A shrub or hedge at the front of your home can add to your curb appeal and overall property value. It can also provide privacy from neighbors or passersby.
However, there are thousands of types of shrubs for front of the house to choose from, so deciding which shrubs to plant can be overwhelming.
Take the guesswork out of it by consulting this list, which highlights great choices to consider for your property’s front yard.
In fact, these shrubs will add beauty to your home without making too much of an impact on the budget.
Best of all, they come in an array of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits well with any landscaping style or aesthetic.
Meanwhile, as stated above, many types of shrubs for front of the house. Here are some that are considered the best options for your home’s front yard.
1. Small Yew Shrubs
To begin with, the yew shrub is a popular choice out of other types of shrubs for front of the house. It is tolerant to most conditions and reaches up to 8 feet tall with regular pruning.
Also, it can be shaped into a formal or informal hedge, depending on your preference. This plant has dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn before dropping off.
It prefers moist soil and partial shade but can grow in full sun if it gets plenty of water. Specifically, Yews are very slow-growing plants, so it’s best to start with one at least three years old.
2. Cavatine Dwarf Japanese Pieris
The Cavatine Dwarf Japanese Pieris is a small shrub with a nice mound and great color. It has dark green leaves that turn golden-orange in the fall.
The flowers are white with pink highlights and last all summer long, making it easy to see this plant blooming from far away.
Of all the types of shrubs for front of the house, if you’re looking for a beautiful, small shrub that will be an instant focal point in your yard, the Cavatine Dwarf Japanese Pieris is perfect!
3. Rhododendron
Looking at the types of shrubs for front of the house, the Rhododendron is a beautiful shrub that will add color and vibrancy to your front yard all year long.
While this shrub does require some upkeep, it is well worth the time and effort when you see how beautiful it can be.
Further, the Rhododendron is a native plant to New England and thrives in most regions as long as there are ample sun and water sources.
Also, this shrub has many different varieties to choose from, with various leaf shapes, flower colors, blooming times, heights, etc. So finding one that fits your particular needs should be easy.
4. Inkberry Foundation Plants
Inkberry shrubs are some of the most beautiful shrubs with bright green leaves. They grow up to eight feet tall, with a three-foot spread, and are known for their showy clusters of purple-pink flowers in late spring.
These fast-growing plants will thrive in sun or partial shade and can make a great addition to any garden!
Plus, Inkberry is a type of plant that is easy to maintain, making it one you’ll enjoy seeing as often as possible.
As long as they are given plenty of water during the summer months, they should be able to thrive without too much help from you!
Inkberries like full sun exposure, so they may need more watering than other types of shrubs for front of the house.
5. Arborvitae Foundation Plants
Arborvitae plants are one of the most popular foundation shrubs. They can grow up to thirty feet in height, and their natural branching pattern provides excellent front-of-house curb appeal. They do not require much maintenance or pruning because they grow so quickly.
But you may need to provide supplemental irrigation during periods of drought. Also, Arborvitae plants have the added benefit of being resistant to deer browsing.
This makes them a good choice if you live in an area with a high population; they are also one of the best shrubs for front of the house.
6. Wintercreeper
Wintercreeper is one of the best types of shrubs for front of the house, as it’s easy to grow and maintain. Wintercreeper will attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
They can grow up to six feet tall and spread up to ten feet wide, but they can be kept at any size by pruning regularly.
Moreso, it has small green leaves that are shiny and waxy in texture. These give it a luster during winter when other plants may not be flourishing. The branches are slender and flexible so that they won’t snap under snow or heavy winds.
7. Dwarf Spruce
Dwarf spruce shrubs are popular for front-yard landscape design because they’re usually hardy and easy to grow.
They can withstand harsh weather conditions and offer various colors, shapes, and textures. They also provide much-needed privacy in the form of dense evergreen foliage.
In addition, these dwarf shrubs don’t require a lot of maintenance. Therefore, making them an excellent choice for busy homeowners who want to keep their front yard looking its best throughout the year.
8. Hydrangea
Also, one of the perfect types of shrubs for front of the house is the Hydrangea. It is a perennial shrub with beautiful, large flowers.
Typically found in pink or blue, these plants are known for their ability to bloom all summer long if given the right care. The plant can grow up to six feet tall and does well in full sun to partial shade.
