Best small shrubs for front of house
21 Best Shrubs & Perennials For The Front Of House
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Foundation plants are the first thing people see when they come to your home. So it’s important to choose the ones that looks the best. In this post, I share a list of my favorite perennials and shrubs for landscaping around your house.
One of the best ways to increase curb appeal in front of your house is to use stunning foundation plants.
From evergreen bushes to flowering perennials, there are many landscaping ideas you can use to add visual interest to your home.
Don’t be overwhelmed by all the choices. This guide will show you the best foundation shrubs and perennials, so you’ll be able to pick out your favorites without any stress.
What Are Foundation Plants?
Foundation plants started as a way to hide the unsightly cement or blocks around the base of newly constructed homes.
Now people add them around their house to enhance the beauty, and break up the monotonous look of a treeless yard, or siding that reaches to the ground.
Landscapers use a mixture of bushes, flowers, and shrubs as a way to create artistic visual interest.
With the right shape, size and color, you can draw someone’s eye around your yard, up the walk, and to the front door. It’s like interior design, but outdoors.
Related Post: How To Design A Front Yard Foundation Planting
When you are looking for foundation plants, these are the attributes that are the most important:
- Choose shorter varieties – If they are too tall, they could block windows, and cause problems for gutters or drainage.
- Add visual interest – Use a range of heights, textures, and colors to create your desired look.
- Keep sunlight needs in mind – If the front of your house receives constant sunlight or full shade, make sure you choose plants that will respond well to it.
- Go for symmetry – Whether you try to use mirror images on both sides of your house, or add visual interest with an asymmetrical design, this list will give you many options.
- Pick ones that look great year-round – Evergreen shrubs or perennials with winter interest will keep your front garden from looking bare during the colder seasons.
Related Post: 17 Best Ground Cover Plants That Grow Well In The Shade
21 Foundation Plants & Shrubs For Front Of House
I split up the list into two sections to make it easier for you to find what you need. First, we will look at the best shrubs for the front of your house.
Then, you will discover the most popular flowers and perennials that you can use to dress up your home landscaping quickly.
Best Shrubs To Plant In Front Of The House
Shrubs and bushes are the most popular foundation plants for the front of the house. They’re easy to care for, make the best base for corners, and anchor your landscaping. Below are some good options.
1. Boxwood
One of the most common foundation shrubs is the boxwood because it’s easy to shape with some hedge trimmers.
These evergreen bushes can reach 6-8’, and do well in partial to full sun. Most people use them as the base or backdrop for their landscaping, and place other colorful specimens around them.
2. Roses
This classic bush comes in a bunch of different shapes and sizes.
You can find them in just about any hue from pink or red, to yellow, orange, and even shades of white, blue, or purple. Simply choose your favorite colors.
Roses also have a variety of heights. Find them in dwarf forms that only reach 1-3’, or larger shrubs and climbers that can get anywhere from 8-20’ tall.
3. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are another fantastic way to add pops of color to the front of your house.
Their showy flowers bloom in the late summer or early fall. They come in varieties with either pink, green, blue, purple, or even white blossoms.
They do best in zones 4-9, and can reach heights of either 4-6’ or 6-8’, depending on the type you own. Learn how to grow hydrangeas here.
4. Japanese Maple
A much taller option is the Japanese maple, which you can find either as a bush or in a small tree form.
Some of the bush varieties reach 12-15’, and the trees can be 15-20’. So make sure you give them plenty of space, and don’t put them too close to your house.
They are breathtaking in the fall when the leaves change from green to a vibrant red. This deciduous tree or shrub does best in zones 6-9 with full sun.
5. Juniper
This common evergreen shrub is often used by the pros as the bones or an anchor in front yard landscape design.
The juniper is known for its unmistakable berries that grow in between the pines on some species.
It’s a conifer that prefers full sun, and can reach 4-6’. The ones that make the best foundation plants are those that stay closer to the ground, rather than the ones that look like tall trees.
6. Dogwood
In general there are two basic types of dogwoods, a tree and a shrub.
While the trees look great, at 15-20’ they can be a bit too large to put right next to your house.
The bushes do best in full sun, and can reach 8-12’. Both are deciduous and thrive in zones 5-8.
Some will even bloom in mid-spring, with lovely pink or white flowers that are highly fragrant and attractive to pollinators.
Dogwood are good bushes for front of house7. Elderberry
The elderberry is a pretty specimen that bears edible fruit. The sweet berries can be used to make jams and deserts, and the birds love feasting on them too.
Though it prefers full sun, it can do well in partial shade as well. This beautiful bush is hardy in zones 3-9, where it can reach 8-10’.
In the late spring and early summer it blooms with white flowers, which are a delightful contrast to the dark maroon foliage.
8. Dwarf Lilac
The dwarf lilac is a fantastic way to line your sidewalks or add color to the front of your house.
Reaching 4-6’ tall, this shrub is easy to trim into stunning round shapes, and small enough to make the perfect foundation plant.
It does best in zones 3-7. In late spring it will come alive with pink or fuchsia blooms that smell heavenly.
9. Weigela
If you’re looking for a bush that has good fall colors to brighten up your yard, try weigela. It does best in sun or partial shade in zones 5-9.
It reaches 36-48” tall, though dwarf varieties can be much smaller. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer with pink, red, or white petals.
Unfortunately, they aren’t fragrant when they bloom. But the brilliant colors are stunning, and really stand out against the light green foliage.
Weigela flowering shrub next to the house10. Mock Orange
Don’t let the name fool you. The mock orange has white flowers that look and smell like those on an orange tree, but it doesn’t produce any fruit.
Also known as English dogwood, this large bush towers at 8-10’, and prefers partial shade in zones 4-8.
The highly fragrant blooms appear in late spring and early summer. Place them near a window so you can enjoy the heavenly aroma inside your home when they’re in full bloom.
11. Azalea / Rhododendron
There are lots of types of azalea and rhododendron that you can choose from. All of them are dazzling.
