s Viburnum is a Florida native that feeds birds and pollinators and adapts to a wide range of conditions, making it a great Florida-Friendly choice.
Use Clusia near the water. Clusia’s thick, leathery leaves stand up to salt air and wind, which makes it one of the best hedge plants for coastal properties. It is cold sensitive, so it is best suited to coastal and protected sites.
Plan the spacing. Most hedges are planted 2 to 4 feet apart for a solid screen within a few seasons, depending on the plant. Planting too close leads to crowding and disease; planting too far apart leaves gaps for years.
Hedge Care in Southwest Florida
Trim hedges so they are slightly wider at the bottom than the top. That lets sunlight reach the lower branches and keeps the hedge full to the ground. Large-leaf shrubs like Clusia and Awabuki look best hand-pruned, since power shears slice the leaves and leave brown edges. Water new hedges regularly until they are established, then reduce watering. Keep an eye on Sweet and Awabuki Viburnum for thrips, which can distort new leaves, and treat early if they appear.
Evergreen Shrub FAQs
What is the fastest-growing privacy hedge in Florida?
Sweet Viburnum is among the fastest options for a tall privacy screen in Southwest Florida, often adding 1 to 2 feet of height per year once established. Awabuki Viburnum is a close second with glossier leaves.
What hedge is best for a narrow side yard?
Podocarpus ‘Maki’ grows tall and narrow and can be kept trimmed to a slim profile, making it ideal where space is tight.
What is the best hedge for a coastal or bayfront home?
Small Leaf Clusia has high salt tolerance and handles wind well, making it a top choice for properties near the Gulf and Tampa Bay.
Is there a native evergreen hedge for Florida?
Yes. Walter’s Viburnum is native to Florida, adapts to many soil types and supports local wildlife.
Hedge & Shrub Installation in Manatee & Sarasota County
Albright Landscaping plans and installs privacy screens, hedges and foundation plantings sized and spaced for long-term performance. We serve Parrish, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Palmetto, Ellenton and the surrounding area.
