Invasive roots can become an issue when the roots emerge from the surface of the ground to form bumps on your garden, path, or driveway, which can become dangerous trip hazards. Plantglossary.com, All Rights Reserved. The beautiful mountain laurel Minuet is a versatile small flowering shrub that is adaptable to many conditions. The Gold Mop cypress (also called Japanese falsecypress) is a compact hardy evergreen shrub with green and golden yellow leaves. This determination, however, means that it quickly spreads and becomes a nuisance that is very hard to remove. It does best in sun but tolerates shade if it's in a sheltered spot. Here's a list of evergreen trees with non-invasive root systems: English holly tree Red tip photinia tree Hollywood juniper Skyrocket juniper Bronze loquat tree Australian willow tree Olive tree Can roots damage foundations and pipes? The shrubs retain their foliage and color throughout the year. Additionally, these plants require very little in the way of maintenance. Mountain Laurel is another evergreen shrub that thrives in full sun. The flowering evergreen decorative shrubs add visual interest to a garden landscape throughout the year. Fortunately, there are a number of evergreen shrubs that do not have invasive roots, which we will reveal here. Ideal for full sun or partial shade, Hebe Silver Queen thrives in USDA zones 9 and 10, where it grows as dense thickets. This miniature Eastern White pine variety thrives in full sun. Suitable for USDA zones 6 to 11. On the downside, this type of tree will likely suffer drought damage if grown too close to other trees with deeper, more extensive root systems. California Lilac roots are also not known to travel upwards to ground level, so they dont create problems with cracking concrete or uneven ground. The low maintenance shrub produces aromatic needle-like leaves that are a common herb in cooking. Pacific silver fir Spreading Star grows 3 ft. (1 m) high and 6 ft. (1.8 m) wide. The small ornamental evergreen plant is excellent for creating shady borders. Shrubs with dense foliage can be clipped into ornamental shapes or formal boxed hedgerows. Some varieties of evergreen shrubs such as boxwood and Japanese Spindle are suitable for trimming to create classic formal privacy hedges. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Buddleia Non-Invasive YELLOW HONEYCOMB Butterfly Bush Summer Lilac Fragrant at the best online prices at eBay! One of the most annoying things about invasive roots is that they are hard to remove. These low maintenance shrubs thrive in full sun, and their bright yellow and green foliage brightens up any front or backyard. Noted by pink or white blossoms with purple markings, the plant is also well-recognized by its dark green foliage. The stems will root and widen the multiflora rose if they touch the soil. Do not expect the Japanese tree lilacflowers to have the same glorious fragrance as the familiar lilacs like common lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Chinese Juniper Mathot is a compact size juniper shrub that will increase the curb appeal of your front of house. Blackberries are EVERYWHERE in the Pacific Northwest! The easy-to-grow landscape shrub has slow growth that spreads up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) wide. The best short, compact pine shrubs for front or backyards: Pinus strobus NanaThe dwarf variety of the Eastern White pine has a dome shape, silvery-blue needles, and dense, compact growth. The needle-like leaves are a bright green color that stays the same shade all year long. Whatever type of yard you have, there is a type of evergreen shrub to suit your needs. Juniper Blue Star is a dwarf evergreen shrub that has stunning silvery-blue foliage that turns deep purple in winter. 11 Evergreen Shrubs Below is a broad selection of shrubs with a non-aggressive root system: 1. Not only will they be healthier and more attractive to wildlife, we can avoid unleashing invasives like the dreaded Chinese privet ( Ligustrum sinense ). Perfect for small yards, this sun-loving small evergreen shrub grows naturally in a globular shape. There are many tree species with non-invasive roots that you can grow in your yard without worrying about the roots invading your foundation or underground plumbing. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The smaller ornamental gardenia shrubs grow between 2 and 8 ft. (0.6 2.4 m) tall. You can also grow the bushes as shrub borders or foundation plants in front yards. This evergreen has the most amazing purple flowers from autumn through winter. Kaleidoscope abelia changes its foliage colors throughout the seasons and provide long-year interest in the landscape. It will grow just as well in full sun as in full shade and only requires well-drained soil to thrive. For showy seasonal flowers, hydrangeas (Hydragea spp. A deodar cedar shrub can be trained to grow as a tree by staking it. As a privacy hedge, its jagged foliage helps keep out intruders. Sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua) has larger leaves and a somewhat more loose growth habit than boxwood or azalea. Some of the best dwarf arborvitae cultivars: Thuja occidentalis Little Giant