Native shrubs, groundcovers, and ferns that hold their leaves through winter for year-round green, screening, and cover. Every species here is genuinely native to Maryland and the wider flora of the Mid-Atlantic and hardy through zones 6–8 — proven performers for Maryland's humid, four-season climate across Piedmont & Chesapeake Coastal Plain, not a generic list. Local standouts include Crossvine and Foamflower. Evergreen natives carry the garden through the bare months, giving structure, privacy, and winter shelter for birds when the deciduous plants have dropped their leaves. Site broadleaf evergreens out of harsh winter wind and afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch, and water them deeply going into a dry fall so they enter winter fully charged.
Each one native to your region and hardy in zones 6–8 · see this collection in other states.
Bignonia capreolata
Through Maryland's Piedmont & Chesapeake Coastal Plain country, doesn't drop its leaves — winter green, cover for birds, and structure, orange-red flowers and happy in clay and loam soil.
Tiarella cordifolia
Through Maryland's Piedmont & Chesapeake Coastal Plain country, year-round foliage for privacy and shelter when the rest of the garden sleeps, good through zone 8 and foamy white flowers.
Phlox subulata
Through Maryland's Piedmont & Chesapeake Coastal Plain country, evergreen structure and privacy through the bare months, 1.5–2 ft wide and happy in sand, rocky, and loam soil.
Ilex glabra
Through Maryland's Piedmont & Chesapeake Coastal Plain country, carries the planting through winter with leaves intact, 4–8 ft wide and inconspicuous flowers.
Polystichum acrostichoides
Through Maryland's Piedmont & Chesapeake Coastal Plain country, carries the planting through winter with leaves intact, good through zone 9 and spreading 1.5–2.5 ft.
Seed packets, plugs, and starter plants for many of these species ship to your door.
Browse on AmazonSome links here are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The surest source of locally-adapted stock is a native-plant nursery or a native plant society sale in your area.