Have you ever driven by a house and thought, “Wow, that yard looks amazing!”? It’s often because they’ve nailed it with their landscaping, especially the evergreen shrubs. Trust me, nothing says “I’ve got my act together” like a front yard that looks great year-round. And if you’re like me, you also want something that doesn’t need much work but still makes your home look well put together.
Evergreen shrubs are the secret weapon. They stay green all year, offer so much variety, and can even flower or produce berries! And if the front yard gets full sun or hides in the partial shade, there’s an evergreen shrub with your name on it. Here are some of the best evergreen shrubs for the front of your house.
What Shrubs Look Best in Front of the House?
1. Boxwood Shrubs
You can’t go wrong with boxwoods. These guys are like the dependable best friends of shrubs. They’re super low-maintenance and perfect for foundation plantings. Boxwoods can handle full sun, partial shade, or just about anything you throw at them. Just make sure they’re in well-drained soil, and they’ll be happy campers.
2. Japanese Yew
Japanese yews are another favorite of mine. They’re versatile and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. I’ve planted these in my front yard, and they’re slow-growing, so you don’t have to worry about constant pruning. Plus, their dark green leaves are stunning against a light-colored house.
3. Mountain Laurel
I have to admit, mountain laurel is a showstopper. It has fragrant flowers that pop in late spring, and the white flowers look amazing in part shade. If you’re in a cooler climate, mountain laurel is your best friend. They’re like the underdog that surprises you every time.
4. False Cypress
Okay, I have a love-hate relationship with false cypress. They’re fast-growing shrubs, which is awesome when you want instant impact, but they can be a bit needy when it comes to well-drained soil. Still, in the colder months, their unique texture makes them an excellent choice. Just plant them in the right spot, and they’ll reward you tenfold.
5. Mugo Pine
Mugo pines are the definition of low-maintenance shrubs. They’re compact, have dense branches, and are ideal for foundation plantings. I love them because they can handle full sun and colder climates like a champ. These are the shrubs you plant and forget about but in a good way.
6. Red Tip Photinia
Here’s a shrub that knows how to make a statement. Red tip photinia has these bright red berries and glossy foliage that scream “Look at me!” Perfect for warmer climates, this fast-growing shrub loves full sun. Just watch out for its rapid growth; it’s like a teenager who suddenly outgrows all their clothes.
7. Laurus Nobilis (Bay Laurel)
This small tree has beautiful blooms and thrives in partial shade with moist soil. It’s versatile and adds a touch of elegance to any yard. And let’s not forget, you can use the leaves in cooking! How’s that for multitasking?
8. Fatsia Japonica
If you want to add a tropical vibe, Fatsia japonica is your go-to broadleaf evergreen. It’s got these large, glossy leaves that are just stunning. It thrives in part shade, and honestly, this low-maintenance plant practically grows itself. Just stick it in your garden, and let it do its thing.
9. Canadian Hemlock
I’ve always been a fan of Canadian hemlock. It’s an evergreen tree that works as a specimen plant or a focal point. Plus, it thrives in full shade and is deer-resistant. It’s like the bodyguard of your yard—nothing’s getting past this tough tree.
10. Chinese Fringe Flower
Here’s one that’s a little different. The Chinese fringe flower produces showy blooms in early spring and grows best in partial shade. It can handle a variety of soil types, even sandy soil, which is a lifesaver if you’ve struggled with other plants in the past.
11. Kalmia Latifolia (Mountain Laurel)
Kalmia latifolia is just another name for mountain laurel, but it’s worth mentioning again because it’s that good. This small shrub has showy blooms and thrives in acidic soil. It’s one of those versatile foundation plants that can handle cooler climates and still look fabulous.
12. Compact Shrubs
Compact shrubs are perfect if you’re working with a smaller space. They’re low-growing, provide year-round interest, and require minimal upkeep. Honestly, these are the no-brainer choice for anyone who wants a beautiful yard without the hassle.
13. Low-growing shrubs
If you’re like me and prefer shrubs that don’t get too tall, low-growing shrubs like mugo pine and boxwood are where it’s at. They’re great for foundation plantings and are super easy to manage. Just give them full sun and well-drained soil, and they’ll reward you with dense foliage.
14. Slow-Growing Shrubs
Slow-growing shrubs like Japanese yew are perfect for the lazy gardener—no judgment here. They need less pruning, which means more time for you to enjoy your yard without constantly pulling out the shears. Trust me, it’s a win-win.
15. Dwarf Varieties
Dwarf varieties are like the little siblings of evergreen shrubs. They’re compact but just as beautiful. Perfect for small spaces, these shrubs are great for foundation plantings or as focal points in the front yard. I’ve used them to fill in gaps, and they work like a charm.
16. Popular Shrubs
Boxwood and Mountain Laurel are always top picks for a reason. They’re reliable, low-maintenance, and simply beautiful. If you’re unsure where to start, these popular shrubs are a safe bet for any front yard.
17. Showy Blooms
Who doesn’t love a shrub that shows off? Evergreen shrubs with showy blooms, like the Chinese fringe flower, add a burst of color to your yard. These are the ones you plant when you want to make sure everyone notices your garden.
18. Beautiful Shrubs
Beautiful shrubs like Laurus nobilis and Fatsia japonica make your yard look amazing. Their lush, glossy foliage adds texture and color, and they’re evergreen, so you get to enjoy them year-round. They’re the kind of plants that make you smile every time you walk by.
19. Bright Red Berries
Shrubs with bright red berries, like red tip photinia, are a must-have for adding a splash of color, especially in the colder months. These shrubs love full sun and are an excellent choice for making your front yard pop.
20. Glossy Foliage
There’s something about glossy foliage that just looks classy. Shrubs like laurus nobilis and mountain laurel bring that rich, vibrant look to your yard. They’re evergreen, so you get that lush look all year long, which is a total win.
21. Fragrant Flowers
Fragrant flowers are the unsung heroes of the garden. Mountain laurel has flowers that smell as good as they look, making your front yard a sensory delight. They’re perfect for foundation plantings in part shade areas, adding both beauty and fragrance.
22. Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees like Canadian hemlock can take your yard to the next level. They work as a main focal point and provide year-round interest. If you live in a colder climate, these trees are a solid choice to keep your landscape looking lush.
23. Evergreen Bushes
Evergreen bushes, like boxwood shrubs, are the backbone of any front yard. They’re low-maintenance, provide structure, and look good in both full sun and part shade. These bushes are popular for a reason—they get the job done with minimal fuss.
24. Year-Round Interest
When I say year-round interest, I mean shrubs like mugo pine and laurus nobilis. These plants don’t take a break, keeping your yard looking vibrant in all seasons. If you’re looking for something low-maintenance yet stunning, these are your go-tos.
25. Low-Maintenance Shrubs
We all want a beautiful yard without spending every weekend in it, right? Low-maintenance shrubs like mugo pine and false cypress are your answer. They require minimal care but still look amazing, making them the perfect addition to any front yard.
Whether you’re after low-maintenance options, fragrant flowers, or year-round interest, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. The best time to plant a shrub was yesterday. The second-best time? Today!
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