Dwarf, globe-shaped evergreen shrub with soft, feathery foliage. The attractive flat-topped flower clusters consist of tiny star-shaped spring blossoms growing as cymes. The leaves will also put on a show, turning red in autumn. Yew Hicksii is a hardy landscaping evergreen shrub that can be pruned to create a beautiful hedge in the front of house. Gardenia jasminoides PinwheelThis cold-hardy gardenia shrub has eye-catching, heavily scented single white flowers with five or six petals forming a pinwheel. Its a low-maintenance shrub that doesnt require pruning to keep its shape. Be careful with the decorative winter daphne shrub as its poisonous to animals and humans. Pinus strobus HorsfordAnother stunning dwarf evergreen pine shrub with needled foliage and an oval growth habit. Use as an evergreen flowering hedge or shrub border in a shaded part of your garden. Care is relatively simple, as they do not require pruning and aren't likely to encounter problems with diseases or insects. This mountain pine grows to a maximum of 2 ft. (0.6 m) tall and a spread of 3 ft. (1 m). Mulching can help to retain moisture by preventing water evaporation. When planting shrubs near your home's foundations, many plant characteristics become important, such as mature size, growth rate and the type of root system. For example, a maple tree that stands 15 feet tall has roots that spread 15 (or more!) These compact evergreen shrubs get their common name from bunches of berries that grow like grapes. Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, et. They have compact growth habits and are useful for planting in partial shade. Some of the best compact small holly shrubs include: Compact Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra Compacta)A broadleaf, compact holly shrub with an oval shape growth that grows to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall. Tibouchina lepidota, a native of Australia, is an evergreen shrub with stunning purple flowers and glossy green leaves. Discover the most beautiful small flowering shrubs. The fruits are edible and taste like tart raspberries. Most often, the types of plants with invasive root systems are shrubs and trees. The American hornbeams shiny, dark green leaves add a touch of natural beauty to any landscape. Although this tree can reach a height of 12 metres, it can be pruned to keep the size more manageable. Tsuga canadensis Aurea Compacta Also known as Everitts Golden, this dwarf decorative hemlock has golden-yellowish green needle leaves and an upright growth habit. Another common name (snowball bush) describes the appearance of the flower clusters. Also known as Soap Bush and Buckbrush, the California Lilac refers to a genus of shrubs which encompass over 50 different species. The dwarf cultivars bloom with showy blossoms, some of which are over 5 (12 cm) across. Hydrangea Turning Brown and Dying What to Do, How Long Does It Take Hydrangeas to Bloom. 11 Evergreen Shrubs With Non Invasive Roots. Discover the most beautiful small or dwarf evergreen trees for your garden (with pictures). Grow in full sun in well-draining soil. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, the spreading shrub grows 0.5 to 1 ft. (15 30 cm) tall and 3 ft. (1 m) wide. Their lustrous green leaves, beautiful flower clusters, and red fruits make these evergreen shrubs ideal for any garden landscape. The shrub's clusters of flowers bloom in the spring and give way to bright red berry clusters in the fall. This compact shrub will look great in a rock garden or in front of other taller shrubs. Japanese spindle are low maintenance evergreen shrubs that have cheerful yellow and soft green foliage. Sasanqua camellia blooms in the fall or winter, bringing color to the landscape when other flowers have finished blooming. The Virginia State University Cooperative Extension website cautions that shrubs with compact, shallow fibrous roots need well-drained soil, as standing in water for even a short period of time can lead to root damage and plant injury. 'Rainbow' (shown) is a variegated variety that grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, while 'Scarletta' is a spectacular red-leaved shrub that's up to 2 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. These trees generally have shallow roots that don't cause issues underground. Male holly plants provide the same ornamental value as female hollies, but dont bear fruit. After these shrubs finish blooming, clusters of brightly-colored orange or red berries appear. While the taproot of this tree grows deep into the soil, the lateral roots are thinner and non-invasive, as they dont spread too far out. The showy clusters of white flowers measure 3 (7.5 cm) long, its lance-shaped leaves grow 5 long, and it keeps its foliage all year long in zones 5 through 8. This plant species is best grown in regions with warm summers and cold winters (zones 5-8). Invasive roots are sometimes the main cause of cracks in concrete foundations. Bees, birds and butterflies favor common gorse. Some low-growing or dwarf evergreen shrubs are compact enough to safely grow under windows, but it's best to plant them 2 to 5 feet away from the walls depending on the mature