Growing anywhere from 36-48” for the dwarf varieties, or as large as 10-12’ for larger ones, they prefer shade and acidic soil.
They are the epitome of spring in zones 3-8, blooming in late spring with showy flowers and bright colors.
From whites to pinks and shades of purple, to red, orange, and even yellow, they dress up a home’s front landscape.
12. Spirea
With tons of different varieties to choose from, spirea is a popular foundation shrub because it stays fairly small. Most will only reach 24-36” tall.
It’s also a favorite because it’s resistant to deer, and does well in a wide range of zones, from 4 to 9.
The foliage is pretty, and the pink or white blossoms appear in mid-spring.
Spirea shrubs in front of house13. Japanese Yew
Another great anchor, the Japanese yew is a low-maintenance coniferous bush that looks captivating in the winter.
The shortest ones, which are 8-10’, make the best foundation shrubs. The taller ones can reach 15-20’, and are better to use farther away from your house.
This is a popular choice for evergreen privacy, and a nice addition to any front garden bed.
Best Foundation Perennials
When it comes to picking out foundation perennial plants, you have a ton to choose from.
The best ones will depend on the color, size, and shape of your home and the existing landscaping. Here are some of my favorites.
14. Lilies
Lilies add artistic beauty to the front of your home, and there are so many varieties that you can pick from.
The sizes range from 1-3’ for the shorter ones, all the way up to an impressive 8’ for the tallest. Though the hardiness varies depending on the species, you can find them for just about any zone.
Most will bloom in late spring or early summer and have stunning, often fragrant, flowers that come in an array of patterns and colors.
15. Hostas
With solid or multicolored leaves that look like they came straight out of a painting, hostas add visual interest to your landscaping.
They only reach 18-28” tall and wide, and do best in shady spots in zones 3-8.
The trumpet-shaped blossoms appear in late summer, and can be anywhere from pale or light purple to white.
Using hostas as foundation plants16. Astilbe
Also called false goat’s beard, astilbe has bold red, white, or pink flowers that bloom in mid-spring and early summer.
The colors are electric, and really command attention. They are also fantastic for cutting and adding to your indoor bouquet.
This excellent foundation plant will reach 18-24” and, depending on the variety, can thrive in anywhere from partial shade to full sun in zones 4-9. Learn exactly how to grow astilbe here.
17. Iris
There are hundreds of species of this romantic flower that you can choose from. The most popular is the bearded iris.
Depending on the type you choose, they can reach anywhere from 24-36”. The spiky foliage makes a great backdrop, and the blossoms open in the spring.
They come in a variety of colors, from lavender or blue, to yellow, white, pink, salmon, and dark purple. Some smell wonderful too.
18. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Also called coral bells, Heucheras add vibrance and texture, and are a classic addition to any landscape.
When the pink or white flowers bloom in early summer, they can reach 18”. But the foliage is the star of the show, and you can find them in just about any color of the rainbow.
They can thrive anywhere from shade to full sun in zones 4-9, and can tolerate drought conditions.
Coral bells add color around house foundation19. Phlox
Very broadly, there are two popular kinds of phlox: tall and creeping. Both require full sun, and are hardy in zones 4-8.
Tall varieties do well in partial shade to full sun, and get to be 36-48”.
They have fragrant white, pink, purple, or magenta blooms that appear around the middle of summer.
The creeping ones have a sprawling habit, and barely reach 6” tall. They bloom in early spring, and also come in various colors.
20. Yucca
The yucca is an effortless choice for beginners. These tough evergreen perennials are perfect for drier soils that are typical around a house foundation.
It’s rounded shape with lots of sharp-pointed leaves is easy to spot. Though most commonly used as a desert perennial in zones 9-11, there are cold-hardy varieties that can survive down to zone 3.
When it blooms in late spring, the tall flower spikes stick straight out of the center. They’re usually either pale yellow, pink, or a shade of white, and smell amazing.
The bloom spikes stay short on some types, only reaching 18-36″, while others can get up to 30′ tall. When not in bloom, the foliage is only 18-24”.
21. Peony
There are a bunch of varieties of peonies you can choose from, with a range of different sizes and colors.
The most common one for people to use as foundation perennials is the Chinese peony. It grows 24-36”, and thrives in full exposure.
The showy flowers are well known for their intoxicating fragrance, and bloom in late spring and early summer in zones 2-8. Learn how to care for peonies here.
Peonies planted at the corner of my houseWith this list of the best foundation plants for the front of your house, you’re sure to find tons of options. Add some visual interest and beauty to your home with any of these stunning bushes, shrubs, and perennials.
Recommended Books
- Front Yard Gardens: Growing More Than Grass
- New Front Yard Idea Book: Entries, Driveways, Pathways, Gardens
- Create Amazing Combinations with Your Favorite Perennials
- Perennial Combinations That Make Your Garden Look Fantastic
More About Flower Gardening
- 15 Partial Shade Shrubs For Your Garden
- 17 Colorful & Gorgeous Shade Garden Plants
- Create A Bee-Friendly Garden To Help Save The Bees
- 17 Pink Flowers For Your Garden (Annuals & Perennials)
- 19 Long Blooming Perennials For A More Beautiful Flower Garden
Share you favorite types of foundation plants in the comment section below.
Low Growing Shrubs for the Front of the House: 16 Great Choices
Attractive low growing shrubs for the front of the house are great for reducing yard maintenance. While most gardeners love to work in their garden, they may not love pruning their shrubs every year. One way to make landscaping easier while increasing your home’s curb appeal is to move beyond the typical overgrown azaleas and rhododendron and choose foundation plant varieties that stay compact. The list of 16 low growing bushes featured in this article consists of both evergreen shrubs and flowering choices. They’re the perfect solution for homeowners who don’t enjoy pruning!
Finding the right low growing shrubs for your foundation plantings is a key to reducing maintenance.Why low growing shrubs for the front of the house are best
Dwarf shrubs for the front of the house are a wise choice for several reasons. Aside from their minimal pruning requirements, many of these compact shrubs for front yards are evergreen and provide year-round interest to the landscape, while others produce beautiful blooms.
