Picking the Best Shrubs for styling your front yard

A tasteful selection of shrubs growing in your foundation bed can do wonders for the overall curb appeal of your home. However, selecting shrubs for a foundation planting plan is not a one size fits all process. Instead, you should choose foundation shrubs based on the unique characteristics of your house. The next few sections will give you a better idea of how to do that. 

Choosing Shrubs for One-Story Houses
The shrubs you should plant for a one-story or smaller  house are generally different than those you would pick for a larger or multi-story  house. For example, if you have a one-story house, it’s usually best to select shrubs that are on the smaller side. 

As larger shrubs mature, they will appear out of proportion compared to a one-story house. This can cause your home to look smaller than it actually is, and it can allow your shrubs to appear overgrown and out of place. 

On the other hand, shrubs that remain small are more likely to complement the size and proportion of your home’s front façade. Shrub species that reach anywhere from two to six feet tall should work well in those situations. 

Choosing Shrubs for Houses with Multiple Stories
If you have a larger home with multiple stories, you have a greater opportunity to incorporate both large and small shrubs into your foundation planting scheme. However, it is still vital to consider the placement of these shrubs. 

For example, you should situate larger shrubs at the corners of your home or between windows. Large shrubs that grow directly in front of a window will quickly block the view out as they expand each growing season. On the other hand, it is often permissible to plant smaller shrubs directly below a window as they are far less likely to obscure the view. 
When choosing larger shrubs, it is also sensible to consider the plant’s overall form. If you wish to place a larger shrub between windows, it’s better to use one that has a narrower form than one that is more rounded. Likewise, it’s often better to select shrubs that grow more horizontally than vertically for areas directly below windows. 

Matching Shrubs to the Style of Your Home
Sizing is not the only factor you need to consider when choosing shrubs for your foundation bed. It is also important to choose shrubs that will match the exterior appearance of your home. 

Consider the colors and textures of your home’s façade. Then, select shrubs that have complementary colors and textures. 

Matching shrubs to the style of your home can require an artistic eye. However, don’t forget that what matters most is your opinion. After finding a set of shrubs that are the right size for your house, you can narrow down your selection to the ones that have the flowers and foliage that you think looks best. 

A Few Popular Shrubs for Foundation Planting Beds
Now that you understand the basics of how to choose shrubs for a foundation bed let’s consider a few popular options. Below are some of the most commonly used shrubs for foundation beds:

• Arborvitae
• Azalea
• Boxwoods
• Clethra
• Holly
• Hydrangea
• Juniper
• Lilac
• Shrub roses
• Spirea

This list does not include all of the shrubs that are fantastic for foundation planting, but it is a good start. Understanding the style and mature size of plants can feel overwhelming as there are over 1,000 varieties of plants that thrive in the Upstate of South Carolina. Hiring a landscape designer like our team member Chad, can help you match the perfect plants with your house size and style.