The short version
- Choose shrubs by mature size, not the size in the pot - read the tag.
- Plant foundation shrubs at least half their mature width (plus a foot) away from the wall.
- Mix evergreens for structure with flowering shrubs for seasonal color.
- Make beds at least 4-5 feet deep with a curved edge for a more natural look.
When we removed the overgrown shrubs from the front of the Dogwood House, the biggest lesson was this: somebody, decades ago, planted cute little shrubs that grew into six-foot monsters. The best shrubs for the front of a house are the ones that stay in scale - so your windows stay visible and you're not out there with a hedge trimmer every month.
Our favorite front-yard shrubs
| Shrub | Mature size | Sun | Why we like it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwarf boxwood ('Baby Gem', 'Wedding Ring') | 2-3 ft | Sun to part shade | Classic, evergreen, formal or casual |
| Dwarf yaupon or inkberry holly | 2-4 ft | Sun to part shade | Native-friendly boxwood alternative, deer-resistant |
| Compact panicle hydrangea ('Bobo', 'Little Lime') | 3-5 ft | Sun to part sun | Huge summer blooms, very hardy |
| Dwarf abelia | 2-3 ft | Sun | Colorful foliage, pollinator flowers |
| Distylium | 3-4 ft | Sun to shade | Tough evergreen, handles clay |
| Loropetalum (compact) | 2-4 ft | Sun to part shade | Purple leaves, pink spring flowers |
| Azalea (Encore types) | 3-4 ft | Part shade | Reblooming color spring and fall |
Planting boxwoods in front of the house
Boxwoods are the classic choice for a reason - evergreen structure that looks tidy all year. To keep them healthy:
- Give them room from the foundation. Plant the center of each boxwood at least half its mature width plus 12 inches from the wall. Crowded boxwoods against brick get poor air flow and are prone to disease.
- Make sure the spot drains. Boxwoods hate wet feet. In clay, plant slightly high and amend the whole bed (see our red clay planting tips).
- Space for the look you want. Mature width apart for individual shrubs; about two-thirds of mature width for a hedge that knits together.
- Mulch and water. Two inches of mulch, kept off the stems, and deep watering through the first summer.
How to lay out a foundation bed
- Go deeper than you think. A bed 4-6 feet deep looks more generous and lets you layer plants.
- Layer by height. Taller shrubs near the corners and between windows, low shrubs under windows, perennials and groundcovers in front.
- Repeat plants. Three or five of the same shrub looks intentional; one of everything looks busy.
- Anchor the corners. A small tree or large shrub (a dogwood is perfect) softens the corners of the house.
- Curve the edge. A gentle curve looks more natural than a straight line parallel to the house.
Work out how much soil and mulch your new bed needs:
Mulch & Soil Calculator
Bulk is usually cheaper above about 2 cubic yards. Keep mulch a few inches away from foundations and plant stems.
What we planted
We went with dwarf boxwoods under the front windows, two compact hydrangeas between them, a loropetalum at each end for color, and - of course - a dogwood anchoring the corner. Three years in, nothing has needed more than a light trim.
Shrubs to avoid right next to the house
- Full-size hollies and boxwoods - they're beautiful, but most grow 8-15 feet. That's how we ended up with six-foot monsters.
- Burning bush - invasive in many states.
- Leyland cypress - grows fast and huge, and is prone to disease.
- Anything thorny under windows you'll need to reach (unless security is the goal).
Seasonal interest planner
| Season | What's looking good |
|---|---|
| Spring | Dogwood, azaleas, loropetalum flowers |
| Summer | Hydrangeas, abelia |
| Fall | Dogwood and hydrangea foliage, reblooming azaleas |
| Winter | Boxwood and holly structure, red dogwood berries |
Frequently asked questions
How far from the house should I plant boxwoods?
For dwarf boxwoods that mature around 2-3 feet wide, plant the center of each shrub about 2.5-3 feet from the foundation. For larger varieties, use half the mature width plus 12 inches. That leaves room for air flow, painting and maintenance.
What are the lowest-maintenance shrubs for the front of a house?
Dwarf boxwoods, dwarf yaupon or inkberry holly, 'Little Lime' or other compact hydrangeas, dwarf abelia, distylium and compact loropetalum all stay small with little pruning.
How far apart should I plant boxwoods?
Space them about their mature width apart for individual shrubs, or about two-thirds of their mature width apart for a continuous low hedge.
What shrubs stay small?
Look for words like dwarf, compact, or 'Petite' on the tag. Examples: 'Baby Gem' or 'Wedding Ring' boxwood, 'Soft Touch' holly, 'Bobo' hydrangea, 'Rose Creek' abelia and 'Gulf Stream' nandina.