Some even have interesting bark. Plus, many of these low growing shrubs for the front yard produce flowers that support bees and other pollinators. And lastly, as you’ll see in the plant profiles below, most exhibit extensive cold hardiness, some as far down as USDA zone 3.
I’ll start by introducing you to 6 deciduous low growing shrubs for the front of the house. These gorgeous flowering shrub choices stay compact yet still provide color and texture to your foundation plantings.
Dwarf Korean lilac shrubs produce fragrant blooms in the spring.Dwarf Korean lilac (
Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’)This flowering shrub produces lovely, pink to purple, sweet smelling flowers in late spring. Requiring full sun, the bushes top out at 4 to 5 feet in height, without pruning. It makes a great compact flowering hedge, and the foliage not prone to powdery mildew like traditional lilacs are. It flowers profusely and is hardy down to -30°F.
When it comes to low growing shrubs for the front of the house, the deer-resistant dwarf Korean lilac is a real stunner.
Dwarf hydrangea Little Lime® (
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’)Little Lime hydrangea produces panicle-shaped clusters of light green to white blooms in summer and is hardy to -30°F. Topping out at 5 feet in height, it thrives in full sun to part shade. Like other hydrangeas, Little Lime prefers moist soil. It’s a multi-stemmed shrub and is especially easy to care for. Unlike mophead hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) whose buds often freeze out in cold climates, the flowers on Little Lime are produced on stems that develop in the spring, so there’s no risk of the buds freezing out. This compact hydrangea looks so lovely in front of a house. Guests will no doubt ask about this beauty. The smooth hydrangeas (H. arborescens), such as ‘Annabelle’, are another group of low growing shrubs for the front of the house worth growing.
Their blooms are globe shaped rather than being panicle shaped.
Summersweet Clethra (
Clethra alnifolia ‘Hummingbird’)If you’re looking for a low growing bush for foundation plantings that produces pretty summertime blooms, Clethra is my top choice. This compact variety attracts several types of bees and butterflies. It handles everything from full sun to heavy shade (though it won’t bloom quite as well with less than 4 hours of sun per day). Reaching a maximum height of just 4 feet and winter hardy in zones down to -30°F, it even tolerates wet soils. This is a cultivar of a North American native plant that’s very easy to grow. ‘Hummingbird’ is known for its slow growth and compact, mounded shape. It also produces more creamy white flowers than the straight species.
Virginia sweetspire is a lovely shrub and ‘Little Henry’ is a compact variety.Dwarf Virginia Sweetspire (
Itea virginica ‘Sprich’)Known as the Little Henry® sweetspire, this full sun, low growing shrub for in front of the house produces drooping, cylindrical spires of white flowers in early spring.
The stems are red-hued which adds another element of interest. In autumn, the foliage of this compact shrub turns a brilliant orange or red. It is hardy to -20°F and thrives in full sun to partial shade. The blooms strut their stuff anytime from early June to late July. Damp to wet soil is preferred, but as long as you don’t let the soil get bone dry, Virginia sweetspire will do just fine. This is a dwarf cultivar of a North American native shrub.
Shrubby Cinquefoil (
Potentilla fruticosa, syn. Dasiphora fruticosa)In the summertime, there are few low growing shrubs for the front of the house that outshine the cinquefoil. Smothered in bright yellow, orange, pink, or white blooms (depending on the variety), this pretty, compact shrub is a vigorous grower for full sun to part shade conditions. It is attractive to bees and butterflies and survives winters down to -30°F. Growing to a maximum height of just 4 feet, the soft, feathery shape of this shrub is quite distinct.
It makes a great deer-resistant flowering hedge or foundation plant. If you trim off the spent flowers, the bush often reblooms and may even be in near-continual flower from early summer through autumn.
Spirea ‘Little Princess’ (
Spiraea japonica ‘Little Princess’)Japanese spirea has long been adored for its low maintenance requirements and reliable blooms. But many varieties grow too large for the front of the house without regular pruning. ‘Little Princess’ is a dwarf shrub that stays super compact, topping out at a height of just 30 inches! It produces flat-topped clusters of pink flowers from late spring through summer. Not only is this compact Japanese spirea easy to grow (just provide full sun), it is also deer resistant and handles a wide range of soil conditions. The growth is dense and rounded.
10 Evergreen low growing shrubs for the front of the houseNext, let’s look at some low growing shrubs for the front of the house that are evergreen.
Because they hold onto their green leaves or needles year-round, they’re a prime choice for almost any climate, except for very warm ones. Their evergreen foliage provides shelter for winter birds and looks lovely when topped with a light layer of snow. Let’s meet 10 compact, low maintenance evergreen shrubs for the front yard.
Dwarf Mugo Pine (
Pinus mugo cultivars)There are several varieties of mugo pine that are compact and make perfect low growing shrubs for the front of the house. They are drought resistant, deer resistant, and can be used as a great low hedge. Regular mugo pines grow large (up to 20 feet in height) so be sure to look for dwarf varieties, including the dwarf mugo pine (P. mugo variety pumilio) which reaches just 5 feet tall, ‘Teeny’ which tops out at a mere 1 foot tall, and ‘Paul’s Dwarf’ which grows to 3 feet. All are fully evergreen, non-flowering, and very low maintenance. Hardy down to -40°F.
Full sun is best. Deer resistant.
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress (
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’)Though the deer absolutely adore feasting on the green foliage of this shrub, I won’t garden without it. I have two, and both are covered with a layer of deer netting year-round. I find them to be the finest of the low growing shrubs for the front of the house because their deep green, fan-shaped foliage is so distinctive. An Asian native, dwarf Hinoki cypress are very slow growing. It takes 10 to 15 years for them to reach their maximum height of 6 feet. Plant this foundation plant in full to partial sun and avoid waterlogged soils. The straight species grows very tall, so be sure to seek out the dwarf form. It’s quite winter hardy, down to about -30°F. Here’s our full article on how to grow a dwarf Hinoki cypress.
