12 Best Shrubs for the Front of Your House

It’s true: we’ve made a few mistakes when it comes to front yard landscaping. There was that time we planted a climbing hydrangea far away from any fence or trellis (it slowly absorbed the bed like an alien in a horror movie). And that time we planted so many strawberries, they throttled the adjacent heather until nothing was left but dried out, feathery skeletons.

Thankfully we’ve learned from our mistakes. Now we can say with confidence that we’ve found the right plants for our design. This is important, since a well-chosen shrub can transform the front of a house, adding structure, beauty, and year-round appeal. But not all shrubs are created equal, and everyone’s situation is different. So how do you know which shrubs to choose?

Why shrubs?

Shrubs are the backbone of front yard design, enhancing curb appeal with vibrant greenery, blooms and foliage. Aside from aesthetics, they provide practical benefits such as increased privacy, cooling, wind protection, and seasonal interest throughout the year. Many also require minimal upkeep.

When selecting shrubs for your home, it’s important to consider your local climate, a plant’s mature size, maintenance requirements, and bloom time. In this guide, we’ll explore shrub options that will elevate your front yard’s charm and functionality.

How to choose the right shrubs

When planting shrubs in your front yard or along the front of your house, there are several factors to consider to ensure your plants are the right fit.

Scale and placement

Choose shrubs that match the proportions of your home and landscape to avoid overwhelming or underwhelming the space. Taller shrubs can frame entryways or corners of the house, while lower-growing varieties work well under windows or along walkways to preserve views and use natural light. Think about how each plant will look not just at the time of planting, but at full maturity—accounting for both height and spread.

Sunlight and soil conditions

Observe how much sun your front yard receives throughout the day, as some shrubs thrive in full sun while others prefer partial shade or even dappled light. If you find this tricky, try a sunlight calculator or one of the many apps designed for this purpose. Soil type and drainage are equally important; most shrubs dislike “wet feet,” so be sure your site drains well. Consider doing a soil test to understand your soil’s pH and nutrient content. This information can help you choose shrubs that will thrive naturally without too many amendments or fertilizers.

Function and maintenance level

Are you planting for privacy, wildlife value, seasonal color, or to soften architectural lines? Native and low-maintenance shrubs can provide beauty with minimal effort, while more ornamental varieties might require regular pruning or care. Mixing evergreens with flowering or deciduous shrubs can create a well-rounded landscape that offers color, interest, and texture, though keep in mind deciduous shrubs may be safer in areas prone to wildfires.

A note about native plants

By now most of us are aware that native plants can be both stunning and practical additions to cultivated landscapes. Unlike non-native species, which may require extra care to thrive, native shrubs typically need less water, fertilizer and maintenance, making them eco-friendly and low-effort. Native plants also play a crucial role in supporting wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

While native plants are (by their nature) more regional in their tastes, some can survive a wide range of conditions. Those listed below are excellent options for landscapes embracing a local aesthetic in different areas across the country. We’ve also opted to include non-native plants that do well across a wider range of conditions.

Best shrubs for front yard landscaping

1. Wild mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii)

This state flower of Idaho is a native shrub found throughout the Pacific Northwest. A great alternative to the invasive butterfly bush, it features sweetly scented white flowers—single or occasionally double—that bloom in abundance from May to July, making it a garden highlight.

With mid-green foliage on short branches, it grows up to three meters tall and two meters wide. Drought-tolerant once established and adaptable to various soil types (except waterlogged conditions), it flowers on new wood and can be pruned in the fall for a compact look. For eastern locations, substitute Philadelphus inodorus for best results.

Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Preferred habitat: Full sun to partial shade. Wild mock orange can adapt to a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or rocky soils, as long as they are well-drained.
Uses: Great for bed borders and foundation plantings.
 

2. Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Smooth Hydrangea is a hardy, drought-tolerant, mounding shrub originally native to America and distinct from its Asian counterparts. It produces beautiful, large blooms in white, green, or pink and thrives in partial shade with well-drained soil. Popular varieties include ‘White Dome,’ ‘Grandiflora,’ ‘Annabelle,’ and ‘Ryan Gainey.’ This plant not only adds ornamental value but also supports biodiversity by hosting beneficial caterpillars and providing pollen for pollinators.

