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Evergreen for front of house


12 Best Low Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs For Front Of House

It looks kind of lonely to see a house with empty front landscaping, no matter how good the architecture is.

But a house accented by living green ornaments and evergreen shrubs is worthy of a double look.

What is a greater kind of plant to use than an evergreen shrub? That will stay small, are low-maintenance and evergreen?

They maintain color in all seasons, short and very manageable.

But before you finally decide, you must first ready enough space that can accommodate the evergreen shrub for your house.

Make sure that its height will not block your house. Anyways, evergreen shrubs enjoy being trimmed.

Without dragging it further, here is a list of the best evergreen shrub for the front of the house.

Surely, this kind of plant will make your house look and feel fresh.

Table of Contents

12 Best Evergreen Shrubs For Front Of Houses

Before we begin, below are our top 3 recommendations for fertilizing your shrubs and trees in your landscaping.

From the get-go, plants are the beautiful ornaments of our houses.

In front of houses, using low maintenance dwarf evergreen shrubs is the best choice because it will keep your house lively throughout the year, and shrubs don’t exceed 20 feet in height.

It is important to note that all kinds of shrubs benefit from regular pruning.

It helps the appearance to be kept neat and promotes flowering.

Here are the 12 best small evergreen shrubs For The Front Of House

1. Sprinter Boxwood Shrubs (Buxus Microphylla ‘Bulthouse’)

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Size

Looking into this kind of shrub, you will feel a great resemblance to The Hobbit community.

Boxwoods are low-maintenance evergreen shrubs that can transform your front yard into a wonderland of lush green.

The oval leaves turn yellowish or reddish if overexposed to direct sun or windbreak.

It will strive better in a bright location with partial shade.

It is very flexible and follows the desired shape you have set it in during trimmings.

The soil type it prefers is not anything special for as long as it drains well. It does not like to stay in soggy soil and stagnant water.

It can weaken in the cold winter. They will thank you if you give them mulch to protect its roots and burlap wraps from covering its entirety.

It is not into cold but warmer areas. It is drought and deer-resistant too.

Established sprinters only need watering when rainfall isn’t enough to let them dry out. It is hardy to zones 5-8.

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2. Green Mountain Boxwood (Buxus Sempervirens ‘Green Mountain’)

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Size

Assuming the front of your house is big and elevated, another type of boxwood perfect for enhancing your facade is the Green Mountain.

It is quite tall; in that sense, make sure you trim it regularly, keeping it neat and your house design visible.

It is naturally conical so that you can picture a petite Christmas tree as your front liners.

Green Mountain boxwood shrubs grow moderately, about 3-6 inches a year, keeping deer away since they are resistant to their natural state.

It will require regular watering in well-draining soil. Slightly acidic soil is more preferred, though.

Compared to other boxwood varieties, Green Mountain is more tolerant of short periods of drought enjoying the full sun but can thrive in partial shade.

It can grow greenish-cream flowers too and hardy in regions 4-9.

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Below are some other boxwoods that you may be interested in planting into your landscaping.

3. Densa Japanese (Yew Taxus Cuspidate)

Size

Quite a spreader. Densa Japanese Yew is a dark green shrub with needle-like foliage, perfect for the front-of-house decoration and curb appeal.

These turn into reddish-green during winter.

This shrub is dense in nature that you may try mass planting it as your front borders.

Your location is not of much concern because it is tolerant of urban pollution.

This is one of the evergreens that can tolerate full shade.

It can grow well even under dappled light, but that doesn’t imply that they don’t do well in full sun.

Like most plants, it is not fond of stagnant water, meaning it prefers well-draining soil regardless of its acidity. Keep it evenly moist regularly.

You can protect it during winter by mulching the root areas.

A little caution in the household with pets: all species of Japanese yew are poisonous when ingested.

It bears red small fruits, but it will harm pets and humans if consumed.

It is deer-resistant too and hardy to zone 4b in the USDA map.

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4. Emerald Fountain (Tsuga Canadensis ‘Monler’)

Size

By its common name it goes by, Canadian hemlock, it is easy to infer that they are native of Canada.

They are part of the pine species but can be grown lushly as the front house furnishing too.

It is dense and conical, a perfect hedge, screen, or a stand-alone evergreen.

This species is evergreen with red-brown stems. The needle-like dark green leaves are regarded as the smallest among the genus.

It grows well in any soil type that drains well and is averagely moist. Regular watering is advised, especially in the first weeks of growing.

Emerald fountain is not drought-tolerant.

As a matter of fact, it may be damaged from a temperature higher than 95 degrees F if exposed for long periods.

In rare cases, extremely hot weather can be fatal to it. The zone of the hardiness of T.canadensis is 4 to 7.

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5. Sea Green Juniper (Juniperus Chinensis ‘Sea Green’)

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Size

Of all possible names for a shrub, why sea green? It is because this variety of Juniper has bluish-green foliage, the color of the beautiful sea.

The branches arch like the fireworks on display.

It bears blueberries which are in question if edible. To be safe, you better not eat it.

Deer will not be interested in lurking around, but likewise, it doesn’t attract any beneficial insects.

Sea green juniper is a high-maintenance shrub that asks for a regular check-up.

It cannot last in very wet soil. But aside from the watering issue, it can thrive in any soil type that drains well.

