Last Updated on June 14, 2023 by Georgie Smith
Having a visually appealing front yard landscape is more than just putting different plants and flowers together. With the proper choice of plants, there must be a significant role that makes your front yard look like one of those glam yards in the magazines.
The evergreen shrubs are the best choice for foundation planting because they are the first architect’s choice and they also come in a variety of heights, sizes, and shapes. Regardless of your taste in flowers, or your favorite colors, you will always find a plant that will cater to your liking.
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These flowers form a frame for the house and soften the sharp corners. It also creates a great transition from a human-made structure to a natural one that will guide the visitors to the entrance of the home. It needs asymmetrical groupings of three or five bushes that typically generate the most substantial amount of interest.
What Kind of Shrubs to Plant in Front of the House?
The intersections where your house meets land sometimes look odd. It begs to get softened. The right shrubs for your yard need to have tall and dwarf plants that will give it a nice contrast. Some repetition will create a unified look and make it natural and casual.
While there are great flowers and shrubs, not all of them are great for frontal home landscaping. So what kind of bushes is most suitable for the front of your house?
House Huggers
The curved and asymmetrical bends hide in open space under the porch and give your color and interest with a flowering mix. Climbing plants like mophead hydrangeas greet visitors at the stairway and have big orbs of color during the summer. A blue juniper and an azalea create an excellent bed for all the seasons.
You can also have hanging baskets of ivy that will soften the frame and posts on your entrance. You may also have a pot or two of red flowers that echo the plants growing at the foundation.
Shortest at the Front and Tallest at the Back
You may want to plant the tallest at the end nearest to the house and the shorter ones in front. For instance, you may have to put the tall rhododendrons nearest to the home and the azaleas right in front of them. You also want to put the perennials and bulbs at the front.
You also want to alternate the plants and have the summer plants at the front and fall-blooming plants at the back. This way, when the catmints begin to stretch out, the daffodils take over.
Rhododendron
Also called Yaku Prince, this shrub provides a planting structure that guides you on how to plant the other flowers around them. They are slow-growing, compact and dwarf planets that are an excellent choice for all homes. They also look great under the windows.
It is showy in spring and has glossy leaves. They need little maintenance and will produce funnel-shaped pink flowers that are wide and get to 3 feet in height.
Little Leaf Boxwood
These are compact and often called green velvet plants. They have pale green leaves and a habit of mounding and can grow as high as 4 feet. These do perfectly well in zones 5 to 8.
Japanese Pieris
These have dense branches that have leathery, darker green leaves that have bell-like white flowers. These reach a full height of 3 feet and tend to be perfect for zones 5 to 9.
Inkberries
These are slow growers and have round-shaped green leaves. They achieve a height of 4 feet, and they are 6 feet wide. They are great for zones 5 to 9 although they have subspecies that are perfect for zones 4 to 9.
Japanese Yew
These are also known as Densa and are 4 feet high and 8 feet wide. The female plants have dark needles with red berries during the winter. They are great for zones 4 to 8. They can take up to 20 years to reach their greatest height and width.
Slender Deutzia
These fall into the category of plants that begin to bloom during spring and will continue to flower through to the end of summer. They stay neat during the winter even after their leaves have fallen off. They have slender flower-filled branches. Its flowers are white and have blue-green foliage. At maturity, they are 2 feet high and 5 feet wide.
Smooth Hydrangeas
These are incredibly reliable bloomers that do great under the window. They have white or pink flowers that continue to bloom through fall. They reach 5 feet in height and are great for zone 4 to 9.
Virginia Sweetspire
The leaves are dark green, but they become a reddish-purple color and are crimson in the fall. They can get to 6 inches high. Its flowers are fragrant and are 6 feet wide.
True Geranium
These provide you with color during the spring through fall and are great if planted in clusters with other plants that have an extended bloom time. Also known as Rozanne, these are the most extended bloomers and have violet petals and a white center the flowers grow to 2 feet wide and 18 inches high.
Catmint
These have tall spikes of purple or blue flowers that clump together for the best color contrasts. They are also known as walker’s low because of their lavender-blue flowers that are 3 feet wide and 24 inches tall.
Salvia
These have a variety of flowers, some are white, pink, or violet and have green leaves. They can get as high as 18 inches and are great for zones 4 and 8.
Top 5 Best Evergreen Shrubs for Front of House:
| Picture | Product Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
 | Sprinter Boxwood (Buxus) Live Evergreen Shrub | – Tolerates both full sun and shade condition – Glossy green all year round – Low maintenance profile – High quality for landscaping |
 | WinterGreen Boxwood | – Low maintenance – Dense foliage evergreen – Grow quickly – Suitable for a couple of weather conditions |
 | (1 gallon) ‘Girard‘s Crimson‘ AZALEA | – Ideal for border planting – Compact azalea red flowers – Suitable for hedge – Withstands various weather conditions |
 | 2 Gallon – ‘Sunshine‘ Ligustrum | – Suitable for mass planting – Highly portable – Golden leaves for beauty – Unique southern living plant |
 | (1 Gallon) ‘Hershey‘s Red‘ AZALEA | – Durable for all year cover – Convenient size when fully mature – Suitable for hedge border – Convenient for all weather challenges |
Sprinter Boxwood (Buxus) Live Evergreen Shrub, Green Foliage, 1 Gallon
Invest in this sprinter boxwood live evergreen shrub and give your compound a new image. This shrub is durable and will withstand harsh pruning. It grows fast and will ensure to make an excellent landscape for your fence.