In addition to offering a lovely addition to any landscape, the cut blooms make beautiful additions to summer flower bouquets or dried flower arrangements. Expect smooth hydrangeas to grow about five feet tall and wide unless growing one of the smaller varieties bred to remain compact. While these hydrangeas spread by sucker, they are easily maintained with pruning and spacing.

Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Preferred habitat: Filtered sun to partial shade. Smooth hydrangeas will grow in average soil with a yearly application of fertilizer in spring.
Uses: Great for foundation plantings and borders when placed behind smaller plants.
 

3. Azaleas and rhododendrons spp.

There’s a reason why azaleas and rhododendrons are beloved landscape shrubs. Maybe it’s the vibrant spring blooms that make them ideal for front-of-house plantings. Or maybe it’s because they bloom around the same time as many fruit trees, providing a burst of color and a valuable nectar source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Whatever the case, both of these landscape mainstays come in a range of sizes, colors, and forms that work well in borders, foundation plantings, or woodland gardens. Azaleas, which include both evergreen and deciduous varieties, are a type of rhododendron—though all true rhododendrons are evergreen.

Thankfully both azaleas and rhododendrons are low-maintenance once established, especially when planted in the right conditions. They thrive in acidic, well-drained soil with dappled shade and benefit from a layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist. They also require minimal pruning—usually just light shaping after blooming—and benefit from occasional feeding with an acid-loving plant fertilizer. If you’re someone who loves to mulch, these are the plants for you, since regular mulching helps conserve moisture for their roots while keeping weeds down. Given the wide variety of types available, plants may spread from two to 12 feet.

Hardiness: Zones 5-9. Check individual varieties for tolerance.
Preferred habitat: Azaleas prefer sun or semi-shaded locations while rhododendrons prefer filtered sunlight or partial shade. Some sunlight is required for blooms, but check with your local nursery for specifications, since requirements vary by variety. Both plants require acidic soil.
Uses: Great for foundation plantings and borders. Dwarf azalea varieties compliment taller rhododendrons along foundations.
 

4. Dwarf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum)

Looking for some Zen vibes or perhaps a bit of texture? Gardeners prize dwarf Japanese maples for their unique foliage, striking colors, and compact, slow-growing habit that makes them ideal for small gardens. These elegant trees display a stunning range of colors throughout the growing season, including purples, reds, yellows, oranges, greens, and variegated forms, culminating in spectacular fall color.

While heat doesn’t usually harm the tree when adequately watered, it can cause coloring to fade in summer, so southern gardeners take note: plant these maples in areas where they will be protected from afternoon sun.

Since dwarf Japanese maples range in size from three to eight feet tall and wide, it’s best to choose a cultivar suitable for your space. Most grow best in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. For best results, plant in fall or spring after the danger of frost has passed. Though relatively low-maintenance, proper siting and care are key to preserving their vibrant foliage and delicate structure.

Hardiness: Zones 5-8.
Preferred habitat: Full sun to partial shade. Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil with adequate moisture.
Uses: Shrubbing varieties work well for foundation plantings and the backs of borders. Taller varieties provide good focal points to anchor your design.
 

5. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

One of the highlights of spring during childhood was the blooming of naturalized lilacs along our garden fence. Nothing matched the heady scents and gorgeous display at that time of year, despite the fact that the blooms were almost too high to reach.

For many gardeners, lilacs are classic, easy-to-grow shrubs known for their fragrant flowers, dense foliage, and old-world charm. Thriving in full sun, they are a staple in northern gardens and cottage-style landscapes. Their heart-shaped leaves and attractive growth habit makes them perfect for a variety of uses. Blooming in late spring to early summer, lilacs attract pollinators and make excellent cut flowers. Though slow to reach full size—sometimes taking up to 20 years—they are long-lived, low-maintenance, and well worth the wait.