It does well in full sunlight and is tolerant of urban pollution.

It is an important characteristic of juniper, making it a popular genus in gardening. Daily smoke and heat are not fatal to juniper.

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6. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus Densiflorus “Myersii”)

Size

I saw it and fell in love with it. Asparagus fern or foxtail fern is a low-growing evergreen with unique-looking dense foliage.

It arches with feathery stems and bright green leaves.

Asparagus fern, despite its name, is not a true fern and not edible like asparagus.

Hence, it is a true family of the Asparagus genus. The plant is a native of South Africa.

The evergreen shrub for front of houses is not into direct light.

The color ranges from yellow, pale green, or deep green if under direct light, full shade, or partial shade.

Foxtail fern can tolerate cool temperatures but up to 25 degrees F only.

Lower, and it will be deadly to the plant. During the cold season, the plant tends to rest but is not dormant.

Asparagus fern prefers moist soil that drains well.

It appreciates heat, so you may tag it drought-tolerant.

At the same time, it is tolerant to salt sprays. It is hardy to zones 9-11 and can sometimes be invasive.

If you are looking for ideas on what type of ferns to grow, you can look at our post on the most popular ferns to grow indoors or outside.

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Table could not be displayed.

7. Evergreen Azalea (Rhododendron Indicum)

Size

The scarlet flowers of the shrub will surely steal your interest.

Evergreen azaleas, or Azaleas for short, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with shiny green leaves that turns reddish during winter.

It blooms red flowers in mid-spring.

It is native to Japan, where it tolerates cooler summer. It is winter hardy in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.

Although azaleas are categorized as winter hardy, it is still safe to mulch them, especially when the winter wind is very prominent.

Mulching will keep the soil cool in summer but warm during winter.

This plant requires constant moisture and benefits greatly in rich, fertilized, acidic soil (ph of 6.5).

It is prone to root rot when left on water not drained well from the soil.

Azalea survives more in areas where there is no extremely hot season.

It enjoys more on dappled light outdoors or filtered sunlight for as long as it is not direct.

Unfortunately for this evergreen, it is vulnerable to pests and diseases.

But with proper attention, it can grow healthy and limit problems.

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8. Georgia Petite Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis X Delacourii ‘Georgia Petite’)

Size

By far, it is like a wedding aisle in your front yard, and up-close Georgia Petite Indian Hawthorn looks like blossoms of popcorn from its pink buds.

It is in great contrast to its dark green foliage that is very dense.

It has a mild fragrance that can last throughout the year. The flowers turn to dark blue ornamental berries afterward.

Indian Hawthorn prefers to be in evenly moist soil.

Before it can establish a vast root system, it requires regular watering.

However, it can be reduced to weekly once they mature.

Similar to most plants, it favors soil that drains well despite average acidity or fertility.

The plant grows well in a spot receiving good sun to a slightly shaded area.

It is mildly drought-resistant but a true disease-resistant shrub.​

In its native habit, Asia, it grows aggressively in the wild. However, the dwarf version, like Georgia petite, is very manageable.

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9.

Brilliant Hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis ‘Brilliant’)
Size

Make this your flowering hedge because the big red flowers of this tropical hibiscus stand out against the green stem and leaves.

The flowers are naturally designed with red stigma and yellow anthers.

The flowering evergreen shrub is tough against deer, so that you may use it as a bed, border, or foundation in front of your house without worry from stray animals.

It likes soil that is consistently wet but drains well. It will like it more if the soil is rich and treated.

When it comes to strong winds, it rather chooses a well-protected area than being swayed heavily.

It will tolerate being sheltered but more in full sun.

It must be watered thoroughly until winter when you can greatly reduce it during its initial growth.

Despite being tolerant of other conditions, it is sensitive to changing temperature.

If you have started growing it in full sun or partial shade, you better not change it halfway through the growing time.

Else, it will affect its blooming time and see bud drops.

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10. Chinese Snowball (Viburnum Macrocephalum)

Size

Native to mainland China, the Chinese snowball Viburnum is a woody evergreen shrub that produces a cluster of flowers in round form.

The flowers come as green but quickly turns white.

The white and round form of its flower makes it worthy of being called snowball.

Each little white flowers are 1.25 wide and 8 inches in a cluster. The inflorescence has no fragrance.

The shrub is hardy to USDA zones 6-9. It has a medium growth rate and has moderate care required.

It grows well to direct sunlight but can prosper in partial shades, too, with a minimum of 2 hours of direct sun.

It prefers slightly acidic soil that has good drainage.

Watering it in moderation can keep its preferred soil to be moist.

Chinese snowball is resistant to damage by deer and can attract beautiful butterflies in the garden.

However, It is not resilient to cold winds and asks for protection instead.

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11. Carol Mackie (Daphne X Burkwoodii)

Size

A variegated Daphne shrub, Carol Mackie, is the most popular Daphne evergreen in mild climates.

The leaves of the shrub are green outlined with yellow to creamy white lines.

In full bloom, it bears white to pink flowers in masses forming tubular shoots.

It is grown hardy in zones 4-9.

Daphne’s are fastidious shrubs that don’t appreciate replanting once established.

It is better to be careful planting it with the long-term garden landscape in mind.

It does well in full sun and on a partial screen as long as the soil in its area has good drainage.