Round Arborvitae (
Thuja occidentalis varieties)Most gardeners are probably familiar with tall, pyramidal-shaped arborvitae varieties, but did you know there are also compact arborvitae that are globe-shaped? I love these little cuties! One of my favorites is Mr.
Bowling Ball®, but other options are ‘Little Gem’, ‘Hetz Midget’ and ‘Globe’. In late winter, when covered with a dusting of snow, these petite shrubs are extra fun. New growth emerges in spring, but there’s no need to prune this shrub to keep it round and compact. Skip this plant if you have a problem with deer. Choose a full sun to partial shade location and plan for a height of 3 feet. Most are hardy to -40° F.
Dwarf Globe Blue Spruce (
Picea pungens ‘Globosa’)Deer resistant? Check! Pest and disease resistant? Check! Compact growth habit? Check! Unique foliage color? Check! And those aren’t the only traits this fun shrub for the front yard possesses. It’s also very hardy (-40°F), drought tolerant, and fun as all get out. Think of it as a classic blue spruce shrunk down to a tiny size. Dwarf Globe blue spruce reaches 4 feet tall and wide at maturity, but it struggles in climates with very hot summers.
Bird’s nest spruce shrubs have been popular in gardens for many years.
Bird’s Nest Spruce (
Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’)Another compact spruce variety, bird’s nest spruce has long been a favorite in the category of low growing shrubs for the front of the house. It’s been around for decades. Picea abies is known as the Norway spruce, and the straight species is a massive tree that grows to over 150 feet tall. However, this cultivar grows just a few feet in height and does so very slowly, taking several decades to reach maturity. The flattened tops of these compact shrubs look a bit like a bird’s nest, hence the common name. Hardy to -30°F and preferring full sun, it is deer resistant.
The variegated foliage of ‘Emerald n Gold’ Wintercreeper is a fun addition to the winter landscape.Emerald and Gold Wintercreeper (
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n Gold’)If you’re looking for variegated low growing shrubs for the front of the house, then this is the choice for you. The glossy, evergreen leaves are a combination of golden yellow and rich green.
It’s so low growing that some gardeners grow it as a groundcover. Emerald and gold wintercreeper has great winter interest and tolerates lousy soils and shade (though the color is best in full to partial sun). This plant has been classified as invasive in some growing zones, so be sure to check with your state’s database for invasive plants before introducing it to your garden.
Rockspray Cotoneaster (
Cotoneaster horizontalis)Admittedly I’m not a huge fan of this shrub, but it’s for a silly reason. The arching stems make it challenging to clean leaves out in the autumn. Not a critical fault, to be sure, but one that has kept me from planting it in my own garden. However, if a persnickety leaf clean up isn’t a concern of yours, then consider the rockspray cotoneaster for the front of your house. This low-growing shrub is a broadleaf evergreen. It produces small pink to white flowers in the spring, followed by clusters of orange or red berries in the fall.
The spray-like branches arch out from the trunk, giving it an almost cascading look. Hardy to -20°F, choose a site that receives full to partial sun. Avoid in southern locations with hot summers.
Creeping Juniper (
Juniperus horizontalis)A fast-growing ground cover, this low growing shrub is very popular. Reaching a height of just 18 inches with a spread up to 8 feet wide, it’s a great dwarf shrub for covering a lot of ground. Its evergreen needles are a lovely blue-green and it’s both deer and drought resistant. Full sun is best for this North American native shrub that’s hardy to -40°F. Though it has few insect pests, creeping juniper can develop fungal blight which leads to dieback of the stems and can be spread by pruning equipment. All the more reason to never prune this low growing shrub! It looks great along the front walk or on front yard slopes.
There are many varieties of dwarf boxwoods that never need to be pruned.
Dwarf Boxwoods (
Buxus species and varieties)Boxwood is a very popular shrub for the front of the house because it is deer-resistant and easy to care for. Standard English boxwood and Japanese boxwood varieties grow large and need to be pruned yearly, but compact dwarf varieties like ‘Green Pillow’, ‘Baby Gem’, ‘Green Mound’, ‘Morris Midget’, and others are a great bet if you don’t want to have to prune. Partial shade to full sun is best. Some dwarf boxes only reach a foot in height, while others top out at 3 to 4 feet. Pay attention to the plant tag to be sure you are choosing the best variety for your needs.
Inkberry hollies produce small dark berries that the birds enjoy.Inkberry Holly (
Ilex glabra)The lovely dark green leaves of the inkberry holly are spineless and evergreen, and they make it among the finest of the low growing shrubs for the front of the house. Inkberry holly thrives in conditions from full sun to full shade. It’s one of those low maintenance shrubs that everyone asks about because it’s not very common (though it should be because it’s a terrific choice!).
Barely noticeable flowers appear in spring, but they are soon followed by dark black berries that feed many different species of birds through the winter months. These plants need minimal pruning and top out at 8 feet tall. The shape is naturally rounded. The cultivar ‘Shamrock’ is among the most compact and worth seeking out. Native to eastern North America, the inkberry holly is hardy to -30°F.
How to plant low growing shrubs for the front of the house
As you can see, there are so many great low growing shrubs for the front of the house. Combine several species together to create an interesting design. Plan for 3 to 5 of each species to create small masses of the same texture and color. I’m sure you’ll find these compact shrubs to be easy to care for and an enjoyable addition to your front yard for many years to come.
For more great shrubs for the garden, please visit these articles:
- Late season shrubs for fall beauty
- Dark-leaved shrubs
- Low maintenance shrubs
- The best early-flowering shrubs
- Flowering shrubs for the shade
Pin this article to your Landscaping Ideas board!
TOP-22 Ornamental Shrubs for Dachas
Do you need ornamental shrubs for dachas? Of course yes! After all, with their help it is possible to create a holistic landscape composition, they help to zone the surrounding space, fill voids, and hide unsightly parts of the garden.