Hardiness: Zones 3-7.
Preferred habitat: Full sun. Lilacs require well-drained soil all year round, preferring a slightly alkaline pH.
Uses: Ideal for borders, foundation plantings, hedges, screens, or even containers when pruned.
 

6. Spirea (Spiraea spp.)

Spirea is a versatile, low-maintenance shrub perfect for home gardeners seeking colorful blooms, ease, and pollinator appeal. Known for its showy clusters of delicate, lacy flowers in shades of white, pink, red, or mauve, spirea also offers seasonal interest with finely toothed foliage that ranges from green and chartreuse to gold and blue—many varieties even providing vibrant fall color. It thrives in a wide range of conditions, including poor soil, heat, cold, humidity, drought, and urban pollution, making it ideal for both suburban yards and city landscapes.

Since different varieties of spirea range from two to 10 feet tall, it’s best to choose a cultivar that fits your space requirements. While all varieties lose their foliage during the winter months, they precede leaf drop with a show of fall color. When in season, spirea’s nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.

Several species of spirea are also native to parts of North America, making them perfect additions to the landscape. Ornamental varieties include some that can be invasive in certain areas, so check with your local nursery for appropriate choices before planting.

Hardiness: Zones 3-7.
Preferred habitat: Full sun. Spirea will tolerate most soil types as long as the area is well-drained.
Uses: Ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or mass plantings.
 

7. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

When the dormant season hits and much of our landscape goes into dormancy, one of our favorite shrubs is the native winterberry holly. This hardy shrub is prized for its vibrant red or yellow berries that add striking winter interest. Although often confused with evergreen hollies, winterberry drops its leaves in fall, allowing its colorful berries to take center stage through the colder months. Dense clusters of small, bright berries regularly exceed our expectations for abundance, adding cheer to garden beds while also attracting birds. This winning combination offers year-round structure, making it a great choice for privacy hedges, foundation plantings, or naturalized borders.

Adaptable to a wide range of conditions—including sun or shade, wet or dry soils, and hot or cold climates—winterberry is also low-maintenance and deer-resistant. A yearly trim that takes just a few minutes keeps ours looking its best. While we opted for a dwarf variety to accommodate a smaller space, this plant is also available in larger varieties, making it perfect for large or small gardens. For the best berry production, plant at least one male nearby to pollinate the female shrubs.

Hardiness: Zones 3-9.
Preferred habitat: Sun to part sun. Winterberry will tolerate soil that drains poorly at times and also works for drier soils.
Uses: Good for focal points, winter interest, and borders.
 

8. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)

Viburnums are versatile shrubs known for their showy foliage, attractive flowers and berries that make them excellent additions to home gardens. Many can be pruned into striking hedges or used as specimen plants, offering both seasonal beauty and structure. Generally tolerant of shade, viburnums are also resistant to deer. They produce clusters of white flowers followed by colorful berries that attract birds and other wildlife.

North American native selections like the deciduous cranberry (viburnum trilobum) or arrowwood (viburnum dentatum) viburnum offer stunning berry displays in pink, orange and blue, while rarer dwarf options work well for smaller spaces. For year-round foliage, native evergreen viburnums to consider include Viburnum obovatum for the south, and the non-native Viburnum tinus. These low-maintenance shrubs bring multi-season interest and ecological benefits to a wide range of garden settings.

Hardiness: Zones 2-9. Check specific species for tolerance in your area.
Preferred habitat: Predominantly full sun to part shade. Some varieties will tolerate more shade than others. Viburnums prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Uses: Good for anchor plants, foundation plantings, mass plantings, and borders.
 

9. Weigela (Weigela florida)

Another compact, deciduous shrub, weigela features gracefully arching branches adorned with bell-shaped pink or white flowers that are especially attractive to hummingbirds. We placed ours next to our raised bed vegetable garden to attract pollinators, and we weren’t disappointed.

