These low-maintenance gems can transform the look of any front yard without a lot of effort. They’re perfect for anyone who wants a lively garden without spending all their time taking care of plants.
I’ve discovered some easy-care shrubs that provide year-round interest, no matter where you live.
From bright blossoms to lush green foliage, these plants thrive with minimal care.
Whether you’re in USDA zones with cooler climates or milder ones, there are options to fit any garden design.
Best evergreen shrubs for front of house
Arborvitae
Zones: 2-8
Size: Variety-based, heights from 3 to over 70 feet
Sun Needs: Full to partial sun
Arborvitae is an evergreen I just love for its versatility.
These shrubs grow pretty fast and suit any landscape style, often used to create natural privacy screens.
With so many types available, I can easily find the right arborvitae to fit my garden space.
Boxwood
Zones: 4-9
Size: Max height ranges from 2 to 8 feet
Sun Needs: Full, partial, and shade
There’s something classic about boxwoods, don’t you think?
They’re perfect for shaping into whatever form I desire. I particularly enjoy them as hedges bordering my yard.
Quick-growing and low maintenance, they fit seamlessly into front yard designs.
Yew
Zones: 3-10
Size: From 3 to over 20 feet tall
Sun Needs: Full, partial, and shade
When I think of privacy shrubs, yews often come to mind.
They work fantastically around the house foundation or shaped into topiaries.
Yews can handle any sun condition, which makes them so easy to grow. Remember, though, they need well-drained soil and are toxic to people and pets.
Inkberry Holly
Zones: 5-9
Size: Grows 2 to 10 feet tall
Sun Needs: Full to partial sun
Inkberry Holly has a lovely rounded shape that enhances the look of my home’s front.
They’re slow-growing, but with patience, they become a charming evergreen element. I think they’re a fantastic alternative to boxwoods too.
Mountain Laurel
Zones: 4-9
Size: Reaches 5 to 15 feet tall
Sun Needs: Full to partial sun
Mountain laurels, with their stunning flower colors from pinks to purples, really brighten up my front yard.
Their glossy leaves and twisted stems add texture, making them a favorite for anyone wanting year-round appeal.
Juniper
Zones: 4-9
Size: Height ranges from 2 to over 25 feet
Sun Needs: Full sun
Junipers belong to the cypress family and bring that rustic touch I admire so much.
They’re perfect for privacy or to fill spaces beautifully. From ground-hugging varieties to tall types, there’s something for every spot in my garden.
Bearberry
Zones: 2-7
Size: About 1 foot tall, 2-6 feet wide
Sun Needs: Full to partial sun
Bearberry, or kinnickinnick, feels like a tough little trooper against cold weather, making it a staple in my ground cover selection.
Hardy and easy to care for, they’re the perfect companions for regions prone to harsher climates.
Golden Euonymus
Zones: 6-9
Size: Grows to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Sun Needs: Full to partial sun
Golden euonymus appeals to me with its bold variegated leaves, splashing green and yellow throughout my garden.
For anyone who loves vibrant year-round colors, these shrubs are an excellent choice, beautifully easy to maintain.
Winter Heath
Zones: 5-7
Size: Up to 1.5 feet high
Sun Needs: Full to partial sun
Winter heath has this unique charm with its pink flowers popping up even when it’s cold out.
Perfect for well-draining soils, these low cover shrubs bring life to my winter landscape with ease. They’re straightforward to grow, adding beauty throughout the year.
Abelia
Zones: 4-11
Size: Grows 2 to 10 feet high
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
If I want continuous color with beautiful blooms, I turn to abelia.
The color shifts from gold and red to evergreen, and the flowers are great for attracting pollinators. They just bring so much visual interest to my home’s exterior.
Yucca
Zones: 4-10
Size: Ranges from 2 to over 30 feet tall
Sun Needs: Full to partial sun
Yucca offers an architectural flair with its striking foliage and flower spikes.
They’re incredibly easy to care for and drought-tolerant, perfect when I want to add drama to my garden without the effort. Their numerous varieties mean I can pick the perfect fit for any nook.
Cotoneaster
Zones: 5-8
Size: Grows about 1 foot tall, 6 feet wide
Sun Needs: Full sun
Cotoneaster shrubs present a stunning hue in my garden, particularly in spring with their creamy white blooms.
As the seasons change, the foliage colors transform, providing nonstop beauty. I find them a lovely evergreen addition for any landscape setup.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right evergreen shrubs allow to enrich the front of any house with colors and textures all year. Whether it’s mixing different types or selecting one that best suits your needs, you get to create vibrant, welcoming landscapes that stay gorgeous with minimal effort.
