Marianne's Response
Smaller evergreens
I have a rhododendron growing underneath my kitchen window. I’m getting tired of pruning it to keep it from growing to obstruct my view and am thinking about replacing it. I would like something evergreen that I could keep about 4-4 1/2 ft. high. I was thinking about a Christmas camellia? What would you suggest?
Posted by Brynn Beals on February 15, 2015
Marianne's Response
Camellias are great but they grow tall just like your rhododendron. I would suggest a dwarf evergreen perhaps a sweet box or Sarcococca. This shade loving evergreen blooms with tiny vanilla scented blossoms in winter. The foliage stays a nice shiny green. Another idea is a dwarf Pieris japonica such as the Pieris \"Valley Rose\" with red blooms or to add more light a variegated Pieris such as the \"Variegata White Rum\". Winter and early spring is a great time to visit the nurseries and look for dwarf evergreens. The staff may even have time to make other suggestions. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
Search the Ask the Gardening Expert library
Looking for a quick resolution to your problem? Marianne has answered thousands of gardening questions. One may be similar to yours. Try searching our library to get the answer you need — fast!