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Selecting landscape plants broad-leaved evergreens

There are a large number of highly ornamental broad-leaved evergreens. However, many of them require special attention if they are to develop into attractive, long-lived plants. Wide fluctuations in temperature, prolonged dry periods , drying winds, and bright sunshine are not ideal conditions for most broad-leaved evergreens, yet these conditions frequently occur in Virginia. Good soil preparation and a carefully selected location will help ensure the success of these plants. However, the year-round beauty and special effect that they give to the landscape make them well worth the extra care needed to grow them. The broad-leaved evergreens are valued chiefly for their evergreen foliage, but many of them possess other desirable ornamental traits. They are generally clean plants, dropping few leaves at any one time. They also offer a range of foliage colors and textures for landscape interest. Broad-leaved evergreens prefer a rich, well-drained, slightly acid soil. Increasing organic matter content and improving drainage can modify an existing poor soil to one in which they will grow successfully. Locate those broad-leaved evergreens subject to winter injury in areas where they receive protection from the wind and afternoon sun, especially in winter. North and east sides of buildings are ideal. Wind and sun protection provided by fences or large plants will also help prevent injury. In the Tidewater area, protection from the hot afternoon summer sun of southern and western exposures may be needed. Broad-leaved evergreens are best fertilized in the winter or spring. Summer or fall fertilization may induce late season growth that is highly susceptible to winter injury. Winter scorch of foliage can also develop if plants dry out during the winter. To prevent this, water plants in late summer and fall if rainfall has been deficient. Plant size is also important for the winter hardiness of some species. A small, young plant may be easily killed while the same species may be quite hardy when larger sized plants are used. Poor culture, attacks by insects or disease, or any other factor that weakens a plant makes it more subject to winter injury. The plants described in the following section are generally hardy in all parts of the state unless otherwise indicated. When broad-leaved evergreens are planted and located properly, they can add year-round interest to the landscape and provide a pleasant contrast to needle -leaved evergreens in both winter and summer. The spiny, evergreen leaves and bright red …