The best thing about this shrub is that it keeps growing through the seasons and does not require lots of maintenance. When in its full maturity, this plant guarantees you maximum shade around your home as it can grow up to 5ft tall.
The evergreen features ensure you have a live fence all year round. It can withstand various weather conditions, which keeps it more reliable for security and beauty. However, for you to experience full growth of this boxwood shrub, it is therefore essential to invest in soil fertility. Additionally, this shrub can handle both extreme hot and cold seasons without losing its color and quality.
Pros
- Convenient for all weather conditions
- Easy to plant and maintain
- Deer resistant
Cons
- Does not withstand extreme cold
Buy from Amazon
WinterGreen Boxwood – 3 Gallon
This Wintergreen Boxwood is also known as Korean Boxwood. It is adaptable to various weather conditions and will make a good improvement for your landscape. When young, it produces green foliage lush, but as age progresses, it gets slightly dark.
With this shrub blooming in your backyard, you will have the comfort of relaxing and inhaling fresh air right from the plants. It retains the same blooming colors for a long time; therefore, it will keep your garden looking great through different seasons.
This boxwood also serves as an attractive border especially if you plant it neatly in rows. Additionally, this plantation requires low maintenance; therefore, you will be free to attend to other matters even with the wintergreen boxwood growing in your hedge.
With this boxwood shrub, you can prune and trim it to different shapes to ensure you have a unique fencerow. This shrub has unique leaves that will keep growing even under tough pruning pressure. During winter, when other boxwoods are turning yellow, you will be proud of the green color for a sophisticated look.
However, you must ensure that this shrub has strong and well-developed roots for it to grow and hold its ground correctly.
Pros
- Easy to grow with low maintenance
- Retains its green color for a long time
- Withstands tough and extreme pruning
- Resistant to pests and deer
Cons
- Takes time to grow into full maturity
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(3 gallon) ‘Azalea Girard’s Crimson, Crimson Red Blooms, Evergreen Shrub, Cold Hardy
This cold-hardy Azalea Girard’s Crimson is the ultimate plant that will make your hedge look attractive and neat all year round. The red flowers blossom nicely even under the most challenging weather conditions. If you plant it in mass numbers, you will not have to worry about intruders invading your compound.
Although this shrub may seem dead in fall as it will shred most of its leaves, however, it will sprout again during spring, which makes it a durable and long-lasting hedge type. Additionally, you can plant it in pots, direct to the soil, or even in a greenhouse. The shrub is lightweight, which allows you to transport it for transplanting easily.
It’s lightweight and ensures that the bush is convenient for reshaping to reach that custom hedge. It can withstand pruning and trimming hence making an excellent plant for landscaping.
Pros
- Easy to plant
- Low maintenance needed
- Lightweight for easy landscaping
- Convenient for mass planting
Cons
- Slightly expensive compared to other shrubs
Buy from Amazon
2 Gallon – ‘Sunshine’ Ligustrum – Southern Living Plant Collection
If you are looking for a shrub that will quickly grow without giving you extra work or maintenance, then this is all this shrub is that you need. It is evergreen and produces yellow foliage all year round, hence making an excellent improvement for your hedge. With this shrub, you will not even realize the changes in the season as the golden leaves live up to the challenge. Their roots are strong and will hold on to the ground for as long as possible to ensure you have the same impressive look in your backyard.
Additionally, this sunshine Ligustrum is easy to cultivate and will take less time to germinate fully. It is resistant to pests and deer, which makes it suitable for a personalized picnic site. You can also plant this shrub and create a small shade for covering your head through the harsh summer season.
The sunshine’s golden leaves are beautiful and can persevere the scorching sun as well as cold weather. However, for you to experience the best of this shrub, it is important to drain and fertilize your soil during spring before planting.
Pros
- Easy to plant and maintain
- Convenient for all weather conditions
- Deer and pest resistant
Cons
- Requires a lot of soil preparation before transplanting
Buy from Amazon
(2 Gallon) ‘Purple Daydream, Abundance of Stunning Red Blooms, Evergreen Shrub
With this shrub growing in your backyard you will have the privilege of enjoying the soft and cool breeze in the comfort of your environment. This shrub grows fast and does not need lots of maintenance as other shrubs. The red flowers bloom under the most challenging conditions, which guarantees that nothing will stop the bush from germinating.
Its roots are strong and will ensure to hold on the ground entirely to keep the plant stable and durable.