Though it likes a moist environment, overwatering can cause root rot.

Matured Carol Mackie is drought tolerant and cannot be damaged by deer.

It is impressive, but a flaw is its habit of suddenly dying without a probable reason.

Another thing, they are weak against snow, and the damages can be fatal to the Daphne.

Quick Facts

Related post: 10 Stunning Yellow Shrubs To Add To Your Landscaping

12. Camellia (Camellia Japonica)

Size

Maybe one of the most popular evergreens, Camellia shrubs grow best in cold climates.

It is a winter-hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures limited to 10 degrees F.

The cold temperatures of fall and winter can promote its flowering.

Flowers in bloom may be white, pink, red, yellow, and lavender; the leaves are oval and glossy green.

Camellias are not very flexible to change of environment.

Some other plants may be brought in and out of the house but not Camellias.

They prefer a bright spot in dappled sunlight and a wide area where it can freely spread.

It will require protection from the direct heat of the afternoon sun and strong winds too.

In terms of soil, it likes a moist acidic one that is well fertilized. As for drainage, it prefers soil that drains well.

Camellias are not okay where standing water is though it enjoys moist soil.

In reality, this plant has shallow roots and will benefit from mulching.

Camellias are native to China, Korea, and Japan.

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FAQs

Are All The Evergreen Shrubs I Should Plant Green?

No, some plants are blue, red, or purple. The choice is yours. However, you should carefully study your landscape to match it before deciding on the plant variety.

What Should Be The Distance Between My Plants And My House?

Some plants spread wide, considering their growth span. Ideally, plant the shrub 5 feet from the house.

How Are Shrubs Propagated?

Depending on the species of the shrub, you may start from seeds or through division. You can buy them in stores in containers too.

What Is The Growth Rate Of Shrubs?

There slow or fast growers. Shrubs that have a rapid growth rate mature in a month. The slower ones can take years.

How Long Does An Evergreen Shrub Live?

Evergreens have a generally long lifespan. It can take 10 or more years. Conifers can live up to 100 years!

Related post: 3 Simple Ways on How To Propagate Landscaping Bamboo Plants

Conclusion

Shrubs can be the good front liners in your yard.

They can be trimmed handsomely too. Make sure your hedge trimmer blades are sharp, as it will make your landscaping job a lot easier.

If you like all-year colors, evergreen shrubs are the ones you need.

Always follow their care facts, and you’ll see yourself enticed by how beautiful your front landscape can be.

Also, know your zone so you won’t waste your time cultivating a plant that won’t thrive.

You also want to consider their growth spans on how long the evergreen shrub will live.

Evergreen shrubs for the front of your house are a classic and modern design that will never go out of style.

Lindsey Hyland

Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.

18 Best Shrubs For Front Of House Landscaping

Looking for some interesting, low-maintenance plants to incorporate into a new landscape design? Or, to spice up your curb appeal? There’s no better place to start than with shrubs.

Shrubs can also protect the foundation of your home and other structures with their dense root systems. So, making the right choice is important.

I know, wading through all the options seems daunting. With everything from evergreen shrubs to deciduous ornamentals, how do you stay afloat?

Allow me to take you on a gentle cruise through the best shrubs for front yards and gardens. 

Table Of Contents

  1. Best Evergreen Shrubs For Front of House
  2. Small Shrubs for The Front Of Your Home 
  3. Low Growing Bushes For Front of House 
  4. Front Yard Flowering Shrubs And Bushes 
  5. Ornamental Front Yard Shrubs 
  6. Hedges For Front of House 
  7. Considerations When Landscaping With Bushes 
  8. Best Shrubs For Front Yard Final Thoughts 

Best Evergreen Shrubs For Front of House

Evergreens are essential components of effective landscape design. Offering year-round color and texture, while providing food and shelter for local wildlife.

Below, take a look at my top three picks for front-yard evergreen shrubs. Complete with low-maintenance features, unique characteristics, and growing habits.

To narrow down the best shrub option for your particular space, as you read through them, ask yourself the following questions:

Sunshine Ligustrum Shrub

(Ligustrum sinense)

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These fast-growing mounds of sunshine mature to 4ft around and can grow 2ft, in one season. Filling in your borders and becoming cost-effective choices, with equal speed, in zones 6-10.

Partial sun and well-draining soil (with a pH of 6.0 – 8.0) will encourage vibrant color and robust growth.

Shrub Appeal

These brightly-hued bushes present sturdy, upright branches cloaked in small, golden-chartreuse leaves. In fertile soil, small, white flowers appear, in summer, that become purple, ornamental berries, in autumn. 

Shrub Care

Water when surface soil dries to 1- 3” down. Slow-release fertilizer granules can be applied, in spring, when needed. Pruning is only necessary to remove damaged branches. 

Blue Star Juniper Shrub 

(Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’)

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Shrub Summary

This glowing Juniper has a slow growth rate (1ft every 5 years), reaching only 2-3ft tall and wide, at maturity, in zones 4-8.

In full sun and sandy soil, with a 5.0-8.0 pH, this small, shimmering shrub will contribute color, exciting texture, and very low-maintenance form to any landscape style.

Shrub Appeal

Sparkling blue pines on short, out-stretched arms, create striking contrast in borders and rock gardens. Blue Star Junipers also work well for erosion control or as foundation plantings.