Contents:
- How to choose the right shrub?
- Soil type
- Light intensity and plot size
- Beautifully flowering shrubs The most important thing to consider when choosing ornamental shrubs is the characteristics of the planting site:
- degree of illumination
- soil type
- plot size
Soil type
For each type of plant, there are a number of recommendations for growing, adhering to which it is possible to grow a healthy and highly decorative culture. One of the main points is the selection of shrubs depending on the type of soil.
Clay soil
Sandy soil is characterized by high acidity, dryness and almost complete lack of nutrients. In summer it dries out quickly, and in winter it freezes. For such conditions, it is difficult to choose shrubs.
For example, spirea, elderberry, hydrangea, rhododendron, sea buckthorn can grow in sandy soil. Another place not quite suitable for growing a large number of ornamental plants is a wet garden . Aronia, spirea, wild rosemary and several types of fruit bushes are a small list of what can grow in such open spaces.
For clay soils it is much easier to select plants. Although such soil is heavy, but fertile, it has a good ability to retain moisture and nutrients. Therefore, almost all types of ornamental shrubs are suitable for areas with clay soil.
See also: Projects of country houses for 6-10 acres: 120 photos, descriptions and requirements | The most interesting ideasThe degree of illumination and the size of the plot
When choosing plants for the garden, it is very important to take into account the characteristics of the climatic zone. Most shrubs grow equally well in full sun or partial shade. But there are cultures that do not tolerate lighted areas and need shade.
Therefore, first you need to observe the landing site: how much sun hits it during the day, is there a shadow there and what kind is it. Some shrubs do well in full sun
It is also necessary to select crops depending on the size of the planting site. For example, when choosing magnolia, one should take into account that it can rise to a height of 1 to 6-8 meters and spread up to two to five meters in width. Therefore, only one such shrub can be planted in small gardens.
In addition to large plants, there are the most compact varieties that are distinguished by a non-spreading dense crown (for example, columnar juniper). Therefore, before proceeding with the improvement of the territory, familiarize yourself with the description of the selected crops and take into account the degree of their growth.
See also: What to plant in the shade? TOP 35 Best plants for a beautiful shady garden (Photo & Video)Beautiful flowering shrubs
Beautiful flowering shrubs are the most popular among gardeners.
During the flowering period, they delight with incredible beauty, bright colors and amazing aromas. Beautiful flowering shrubs in landscape design
They are suitable for single plantings against a lawn or various landscape compositions. For example, a flower bed design with a combination of undersized and large varieties of the same plant species is widespread.
Here are some descriptions of some of the most popular types of flowering seedlings, which are great for growing in the Moscow region and central Russia.
Park Roses
Park Roses
Features: Shrubs look amazing when in bloom. At this time, terry flowers of various shades bloom on them: red, pink, white, orange. Throughout the flowering, which, depending on the variety, falls at the end of May - the beginning of June and lasts one month, a delicate enchanting aroma comes from the inflorescences.
Agrotechnics of cultivation: Park varieties of roses belong to unpretentious and suitable for cultivation even for beginner gardeners. It is better to plant them on moderately moist loamy soils. The place is chosen well-lit. When group planting between plants, a distance of up to 1.5 meters from each other should be kept.
Caring for park roses consists of regular watering during dry seasons and a small annual formative pruning. Young plants for the winter are recommended to spud and lightly cover.
Garden jasmine (mock orange)
Garden jasmine (mock orange)
Decorative features: Shrub up to three meters high consists of thin twigs densely covered with carved leaves. Depending on the variety, they can be rich green, golden or variegated. Flowers delight the eye from early June to late summer. Throughout the flowering period, they exude a pleasant jasmine aroma.
Cultivation technique: Among the wide variety of varieties, preference should be given to plants of domestic selection. Because they are guaranteed to endure the local climate.
It is recommended to plant garden jasmine in open sunny areas or light partial shade. The plant is not very demanding on the soil. Needs top dressing during planting and after flowering.
Shrubs should be pruned immediately after flowering. Only weak branches are removed. On strong ones, lateral young shoots should appear in autumn.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Decorative features: The culture pleases with abundant flowering from mid-April. The flowers are terry, mostly pink-lilac in color. Rare varieties with orange, red and yellow inflorescences.
Flowers densely cover the shrub, resulting in dark green leaves almost invisible. The height of an adult plant varies from 30 cm to 4-5 meters.
Cultivation technique: For planting in the gardens of central Russia, gardeners recommend choosing deciduous varieties of rhododendron. They are highly frost resistant.
The landing site is selected partially shaded and protected from drafts. Then the culture blooms more abundantly. The soil suitable for shrubs is light, well-drained, fertilized with humus. During the dry season, the plant needs additional watering.
Lilac
Lilac
Decorative features: One of the most common shrubs, which is found in almost every front garden.
The crop blooms profusely from early May to June. Small funnel-shaped flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences. The color of lilac is mostly represented by white and different shades of lilac and purple: lilac, lilac-blue, dark purple and so on.
The aroma of inflorescences is very gentle, subtle. The lilac bush is abundantly covered with rich green foliage, which is located oppositely on the branches.
Keeps green mass until late autumn. Agrotechnics of cultivation: The plant is unpretentious, frost-resistant. Grows well in all types of soil with proper preparation. For example, it will not be superfluous to add lime to sandy soil. The best site for planting lilacs will be sunny or partially shaded.
Only young plants should be watered. Adult bushes need soil moisture only during periods of prolonged drought.
For annual abundant flowering, lilacs must be subjected to sanitary pruning. In early spring, when buds form on the branches and flowering branches are already visible, about 10-15 strong shoots should be separated on the bush, and the rest should be cut off.
Spirea
Spirea
Decorative features: Spirea is divided into two main types: spring and summer blooming. The first is distinguished by numerous snow-white flowers that bloom in May.
Summer-flowering spirea is abundantly covered with pink inflorescences in July. The height of the shrubs depends on the variety and varies from 50-70 cm to 2.5 meters. The diameter of specimens can reach up to one and a half meters.
