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Shrubs play a crucial role when it comes to landscaping the front of your lawn.
They form the basis of your entire garden and help fill in any dull spots.
With most people entering your property, the first thing they will notice is the patio, so you want it to stand out.
Therefore, careful selection is necessary to get the most out of your space. But with a wide variety of options available, novice gardeners often don’t know what to plant.
To solve this problem, it would be useful to have a visual idea of the type of grass you would like to have.
It’s best to have evergreen shrubs as a base so the border looks attractive all year round. They are low maintenance and keep the garden interesting at all times.
On the other hand, flowering shrubs can be a bit demanding when it comes to their upkeep. When in bloom, they only look good for 2-3 weeks.
Instead of using them as main ground plants, try mixing and matching them, which will help brighten up your porch in the spring.
Contents
The 7 best shrubs to plant in front of the house
The following list of 7 great shrubs to plant in your home can help you create a beautiful front garden.
Most are easy to maintain, so you don’t have to worry about them all the time.
1) boxwood
boxwood they are excellent evergreen shrubs and are widely used by landscapers.
They retain their fresh color throughout the year and their oval, shiny leaves make them even more attractive.
The most widely used variety is Buxus ‘Winter Gem’ (Buxus microphylla).
advantage:
They are very easy to prune and grow beautifully in all conditions.
Their slow growth makes them very manageable and they can thrive both in the ground and in containers.
Boxwood is also very drought tolerant and grows just as well in full sun as it does in full sun.
the inconvenients:
Boxwood is resistant to most pests, but can occasionally be infested with leaf miners and mites.
Apart from that, boxwood blight can quickly ruin your hedges if not checked beforehand.
2) Euonym
Euonymus has about 175 different species. The most famous is the “burning bush”.
This evergreen variety grows quickly and can be perfectly maintained in beautiful hedges. It is particularly appreciated for its small leathery leaves.
advantage:
They are very easy to grow and can be shaped into any shape you like. They can be used as a hedge or to make beautiful topiaries.
the inconvenients:
As they are fast growing plants, they should be pruned regularly. They can quickly lose their shape if you forget to trim them regularly.
3) Japanese yew
Yews are a very popular choice for borders and walkways. They provide dense, evergreen foliage and keep lawns fresh at all times.
The Japanese yew looks great at any height and fits comfortably into gardens of all sizes.
They grow well in most soil conditions and prefer areas of partial shade to moderate sunlight.
advantage:
Due to their dense vegetation, they are often used as privacy hedges. They require very little maintenance and are easy to trim.
They can withstand severe pruning and can be cut into any shape. Other than that, they are long lasting and can last for years without significantly affecting your health.
the inconvenients:
They grow slowly compared to other shrubs and can take a while to reach height.
They produce small red berries in the spring that look pretty, but can pose a threat if they attract lots of birds.
And apart from that, all parts of the plants contain high levels of alkaloids which are toxic to humans and animals.
You might also be interested in: What are the best trees to plant near your house to provide shade?
4) cypress gold thread
This evergreen shrub has drooping branches with scale-like foliage. It has a hilly habit that can be kept lower with regular pruning.
If the plant is planted in full sun, the plant will grow on its own. Its rich golden color makes it an excellent choice for use as an ornamental plant.
advantage:
If you are looking for a plant that adapts to small gardens, this is your best option. It requires very little maintenance and tolerates drought easily.
the inconvenients:
It is a very slow-growing plant that can take nearly twenty years to reach maturity.
It can reach a maximum height of 6 feet after this period. Also, the plants spread far to the sides and should not be planted along paths or driveways.
5) wax myrtle
Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is a fast-growing evergreen hedge that makes a great addition to the landscape.
This plant is quite hardy and can withstand a variety of soil conditions.
advantage:
Due to their rapid growth, they are widely used as privacy screens for homes.
They also produce small berries which are eaten by birds in winter, so you can also watch birds alongside them.
Their leaves are quite fragrant and make them a good choice for pathways and pathways.
the inconvenients:
These plants are difficult to grow alongside annuals or perennials due to root damage.
Disturbance or damage to the roots leads to the growth of suckers as a protective response that must be pruned to keep the plant in good condition.
6) roses
Rose bushes are a favorite when it comes to using them as foundation plants for your porch.
They turn out to be a wonderful combination with evergreen shrubs. Its fragrant and showy flowers make hedges even more colorful.
advantage:
They are relatively low maintenance compared to other flowering shrubs and can grow in most soil conditions.
the inconvenients:
Pruning roses is a bit of a challenge for new gardeners. Dealing with thorn bushes can be tedious for most people.
7) Blue Star Juniper
Blue Star junipers are excellent shrubs for adding color contrast to the line. They make an excellent pairing with golden cord cypress and other decorative plants.
Their enduring nature ensures that they never go out of style. Plus, its thin leaves and stems are truly unique.
The punch-shaped foliage provides an interesting texture in the garden.
advantage:
This variety of juniper grows very slowly. Therefore, it is an ideal choice for foundation planting in small gardens.
the inconvenients:
This plant grows rapidly several years after planting.
This can cause an unwanted increase in height and can disrupt the orientation of your lawn. Therefore, they should be planted in relatively spacious areas.
Can shrubs damage foundations?
Listed bushes are very harmless and tend to stay put. They are not as invasive as fast growing trees.
But they can cause problems, especially if planted too close to the house. Some plants have strong, persistent roots that can erode foundations.
They can weaken foundations by drying out the ground and allowing water to seep through. This leads to leaky basements and cracked doors.
How far should the bushes be from your house?
It is best not to plant the bushes haphazardly anywhere on your lawn. There should be a good space between your house and the plants.
This is to avoid any damage to the foundations and exterior walls. Proper spacing will not only save your home from damage, but it will also allow your plants to grow uncluttered.
Each plant is different and the growth potential of each is variable. Therefore, when choosing a place to plant, always consider the mature size of the plant.
Small bushes can easily be planted at least 2 feet from the foundation. Medium and tall shrubs need at least 4 to 6 feet of space to keep them from coming into contact with eaves.
How high should the bushes be in front of the house?
Landscaping uses a reverse approach, i.e. the tallest plants are placed at the back with the shorter in front.
This applies well when you plant your bushes in front of your house. Not only will this give your facade a symmetrical look, but it will also provide plenty of access for pruning plants.
The ideal height of the bushes should be 6 to 8 feet. Anything more than that may seem ugly.
Final Thoughts: The 7 Best Shrubs to Plant in Your Home
If you want privacy, you can use fast-growing shrubs like wax myrtle that completely block the view of your home.
By using a mix of different types of bushes, you can create the perfect combination that suits your style.
Before you go, here are some more related articles that I encourage you to read below to help you solve more of your gardening problems:
How to landscape with hydrangeas
What are the fastest growing evergreens for small gardens?
How long should I wait before planting after stump grinding?
About the Author:
Saad Anzar
Saad is an avid gardener and a great lover of plants, animals, photography and people. Currently, his focus is on indoor plant photography and captioning beautiful landscapes. Write and rewrite feature articles on nature and science.