Shrub Care

Water your Blue Star Juniper when it’s dry down to 2”. Fertilize in late winter or early spring with a 10-10-10 NPK. Pruning is seldom needed. 

Dwarf Hinoki Cypress Shrub 

(Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’)

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Shrub Summary

Despite its name, the dwarf Hinoki still matures to 6ft by 4ft, at a rate of 6”, per year. Making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance privacy hedges or foundation plantings, in zones 4-8.

Full-to-partial sun and well-draining soil, with a 5.0-6.0 pH, will cultivate healthy form and growth.

Shrub Appeal

Mature, hunter-green spikes, with a braided appearance, blend beautifully with new, light-green ones. All grow in soft sprays along upright branches, providing color and appeal in any size spot.

Shrub Care

Water when the soil feels dry down 2”. Fertilize in year two after planting, for robust growth and root formation. Pruning is only needed to maintain the desired form. 

Small Shrubs for The Front Of Your Home 

Say you want to add some soft, floral color to those shady, currently-bare areas under your front yard trees. What can you imagine there? A fluffy hydrangea or maybe a creeping clematis?

Perhaps you have some empty planter boxes just begging for something pretty. Or an eye-sore AC unit that needs a make-over.

As we’ve seen, brilliant color doesn’t always come from flowers. But, with the next three shrub examples, it does. It was dazzling the imagination and provided food for thought. 

Endless Summer Pop Star Bigleaf Hydrangea 

(Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacsix”)

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Shrub Summary

Pop Star Hydrangeas grow 4’ tall and wide. Yet, it can be pruned to remain short. Old wood buds provide early-season color, with buds on new growth typically blooming six weeks later, in zones 4-9.

Pop Stars grow best in the dappled sunlight beneath large trees. Soil should be acidic, well-draining, and moist. 

Shrub Appeal

Given their versatility, these prolific bloomers can be planted under trees, in planter boxes and pots, or along walkways. If you like pink flowers, raise the soil pH. For blue or purple, just lower it.

Shrub Care

Water with an inch of water each week, including rainfall. Fertilize once in mid-summer and prune in spring to remove browned branch tips. 

Variegated Boxwood Shrub 

(Buxus sempervirens ‘Aureo-variegata’)

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Shrub Summary

The sparkling variegation on each tiny leaf gives this boxwood variety a stunning presence in front yard landscapes. Its dense, rounded growth habit won’t extend beyond 5’ in any direction and is usually sculpted to remain small.  Fluid patterns are most prominent when planted in filtered sunlight and well-draining soil with a 5.5-7.2 pH, in zones 6-8.

Shrub Appeal

The evergreen Aureo-Variegata presents small, dark-to-medium green leaves with eye-catching patterns of white, cream, and yellow that enhance dimension and visual effect. 

Shrub Care

Water to maintain moist (but not soggy) soil. Fertilize with a 10-10-10 NPK, in spring. Prune to your desired shape before new growth in spring. 

New Love Clematis Shrub 

(Clematis heracleifolia)

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Shrub Summary

Have you ever seen a shrubby clematis? The fledgling New Love slowly matures to 3ft by 2ft, in zones 3-9.

In full/partial sun and cool, moist soil, with a 6.0-7.0 pH, this plant will erupt with clusters of curly flowers. 

Shrub Appeal

This remarkable Clematis has a mounded growing habit that adds rich color and form to perennial borders. Star-shaped, indigo blossoms have slender, curled petals with a subtle fragrance and bloom from summer through early fall.

Shrub Care

Water when the soil is dry down 2 to 3”. Well-aged compost can be added to the planting hole, for nutrients. Prune after blooming for shaping and fuller blooming the next season. 

Low Growing Bushes For Front of House 

The category of “low-growing bushes” encompasses those with fragrant flowers and deciduous foliage to cold-hardy, vibrant evergreens. 

These next three can be placed to function as lovely foundation plantings or pruned a bit to act as creeping, ground covers. They can even be added to container combinations as the “thriller” component.

Some display their versatility by cascading down over rock gardens and window boxes. Others are slow-growing and very low-maintenance. Yet, still provide stunning visual interest.

Snow-N-Summer Asiatic Jasmine Shrub 

(Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘HOSNS’)

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Shrub Summary

This spectacular ground cover reaches 18” tall by 3’ wide. Typically growing 12” per year, in zones 7-9. 

The Snow-n-Summer jasmine produces vibrant color and robust growth in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soils with a 5.5 pH.

Shrub Appeal

This unique Jasmine cultivar sprouts pink leaves that fade to pure white, before maturing with variegated patterns of cream and green. Summer brings the addition of fragrant, white flowers.

Shrub Care

Water when the soil is dry down 3”. Fertilize with a slow-release, triple 10 NPK in spring. Pruning is only needed to remove damaged vines and branches. 

Purple Daydream Dwarf Loropetalum 

(Loropetalum chinense ‘PIILC-III’ PP25471)

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Shrub Summary

This dwarf, weeping shrub matures to a petite 1- 2’ tall by 4-5’ wide, at a moderate rate of 6-12”, per year, in zones 7-10.

The color is deeper and more vibrant when planted in full sun/light shade and loamy, acidic soil with a 4. 5-6.5 pH.

