The shrub reaches 4 to 8 feet high with upright, spreading branches that extend to 8 feet wide. For partial or even deep shade, the evergreen yew (Taxus spp.) While ground cover foundation plants that are low and spreading can be used, these should be kept at least 12 inches (30 cm.) Provide well-drained, slightly acid soil in full sun to partial shade. Part-way through winter, this slow-growing shrub produces greenish-yellow catkins on bare branches, which last until the shrub leafs out in the spring. Burkwood viburnum (Viburnum burkwoodii) grows 6 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. Regional plant-awards programs and contacts for award-winning plants: Tower Hill Botanic GardenWorcester County Horticultural SocietyBox 598Boylston, MA 01505-0598www.towerhillbg.org508-869-6111, Florida Nurserymen and Gardeners Association1533 Park Center Dr.Orlando, FL 32835www.fngla.org401-295-7994, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society,100 N. 20th St., 5th floorPhiladelphia, PA 19103-1495www.phsonline.org/for-gardeners215-988-8800, University of Georgia224 Hoke Smith BuildingAthens, GA 30602www.ces.uga.edu706-542-2861, University of NebraskaBox 830715Lincoln, NE 68583-0715www.arboretum.unl.edu402-472-2971, Oklahoma State University360 Agricultural HallStillwater, OK 74078www.hortla.okstate.edu405-744-6460, Denver Botanic Gardens909 York St.Denver, CO 80206www.botanicgardens.org 303-370-8054, Texas A&M UniversityExtension HorticultureForestry Blvd.Room 225College Station, TX 77843. The bushy shrub, to 4 feet tall and wide, has narrow, silky gray-green leaves and produces clusters of mauve-pink flowers throughout the year. The Best Quick-Growing Hedges for Sun and Shade, Fine Gardening Plant Guide: Juniperus Horizontalis “Wiltonii” (Blue Rug Juniper, Wilton’s Juniper), Fine Gardening Plant Guide: Plumbago Auriculata (Cape Leadwort, Cape Plumbago), Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Foundation Plantings. Use it in mixed plantings, or as a low screen or feature plant. Just plant and watch your garden thrive as they bloom year after year. Source Top 10 Low Maintenance Perennials in Michigan … For the purposes of this article we will define “foundation plant” as a plant … That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Spilled Wine ® Weigela Surround your patio with low-growing, easy maintenance color using Spilled Wine ® weigela shrubs. Plant boxwood, hydrangea, and other low growing evergreen shrubs for borders to create a visually appealing barrier around a garden, walkway, or driveway. It is virtually maintenance free and will provide winter interest, especially if planted near the front entrance. Goldstrike” aucuba (Aucuba japonica “Mr. Once established, this compact, dense shrub is drought … A well-planted and well-maintained peony will happily grow and bloom in the same l… Use this somewhat leggy shrub as a filler or in background plantings. Deciduous, hardy from -20° to -30°. Growing up to 15 feet tall and wide, pineapple guava plants are covered in egg-shaped silvery and … Azalea bushes can be low growing bushes or large shrubs. Our picks for the best landscaping shrubs and bushes that provide maximum beauty with minimal hassle. comes in many varieties in all sizes, spreads and habit. Karen Carter spent three years as a technology specialist in the public school system and her writing has appeared in the "Willapa Harbor Herald" and the "Rogue College Byline." The plant grows 3 to 4 feet high and slightly wider. Evergreen to 10°, hardy to -10°. Deciduous, hardy to -30°. This shrub is perfect in groupings and does best in moist, rich, well-drained soil in light to moderate shade. Deciduous, hardy to -20°. This is a low-maintenance planting, where year-round evergreen shrubs provide varying green shades year-round, with a deciduous shrub or two to provide seasonal change. Best in Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. This widely adapted plant grows upright from 4 to 6 feet high with an equal or greater spread. Foundation shrubs need little care to look good. Oakleaf Hydrangea iStock. Plant it in a sunny to partly sunny location and let it go to work for you, providing a screen along your back fence, acting as a living “fence”, or plant a matching pair by your front entrance. Handsome dark-green leaves turn pale yellow to golden in fall. Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense) is a neat plant with subtle beauty in its arching, tiered branches and spidery white or pink spring flowers. There are two specific native plant groups that are commonly used in low maintenance front yard landscaping: Juniper and Arborvitae. There are low-maintenance plants, and then there’s creeping sedum. Blue star juniper (Juniperus squamata 'Blue Star') is a small, slow-growing, rounded bush that is a good choice … This evergreen perennial totes white or purple coloring, and earns points in the low-maintenance shrub department for its adaptability in acidic soil. This South African native reaches 12 to 36 inches tall. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. Right for the Northwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. This plant makes a striking accent, especially in a woodland setting. Rhododendron is a favorite for showy spring flowers and glossy green leaves; shorter varieties … Narrow leaves are needle-like and do not lose moisture from evaporation quickly. Chamaecyparis pisifera. Your foundation planting can also include shrubs whose forms are less dense, such as fothergillas ( … Flowers last for up to two months during summer; if spent flowers are removed it often reblooms. Partially evergreen, hardy to -20°. Evergreen shrubs with showy flowers offer year-round color with seasonal interest when they are in bloom. This bush develops a red tinge to its leaves during the winter and tolerates severe shearing. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. Native to Southern Canada and the Eastern U.S. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is a tough, 3- to 5-foot-tall shrub with small, white or pinkish flowers followed by shiny, black 1/2-inch fruits. Gold Thread Cypress is a low maintenance shrub perfect for both foundation and accent plantings. Provide well-drained, nonalkaline soil and ample moisture. 5 Great Foundation Plants The Backbone of the Landscape. Evergreen, hardy to 25°. Deciduous, hardy to -20°°. All rights reserved. “Blue Gem” alpine plum yew (Podocarpus alpinus “Blue Gem”) reaches 12 inches tall and 36 inches wide in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10, giving a bonsai feeling to small spaces. It’s got a compact habit and is slow growing, so it requires very little pruning. 15 Best Low Maintenance Shrubs 1. Beadlike red berries brighten the yard in winter. Make gardening easier with low maintenance perennials. This foundation planting of small shrubs keeps the area around the house clean but still provides interest through color and texture. Small juniper shrub … Use this shrub in rock gardens, on slopes or as a screen. They may be effective hedge or foundation plants … These 15 low maintenance shrubs for landscaping are all attractive, reliable, trouble-free plants. Native to Georgia, Florida and Mississippi. The variety 'Rubrum' ('Razzleberri'), shown, has purplish leaves and bright rosy-pink flowers. It prefers full sun in foggy coastal areas and partial shade inland. Tops in the Midwest, Northeast, Great Plains and Rockies. Deciduous, hardy to -30°. Award-Winner in the Rocky Mountain and Plains States. Slow growing plants mean less trimming. This publication was developed in response to requests from participants in the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN) program in Miami-Dade County for a list of recommended low-maintenance landscape plants suitable for south Florida. Tolerates some drought and salt spray. Moderate to slow growers podocarpus or dwarf yaupon holly are often kept manicured, but you can let them grow … ... an important factor. The round shrub is made up of bright yellow-green leaves covered with golden speckles. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. Juniperus horizontalis. We’ve selected low-maintenance shrubs that offer real improvements. A guide to help you select of the best material to use for weather stripping your doors or windows. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), one of the few summer-blooming shrubs that flower in the shade, is prized for its fragrant white or pink flowers. Texas ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens) is naturally adapted to desert heat, wind and drought. Slow-growing bushes work well since they do not need constant pruning to keep their size in check. Goldstrike”) is a shade-loving evergreen for USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 10, reaching 4 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide. We wouldn’t necessarily call these miniatures, but this group of compact and low-maintenance plants made the list because they have a compact growth habit that happens to work well for small spots. 'Wynyabbie Gem' westringia (Westringia fruticosa 'Wynyabbie Gem') withstands salt-laden coastal wind and resists drought. Korean spice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) has intensely fragrant white flowers in spring that open from pink buds; blue-black fruit follows in early summer. Sure, a capitata yew or a Canadian hemlock can be clipped so it fits the spot, just factor the maintenance time it will take as you choose each shape. Use the shrub as an accent plant or in a mixed shrub border. Available in myriad varieties, these succulents, also known as stonecrop, can survive unfavorable conditions of all kinds. It's a good choice for massing or shrub borders, and it makes a nice specimen plant. This evergreen varies from low growing shrubs … The shrub reaches 5 to 8 feet high and 3 to 5 feet wide. ... Horizontal plants. The shrub adapts to a wide range of conditions but prefers moist soil in full sun (afternoon shade in the hottest areas). Compact/Low Maintenance. Its bright flowers contrast nicely with evergreens or a solid backdrop of brick or stone. Dark-green lustrous leaves turn purplish red in cold weather. Other shrubs brighten the foundation in winter with their attractive stems, berries, or winter blooms. Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a shrub for all seasons, with large, showy cone-shaped flower clusters in early summer, outstanding fall color and handsome cinnamon-colored, flaking bark in winter. This deer-resistant buckeye, which spreads by suckers, needs plenty of room to grow; it reaches about 12 feet tall with an equal or greater spread. The best plants for a foundation planting: The best-looking foundation planting starts with the right plants. Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), with unbranched vertical stems up to 7 feet tall, has a feathery texture, creamy-white summer flowers, scarlet fall fruit and brightly colored foliage throughout the year. Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is rugged yet graceful, with arching, spiny branches. They fit their spaces without constant pruning and shaping, and they bloom earlier or longer, or with more blooms and … You can buy then in shade tolerant varieties or sun loving types. The dwarf, white-flowered variety 'Hummingbird,' shown left with pink-flowered 'Ruby Spice,' grows 3 to 4 feet tall with an equal spread. Heather. Broad-leaf evergreen bushes grow wider leaves than narrow-leaf bushes. Instead of the usual row of evergreens, this foundation planting features low-maintenance shrub roses, fronted by neat rows of perennials and backed by sprawling clematis—a romantic touch that is the … Letting the (Natural) Light In | 2020 Cottage on the Cape. Low plants … Evergreen shrubs with narrow leaves stay green all year, providing a classic design element. Full sun to partial shade in moist well drained soil. Modern design uses these shrubs to complement the building’s appearance rather than hide it. Faulkner boxwood (Buxus microphylla “Faulkner”) produces oval, glossy green leaves and grows 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide in USDA zones 5 through 9. Provide moist, well-drained soil in full sun or moderate shade. Maine to Iowa, South to Florida and Louisiana. Choose shrubs that maintain dense foliage from top to bottom and consider what is available in your region. full sun … are excellent for a foundation planting in full sun. Evergreen to partially deciduous, hardy to 5°. This widely adapted plant tolerates extreme cold, a variety of soils and exposures, and thrives on much or little water. If cut back to the ground in autumn, it flowers on new wood the following summer. 5 min read | Apr 3, 2013 | Plants . Creeping Junipers. The only real trick to growing shrubs is picking the right ones from among the many hundreds available. A continuous planting of one kind of ground cover can actually tie other foundation plantings together, creating unity among groups of shrubs … The compact leafy shrub shown right, called 'Nana' or 'Nana Purpurea,' is dome-shaped and 1 to 2 feet tall. This conifer produces dark blue, berry-like cones and adapts to nearly any type of soil. Depending on variety, use heavenly bamboo as a ground cover, accent plant or in mixed plantings. Juniper generally is low maintenance, simply requiring some pruning to control its growth. The Crimson Kiss has extraordinary … It does best in average, well-drained soil in full sun, though it tolerates drought and salt spray in coastal regions. Fountain butterfly bush (Buddleia alternifolia) is a spring bloomer with lilac flower clusters along gracefully arching stems. Several low-maintenance, flowering herbaceous perennials make excellent foundation plantings. It prefers light, well-drained soil and full sun to light shade. Wilton’s blue rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis “Wiltonii”) grows best in USDA zones 3 through 9, forming a mat 12 inches tall made up of blue-green needles that turn purplish in winter. It grows best in full sun and needs no supplemental water. None have serious pest problems, and they don’t require constant pruning or cleanup. In late winter to early spring, spicy-scented white flowers open from dense, 4-inch snowball-shaped clusters of pink buds. Deciduous bushes lose their leaves in the fall, so the best ones to use as foundation plants are those with decorative features besides their leaves. Good for the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. It is salt tolerant and requires low maintenance. Plant this graceful shrub in groups or intermingled with other shrubs in an informal setting. Plant it in partial shade and slightly acid soil high in organic content. Deciduous, hardy to -40°. Give it moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. The Juniper genus is widely spread all across the world throughout the northern hemisphere. Evergreen, hardy 0° to 10°. Dwarf coral hedge barberry (Berberis x stenophylla “Corallina Compacta”) grows a dense mound 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall in USDA zones 5 through 10 covered with tiny, green leaves and masses of yellowish-orange spring blossoms followed by ornamental dark blue fall berries. Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is deer-resistant and deciduous, with thorny stems that make it a good foundation plant for increasing home security. Low-Maintenance Landscaping Shrubs and Bushes,  The 5 Best Benchtop Drill Presses (2020). And trimming is the most frequent garden chore. Deciduous, hardy to -20°. Tired of running out of hot water? Grows up to 6' with an 8' spread. Harry Lauder’s walking stick (Corylus avellana “Contorta”) grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, reaching up to 10 feet tall and wide when mature. Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is deer-resistant and deciduous, with thorny stems that make it a good foundation plant for increasing home security. Plants reach 4 to 6 feet tall with equal spread. Learn how to create a visually appealing border around your garden or walkway with hardy and low maintenance evergreen shrubs. Easier with low maintenance shrubs for landscaping are all attractive, reliable, trouble-free plants sizes, spreads habit. 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And 1 to 2 feet tall and just as wide maintenance free and will provide interest... Tolerates severe shearing for most colorful foliage, but can take light shade little water needs full sun moderate. Northwest and Midwest orange and red in fall © 2020 this Old Ventures! ' as a foundation planting in full sun to partial shade in Midwest... Leaves, or berries ; others fill summer evenings with a heavenly low maintenance foundation plants Backbone of the best landscaping shrubs bushes!