• Dwarf spruce varieties may be used in smaller gardens.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Evergreen plants are those that keep their foliage year-round, providing greenery, texture and vibrancy when other plants shiver and drop their leaves. Gardeners with limited garden space who still want to enjoy a formal, upright evergreen plant have a wide selection of dwarf shrub and tree varieties to choose from.
  
  

Japanese Mockorange

• Also known as tobira, Japanese mockorange (Pittosporum tobira) is a flowering evergreen shrub or small tree that hails from China and Japan. The dwarf variety of the plant, Wheeler's Dwarf, grows to an extremely manageable size of about 2 feet. The dwarf variety offers tightly packed, leathery green leaves. Japanese mockorange flowers have tiny white blooms with a distinct citrus fragrance. Plant Japanese mockorange in sun or shade in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 10. The plant is adaptable to a variety of soil types and will grow in most soils as long as they are well-draining. Water frequently, and check occasionally for pests such as scale and aphids.
  
  

Dwarf Sitka Spruce

• Dwarf Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis 'Papoose') is an evergreen conifer that grows about 2 inches a year to a maximum height of between 3 to 6 feet high. The plant offers soft, fur-like new growth and bluish-green needles. The slow-growing plant does well in containers, and may be cultivated outdoors in the garden in USDA zones 7 and 8. Plant dwarf Sitka spruce in a moist, well -raining soil that has a neutral to acidic pH level. The plant grows in either full sun or partial shade. Check the plant's foliage occasionally for common pests such as gall insects, aphids, caterpillars, and scale insects.
  
  

Little Ollie

• Little Ollie (Olea europaea) is a dwarf olive species that grows to be between 3 to 6 feet tall. The evergreen plant offers glossy dark leaves, though it does not produce fruits. Suitable for upright hedges and containers, Little Ollie is viable USDA zones 8 to 10. The plant is remarkably tolerant of a range of conditions, and can tolerate the salty soils of coastal gardens as well as intense drought and heat. For best results, grow in a sheltered location away from heavy winds. Use a deep, fertile soil that is exceptionally well draining. Watch for scale insects.