Are you looking to add the best evergreen foundation shrubs for your landscape design? If so, you are in the right place. We will share various evergreen shrubs that will offer you house curb appeal.

Your front yard is like a canvas waiting to be transformed into a stunning masterpiece that will captivate visitors and provide year-round charm. The secret? Choosing the ideal evergreen foundation plantings that thrive in various conditions, from partial shade to full sun.

Enhance your home’s curb appeal with our top picks of evergreen shrubs for the front of the house. Discover stunning, low-maintenance varieties that add year-round color and beauty to your landscape.

From elegant boxwood to vibrant holly and charming juniper, find the perfect foundation shrubs to create a welcoming and picturesque entrance. There is only 20 boxwood varieties.  We’ll explore several plant options in this blog post that enhance your home’s front and increase its curb appeal.

What is a Evergreen Foundation Shrub?

A foundation shrub is a type of planthttps://galpal.net/how-to-choose-the-best-home-exterior-paint-colors-7-things-to-consider/ that is commonly used in landscaping to complement and enhance the appearance of a home.

These shrubs are typically planted near the base of a house or other structures, such as walls or fences, to provide aesthetic appeal and improve the overall landscape design. They play a vital role in softening the transition between the building and the ground, helping to blend the architecture with the surrounding environment.

Why Evergreen Shrubs Make The Ideal Foundation Plants In Front Of Your House

Imagine stepping out of your home and being greeted by a vibrant display of greenery and color. That’s the magic of planting evergreen shrubs in front of your house. These reliable beauties stay lush and vibrant throughout the year, providing a sense of life and freshness to your landscape.

As late summer arrives, rock gardens can transform into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors with the addition of flowering shrubs. These shrubs add a pop of color to your front yard, creating an eye-catching spectacle that brings joy and liveliness to your outdoor space. With their compact size and low-growing nature, they effortlessly bring an air of sophistication to any formal garden, elevating the overall aesthetics.

But what about those colder months when other plants take a break? Fear not! Evergreen plants with their dark green foliage come to the rescue, offering a captivating backdrop that withstands the icy grip of winter. Whether you have acidic soil or require well-draining soil, there’s a broadleaf evergreen shrub perfectly suited for your garden, ready to steal the show and defy the harsh winter elements.

Top Evergreen Shrubs That Will Transform The Front Of Your House

1.  Rhododendron- Versatile Evergreen

Rhododendrons are incredibly versatile plants, finding their place as eye-catching specimens, beautiful additions to woodland gardens and shrub islands, or even as foundation plants. However, their loose and airy growth habit doesn’t lend itself well to being shaped into hedges. 

Depending on the variety, rhododendrons these shrubs thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. Their color range is impressive, encompassing lovely shades of lavender, pink, rose, red, white, coral, and yellow.

They prefer partial shade and require rich, well-drained, and acidic soil. As they mature, their size can range from 5 to 20 feet, depending on the specific variety. Unfortunately, they are not particularly deer-resistant.

Array Of Colors and Sizes Of Rhododendrons

Overall, rhododendrons bring a touch of elegance and beauty to any landscape, offering an array of colors and sizes. Their ability to thrive in various environments makes them a popular choice for gardeners looking to add vibrant and attractive features to their outdoor spaces.

One of my favorite rhododendron is the Teddy Bear Rhododendron with dark green leaves and a soft furry brown undercoat. They bloom a gorgeous pinkish white. The best part of these evergreen gems is that they are smaller.

The best shrubs often have dwarf varieties and low-growing habits, offering both versatility and visual appeal. Imagine a dense foliage of evergreen plants, providing year-round interest and framing your home with its elegant presence.

These low-maintenance evergreen shrubs not only save you time but also guarantee a beautiful landscape throughout the seasons.

2. Boxwood- Timeless Evergreen

I can’t say enough about these evergreen foliage beauties. Garden designed with boxwoods gives any landscape that finished, polished look. Boxwood shrubs offer a remarkable combination of beauty, versatility, and practicality. The best part is that they are easy to grow. Learn more about all of the boxwood varieties here. 

Green mountain and winter gem boxwoods are two varieties that continue to be very popular. These low maintenance evergreen shrubs will take your landscape to a whole new level. Looking for companion plants to plant in front of your boxwoods, read our article here. 

Boxwood is an incredible broadleaf evergreen shrub with its own unique charm. It’s renowned for its tiny leaves and dense growth, making it a top choice for creating stunning formal hedges. Boxwood can be precisely sculpted and trimmed with garden shears or electric hedge trimmers.