Unlike other shrubs, if you invest in this Hershey Red Evergreen Shrub, you will experience a lifetime of excellent shrub performance. It makes an excellent landscape profile for any backyard setting, and it also has unique looks.
Pros
- Easy to plant and maintain
- Needs minimal maintenance
- Ideal for landscaping
- Can grow in any weather condition
Cons
- It is slightly heavy
Buy from Amazon
How to Choose the Right One?
While these evergreen plants are beautiful, and they make your yard look great, they can only survive under specific conditions. It is therefore vital for you to know which ones will survive in your locality and which ones will not. Here are a couple of things you need to consider when choosing the best evergreen flowers.
The Location
The location you choose for your evergreen shrubs will be one of the first things you seriously need to consider. Although most can survive extreme exposure to the sun, it does not mean they need exposure. To ensure that the shrubs remain healthy and look great, make sure that they get just enough sunlight. They need slight sheltering to ensure they keep a green color.
Height
You need to consider the width and height the plants will achieve. Some will quickly reach their full height while some will take years. Some will not have lush green leaves throughout the year. If some grow too tall, they do not need to be in your front yard because they may make your home look unattractive.
For your front yard, low-growing shrubs are the best. Go for dwarf shrubs that keep their great color throughout the year. Shrubs that are too tall will throw off the aesthetics of your landscape.
Attributes
You need to think about whether you need your evergreen shrubs to have flowers or fruits and lush foliage. You also need to think about the size and shape of your leaves so that the landscaping is perfect. Whether you want thin or thick leaves will also be a question you must know the answer to before making your choice.
Growth Habits
The growth habits of each shrub are different. Some grow fast while others are slow bloomers. If you choose plant species that grow fast, you will have to schedule days for pruning. These will need much maintenance and are not suitable for people who do not have enough time to prune each month.
Always go for plants that are easy to keep and need little care. You should also go for ones that do not grow extremely fast.
How to Plant Shrubs/Bushes in Front of the House?
Tools
- Garden hose
- Shovel
- Trowel
- Mulch
- Shrubs
- Water
Method
Choose a Location
First, make sure you have found the place where you want to plant your shrubs. First, decide if the soil has all the requirements to ensure that the plants grow. It is always best to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Ensure that the shrub can grow comfortably without interference.
Dig a Planting Hole
The planting hole should be about two to three feet wider than the ball you will be planting. This space will make sure that the roots always have enough room to develop. Loosen the soil at the sides.
Plant the Shrub
Remove the shrub from the pot and inspect the roots. If the roots are too compressed, they will not grow as intended. Use a sharp trowel or knife to divide and loosen the roots. Place the root ball in the hole and level it so that the top ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Fill the area with loosened native soil and press firmly.
Water
This step is the most vital part of growing your shrubs. Immediately after planting, pour some water into the bush. The water will activate root development and thus plant growth. However, if it is raining consistently, you may skip this part.
Add Mulch
Mulch will reduce the loss of moisture from the plant. However, do not place the mulch directly at the base of the trunk because the water will collect there, and the areas will start to rot.
If the location you are planting is sloppy, form a berm on the downhill side of the plant. It will cut rainwater and prevent runoffs.
How Far Should You Plant Shrubs from Your House?
The distance you plant your shrub from the house depends on how far it will spread once you plant it in the ground. For instance, if a shrub will reach 10 feet in height when it matures, you should plant it at least five feet from a tall window.
Be sure the plant will be shorter than the eaves of your house, so it will not cause any damage. If the shrubs are 6 feet wide, give them a 5 feet distance when planting.
Ideally, the closest shrub should be 4 feet away from your home. A rule of thumb is to make sure that you plant the bush at least half the distance it will spread when it matures.
What Does Foundation Plant Mean?
Foundation plants are the house-hugging plants that enhance and complement your house. The idea for that is that foundation plants should make your home look welcoming and ties the surrounding landscapes. When sheared and appropriately pruned, these look amazing.
Shrubs and Bushes
Now that you know the types of shrubs, here are some benefits you will get from planting them in your front yard.
- They complement the style and architecture of your home
- They go for all-four-seasons of the year
- You get the freedom to choose the best shrubs for landscaping projects
- You get shade for guests
- Prevent soil and air pollution
- They prevent soil erosion
- Generally, help the environment because the flowers give food for pollinators
FAQs:
Q: What colors should I plant?
A: The colors you choose depend solely upon your preferences. However, you may want to research to find out which colors go well together.
Q: How big are the shrubs when you buy them?
A: The shrubs are only about 1 foot tall, and they come in 1-gallon containers.
Q: How long do they take to mature?
A: Some will mature in months while others will take years to show their first flower.
Conclusion
The landscape of your home is critical. A well-manicured yard enhances a home immensely and makes the outside appearance look beautiful. It also improves the air quality in your home. The shrubs you choose need to have the height and growth capacity that is relative to the size of your house.
You also need to do thorough research about the colors and coordinate it all together to complement the colors of the interior of your home and those on your patio. Hopefully, by reading this guide, you have a little more knowledge about the best evergreen shrubs for your landscaping project.
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