13

Best Shrubs

for the Front of the House

1. Boxwood

Because of its short stature, Franklin's Gem Boxwood can be planted in front of taller shrubs or along walkways for year-round greenery that won’t overtake the sidewalk.

Best for: a manicured, neat appearance in partial or full sun

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2. Azalea

Azaleas feature dense, dark foliage crowned in the spring by vibrant blooms. They typically add a natural, informal style to landscapes.

Best for: adding bursts of spring color

3. Rhododendron

Because rhododendrons are evergreen and have larger leaves, these shrubs are sometimes used in privacy hedges. They produce flower clusters in white, pink, purple, red, or orange in spring.

Best for: specimen or screening plants

4. Hydrangea

For showy, long-lasting blooms in white, pink, blue, or purple (depending on your soil’s pH) from summer through fall, the hydrangea can’t be beat. Most are deciduous, with lush green foliage.

Best for: informal landscapes or cottage gardens

5. Rose

Knock Out Roses are known to be particularly easy to grow. Pruning roses can be tricky due to their thorns, and some varieties are susceptible to disease.

Best for: pairing with foliage plants

6. Juniper

Spreading up to 4 feet, junipers are perfect for foundation planting. While many types grow slowly, they can reach up to 6 feet tall.

Best for: low-effort winter color

7. Yew

A soft-needled, slow-growing evergreen conifer, the yew is usually counted among low-maintenance shrubs for shaded areas, although it can also handle full sun. Red berries punctuate its green foliage. All parts of the yew plant are toxic.

Best for: any space that calls for an attractive evergreen

8. Euonymus

These fast-growing shrubs can be left to grow freely in zones 5 to 9, easily topping 6 feet, or they can be manicured to shape or to form a hedge.

Best for: accentuating the yard with beautiful foliage or forming a compact hedge

9. Holly

This holiday favorite is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub with dark-green, glossy, notched leaves and bright red winter berries that attract birds.

Best for: producing pretty berries in winter and small flowers in spring

10. Weigela

The sun-loving Weigela can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide and can be pruned, but flowers bloom on the previous year’s branches.

Best for: spots with full sun, moist to well-draining soil, and plenty of room to spread

11. Forsythia

The bold yellow flowers of the forsythia herald the coming of springtime in many areas. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, although its arching branches can be pruned to shape, making it an excellent choice for hedges.

Best for: locations with ample space to spread

12. Spirea

This fast grower can be used as a specimen plant or featured in groupings as a hedge or border. Bridal Wreath Spirea produces tiny bouquets of white flowers on arching branches in the spring

Best for: masses of cascading flowers in spring or summer (depending on the cultivar)

13. Viburnum

A fast-growing native shrub that produces large “balls” of white flowers is the Viburnum. Across over 150 species, foliage ranges from glossy green to dull dark green, but it turns scarlet or purple in the fall.

Best for: large, fragrant, showy blooms

More on

How to Plant a  Bush or Shrub

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