The Overall Best Evergreen Shrubs for House Fronts
Whether you're looking for low maintenance, flowering, or simply lush green options, there's an evergreen shrub to suit every style and need for front yard gardens. Today we will reveal the 10 overall shrubs to grow in front of your house, each with its growing requirements.
Skimmia Japonica
Skimmia Japonica, with its compact form and red berries, is a fantastic choice for smaller front gardens or as accent plants. It thrives in partial shade and adds color interest during the winter months.
Height: 90 cm - 1.2 m (3-4 ft)
Color Varieties: Green, Red berries
Sun Exposure: Part shade
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica')
Dwarf Alberta Spruce adds a unique, conical shape to your garden. This slow-growing shrub is ideal for small spaces or as a full sun evergreen bush and offers a soft, fine texture that contrasts well with other plants.
Height: 1-1.8 m (3-6 ft),
Color Varieties: Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Juniper (Juniperus)
Junipers are excellent low growing house front evergreens for adding texture and structure. They come in various forms and sizes, suitable for any garden layout, and are particularly tolerant of dry conditions.
Height: Varies by species
Color Varieties: Green, Blue
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
These yellow-green shrubs are great shrubs that can be trained to climb or left to spread as ground cover. Wintercreepers variegated leaves add interest to the front of the house all year round.
Height: 60-120 cm (2-4 ft)
Color Varieties: Green, Yellow, White variegation
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Boxwood (Buxus)
This Shrub is a classic choice for housefronts, known for its dense, lush foliage. Boxwoods can be easily shaped into neat hedges or left to grow naturally. The common evergreen is perfect for creating a formal appearance.
Height: 90-120 cm (3-4 ft)
Color Varieties: Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Azalea
These small flowering bushes called Azaleas are particularly striking when planted in masses. They're not only known for their beauty but also for their ability to bloom in shady to sunny areas, making them perfect for any spot in your garden.
Height: 60-120 cm (2-4 ft)
Color Varieties: Pink, Red, White, Purple
Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
Soil Needs: Acidic, well-draining
Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)
Inkberry Holly is a native shrub that offers glossy green leaves and black berries. It's a great evergreen option for creating a natural, wildlife-friendly front yard garden.
Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)
Color Varieties: Dark green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained
Dwarf Mountain Pine (Pinus mugo var. pumilio)
The Dwarf Mountain Pine is a compact evergreen with a rounded, bushy habit, making it an excellent option for adding structure and texture. It's particularly hardy and thrives in full sun, requiring minimal care.
Height: 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
Color Varieties: Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Wax Leaf Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
Wax Leaf Privet is a popular choice for hedges and topiaries due to its dense foliage, hardy leaves and fast growth. It’s versatile, easy to shape, and provides a lush, green backdrop throughout the year.
Height: 2-3 m (6-10 ft)
Color Varieties: Green, White flowers
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Average, well-drained
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
This Cypress variety stands out with its unique, fan-shaped foliage and slow growth habit. Dwarf Hinoki Cypress is perfect for adding a touch of elegant and outstanding texture to your housefront.
Height: 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
Color Varieties: Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Camellia
Camellias have glossy, evergreen leaves similar to the Mountain Laurel and colorful rose-like blooms. These partial shade bushes are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
Height: 1-3 m (3-10 ft)
Color Varieties: Pink, Red, White
Sun Exposure: Part shade
Soil Needs: Acidic, well-draining