- Native evergreens keep their foliage year-round and grew in North America before the advent of European settlement. The shamrock inkberry (Ilex glabra) grows in a rounded form from 3 to 5 feet tall and has lustrous green foliage. It produces black to white berries and thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, slightly acidic soil. Inkberries are hardy in zones 5 to 9.
The sheep laurel is hardy in zones 5 to 8 and native to the eastern United States. It grows to 3 feet tall with a similar spread and blooms with clusters of pink to purple blossoms in early summer. Sheep laurel shrubs grow well in partial shade and acidic, well-drained, moist soil. - Native plants are adapted to the particular climactic conditions, pests and diseases of their region, so generally require less maintenance. The smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) grows from 3 to 5 feet tall with a similar spread and is hardy in zones 3 to 9. This North American native blooms with clusters of white flowers in early summer and thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
The mapleleaf viburnum (Viburnum acerifolium) grows to 6 feet tall with a 4-foot spread. It has dark-green foliage that turns red to purple in fall and produces long-lasting black drupes. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, mapleleaf viburnums grow well in partial shade and well-drained, moist, acidic soil. - Non-native shrubs were introduced after European settlement or created through hybridization. The Nana fetterbush (Leucothoe fontanesiana) grows to 2 feet tall with an equal spread and is hardy in zones 6 to 8. This hybrid evergreen grows well in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Like the Japanese maple, it requires winter wind protection.
The Arthur Burkwood daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii "Arthur Burkwood") grows to 3 feet tall and has semievergreen foliage. It blooms with fragrant pink flowers in late spring and is hardy in zones 4 to 7. Daphnes prefer partial shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soil. - Hybrid shrubs usually emphasize desirable traits. The Spreg alpine currant (Ribes alpinum "Spreg") has especially long-lasting foliage. It grows to 5 feet tall and is hardy in zones 2 to 7. Alpine currants tolerate shady sites and a range of soil types.
The black jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens), a native of Japan, grows from 3 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 9 feet wide. This rounded shrub produces white flowers in early summer, followed by shiny, black, long-lasting fruits in fall. Black jetbeads are hardy in zones 4 to 8 and prefer shade. They tolerate a range of soils.
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