Agrotechnics of cultivation: The culture is unpretentious, frost-resistant, practically not exposed to diseases. Grows well in sunny and semi-shaded areas. Plant care consists only in periodic formative pruning and removal of faded inflorescences.
Buddleya
Buddleya
Decorative features: The height of the shrub can reach up to three meters. The branches of the culture are drooping, densely covered with small green leaves.
Pink flowers bloom from May to late summer. They are collected in spherical or paniculate inflorescences. The color of the petals is different: snow-white, lilac, hot pink, yellow-orange.
Growing practices: Budley grows best in sunny areas protected from strong winds and drafts. The soil suitable for the plant is moist, nutritious, fertile, drained.
The main care consists of annual sanitary pruning and removal of rusty branches. To stimulate growth, mineral fertilizers are recommended.
The plant is thermophilic, but tolerates wintering well with proper preparation. With the onset of cold weather, the shrub should be hilled and covered in such a way as to protect the branches, but not create a greenhouse effect for the root system.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea
Decorative Features: Shrub grows rapidly and reaches a height of up to two meters. Therefore, for a greater decorative effect, it is recommended to subject it to formative pruning.
Hydrangea blooms from August to September. Small flowers are collected in large corymbose inflorescences.
They can be flat, spherical, hemispherical or pyramidal. Different colors of flowers. Most varieties are represented by light shades: white, cream, greenish, lilac and pink inflorescences.
Agrotechnics of cultivation: The plant is unpretentious and perfectly suits inexperienced gardeners. Grows best in nutrient-dense soil in well-lit or partially shaded areas. It responds well to fertilizing containing iron and magnesium.
Annual pruning is necessary to keep hydrangea bushes healthy and blooming profusely.
Weigela
Weigela
Decorative features: Shrub can grow up to two meters in height. The plant blooms with bright pink or yellow flowers in the form of bells in the month of May. Flowering continues until the end of July.
Among the variety of varieties there are not only beautiful flowering, but also decorative and deciduous. For example, weigela "Nana Purpurea" is distinguished by red-brown foliage, and "Nana Variegata" - leaves with a golden border.
Growing technique: The plant is unpretentious, therefore it is excellent not only for experienced gardeners. Almost any soil is suitable for cultivation. You can choose a sunny or semi-shaded location.
Weigele requires minimal maintenance. The culture does not need regular abundant watering; top dressing should be applied only when absolutely necessary (for example, with poor soils). The plant tolerates pruning very well. In winters with little snow, shrubs are recommended to cover.
Magnolia
Magnolia
Decorative features: Most varieties rarely exceed one meter in height. But there are also very large specimens.
Magnolia retains its decorative appearance throughout the year. The foliage of the plant remains on the branches for several years. In the warm season, it is light green, and with the onset of cold weather - copper.
The shrub reaches its greatest attractiveness during flowering.
From late April to May, large flowers of white, ruby, light pink, rich lilac and even yellow color bloom on the branches. With proper care, the culture will thank the gardener with repeated flowering in mid-June. Growing practices: Magnolia should be planted in a bright or slightly shaded area, away from drafts. This is a heat-loving, but frost-resistant plant. Prefers moderately moist, nutritious, breathable and slightly acidic soil.
The root system of the shrub is quite close to the surface. To protect it, it is recommended to plant ground cover plants around. Magnolia care consists in spring fertilizing with organic fertilizers. Pruning culture is not needed.
Forsythia
Forsythia
Decorative features: Bright yellow flowers with oblong petals bloom on the branches before the leaves appear. They delight the eye in early spring for from two weeks to one month.
Intense green foliage appears in early May. With the onset of autumn, they turn red. Growing techniques: Forsythia is planted in well-lit areas, protected from the winds. The soil should not be waterlogged. Light fertile soil is best suited for planting.
The culture is thermophilic, not particularly resistant to frost. Therefore, for the winter it should be covered a little.
See also: Spiraea: description of 12 popular species, planting in open ground, care, features for different climatic zones including Siberia (80+ Photos & Video) + Reviews The main feature of such plants is that they do not lose their decorative effect throughout the summer period, and even with the advent of autumn, they retain an attractive foliage color. Decorative deciduous shrubs are used for single plantings, creating various compositions with perennials and for creating hedges.Thunberg barberry
Thunberg barberry
Decorative features: Strong barberry branches are densely covered with small leaves of emerald green, red or yellow hue.
There is even a variety that takes on a rich purple-blue shade of foliage in sunny areas. The height of the shrub varies from 40 cm to 3 meters. Agrotechnics of cultivation: The perennial is unpretentious, frost- and drought-resistant, tolerates shearing well. Planting Thunberg barberry is recommended in sunny areas, but the shrub tolerates partial shade well. It is also important that the area with the culture is protected from the winds.
Barberries need soils that are not acidic, without signs of waterlogging. Additional watering the plant is not required.
Common hazel
Common hazel
Decorative features: Shrubs reach an average height of three meters. Shoots are powerful, brown with transverse stripes.
The leaflets are rather large, with serrated margins. In late summer - early autumn, they acquire a bright red color.
Agrotechnics of cultivation: Hazel is planted at a distance of up to 4 meters from each other.
A place for culture is suitable for well-lit, but without direct sunlight, protected from drafts. Perennial soils prefer fertile, non-acidic, loose. Care consists of maintaining moderate soil moisture, removing weeds and loosening the soil. From time to time, it is recommended to perform anti-aging pruning of branches.
Holly mahonia
Holly mahonia
Decorative features: Holly mahonia leaves are very leathery, shiny, with small needle-thorns along carved edges. In summer, they are rich green, and with the advent of winter, they acquire a brownish-purple, almost dark purple color.
Growing techniques: Magonia is recommended to be planted in slightly acidic fertile soil. Poor soil is also suitable for the plant, only then top dressing should be applied from time to time.
The shrub shows its greatest decorative effect in sunny or slightly shaded areas.