size of the plant. Deodar cedar Feelin Blue is a small evergreen shrub for full sun with weeping branches. It will sometimes form into a vine and extend its reach. Azaleas grow best in acidic soil which is well draining. Japanese andromeda shrubs are excellent for medium-sized privacy hedges as they stay green throughout the year. The biggest downside of ficus trees is that the roots are very invasive, and it's common to see this tree cracking sidewalks and . The ornamental small David viburnum shrub has creamy pale pink or white flowers and dark foliage. Shrubs generally have multiple woody stems that grow from the ground, whereas trees typically have a single trunk. The low-growing coniferous shrub has a rounded, spreading habit, growing twice the width of its height. And since Amur maple has moderate drought tolerance, you dont have to worry about the roots growing into your foundation should you fail to water it for some time. The dwarf Scotch pine is a low-maintenance landscaping dwarf shrub. . Large glossy foliage and showy globular flowerheads grace this shrub in mid- to late-winter. Garland flower is a trailing low growing evergreen shrub for full sun or partial shade with attractive pink flowers. Dwarf Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris Pumila)This multi-stem needled evergreen shrubby plant has bluish-green needles and dense foliage. They prefer full sun but will tolerate shade. However, you can also use the ornamental landscaping shrub to cover bare ground thats exposed to more than six hours of sunshine daily. Garland flower is an outstanding ground-hugging evergreen shrub that becomes a mass of bright pink, star-shaped flowers in spring and early summer. The dripline refers to the furthest point that the canopy of the plant reaches. The root system of the California Lilac can spread far and wide, but it will not become invasive or cause damage to buildings. They will also have a taproot that travels deep into the ground to find moisture and sustain the plant during periods of drought, but these are not known to cause problems with sewage systems, pipework, or property foundations. The needle foliage can be green, blue, or gold, depending on the cultivar. Grow the slow growing dwarf Gold Mop cypress shrub in full sun to part shade in fertile moist and well-drained soil in USDA zones 4 -8. Some of the best compact boxwood shrubs are: Buxus Green GemThis little landscaping shrub grows as a round mound of dark green foliage with small oval leaves. And, an oak that shoots up 30 feet can have a set of roots that spread just as wide. Firethorn is a thorny shrub that can be used to create a decorative thorny hedge due to its evergreen foliage, ornamental red berries, and prickly stems. Azaleas have large deep green leafy foliage and spectacular blooms in pink, purple, blue, and white colors. You can also plant little or dwarf decorative evergreen bushes such as dwarf boxwood and compact junipers in a front yard to enhance your homes curb appeal as they dont grow so large that they hide your property. There are a few main trees able to both tolerate shade and have non-aggressive roots. Some ornamental shrubs are as small as 1 ft. (30 cm) tall, and others can grow up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) tall. The shrub produces scented purple flowers. Small or dwarf evergreen shrubs are perfect for enhancing any type of garden landscape. The corymbs have colorful 1-inch (2.5 cm) red, pink, burgundy, and white flowers contrasting with white or pink flower buds. These trees are renowned for their blazing autumn colors of red, purple, yellow, and orange. There are varieties available with purple leaves, which can help add color. . All compact holly cultivars thrive in full sun or partial shade. It remains attractive all year and provides shade for your yard. Rosa rugosa hips are edible and can be used in many ways. The slow-growing shrub grows 1 ft. (0.3 m) tall and 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide. USDA Zones: 6-9; Height: 2-4 ft . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Evergreen azaleas are particularly attractive because they retain interest all year round. When grown together, junipers can make low hedges, and they are generally drought and deer resistant. Thuja orientalis Aurea NanaA dwarf arborvitae that has an upright growth and natural pyramidal shape. Its leathery, holly-like leaves appear red in spring before turning green in summer and then turning deep burgundy in the fall. Broad-leaved evergreen shrubs are somewhat more tender than conifers, thriving best where winters are mild. There is no maintenance required with this miniature shrub, as it only has a slow growth rate. Most compact yews have upright growth and thrive in full sun. Whether youre looking for an evergreen tree, a fruiting tree, or a shading tree,you can always find a variety with non-invasive roots at your local tree nursery. Laurel does well in full sun but two hours of indirect light or morning sun allows it to truly flourish. Another advantage of growing dwarf evergreens such as conifers in your yard is that it lets you grow plants that, otherwise, would be too large. Black Spots on Aloe