Shrub Appeal

This petite bloomer shines the color of a dark, moonlit night. Purple foliage releases pink fringe flowers, in spring. Drought-tolerant and deer resistant, these are appealing additions to pots and borders.

Shrub Care

Water Loropetalum thoroughly, once or twice a week, until maturity. Fertilize after blooming with an 8-8-8 NPK. Pruning is only necessary to maintain the desired shape, after flowering. 

Green Mound Juniper 

(Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’)

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Shrub Summary

The cutest, little evergreen you’ll ever see is Nana Juniper. Growing to just 8-12” tall, this can spread to 4.5ft, making it a wonderful ground cover, in zones 4-9.

A lovely, mounding growth habit develops when planted in full sun and moist, well-draining soil with a 5.0-7.0 pH.

Shrub Appeal

The green mound juniper radiates clustered plumes of spiky, blue-green needles around long, trailing branches. Color holds firm, year-round, taking on a purple hue in sub-zero temperatures.

Shrub Care

Fairly drought-tolerant, the Green Mound Juniper requires regular watering for healthy growth. Fertilize in early spring and mid-fall with a granular shrub fertilizer. Pruning isn’t necessary due to its slow growth rate. 

Front Yard Flowering Shrubs And Bushes 

Flowering shrubs support a gentle flow from season to season. Especially when you choose ones for your front yard that flower in different seasons. For example:

Arnold Promise Witch hazel – blooms early spring to mid-summer

August Beauty Gardenia – bloom mid-spring to mid-summer

Peaches & Cream Honeysuckle Vine – bloom mid-summer to fall

Yuletide Camellia – late fall to early spring

Of course, there are many flowering shrubs that you can choose from that will create a continuous, seasonal show. Let’s take a look at three that fit that bill, perfectly. 

August Beauty Gardenia Shrub 

(Gardenia jasminoides ‘August Beauty’)

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Shrub Summary

This mid-spring bloomer works well as a privacy shrub, maturing to a substantial 5’ tall by 3’ wide, at a moderate growth rate of 1-2’ per year, in zones 8-11.

Prolific blooming and vigorous growth occur in full sun/light shade and fertile, acidic soil with a 5.0-6.0 pH.

Shrub Appeal

The August Beauty Gardenia produces highly perfumed, double-petaled, white blooms amid densely growing, tear-drop leaves in a contrasting dark green.

Shrub Care

Water weekly or when the soil is dry to 2” down. Fertilize from April-November with a high-nitrogen gardenia NPK. Prune after blooming to dead-head spent flowers, improve air circulation, and remove any damaged branches. 

Yuletide Camellia 

(Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’)

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Shrub Summary

At a rate of 6-12” per year, this hardy camellia matures to 8-10’ tall and wide. Its upright growing habit makes a fine privacy barrier for foundation planting, in zones 7-10.

The Yuletide Camellia prefers partial shade, to avoid leaf and flower scorch, and loamy, well-draining soil with a 5. 5-6.5 pH.

Shrub Appeal

Dark, glossy, evergreen foliage supports energetic red blooms, with contrasting yellow centers, that light up the winter landscape in temperate climates. Sending a vintage rose fragrance on the breeze. 

Shrub Care

Water weekly or when the soil is dry to 3” down. Fertilize in spring, after blooming, with a slow-release NPK for acid-loving plants. Prune to remove spent blooms and any damaged branches. 

Peaches & Cream Honeysuckle Vine 

(Lonicera periclymenum)

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Shrub Summary

Also known as Woodbine or European honeysuckle, this unique bloomer can vine out 12ft, in all directions, at a rate of 1-2’ per year, in zones 4-8. 

Blooms abound in dappled sunlight and fertile, moist, yet well-draining soil with a 6.0-8.0 pH.

Shrub Appeal

Long, oval leaves in mid-green hues create the backdrop for striking, highly-fragrant flowers that open to individual cream, peach, and pink petals from soft burgundy buds. In late summer, red and purple berries develop, offering food for wildlife. 

Shrub Care

Limit watering in humid conditions and water only when soil is dry. A low-nitrogen NPK, in spring, will encourage lush blooming. Pruning is only necessary to remove over-wandering vines. 

Ornamental Front Yard Shrubs 

By definition, an ornamental is grown for purely aesthetic purposes, rather than for food or sale. 

Evergreen and deciduous ornamentals offer unique features, such as flowers and fruit, variegated foliage, and shrubs that put on a great autumn show.  

Even with such a high, visual impact, these can also be low-maintenance and functional. Ornate shrubs can help filter out air pollutants in urban areas. When planted near your home, these will also keep your house cool in summer and warm in winter. 

Mohave Pyracantha (Firethorn) Shrub 

(Pyracantha x ‘Mohave’)

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Shrub Summary

This fiery Pyracantha is a beautiful privacy shrub that will add warmth to gardens in zones 4-8. Growing to a mature size of 9ft tall and wide, the Pyracantha thrives when planted in full sun and moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0-8.0.

Shrub Appeal

The Mohave Firethorn is an upright, evergreen presenting glossy, green leaves on thorny stems. In late spring, white flowers cover the shrub before developing into abundant orange-red berries in autumn.

Shrub Care

One inch of water per week will maintain sufficient moisture. A slow-release, 10-10-10 NPK will increase flower and berry production, when applied in late winter. Prune to maintain shape and remove any damaged branches. 

Obsession Nandina Shrub 

(Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’)

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Shrub Summary

The warm glow of the Nandina Domestica contributes color and attention-grabbing interest in warmer zones 8-10.

Growing to 8ft tall and 4ft wide, at maturity, this stunning ornamental prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil with a 3.7-6.4 pH.

Shrub Appeal

Evergreen in warm climates and deciduous in colder ones, this “heavenly bamboo” sprouts peachy-pink, arrow-shaped leaves that mature to dark red, then dark green. Creating a vivid, multi-hued feature that’s covered with small white flowers, in summer. 

Shrub Care

Water weekly or when soil is dry to 3” down. Fertilize in spring and early fall, with a slow-release 10-10-10 NPK. Prune only to maintain a tidy appearance. 

Golden Dew Tufted Hair Grass 

(Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldtau’)

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Shrub Summary

Native to the North American prairies, this hardy hair grass grows in dense clumps, 2-3ft tall and wide, in zones 3-8.  

Evergreen foliage stands tall and resilient when planted in partial sun and fertile, moist soil with a 3.7-8.3 pH.

Shrub Appeal

A dramatic fountain of grass releases tall sprays of silvery-purple, summer blooms that change color with age. Maturing to a reddish-brown then a buttery yellow. Seedheads remain for winter interest, taking on a bronze tint. 

Shrub Care

Water weekly or when soil is dry to 2” down. Fertilize with a slow-release 10-10-10 NPK. Pruned down to the soil in late winter for healthy, spring growth

Hedges For Front of House 

Making the right shrub choices for your front yard is key to increasing your home’s curb appeal and its property value, from an exterior perspective. Not to mention, pride of ownership.

We’ve seen some fantastic evergreen and deciduous examples that will add beauty and visual interest to your garden, as features or foundation plantings.

Yet, there are shrubs that take garden interest into the realm of architectural form, such as hedges. These final picks for best front yard shrubs do just that, in the most stunning and low-maintenance way. 

Wintergreen Boxwood Shrub 

(Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Wintergreen’)

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Shrub Summary

The Wintergreen Boxwood shines in its ability to hold its color in the bleakest of winters, in zones 4-9. Gradually maturing to 2-4’ tall by 3-5ft wide, it will thrive in full morning/afternoon sun and loamy, well-draining soil with a 6.5-7.5 pH.

Shrub Appeal

The Wintergreen boxwood is a broadleaf evergreen with small, densely-growing leaves in varying shades of green. This cultivar is widely used for framing flower borders, beds, and entry pathways.

Shrub Care

Water twice per week during the growing season. Apply a slow-release shrub fertilizer, in spring, when necessary. Prune only to maintain the desired shape or to remove damaged branches. 

Autumn Fire Encore Azalea Shrub

(Rhododendron ‘Autumn Fire’)

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Shrub Summary

For a more colorful hedge, the dwarf Autumn Fire delivers. Maturing 2.5ft tall by 3ft wide, reaching maximum size within 5 years, this shrub creates a beautiful garden partition, in zones 6-10.

Blooms will be plentiful when planted in full/partial sun and well-drained soil with a 5.5-6.0 pH.

Shrub Appeal

This dwarf azalea packs a full-sized punch, producing masses of velvety, crimson blooms in spring and fall. Glossy, dark green foliage creates an attractive hedge that takes on purple and bronze hues, in winter. 

Shrub Care

Water when the soil is dry, 2-3” down. Fertilize with slow-release, Azalea granules. Prune only if needed, after the second flowering. 

Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo

(Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’)

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Shrub Summary

The cold-hardy ‘Gulf Stream’ Nandina adds a tropical touch to hedges, in zones 6-11. Maturing to 2.5-3ft tall and wide, at a rate of 12” per year, this prefers partial sun and fertile soil, with a 3.7-6.4 pH.

Shrub Appeal

New leaves on this fuss-free shrub emerge scarlet red and mature to blue-green by summer, as small white flowers appear. Vibrant, red foliage develops as autumn temperatures cool.

Shrub Care

Water well when soil is dry, down 2”. Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer with an NPK for acid-loving plants. Prune to remove dead and spindly stems, in warm climates and down by half, in colder ones.  

Considerations When Landscaping With Bushes 

Shrubs with interesting features, such as those above, have become increasingly popular over the years and are now widely used in landscape design.

Dazzling florals and evergreens soothe the senses while increasing the wow factor with steadfast structure and color, with little maintenance or effort.

When considering each of these examples, and imagining one or two of them in your garden, keep in mind the following factors:

When each of these ticks the right boxes for your proposed planting space, you’ll know you’ve found the perfect one. 

Best Shrubs For Front Yard Final Thoughts 

The positive impact shrubs can have on your front yard is boundless. With the vast number to choose from, many are versatile enough to complement any landscape design style. 

Evergreens like the Sunshine Ligustrum or the Blue Star Juniper comfortably flourish in lush cottage gardens and xeriscape terrains. The Purple Daydream® Dwarf Loropetalum can be seen coloring walkways of both modern and vintage homes. 

But, the easiest ones to care for, with the biggest visual impact, are just above, right at your fingertips.

