Picking bushes to plant around your house shouldn’t be this hard, right?
I remember standing at the garden center, totally confused about what to buy.
After years of learning the hard way (and spending way too much money), I’ve found 10 shrubs that actually work.
Trust me, if I can keep these alive, anyone can!
1. Gardenia
I fell in love with Gardenias the moment I planted them near my front door. These Southern beauties boast stunning white flowers and glossy evergreen leaves.
The intoxicating fragrance reminds me of warm summer evenings on the porch.
They’re perfect for our hot, humid climate, though they do need well-draining acidic soil to thrive.
2. Boxwood
Boxwoods have become my go-to shrub for creating structure in the garden. Their dense, small leaves are perfect for shaping.
I’ve used them to create elegant hedges that frame my walkway, and they’ve completely transformed the look of my entrance.
Just remember to give them extra water during dry spells and some afternoon shade protection.
3. Mountain Laurel
As a native plant enthusiast, Mountain Laurel holds a special place in my garden. Its year-round appeal is unmatched.
The pink and white blooms in late spring never fail to draw compliments from visitors.
I’ve found it particularly hardy in cold temperatures, though in my southern garden, it thrives best in shaded areas.
4. Azalea
Nothing says “spring has arrived” quite like Azaleas bursting into bloom. Their trumpet-shaped flowers create a spectacular show.
I’ve planted several evergreen hybrid varieties that reward me with blooms across three seasons.
My secret to success? Rich, acidic soil and partial shade placement.
5. Inkberry Holly
When I needed a privacy screen that wasn’t the typical Leyland Cypress, Inkberry Holly came to the rescue.
This smoother version of traditional holly produces lovely white-green spring flowers followed by dark berries.
It’s become one of my favorite foundation plants, reaching up to 10 feet high while maintaining its elegant appearance.
6. Privet
Privet has proven to be incredibly versatile in my landscape design. I’ve shaped it into formal hedges and even experimented with container growing.
The fragrant white flower clusters in spring are an unexpected bonus.
Just keep in mind that it can spread if not maintained – I learned that lesson the hard way!
7. Spirea
My garden wouldn’t be complete without Spirea’s cascading flower clusters. They’re absolute butterfly magnets!
I’ve found them incredibly easy to maintain, thriving in full sun with minimal care.
Once established, they’re impressively drought-resistant – perfect for busy gardeners.
8. Plumyew
Living in the Southeast, I needed something that could handle our intense heat and humidity. Plumyew has been a champion.
Its soft, fine needles add wonderful texture to my foundation plantings.
I particularly love how it maintains its appearance year-round, even during our most challenging weather.
9. Camellia
Camellias bring color to my garden when everything else is dormant. Their glossy dark green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for those stunning blooms.
I’ve planted mine in partial shade, where they seem happiest.
The key to success has been maintaining consistently moist, well-drained acidic soil.
10. Hydrangea
My absolute favorite foundation shrub has to be Hydrangea. The large, showy blooms never fail to make me smile.
I’ve experimented with changing the flower colors by adjusting soil pH – it’s like having a different plant each season!
They’re incredibly versatile, working beautifully in both borders and containers, and the blooms last from late spring well into autumn.