Plant Causes + Fixes, Underwatered Aloe Plant Signs + How to Revive it Quickly, Compost vs. Potting Soil: Key Differences, Types of Spider Plants 7 Different Varieties (With Pictures), 4 Types of Lime Trees [Varieties, Pictures + Identification], Peace Lily Drooping: Causes + How to Revive Wilting Spathiphyllum, DIY Succulent Terrarium: Step-by-Step Guide. Plus, white mulberry trees are known to be messy neighbors, and the species' male trees emit pollen notorious for triggering allergies. Due to its shallow and fibrous root system, the roots of this maple species are unlikely to grow into your foundation soil. 11 of 12. It costs lots of time and money to unclog underground plumbing pipes blocked by invasive tree roots. The low growing golden charm false cypress is an evergreen shrub and is great for front of house landscaping. Fan-shaped clusters of scaly conifer leaves create the dense foliage. The small shrub grows 3 5 feet (90 150 cm) tall and wide after 10 years. And during fall, the leaves turn to various shades, including red and yellow, making it even more visually appealing. Sometimes, the shrubby conifer produces blue cones. Eugenia is a non-invasive broadleaf evergreen that's commonly used as one of the best privacy hedges in Southern California. This versatile little shrub can grow as a vine or ground-cover plant for full sun. The shrub prefers growing in partial shade to deep shade but will also tolerate dappled sunlight. See pictures of the best non-invasive butterfly bushes including 'Miss Molly' and the Lo and Behold series, plus find alternatives for 'Black Knight'. This drought-resistant shrub takes a while to grow its leaves in the spring. The Minuet cultivar only grows 3 ft. (1 m) tall and wide. However, it may struggle in areas with high humidity. Juniperus communis CompressaThis common juniper looks like a short upright columnar tree with prickly needle foliage. The glossy green foliage and clusters of bright flowers make Mahonia evergreen shrubs visually appealing throughout the year. Boxwood is a popular low maintenance evergreen shrub which can be pruned to decorative shapes. Evergreen leaves and peeling bark keep this tree attractive all year, with small white flowers blooming in the spring. Laurustinus ( Viburnum tinus) - Flowering Evergreen Shrub Laurustinus is an ornamental flowering evergreen bush that is great for planting in the front or backyard Many Viburnum species are medium to tall flowering shrubs with glossy, dark green leaves and dense evergreen foliage. You dont need to prune them to control their height. You will enjoy quick growth, and a variety of colors and scents. The low maintenance Cherry laurel shrub also produces a profusion of plum-scented white flower clusters, followed by bright red berries in the fall. Heres a list of evergreen trees with non-invasive root systems: Invasive roots are sometimes the main cause of cracks in concrete foundations. Arborvitae shrubs and small trees are some of the most common hedging plants used as privacy screens or windbreaks. Oregon grape holly shrubs are ideal for planting in shaded gardens. Dwarf varieties of rhododendrons grow between 2 and 6 ft. (0.6 1.8 m) tall, depending on the variety. It tolerates heat and dryness, adapts to clay, loam or sand and grows equally well in acidic or alkaline soil. The foliage of this fastigiate shrub is soft with scale-like leaves and bright, golden-yellow and green colors. Gurgling sounds are another sign that invasive roots could be causing problems. The only maintenance that laurustinus shrubs require is some pruning to keep their shape. Search for more awesome gardening content: No results . starter size plant with an approximate 4 inch diameter root zone . Roots can cause clogs in the main water line, and this would present as low water pressure and slow emptying of drains in the home. The dense foliage consists of oval or oblong, deep-green leaves that have a glossy texture. "Majestic Beauty" thrives in U.S. Department of. Shade trees make the backyard a great relaxing place, as they filter the suns harsh rays. One beneficial aspect of this shrub is that deer prefer to avoid it, a status not held by many plants. Japanese Skimmia are small evergreen flowering bushes that produce an abundance of scented flower clusters that turn into ornamental red berries. The Spreading Star Pacific silver fir is an evergreen shrub with spreading growth habit that can be grown in both sun and shade. California lilac Yankee Point is an excellent shrubby plant for growing alongside a wall or fence, covering a foundation line, or stabilizing banks. The shrubs are ideal for adding bright color to a landscape as a foundation planting, accent shrub, full-sun ground cover, or a specimen plant. They have gently arching branches which are great for creating informal hedging or privacy screen. As a small shrub, rosemary can grow as an informal hedge, border plant, or in containers. The most invasive roots can cause damage to the foundations of a property, and this will usually reveal itself as cracks in walls, windows shattering with no other explanation, buckling doors that no longer fit into the frames, and uneven windows and exterior doors.