The crop is drought tolerant. Additional moderate watering is needed only during times of severe drought. It will not be superfluous to occasionally loosen the soil around the mahonia trunk. So that the shrub does not grow much and is distinguished by a dense dense crown, pruning should be carried out after flowering or in late autumn.
Japanese Maple
Japanese Maple
Decorative features: The Japanese maple averages two meters in height. The crown is voluminous.
The shape of the leaves resembles a fan or reduced palm leaves. They are bright green at first but take on a rich red-orange hue towards the end of summer, turning bright red by October. In the Atropurpureum variety, the autumn color of the leaves is dark red, almost black.
Growing practices: The Japanese maple needs a well-lit area, but protected from direct sunlight. The plant does not like drafts, so it is best to place it near the fence, building or behind tall plantations.
Watering the shrub needs moderate, in drought it should be regular. Japanese maples grow quite slowly, so they don't need much pruning. It is needed only as a crown formation.
Loch
Loch
Decorative features: Two types of plants are used for growing in gardens: narrow-leaved and silver goof. The first variety is used mainly in Mediterranean-type gardens, because from a distance it resembles an olive. The leaves are narrow, covered with gray scales.
Silver goof attracts gardeners with numerous narrow silver leaves. The crown of the narrow-leaved sucker spreads up to two to three meters wide.
Agrotechnics of cultivation: The perennial is photophilous, drought-resistant, rather winter-hardy. It grows best in well-lit areas with nutritious soil, protected from strong winds.
Care of the crop consists of annual fertilization and loosening of the soil around the trunk.
See also: Ground cover perennials: species names with descriptions, cultivation and care | (35+ Photo & Video) + Reviews
Haircut is performed at will at the beginning and end of summer. Shrubs for hedges
Boxwood hedges
Shrubs of this group are united by the fact that they grow quickly, have a dense crown and tolerate shearing well. Due to these qualities, the presented plants are widely used for creating hedges and for zoning a garden plot.
Boxwood
Boxwood
Decorative features: Perennial with numerous shoots with small shiny leaves. Depending on the variety, the plant can reach a height of up to three meters. There are also dwarf species.
Boxwood leaves are opposite, leathery, round or elliptical. They are painted with a rich green color.
Growing practices: Planting sites are chosen semi-shaded or fully shaded.
From direct sunlight, the shrub loses its decorative effect. The soil should be clay, moist, drained. This is one of the most popular hedge varieties. It allows you to create any garden forms. It is recommended to cut bushes every sixth week.
For normal development, the plant needs organic or complex top dressing. They should be applied during intensive growth.Vesicle
Vesicle
Decorative features: Shrub varieties are divided into red-leaved and yellow-leaved. For example, the foliage of the vesicle "Diablo" is painted in a dark red hue, and "Darts Gold" is yellow-fiery.
In spring, all varieties are lighter in color. In autumn, the leaves become more saturated and dark.
Growing technique: For a more decorative plant, it is necessary to provide as much sun as possible. In the shade, the color of the foliage often darkens. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in well-lit areas.
The plant is not capricious, feels good on loose, moderately moist soil. The culture is frost-resistant. Needs annual sanitary pruning. When planted closely, it can be affected by powdery mildew.
Dogwood
Dogwood
Decorative features: Dogwood bushes usually do not exceed 2.5 meters in height. They are distinguished by shiny red-orange hanging shoots that root easily once they reach the soil.
Milky white flowers gather in inflorescences up to 5 cm in diameter. Buds open in May and delight the eye for two weeks. Dogwood leaves in the center are dark green, and along the edge are decorated with a yellow-green border. In autumn, they acquire a rich burgundy hue.
Growing practices: Dogwood grows well in lime-rich soils. The landing site is chosen well-lit, without close occurrence of groundwater. The plant tolerates frost well. But young seedlings in the first years of life need winter shelter.
For the greatest decorative effect, the shrub needs to be watered from time to time. The soil around should be weeded and loosened.
Turn
Turn
Decorative features: Fast growing shrubs that will fully develop in two years. The branches are numerous, dense, densely covered with thorns. The leaves are dark green, glossy.
In late summer - early autumn, dark blue fruits appear on the perennial, which can even be eaten.
Agrotechnics of cultivation: The plant is winter-hardy, undemanding. Needs constant shaping pruning. To achieve a lasting effect, it is recommended to remove not only the tops of the shoots, but also thin out the roots.
Any plot suitable for growing thorns, except for waterlogged ones. The shrub grows equally well in the sun and in the shade.
See also: Perennial flowers (TOP 50 species): garden catalog for giving with photos and names | Video + ReviewsEvergreen shrubs
Juniper in landscape design
These are shrubs that do not shed their foliage with the onset of cold weather and even decorate the garden in winter.
The most common in home gardens in Russia are juniper, arborvitae, honeysuckle. use them for different purposes:
- To create a hedge
- for solitary plantings against the lawn background, near the arbors and other objects on the site
- for complex landscapes
owns
9009 Honeysuckle
Decorative features: A shrub up to two meters high is distinguished by small leathery oval leaves. Young shoots and greens have a bluish tint. By mid-summer, small flowers of a yellowish, pink, orange or white hue bloom on the shrub. From them comes a delicate pleasant aroma.
Agrotechnics of cultivation: The plant is unpretentious and well tolerated even by harsh winters. Light penumbra is considered an ideal place for planting honeysuckle.
Juniper
Juniper
Decorative features: There are a large number of varieties of juniper, which differ from each other in the form of a bush (in the form of a neat candle, horizontal, ground cover, and so on) and the color of needles.
The needles are short and sharp. They can be emerald green or bluish blue. Growing technique: It is recommended to plant shrubs at a distance of 60-80 cm from each other in well-lit or partially shaded areas. The soil should contain peat, sand, loam. Plant care consists in sheltering needles to protect them from burning out in early spring and tying high varieties for the winter.
