When planning your landscaping front yard, you should think about your desired appearance and the type of plants you prefer. There are different types of shrubs, perennials, trees, and grasses to choose from. Junipers are a great choice because they are low-growing and grow well in most climates. Junipers produce berries during fall and into winter. Choose low-growing varieties to keep the front of your house looking lovely. Other types of shrubs are lilacs, which are taller but also produce beautiful cut flowers. Azaleas are vibrant, bell-shaped flowers that are available in a variety of colors, from white to purple and orange.
Evergreen shrubs
Using evergreen shrubs to landscape the front of your house can make a big impact. Not only are they low-maintenance but they also retain color throughout the year. Shrubs that are evergreen are generally short and easy to manage. Before planting an evergreen shrub, you should prepare the area where it will grow. Make sure the shrub will not overtake the house. If you are unsure of how to care for it, you can use hedge trimmers to keep it looking its best.
If you’re considering planting evergreen shrubs for landscaping your front yard, you might want to consider choosing a plant from the ‘Emerald Green’ family. It grows to be about 14 feet tall and has feathery foliage. The foliage is beautiful and fragrant, and it’s not attractive to deer. The ‘Soft Serve’ or ‘Soft Serve Gold’ varieties will not overgrow your gutters, and Pinpoint is a compact evergreen that grows up to eight to 10 feet tall and is suitable for the front yard.
You can also choose an evergreen shrub that has a high water content. Evergreens with a high water content will attract many pollinators, and the blooms of lily-of-the-valley shrub are bright pink. These shrubs are suitable for USDA Zones 8 to 9.
Another evergreen shrub you can consider is the camellia. This shrub has shallow roots and will benefit from mulching. The flowers of this shrub will bloom throughout the year, and they have a mild tolerance to deer. However, these plants will need extra care in cold climates and may require some protection from afternoon sun and strong winds. The best place to plant them is on the east side of the building or fence so they don’t suffer too much from winter.
Hydrangeas are another popular choice for front yard landscaping. They grow to three to five feet (one to 1.5 meters) tall, and some species are more compact. As they are low-maintenance landscaping shrubs, they are also easy to grow. Their average water requirements are only a few gallons per week. They are also not fussy about the soil they grow in. They will grow in most types of soil.
Perennials
The best perennials for landscaping the front of your house depend on several factors. Decide what will be the most attractive in your climate. Shrubs can provide year-round color and interest. They can also provide privacy. Many shrubs are drought-tolerant and are low-maintenance. Perennials also add beautiful flowers. A flower bed in front of your house can transform the appearance of your home. Here are some ideas:
Hostas are a great choice for a shaded foundation. They can be grown to 11-18″ tall and wide. Hostas are a low-maintenance perennial that returns reliably year after year. Plant ‘Wheee!’ hosta right next to annual flowers for a striking display. A variety of hostas are deer-resistant and great for the front of the border.
Decide on the amount of sunlight your perennials need. Perennials can survive winters, but you must choose those that thrive in your zone. You must also consider whether they can handle wind, shade, and soil moisture. Perennials may be planted anytime of year, but be sure to water them regularly for the first few years until they establish. These plants are worth the effort. If you have limited time and are looking for a more permanent solution, you can choose to plant annual flowers.
Catmint is a great four-season perennial that blooms in late summer or early fall. This herb grows to 18 inches in height and can tolerate some drought. Its fleshy leaves and purple-blue flowers are reminiscent of lavender. Unlike many annuals, this perennial can be planted in poor soil near your home’s foundation. Despite its short life span, catmint requires minimal maintenance and grows beautifully in USDA zones four to nine.
Hollyhock is another excellent choice for the front of your house. This flowering plant is low-maintenance and frost-tolerant, and will add pops of color to your front yard. Some varieties of hollyhock are easy to grow and require little water. Hollyhock is suitable for zone three through nine gardens and will grow up to eight feet tall. In addition, it attracts pollinators. You should know the zone of your house when choosing perennials.
Trees
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, attractive shrub for your landscaping front of house, there are several great choices that are suitable for this location. Black spruce is a good choice as it grows slowly, and it can grow as large as 50 feet if given the proper conditions. The Little Giant is another low-maintenance choice, and it grows in a small dome shape with feathery green leaves. It eventually matures into a medium-sized green ball.
Dogwood trees are a great choice for front yards, and their fragrant flowers make them a beautiful addition. This native tree grows in most climates and is drought-tolerant. These trees are also attractive and easy to grow. They are low-maintenance and easy-to-grow and can also be used along the street if you’re concerned about pollution. If you have a small front yard, you can also consider dwarf varieties.
When selecting a tree for landscaping front of house, consider the type of soil available in the area. Deciduous trees, for example, lose their leaves each autumn and take on a new look in winter, while evergreens are beautiful all year round and provide privacy and shade throughout the summer. Deciduous trees are more expensive than ever, but they’re worth the investment. However, it’s important to choose the right type of tree for your property.
Maple trees are another option. These trees are beautiful and come in many colors. The male variety grows up to 25 feet, while the female tree produces helicopter seeds. Two male maple trees in the front yard will create a traditional, yet attractive look. These trees can tolerate moist soil and don’t produce helicopter seeds. A few male maple trees are sufficient for a traditional look in front of house landscaping. Once established, the males will bloom in March.
The crepe myrtle is another popular choice, particularly in warm climates. This shrub will grow up to 15 feet tall and wide and can tolerate dry soil. A careful selection of this shrub will prevent any foundation damage or leaves falling on the front door. So, choose wisely! You won’t regret it. But don’t forget to prune it annually in February. The resulting shade and beauty will last for many years.
Grass
There are several varieties of grasses suitable for front landscaping. Purple Majesty is an upright ornamental grass with violet or blue foliage and cattail-like spikes. It thrives in moist, well-draining soil and will not tolerate frost in winter. It grows well in most soil types, but prefers organic soil for optimum growth. Its plumes are large and can hide unsightly objects.
Tall clumping grasses, often found in conservation landscapes, can grow up to eight feet tall and have a feathery seed head. They need full sun, but are often more low-maintenance than many other types of grasses. The clumping habit helps them outcompete other species, demonstrating their dominance of a meadow. Tall clumping grasses are also drought-tolerant once established, although they need regular watering while young.
Bermuda Grass is a low-maintenance choice for front yard landscaping. It matures in two to five feet and is considered low-maintenance. It can be pruned by half during late fall when it looks dry. The cropped look of Bermuda grass makes it an excellent backdrop for other grasses and showy flowering plants. You can plant it in a container if it is too high for your landscaping needs.
Imperata cylindrica, a species native to the areas around Mount Hakone in Japan, is a striking plant. Some cultivars are variegated green and gold, and are easily identified by their slender stems. These plants look great in borders and containers, and require weekly watering. They can tolerate dry conditions, but will need more water during hotter weather.
Most ornamental grasses are available in containers. While some will not flourish in amended soil, others will thrive with additional water. Make sure you know how to prepare the soil properly before planting your new grass. Make sure to loosen the roots a bit and firm them around the plant. Be sure to leave no air pockets. Make sure that the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Once the plants have become established, they should need less water than they had in the container.