Often, Hydrangeas are seen lining the front walkway of many homes because they provide excellent curb appeal and require little maintenance. Their branches tend to spread out and cover the ground.
Consequently, they will need some space between them and other plants or trees that may be planted near them.
The flowers on these plants are fairly large, making them great for cutting because people often enjoy wearing them in their hair.
9. American Arborvitae ‘Smaragd’
The American Arborvitae ‘Smaragd’ is a dense, spreading evergreen shrub with dark green leaves. It grows up to 4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. The Arborvitae has a rounded shape; its needles are sharp and prickly.
Additionally, this plant prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade. The smaragd has an average lifespan of 15 years in the landscape but will grow best in zones 5-8.
Its flowers are greenish-yellow clusters that bloom on the ends of twigs in late winter or early spring. It is also an excellent choice from the list of types of shrubs for front of the house.
10. Upright Japanese Plum Yew
Japanese plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia) is a beautiful evergreen that thrives in zones five through eight. The Japanese plum yew has a height of up to thirty feet and can be trained to grow upright or slanted.
Also, it has bright green foliage that makes it an excellent choice as a background plant or even as a hedge. Another great thing about this shrub is that it’s pest-resistant.
Thus, making it an all-around good choice from the types of shrubs for front of the house for those living in humid climates.
11. Redbud Tree
The redbud (Cercis) tree is a deciduous shrub native to the United States. It boasts small, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of purple flowers in the spring. The foliage turns a brilliant orange in the fall.
Furthermore, it has an upright growth pattern which makes it perfect for foundation plantings or as a hedge screen.
Redbuds are drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making them a good choice if you have little experience with plants.
Also, it thrives in both sun and shade. Redbud trees can be found at nurseries or hardware stores, but they can also be grown from seedlings or cuttings purchased online.
Still wondering which one of the types of shrubs for front of the house would be perfect for you? Consider the Redbud Tree!
12. Boxwood
Boxwoods are one of the most popular types of shrubs for front of the house because they are beautiful, tough, and easy to grow.
Boxwoods do not need much water or maintenance. Thus, this makes them ideal for people who don’t want to spend much time tending to their plants.
Meanwhile, the boxwood’s leaves turn red in the fall and produce small white flowers during the spring. The boxwood tree is also known as a berry tree because it produces edible blueberries.
Boxwoods make excellent front yard shrubs because they are easily recognizable and add interest to a space that can sometimes be bland or boring.
13. Roses
There’s a reason roses are synonymous with love, romance, and beauty. Their sweet fragrance and delicate flowers look beautiful in any vase or as a centerpiece on the dining table. Roses are often used in front gardens to fill up space between shrubs and trees.
Proceeding they grow best in climates that don’t go below freezing all year round, but if you live in such an area, they can be grown indoors.
There is even a rose called ‘Iceberg,’ with white flowers, and it was bred specifically to survive cold winters.
14. Japanese Maple
Japanese maple is one of the top types of shrubs for front-of-house curb appeal. This tree has a medium size and can grow to be 25 feet tall, but it typically only reaches a height of 8-10 feet. It is well known for its fall colors which range from red to purple, yellow, and orange.
Besides, Japanese maples are easy to care for as they are resistant to insects, disease, drought, and cold temperatures. They are also hardy in most soil types and require little pruning or maintenance.
15. Juniper
Speaking of the list of types of shrubs for front of the house, the juniper is obviously one. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow to a height of 6 feet. Though it will stay green year-round, the juniper produces bright purple berries in winter.
In addition, these berries provide food for birds and other small wildlife during the cold winter months. The juniper has a strong, piney scent, and its needles are soft to the touch.
This plant grows well in both full sun and partial shade, and with little maintenance, it can make a great addition to your landscape design!
16. Dogwood
Comparing the types of shrubs for front of the house, one shrub that can be grown in many climates is the dogwood.
There are several varieties and sizes of dogwoods, some reaching up to thirty feet high with an equal width.
The flowers on the dogwood bloom from late spring to early summer, with white blossoms being the most common, but pink and red varieties are also available.
Also, Dogwoods produce berries that offer food for birds. However, these berries are poisonous to humans, so it’s important not to plant them near a garden or where children will play.
