The Best Full Sun Evergreen Shrubs for Gardens
These evergreen shrubs for sunny spots not only add a touch of greenery but also maintain their beauty across seasons. Here are the 11 best small evergreen shrubs ideal for the front of your house, each offering unique characteristics and easy care.
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 and offers a 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
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
Boxwood (Buxus)
This deer resistant shrub for full sun Boxwood is a classic choice for housefronts, known for its dense, lush foliage. The common small house front evergreen is perfect for creating a formal appearance because of its pruning tolerance.
Height: 90-120 cm (3-4 ft)
Color Varieties: Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is a robust, fast-growing shrub known for its large, vibrant flowers and deep green foliage. It thrives in hot, sunny climates and is drought-resistant once established, making it perfect for warm gardens and one of the best evergreen shrubs.
Height: 2-3 m (6-10 ft)
Color Varieties: Red, Pink, White, Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Juniper
Junipers are incredibly adaptable and come in various forms, from low-growing groundcovers to tall trees making them one of the best evergreens for house fronts. They love full sun and are perfect for adding texture and structure to your house front garden.
Height: Varies by species
Color Varieties: Green, Blue
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Rhododendron
These flowering shrubs are a favorite among gardeners for their spectacular clusters of blooms. Rhodendrons are perfect for creating a dramatic display in your garden. They prefer slightly acidic soil and part shade but also have the ability to grow in full sun.
Height: 80 cm - 1.5 m (2.5-5 ft)
Color Varieties: Pink, Purple, Red, White
Sun Exposure: Part shade
Soil Needs: Acidic, well-draining
Rosemary
Rosemary, a culinary favorite, doubles as an attractive landscaping plant. This hardy shrub thrives in full sun and heat, offering aromatic foliage and blue flowers that add a Mediterranean touch to gardens.
Height: 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
Color Varieties: Blue
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Gardenias are flowering bushes for sun which have fragrant white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves. They enjoy full sun but need protection from the hottest afternoon rays in warmer climates.
Height: 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
Color Varieties: White
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic
Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica)
Indian Hawthorn is a durable shrub that flourishes in full sun. Known for its glossy green leaves and pink or white flowers, it's ideal for low hedges or as a foundation plant. It's also salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal gardens.
Height: 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
Color Varieties: Pink, White
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
Japanese Yew is a robust evergreen with dense foliage, suitable for topiary or formal hedges. It adapts well to trimming and shaping, making it a versatile choice for front-of-house planting.
Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)
Color Varieties: Dark green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained