Looking for an evergreen or semi evergreen that flowers?

Question

I live in zone 5 and I would like to get a few small flowering evergreen shrubs. I don't want them to get any bigger than 3' in diameter. I would like to shape them but that is not an issue.

I just want flowers during the warm weather months and to keep some type of foliage during the winter season.

I have a few ideas but I am hoping to look into more.

PS. I have really got my eye on the scarlet wonder rhododendren but I cannot find anyone who sells it. I would love any leads to that.

thanks for anything.

Answer 1

Cincufoil, magnolia, japanese magnolia,

Here is your rhododendron:
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=rhododendron+scarlet+wonder&fr=ush-ans

Answer 2

Boxwoods are evergreen and in your size range, but their flowering is not showy.

The Euonymus fortunei: Emerald Gaiety, Emerald & Gold, Moon Shadow, Etc. are everegreen. They have no noticable flower, but they have brightly colored vaiegated foliage and can be maintained under 3' h.

Some Rhododendron & Azaleas are in that size range. They do really like acidic soil and site is so important for their vitality in zone 5. Eastern exposures are by far the best in zone 5. In alkaline soils, raised beds & highly amended soil with peat are best for Rhodos & Azaleas.

Daphne are nice vaiegated evergreen foliage shrubs and they flower. They fit your size limit.

Unfortunately, Camillas are not hardy in zone 5.

Cinquefoils are not evergreen. Sweet Bay Magnolia is evergreen in southern latitudes, but not in zone 5. Nor are the Magnolias going to fit your size limit.

I do not know where you live so I can not tell you where to find Scarlet Wonder. In the Chicago area Nova Zembla (http://www.monrovia.com/PlantInf.nsf/269905a1fb059eb48825683c0080938a/a49ff43a18f8c9bf8825684d0070886b!OpenDocument) has spectacular red blooms & is available. Stewartsonia Azalea ( http://landscaping.about.com/library/bl_red_azalea.htm ) is also available in the Chicago area.

Answer 3

Camalias would be nice altho they do get larger than 3' but you can keep them trimmed. Check Internet for rhododendron suppliers/nurseries. Good luck

http://www.Rhododendron.org

Nursery finder