Slow Growth Boxwood Variety

We know these shrubs for their slow growth, rarely exceeding a height of five feet. In fact, many gardeners prefer to keep them even shorter through regular trimming. While boxwoods are evergreen, it’s important to protect them from harsh winter winds that may damage their foliage. Despite this, they remain a popular choice for low hedges and can also serve as excellent foundation plantings.

Depending on the variety, boxwoods thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. Their foliage typically features light to medium-green hues, although you can also find delightful variations in yellow and deep green.

They can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade. For optimal growth, it’s essential to maintain evenly moist and well-drained loamy soil. Love boxwood but struggle with disease or winter damage? Plant Strongbox® inkberry holly instead. 

When it comes to size, boxwoods can reach heights and widths of 2 to 8 feet, providing flexibility in your landscaping endeavors. An added bonus is that these shrubs tend to be resistant to deer, making them a practical choice for gardens where wildlife can be a challenge.

3. Japanese Skimmia-Shade Loving Evergreen

Get ready to meet the shade-loving superstar, the Japanese skimmia! This plant is the life of the party, even in the shadiest corners of your garden. With its vibrant red berries and fragrant flowers, it’s a must-have for Northwest gardeners with acidic soil.

Sturdy Cute Little Green Bush

Hailing from Japan, this evergreen shrub likes to take its time growing, forming a dense rounded mound that reaches a height and width of 3 to 4 feet. Picture a cute little green bush with leaves that are medium to dark green, standing tall on sturdy stems. And oh, did we mention the scent? The leaves emit a delightful sweet fragrance when they’re cut or bruised. It’s like having a natural air freshener in your garden!

But wait, there’s more! When April and May roll around, get ready for a show. Skimmia puts on a stunning display of yellow-white flowers, each divided into four parts. And the real treat? These flowers transform into luscious red berries.

But here’s the secret: only the female plants produce these juicy fruits when a male pollinator is nearby. It’s like having a garden love story! So, make sure you have one male plant for every six fabulous females to ensure a berrylicious party.

4. Camellia- Enchanting Evergreen

Ah, the enchanting Camellia (Camellia japonica), a beloved flower that has captured the hearts of gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. This botanical beauty hails from Japan and is renowned for its exquisite blooms and lustrous green foliage. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the wonder of the Camellia.

Imagine a majestic evergreen shrub, displaying glossy, dark green leaves that serve as an ideal backdrop for its vivid flowers.

Camellia is a Showstopper

The Camellia is a true showstopper, with its blossoms appearing in a mesmerizing array of colors, from pure whites and soft pinks to fiery reds and everything in between. These blooms, often full, possess a delicate charm and grace that adds an undeniable touch of elegance to any garden or landscape.

One of the delightful aspects of the Camellia is its ability to bloom during the winter and early spring months, when most other plants take a rest. This gives your garden a splash of color and life when it’s needed the most, reminding us that beauty can thrive even in the chilliest of times.

Elegant With A Burst Of Elegance

Camellias are versatile, too. Whether you desire a standalone specimen plant, a stunning focal point in your garden, or even a charming addition to your favorite flower arrangements, the Camellia rises to the occasion. Its evergreen nature ensures that your garden remains captivating year-round, even in the depths of winter.

So, if you’re seeking a touch of elegance, a burst of color, and a plant that can weather the seasons with grace, look no further than the enchanting Camellia. Embrace its timeless beauty and let it weave its magic in your garden, bringing joy and admiration to all who behold its magnificent blooms.

5. Euonymus Fortunei (Wintercreeper) 

Wintercreeper is a broadleaf evergreen with a shrubby vining habit. Gold Splash® is an improved form with showy rounded leaves that are green with bright golden edges. The compact habit is useful as a ground cover or in mass plantings. Can be sheared to size and grown in containers. 

Hardy in zones 5-8, full sun to partial sun, 18-24” tall and wide

7. Arborvitae- The Ultimate Privacy Screen

The upright conical habit of this evergreen conifer creates a striking focal point in the landscape. One of the best tall evergreen shrubs, use North Pole® for narrow spaces, in combination with other shrubs, or as privacy screening along a fence or property line. Exceptionally hardy in colder climates. I love the look of hydrangeas in front of a screen of Arborvitae   Hardy in zones 3-8, full sun to partial sun, 10-15’ tall and 3-5’ wide

​ 8. Tater Tot® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) Grown for the rounded habit and finely textured foliage, Tater Tot® arborvitae is one of the best dwarf evergreen shrubs for small spaces. Fragrant fan-shaped foliage provides an elegant backdrop to other plants. Use this conifer in containers, as edging or in mass plantings. Hardy in colder climates.  Hardy in zones 3-8, full sun to partial sun, 1-2’ tall and wide

8.  Blue Star Juniper- The Blue Evergreen

The delightful Blue Star juniper (Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’), a petite wonder in the world of needled evergreens. These small drought-tolerant plants have a symmetrical and perfectly rounded form, growing to 2-3 feet tall and spreading out to 3-4 feet wide..

