Evergreen Types
There are so many different kinds of evergreens that the choice may seem overwhelming. To make things easier, categorize them into smaller groups. There are evergreens with needles or scales, such as pine, spruce and cedar, and there are broadleaf evergreens, such as boxwood and euonymus. If your aim is to contrast textures, consider using species from both categories.

If you want to contrast shapes, categorize evergreens into groups such as upright, horizontal and globe-shaped. An upright evergreen performs well as a specimen plant and as a highlight plant. For example, a dwarf pine with an open habit can create interest in the center of a bed, while a pillar-shaped emerald cedar can create a sense of formality and majesty when placed on either side of an entrance.

Horizontal or sprawling evergreens are, in my opinion, among the most interesting. These should be planted with care since they have a way of taking up too much space. However, they can be very attractive when draped over a retaining wall or when used as a ground cover. As a ground cover, they can benefit your other plants by helping to prevent soil erosion and by shading the ground to keep roots cool, even on the hottest summer days.

A globe-shaped creeping juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) used as a specimen plant.

Globe-shaped evergreens, such as globe spruce or globe cedar, seem to be the most popular since they maintain a fairly tight and tidy habit. They can be used as a backdrop or as a specimen plant, but often people get carried away and plant too many too close together. They should be well spaced to maintain the tight round shape that is so eye pleasing.