Growing 24–30 inches tall and wide, this smaller plant has woody stems and a mounded habit, often with striking black to purple foliage that adds dramatic color contrast to gardens or containers. (Green-leaf varieties are also available.) Deer-resistant and easy care, traditional weigela varieties bloom in springtime on old wood. Other, modern cultivars rebloom throughout the summer, offering extended color and pollinator appeal. Whichever variety you choose, prune after flowering and feed in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Hardiness: Zones 4-8. Check specific species for tolerance in your area.
Preferred habitat: Thrives in full sun to part shade while preferring well-drained soil.
Uses: Ideal for borders, mass plantings, or standalone in the front of foundation plantings.
 

10. New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)

If you want a native plant that offers reliability and beauty, consider New Jersey Tea. This compact plant is an increasingly popular native shrub valued for its size (often growing about 3 feet), fragrant white flowers and ecological benefits. Thriving in poor, dry, or rocky soils thanks to its nitrogen-fixing ability, it’s a tough, drought-tolerant plant ideal for low-maintenance and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Blooming in early to mid-summer, New Jersey Tea possesses slightly fragrant flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees and a wide variety of beneficial insects. As a host plant, it supports the caterpillars of several butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity. With its tidy shape and adaptability, New Jersey Tea is a smart and stylish addition to native gardens, slopes or wildlife plantings.

Hardiness: Zones 2-9. Check specific species for tolerance in your area.
Preferred habitat: Sun to part shade. New Jersey Tea thrives in sandy, loamy or rocky soils.
Uses: Good for foundation plantings and borders.
 

11. Abelia (Abelia grandiflora)

This hardy, semi-evergreen shrub is known for its tubular, fragrant flowers that fill the spring garden with a sweet jasmine-like scent. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it’s exceptionally cold-tolerant—surviving in USDA zones as low as 4—and is resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a low-maintenance option for a variety of landscapes. In our garden, the abelia sits tucked between our Autumn Joy sedums and taller lilies, offering interest before those other plants break into bloom.

These flowers attract butterflies, while the foliage provides subtle interest with colors ranging from gold to maroon come fall. All this with minimal maintenance and virtually no annual pruning. With its graceful appearance and tough nature, abelia is a great choice for borders, pollinator gardens, or mixed plantings where both beauty and resilience are valued. We love its variety (both evergreen and deciduous are available), along with its delicate look.

Hardiness: Zones 4-11 depending on type.
Preferred habitat: Full sun to part shade. Blooms and foliage have the best color in full sun.
Uses: Good for foundation plantings, borders, and mass plantings. Use dwarf varieties to maintain compact height.
 

12. Camellia (Camellia spp.)

We’ve always loved camellias, and although they have a smaller range than the rest of the plants in this article, we’ve included them for their winning beauty and easy care. Glossy evergreen leaves provide year-round interest along our front walkway, with buds that swell into large, creamy blossoms in early springtime. Other varieties produce their rose-like blooms in fall or even winter, depending on your location and the cultivar grown. And let’s not forget the array of colors: multiple shades of white/ivory, yellow, pink, or red, with long-lasting blooms that provide welcome color when few other plants are flowering.

With minimal pruning and basic care, camellias add structure to the landscape. They generally have a slow to moderate growth habit and come in a variety of forms, from upright, bushy shrubs to more spreading or even slightly vining types (requiring trellises), depending on the species and cultivar. While most commonly grown as dense, rounded shrubs or small trees, some varieties can be trained as espaliers, hedges, or even cascading over walls, offering flexibility in garden design.

Hardiness: Zones 7-9 (native to Asia).
Preferred habitat: Part shade. Camellia plants thrive in well-drained soil that leans towards an acidic pH.
Uses: Good for plantings along walkways, foundation plantings, privacy screens, or specimen shrubs. Trellis vining camellias for front-of-house wall coverage.

Structure, seasonal interest and curb appeal

While we made some mistakes along the way, we now see what workhorses shrubs can be in our front yard landscape. From providing structure and seasonal interest to supporting pollinators and enhancing curb appeal, we’ve found shrubs to suit our region’s climate and our personal preferences. Whether you prefer bold blooms, colorful foliage, or evergreen texture, there’s a shrub to suit every style and space.