You’ll find ‘Blue Star’ dominating center stage as a foundation planting, adding charm and character to the front of homes and other structures.. But don’t let its size limit your imagination! These low-maintenance shrubs also make fantastic ground cover options, particularly in larger areas or gently sloping hills. Just imagine the stunning visual impact they can create.

What sets the Blue Star juniper apart is its captivating silvery-blue foliage. This distinctive color adds a touch of elegance to any garden design, providing a beautiful contrast and enhancing the overall texture and tone of your outdoor space. Whether you’re seeking to create a calming retreat or a vibrant landscape, this little juniper delivers.

For optimal growth and vibrancy, plant the Blue Star juniper in full sun, as it prefers basking in those glorious rays. Junipers crave the spotlight, so giving them the exposure they need will yield the best results.. These slow-growing wonders thrive in Zones 4 to 8, ensuring that a wide range of gardeners can enjoy their beauty.

9. Daphne- The Fragrant Evergreen

Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Eternal Fragrance’), a remarkable broadleaved evergreen flowering shrub that will awaken your senses with its enchanting scent. This compact variety may be small in size, reaching a mature height and width of 2-3 feet, but its fragrance packs a punch.

One of the standout features of the Eternal Fragrance daphne is its irresistible floral scent, which is a gift for the senses. Visualize sauntering along a walkway or approaching an entryway, where these beautiful shrubs are carefully planted to greet you with their delightful fragrance.

Compact Evergreen With Fragrant Flowers

Their compact size makes them an ideal choice for creating a charming pathway or enhancing the ambiance around a patio or deck. Imagine lounging in your outdoor space, surrounded by the sweet and captivating aroma of these stunning shrubs.

But the fragrance doesn’t stop there! The Eternal Fragrance daphne shines when it’s planted en masse along a gentle slope, creating a captivating sight and filling the air with its heavenly scent.

Plant Fragrant Shrubs So You Can Share With Others

If you’re looking to share the joy with others, consider planting them in your front yard, where they can be placed near a picket fence. Passersby will surely stop and savor the aromatic delight, adding a touch of beauty and fragrance to the neighborhood.

So, whether you’re seeking a fragrant pathway, a scented oasis on your patio, or a stunning display in your front yard, the Eternal Fragrance daphne is the perfect choice. Its compact form, evergreen foliage, and captivating scent make it a true gem. Get ready to indulge your senses and create a garden that not only pleases the eyes but also wraps you in an intoxicating embrace of floral fragrance.

10.  Hollywood Juniper

Hollywood juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’), a towering evergreen shrub that is sure to make a statement in your landscape. This juniper cultivar is a fast-growing showstopper, reaching 15 feet in height and 10 feet in width with twisted foliage.

11.  Siberian Carpet Cypress (Microbiota Decussata)

To resoundingly make a statement, consider using low-growing evergreen shrubs as ground cover. This creates a tapestry of color and texture that extends the beauty of your front yard to ground level. These small evergreen wonders sustain your home’s curb appeal, needing little maintenance and providing great impact.

This shrub comes from Siberian mountains and it looks very much like a cypress. It is ideal for severe cold winters. It forms a thick carpets of rich green foliage. 

The wind-blown appearance of the Hollywood juniper offers rustic elegance. While the natural form of the Hollywood juniper is stunning, its versatility shines through. With a little creativity and skill, it can be expertly crafted into a specialty topiary, taking the beauty and artistry to new heights.

No matter where you’re located, whether in warmer climates or temperate regions, there are evergreen options available to suit your needs. From the majestic Canadian hemlock with its glossy foliage to the charming pieris japonica boasting fragrant flowers and bright red berries, the choices are endless. These evergreen marvels will delight your senses and add that extra touch of beauty to your front yard.

By carefully selecting the right shrubs, you can ensure that your front yard becomes a focal point, inviting guests with its alluring beauty. Let your creativity shine as you unleash the power of evergreen leaves and embrace the endless possibilities that lie within your garden.

With the perfect combination of plants, you’ll create a year-round symphony of colors, textures, and scents that will make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Get ready to welcome a world of botanical wonders right at your front door and elevate your home’s curb appeal to new heights.

Early spring brings a burst of freshness, and what better way to greet the season than with delicate white flowers adorning your landscape? Plant small trees that burst into a beautiful display of color in late spring, making your front yard the envy of the town. Larger shrubs offer the ideal shade.