Evergreens for decorating the local area

05/03/2022

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In summer, the local area pleases us with a riot of colors and a variety of colors. However, in winter, the plants fall asleep, and only the sad bare skeletons of once flowering trees remain on the site. A rather dull picture that can spoil an already rosy mood.

If the monotony of gray and white colors in late autumn and winter bores you, it is worth planting evergreens near the house. This is a win-win. In summer, they will create a life-giving shadow and set off a riot of colors in the flower beds, and in winter they will brighten up a monotonous landscape.

Types of evergreens

Very often, when it comes to evergreens, proud pines and reservedly gloomy spruces appear before our eyes. And, indeed, the most famous of the representatives of this flora are conifers. These are mostly trees and shrubs. However, not all of them are covered with needles; within the department of coniferous plants, there are also representatives with ordinary leaves, like berries or bright flowers.

There is another variety - winter green crops. They shed their leaves once a year, only they do it not in the fall, but in the spring, when new shoots appear. In winter, their crown remains green. This group includes mainly shrubs and perennial herbs.

You can decorate the garden with representatives of both groups or choose from one of them. Evergreens are less whimsical and adapt well to any conditions. Wintergreen crops are usually more demanding on the composition of the soil, lighting and watering.

The best evergreens for the garden

Conifers are evergreen species whose seeds develop in cones. Most often, the following representatives of this department are planted on the plot.

Wintergreens

Wintergreens are mainly low-growing shrubs and grasses that will be hidden under the snow in winter. However, there are quite respectable representatives in this list, for example:

As for winter-green grasses and low-growing shrubs, they simply need snow cover to maintain a decorative look. Therefore, in winter, it will not be possible to admire them. But in early spring, they will delight you with rich greenery on a still half-empty site. You can plant near the house.

And this is not a complete list of evergreen and winter green plants. If you wish, you can pick up a wide variety of species and varieties that will amaze your neighbors with their greenery all year round. For example, one of these exotic plants can become young. Although according to the classification it does not belong to any of the groups, it may not lose its decorative appearance throughout the year.

Try your own evergreen group and your garden will be transformed.

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list of plants for garden landscaping

When choosing evergreens for the garden, most prefer needles. There is nothing surprising in this, because coniferous plants retain their appearance for a long time, they are easy to cut, so they are perfect for creating hedges or “living” sculptures. However, needles are not the only crop that can please the eye in winter, because there are many horticultural crops that perfectly tolerate even severe frosts.

Evergreens adorn our gardens in any season, at any time of the year

Evergreens in landscape design

Western

  • Yew
  • Cedar
  • Hem
  • Juniper
  • Cypress
  • Deciduous trees and shrubs – description with photo

    The most spectacular garden compositions are based on a harmonious combination of various forms of evergreens

    Winter-hardy plants are planted not only in open areas, but also in flowerbeds and flower beds. Evergreens are combined with many annual or perennial crops. In flowerbeds, it is better to plant them in such a way that they act as the main decoration of the created composition. This is important, because otherwise they will not be noticeable against the background of those plants that “fall asleep” for the winter.

    Evergreens can improve the microclimate. Such cultures relieve the site of monotony, go well with other garden crops.

    Coniferous evergreen trees and shrubs - description with photo

    The choice of evergreens is very rich. Among them are not only conifers, but also evergreen deciduous shrubs and trees. Different in size, growth rate and height, evergreen crops will be appropriate not only in large areas. Low-growing varieties are no less popular, especially when the size of the plot does not allow planting other types of crops. The list of evergreen conifers is long, consider the most common.

    When choosing conifers, you should pay attention to the most unpretentious plants that do not require special care.

    The popularity rating among conifers is headed by spruce

    Pine

    Despite the dense crown, pines begin to thin out over time. The trunk of the tree is quite long, and the bark has a dark brown tint. As a rule, there are no problems with pruning, only the crown is given the desired shape in the summer, until the movement of the juice has stopped. To obtain side shoots, pinching is carried out in the spring. It is not recommended to choose pine trees for making a hedge, as they thin out, which can ruin the entire composition as a whole.

    Pines are drought tolerant and thrive on poor sandy soils

    Mountain pine with a squat crown is often planted on alpine hills. Thanks to a large selection of varieties and a variety of decorative forms, arborvitae today can be found in almost every landscape project.

    Western thuja does not do well as an ornamental shrub and natural hedge

    Along with tall thujas, there are low-growing and spherical plants. The latter grows well in the shade of tall trees

    Thuja occidentalis is the best suited for creating a green hedge. It grows rapidly and after 3-4 years allows you to get a full-fledged "live" fence.

    Since the thuja has a shallow root system, it can be transplanted at any time of the year. However, the ideal period for this would be spring. You need to know that thuja does not grow quickly in order to get an even crown, it needs uniform lighting.

    Yew

    This plant can rightly be called a long-liver among evergreen crops. The tree has been growing for three millennia. It is characterized by rich green needles, as well as small red cones. Yew loves the shade, so a site where there is not enough sun will be an ideal place for him.

    Yew is the leader among conifers in terms of shade tolerance and unpretentiousness to the soil

    Bark, needles and cones contain toxic substances, it is strictly forbidden to eat them. Wash your hands thoroughly after completing the work.

    The yew is easy to cut, which makes it possible to give it absolutely any shape.