17. Elderberry
Invasive but beautiful, elderberry often grows wild along the edges of meadows and woods throughout North America.
It can grow up to 15 feet tall and wide, forming a thicket from which deer love to eat in the wintertime. Elderberries are great at attracting songbirds with their brightly colored berries in late summer.
However, it is advised to trim back some of its long branches, so it doesn’t spread into unwanted areas such as gardens or driveways.
Otherwise, it will be difficult to manage. Still confused about the one to pick from the types of shrubs for front of the house, I’d recommend Elderberry!
18. Dwarf Lilac
The Dwarf Lilac is an excellent choice when looking to add color to your front yard. This shrub produces lush green foliage that turns into vibrant purple flowers in the spring and summer. The blooms are medium size, making them perfect for smaller spaces.
Furthermore, the leaves will change colors to a deep plum red in colder climates before falling off. Are you considering dwarf lilacs from the list of types of shrubs for front of the house?
You are right, on the course! Plus, did I mention that Dwarf Lilac can grow up to six feet tall, making it a great choice for privacy hedges and ornamental shrubs?
19. Weigela
The Weigela shrub, or Weigela florida, is a deciduous shrub that produces pinkish-white flowers during late summer and early fall. It grows to be about 5 feet tall and wide.
The types of shrubs for front of the house include this plant too. Uniquely, Weigelas are popular because they grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7.
Again, they produce attractive flowers, tolerate wet and dry soils, have few disease issues, and require little maintenance. They can be pruned as needed to maintain their shape.
20. Mock Orange
The Mock Orange shrub is a favorite among homeowners with children because it has a nice fragrance, and kids like to play on the low-lying branches.
It’s also a favorite among homeowners looking to make their house look homier because it has small, delicate flowers that hang off the stems and in clusters.
The leaves are also oval-shaped and glossy, making this shrub attractive from all angles. The only downside is that this shrub will turn brown in cold weather, so be sure to consider it when you’re planting this type of plant if your climate is harsh.
21. Azalea / Rhododendron
The Azalea and Rhododendron are two of the most popular shrubs for the front of the house. These are two shrubs that have both been popular in gardens for generations.
They’re often used as hedges and in front-of-house locations, such as along a walkway or near the street.
The azalea prefers more acidic soil and does best when planted in full sun. In contrast, Rhododendrons prefer a more alkaline soil and do well when planted in partial shade.
22. Spirea
One of my favorite types of shrubs for front of the house is the Spirea. These plants can bloom all year long, depending on the variety and species.
Plus, planting a Spirea hedge has many benefits, including providing privacy, screening unsightly views, and creating a more inviting atmosphere.
Typically, the Spirea is an evergreen shrub that grows to about four feet tall, although there are some varieties that grow taller.
The leaves are typically medium green in color, and the flowers range from white to pink or purple, depending on the variety.
These bushes are very hardy plants, meaning they can grow in various conditions, such as full sun, partial shade, or wet soil where other plants would not survive well.
23. Lilies
All types of lilies are great for the front yard, but if you have a short growing season, look into those that bloom in early spring.
The daylilies are a great choice since they grow to be about three feet tall, and their flowers range from yellow to purple.
Also, Daylilies can grow in less-than-ideal soil conditions and provide your home with beautiful flowers all summer. This is one of the types of shrubs for front of the house that are low-maintenance and equally beautiful!
24. Coneflower
Another type of plant from the list of the types of shrubs for front of the house that is perfect for the front yard is coneflower or Echinacea purpurea.
This perennial has multi-colored blooms that range from light pink to deep purple. Also, it grows up to three feet tall, so it’s a good option if you don’t want anything too big around your home.
25. Hostas
The Hosta is a perennial, shade-loving herbaceous plant. It has large heart-shaped leaves that are often spotted or blotched with white or light green.
Hosta shrubs are a great choice for the front of the house, as they thrive in the shade and grow up to 10 feet tall.
Also, they have beautiful leaves that come in a variety of colors. Equally important, Hostas need to be planted about 2 feet apart from one another. These plants do best when their soil is moist, so ensure you water them regularly.
However, if you plant them too close to the front door, they may block light coming into the home. They prefer moist, acidic soil and thrive in shady areas in the front of your home.
