Did you know that the right combination of shrubs can completely transform your home’s appearance?
When we first moved into our house, the front yard was bare and uninviting.
But after discovering these perfect shrub varieties, our home became a warm and welcoming sight that makes both us and our visitors smile every time we pull into the driveway.
Let me show you exactly which shrubs will give you that wow factor you’ve been looking for.
1. Boxwood
You know those gorgeous homes in magazines with perfectly manicured greenery? That’s what boxwood can do for your house!
I started with these versatile shrubs along our foundation, and they’ve been absolute workhorses in our landscape.
Growing between 6-8 feet tall, these evergreen beauties need minimal trimming to keep their shape – perfect for this busy mom who can barely find time to fold laundry!
The best part? They look amazing year-round, even when everything else in the garden has gone dormant for winter.
2. Roses
When my daughter begged for a “princess garden,” I knew roses had to be part of our front yard makeover.
These stunning flowers come in practically every color imaginable – from classic reds to the most delicate pinks and whites.
What surprised me most was their versatility in size. We opted for smaller shrub roses (around 3 feet tall) near our walkway, but I’ve seen neighbors create stunning displays with climbing varieties that reach up to 20 feet!
3. Hydrangeas
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about hydrangeas! These beauties have become the highlight of our front yard.
I planted mine three years ago, and now every late summer, our house becomes that house – you know, the one where people slow down their cars to admire the blooms.
Whether you choose pink, blue, purple, or white varieties (mine are a gorgeous blue that matches our shutters), these 4-6 foot shrubs create an incredible impact.
4. Japanese Maple
Warning: once you add a Japanese maple to your front yard, be prepared for compliments from every delivery person and passing neighbor!
We planted ours as a focal point, and its transformation from summer green to autumn red never fails to take my breath away.
Just remember to give it plenty of space – I learned this lesson the hard way when I initially planted mine too close to the house!
5. Juniper
Looking for something low-maintenance but still gorgeous? Juniper has been my go-to recommendation for fellow mom friends.
These 4-6 foot evergreens create wonderful texture with their unique berries nestled among pine needles.
I love how they serve as the perfect “backbone” to our landscape design, providing structure while other plants come and go with the seasons.
6. Elderberry
As a mom who loves practical gardening, elderberry has been a delightful surprise in our landscape.
Not only does it look gorgeous with its white flowers against dark maroon foliage, but it also produces berries that my kids love helping me turn into homemade jam.
Standing 8-10 feet tall, it’s become both a privacy screen and a source of summer fun for our family.
7. Weigela
Last but definitely not least, our weigela brings the most beautiful pop of color to our front yard every spring.
At just 36-48 inches tall, it’s the perfect size for smaller spaces or underneath windows.
The pink and red blooms might not have a strong fragrance, but they create such a cheerful welcome that I hardly notice – and neither do our constant complimenting neighbors!