    Cedar

    Like other conifers, cedar is decorative all year round. Of course, this is a real decoration of the site, because its bright green branches look especially beautiful against the backdrop of white snow.

    Siberian and European cedar are distinguished. The first is more suitable for mild climates, the second can easily withstand the most severe frosts

    Cedar is considered an unpretentious plant, its stem is small but powerful. In height, the tree can reach 40 m, and its diameter is about 2 m.

    Despite its impressive size, this evergreen tree will look good not only on a large plot. A free-standing cedar will also become a real decoration of even a compact area.

    Hem

    This is a small evergreen tree from the pine family. Despite the fact that hemlock is a short tree, this evergreen plant attracts attention with its beautiful wide crown. In landscape design, hemlock is often chosen if it is necessary to add zest to a rocky area.

    Canadian Hemlock has a weeping crown shape and prefers moist, fertile soils

    Even in a small area, this conifer will look great. Hemlock can be planted both separately and together with other conifers.

    Many people make the mistake of planting conifers too close together. Despite its large growth, hemlock takes a lot of nutrients from the ground. It's worth considering!

    Juniper

    There are coniferous plants that have both shrub and tree forms. Juniper is one of them. Its height can reach 3 m, but the tree can grow up to 12 m. The bark of seedlings is mostly reddish-brown in color, in an adult plant it is brown in color.

    Junipers grow well both in sun and partial shade. The photo shows a spectacular composition of juniper and fern

    Rocky junipers look great as single compositions

    The needles of the juniper are in pairs, between the conifers you can see large cones that look like berries. Ephedra can be planted together with other ornamental plants, such as tapeworm. Juniper fits perfectly into various styles of landscape design. It is planted in flower beds, lawns are filled with it, and the conifer also looks great as a hedge.

    Cypress

    When planting cypress on the site, you should know that this conifer does not like shade. Otherwise, the tree is unpretentious, can be planted on any soil, easily tolerate drought. Separately, it is worth highlighting the types of cypress that have a pyramidal and curved crown. Very often, a monumental cypress can be seen on the territory of sanatoriums and recreation centers.

    Cypress - a resident of the southern regions and does not tolerate severe frosts

    Deciduous trees and shrubs - description with photo

    Evergreen deciduous trees and shrubs native to tropical countries, most of them require warmth. Consider the most popular types.

    Boxwood

    This is a small tree, rarely exceeding 10-12 m in height, the leaves are small and dense. In the axils of the leaflets you can see small white flowers forming a spikelet. Boxwood is ideal for framing roads, and thanks to easy pruning, the tree can be given a variety of shapes. However, it grows rather slowly.

    Boxwood is often recommended for beginners, because it is extremely difficult to ruin it by negligence. The plant is not afraid of both short-term drought and waterlogging of the soil

    Guayacum

    This is a low plant (6-10 m) with a diameter of 0. 7 m. The tree has many curved branches that form a dome shape. The leaves are a rich green hue, leathery dense. Guayacum is unpretentious, tolerates drought well, and can be planted on any soil.

    Guaiac tree is cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes

    Laurel

    A low tree with dense glossy leaves that have a pleasant aroma. All parts of the laurel contain essential oils. The flowers are small, the fruits are similar to berries.

    Laurels are ideal for shearing, suitable for creating hedges and garden compositions of the most diverse forms. The leaves are dark green in color. Inflorescences in diameter no more than 6 cm. This is a heat-loving plant, all year round in open areas can only be located in the south, where the air temperature does not fall below + 8 degrees.

    Oleander is used as a specimen, in group plantings, when decorating alleys, stairs and terraces

    Star anise

    Evergreen shrub that can grow up to 15 m in height. Leaves are dense, their length reaches 15 cm. Flowers come in different shades: burgundy , red, yellow. Star-shaped fruits. The plant is unpretentious, but prefers partial shade. To form a beautiful bush, it is regularly pruned.

    Star anise prefers partial shade, blooms from March to May

    Camellia

    This evergreen shrub will make a spectacular addition to any garden. Dark green foliage retains its appearance throughout the year. Camellia flowers, which are very similar to roses, come in different shades: red, white, pink. Due to the rapid development, the shrub will embellish the site in a short time.

    Blooming camellia brightens up every corner of the garden

    Japanese camellia often used as a hedge

    Ivy

    With this climbing plant, you can create amazing compositions that will transform any site. The plant is tall, grows up to 30 m. More often, common ivy or the Hedera helix species is used in landscape design. Another famous species is Hedera colchica. Ivy has large leaves (up to 25 cm) of green, yellow color, and brown color is also found. In autumn you can see umbrella-shaped inflorescences, in spring black berries appear.

    Many landscapers choose ivy for vertical gardening

    Fences, terraces and balconies are often decorated with this evergreen creeper

    Holly

    Holly leaves are dense with teeth on the edges, saturated green. The plant also ripens berries, which come in different shades: black, white, yellow, red. Among the decorative forms, it is worth highlighting the common holly, which has a domed shape. The culture is not demanding, it makes excellent hedges. Planted singly or in groups with other plants.

    Bright holly berries remain on the branches until spring

    Olive

    Deciduous shrub resembling a small tree. It reaches a height of 2-4 m, the branches are grayish-brown in color, on the shoots there are spines 5 cm long. The foliage is silvery in color and has an ovoid shape.

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