Thuja
Thuja
Decorative features: Thuja needles consist of scales tightly adjacent to each other. In young plants, it is soft, pale green. Mature shrubs have dark green needles.
Growing techniques: Thuja should be planted in partially shaded areas protected from the winds. For high decorativeness, the shrub needs regular watering. The plant does not differ in winter hardiness, therefore, with the onset of cold weather, a special fabric cover must be worn on the crown.
Thuja responds well to pruning. If you perform it often and strongly, the plant will become very lush and thick.
As you can see, many ornamental shrubs do not need painstaking care and grow well in almost any conditions, decorating the site. By combining different types and varieties, you can create a beautiful garden where it will be pleasant to relax after a working week.
Ornamental shrubs that bloom all summer
TOP-22 The most popular and unpretentious ornamental shrubs for summer cottages or private homes (90 Photos & Videos) + Reviews
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The most beautiful winter-resistant bushes summer
Ornamental shrubs will help you solve several problems in your garden at once. These are not only beautiful buds that delight the eye all summer, but also zoning and protection of personal space from prying eyes. Today we are talking about winter-hardy flowering perennial shrubs.
The best varieties of winter-hardy shrubs
The most popular species
Shade-loving plants
Low-growing varieties
The most unpretentious varieties1. Budleya
Inflorescences come in a wide variety of shades: from lavender to white. Budleya pleases the eye until the very frost, which means that your garden will be bright for a long time, even when all other plants leave for the winter.
Instagram @tatjanasecko
2. Potentilla
It cannot be said that this is a very popular representative of a garden bed, but so much the better - the garden will not look like the neighbors' plots. Potentilla is unpretentious, tolerates frost well and blooms all summer until late autumn, painting the garden in bright colors. Grows best in full sun and light shade and requires only regular pruning.
Instagram @anna_tikhvinskaya
3. Calicant
Representative of the North American flora. In our latitudes, it has taken root remarkably due to its endurance. In the spring, before flowering, the calicant is pruned. Unusual water lily-shaped flowers appear in early summer and fade in late July. This plant is rarely seen in a flower bed, despite universal love. Calicanth is a very fragrant and beautiful bush, it is impossible to pass by it.
Instagram @pou_flowers
4. Shrub rose
A classic representative of the collection of almost any gardener. Shrub roses come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. It cannot be called unpretentious, but roses will delight the eye right up to the very frosts, blooming 2 or even 3 times per season.
Instagram @nataliaivanova152
5. Kariopteris
Luxurious blue inflorescences can rarely leave anyone indifferent. As a rule, this variety is used for the front of the garden fence, because this way its semicircular crown looks the most advantageous. Kariopteris looks best in groups, it is unpretentious to the soil, it tolerates frosts well. It blooms closer to autumn, and in spring it must be cut off.
Instaram @aktal_
6. Cistus
Somewhat similar to a poppy, sometimes it has small spots on the petals.
The cistus will delight with color all summer, but the inflorescences are very delicate and the period of life of each of them is only one day. But the next day, new ovaries appear. It is better not to plant it in clay soil. Cistus also does not tolerate shade; the ideal place for it is a warm sunny clearing. The low-growing, rounded shrub needs to be cut every spring so that it blooms magnificently in the summer. Instagram @ekamiliano
7. Alder leaf
An ideal plant for those who have a small pond in their garden. Cletra loves moist soil and places near a pond. It is practically not necessary to take care of it, the cletra spreads its thickets very quickly, occupying the entire territory presented. The peculiarity of this perennial plant is that flowers grow only on young shoots, so experienced gardeners recommend cutting off all branches annually. If you look at the photo, you can see that the flowers of the cletra are small and huddle at the end of the shoot, forming long inflorescences.
In autumn, the time of leaves comes - they become bright, decorating a fading garden. Instagram @flowerschannel
8. Calmia
Many compare it with rhododendron, both plants are not very tall and similar in leaf shape. Calmia in bloom looks very beautiful, usually this period falls on spring and early summer: lantern buds appear among the ribbed leaves. It is better to place the seedling in a dark, damp place.
Instagram @mirakoti
Among the winter-hardy perennial shrubs that bloom all summer, there are many that are very fond of shady places. They ideally make a smooth transition from tree to flower garden. In addition, it is an indispensable member of the decorative fence and a cool option for decorating the shady side of the house.
1. Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster is not only a fruit-bearing home garden dweller, but also a beautiful flowering plant.
Cotoneaster is different in size and appearance, there are also evergreen varieties. A common characteristic for all is regular-shaped oval leaves and pink buds, which turn into snow-white flowers at the very beginning of summer. Cotoneaster blooms until autumn, after which berries are tied in place of flowers. Sometimes there are cotoneasters, which throw out beautiful bright foliage in the fall. Unpretentious in care, but need regular spring pruning. Instagram @kizilnik24
2. Rhododendron
Lush bright flowers can only be compared in scale with peonies. Rhododendrons love partial shade and prefer to be sheltered from the scorching sun. It is necessary to distinguish between azaleas and rhododendrons proper, since they are representatives of the same species. The height of the latter under favorable conditions reaches one and a half meters, but there are dwarfs of 30 cm and giants of 6 m in height. Flowering mainly occurs in May, but here, again, variations are possible.
The color can be very different, it’s easier to say what it doesn’t happen - blue. Instagram @anurybi
3. Jasmine
Who is not familiar with the dazzling white fragrant representative of the flora of the middle zone? Jasmine lives in almost every garden. He was loved for his unpretentiousness and great aroma. If you want the plant to bloom more actively, take care of placing it in the sun. Jasmines are bushy, they are usually planted near a wall or hedge. And also jasmine lianas are known, capable of twining walls and any other vertical surfaces nearby.
Instagram @prya1707
4. Thunberg's Barberry
A pretty undersized perennial that is famous for its indifference to low temperatures. It comes in a variety of species and is often found in home gardens. On average, the barberry reaches a height of one and a half meters, blooms in early spring, and by autumn the leaves acquire a bright red color to match the ripened berries.
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