Hostas, as one of the types of shrubs for front of the house, have their own varieties; they are:
- Hosta tokudama
- Hosta sieboldiana
- Hosta Blue Angel
- Hosta Tokyo’s Pride
26. Astilbe
The Astilbe is a favorite regarding the types of shrubs for front-of-house. With a height ranging from 18 to 24 and flowers blooming in the months of May and June, this shrub is a great choice.
Also, the Astilbe has foliage that looks like little ferns and grows beautifully in the sun or partial shade. A downside to this plant is that it can’t take heavy foot traffic, so if you have kids or pets, you’ll want to consider other alternatives.
27. Buttonbush
Front-of-house plantings are an important component of any landscape; therefore, the types of shrubs for front of the house shouldn’t be sidelined. Buttonbush is one of those shrubs.
The buttonbush is often overlooked; however, it’s one of the best choices for front-yard planting because it provides year-round interest with its white urn-shaped flowers and purple berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
Also, it grows well in wet areas and tolerates drought conditions. Plus, it’s easy to maintain, with little pruning needed once established.
28. Snowberry
The snowberry is also on the list of various shrubs for the front of the house. It is a versatile shrub that is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Furthermore, it features bright white berries from late summer through fall with glossy green leaves throughout the year.
29. Coral Bells
Coral bell is a perennial shrub that is cold hardy to zone 4, meaning it will not succumb to frost damage. It will grow to a height of 2-3′ and spread up to 3′. The plant produces white flowers in the late spring and early summer months.
But note that poisonous red berries follow these flowers. Coral bells prefer full sun or partial shade and have medium water requirements.
Finally, this plant can be found at most nurseries across North America for an average price of $25-35. Coral bells are also special regarding the types of shrubs in the front of the house.
30. Phlox
Perennial plants are a great option if you’re looking to make a long-term investment. The phlox is one perennial that is perfect from the list of types of shrubs for front-of-house planting.
This flower blooms in the spring and has many color varieties, which makes it good for all seasons. The phlox will grow about 2 feet high and can withstand some foot traffic. Also, it likes full sun exposure and well-drained soil.
31. Yucca
This drought-tolerant, frost-hardy evergreen shrub is best grown in dry, sunny areas. Considering the types of shrubs in front of the house, yucca may not be the best option if you live in a more humid area. Also, it’s important to note that yucca is poisonous to humans and animals.
This beautiful perennial can grow up to six feet tall and produces flower spikes that are covered in little, white flowers from June through October.
The foliage is dark green with serrated edges and smells like vanilla when it’s rubbed. The leaves are sharp enough that they’re often used as bay leaves during cooking (although don’t eat them!).
32. Peony
This floriferous shrub has a long flowering season, is easy to grow, and is deer-resistant. However, this is the last one of the types of shrubs for the front of the house.
In particular, Peonies are perfect for planting near the front door to add color and texture to your home’s exterior. Like other shrubs, they come in various colors, including pink, red, white, and purple.
How to Design a Front Yard Foundation Planting?
Regarding the types of shrubs for front of the house, these qualities are the ones that matter the most when looking for foundation plants:
- Since taller plants may obstruct windows and interfere with drainage or gutters, select shorter kinds.
- Create your preferred design by using a variety of heights, textures, and colors to provide visual appeal.
- Keep sunshine requirements in mind – If the front of your home is completely in the shade or receives steady sunlight, make sure you choose plants that will thrive in those conditions.
- Go for symmetry – This list will give you plenty of possibilities, whether you want to add visual interest with an asymmetrical design or try to use mirror pictures on both sides of your house.
- Choose plants that look excellent all year long. Evergreen shrubs or perennials that provide interest in the winter can prevent your front garden from appearing sparse.
Conclusion
Now that you know what shrubs to look for, it is time to plant. Before you purchase your shrubs, you should do a few things.
First, ensure that the soil in your garden is healthy and moist. Next, take a shovel and break up any large clumps. Now that the soil has been loosened, it is time to place the shrubs into their new home.
Make sure that you have enough room around the shrubs so that there is space to run your lawnmower around them or prune them as needed.
Lastly, water the plants daily until they are properly established. We’ll draw the curtains about the types of shrubs for the front of the house.
