The Best Small, Low Growing Evergreen Shrubs for Housefronts
These evergreen shrubs not only add a touch of greenery but also maintain their beauty across seasons. Here are 11 of the best small evergreen shrubs for the front of your house, each offering unique characteristics and easy care.
Boxwood (Buxus)
Boxwood is a classic choice for housefronts, known for its dense, lush foliage. It can be easily shaped into neat hedges or left to grow naturally. This 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
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
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
This Cypress shrub stands out with its unique, fan-shaped foliage and slow growth habit. Dwarf Hinoki Cypress is perfect for adding a touch of elegant 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
Juniper 'Blue Star'
Juniper 'Blue Star' stands out with its striking blue foliage and star-shaped growth pattern. This evergreen housefront bush is drought-resistant and thrives in sunny locations.
Height: 50 cm (20 in)
Color Varieties: Blue
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Heather (Calluna vulgaris)
Heather is a small deer resistant bush that offers vibrant evergreen foliage and small, colorful flowers. They are perfect for adding texture and color, especially in rocky or coastal gardens or as small flowering shrubs.
Height: 50-70 cm (20-28 in)
Color Varieties: Pink, White, Purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)
Wintercreeper is a versatile shrub that can be trained to climb or left to spread as ground cover. Its 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
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
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are a favorite among gardeners for their spectacular clusters of blooms. These shade bushes are perfect for creating a dramatic display in your garden. They prefer slightly acidic soil and part shade, making them a great addition to woodland gardens.
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
Daphne
Daphne is prized for its fragrant blooms and variegated leaves. It's a superb choice for adding sensory appeal to small front garden spaces. This shrub prefers a sheltered spot and well-drained soil.
Height: 90-120 cm (3-4 ft)
Color Varieties: White, Pink
Sun Exposure: Part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile
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.
Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)
Color Varieties: Dark green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is not just aromatic but also a beautiful evergreen option. Its purple flowers and silver-green foliage bring color and fragrance, making it attractive to grow in the front of your house.
Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 ft)
Color Varieties: Purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy