Want to know the biggest secret to having a pretty front yard all year round? Plant the right bushes!
Trust me, I learned this the hard way after wasting money on plants that looked great for a month and then turned ugly.
Today I’m sharing my top 10 favorite bushes that look amazing in every season – even when it’s freezing outside!
1. Boxwood – The Classic Charmer
Let me tell you about my love affair with Boxwoods. These elegant beauties were my first foray into serious landscaping, and they haven’t disappointed.
Franklin’s Gem Boxwood has become my go-to for lining my front walkway. At just 2 feet tall, it creates the perfect welcoming path to my front door.
For those looking to make a bigger statement, Winter Gem Boxwood grows to a stunning 6-8 feet. I’ve used these slow-growing beauties to create a polished backdrop for my seasonal flowers.
2. Azalea – The Color Queen
My garden truly comes alive when my Azaleas burst into bloom each spring. The show of colors is absolutely breathtaking!
I’ve planted several varieties in rich, well-draining soil, creating a rainbow of white, purple, pink, and red blooms that never fails to draw compliments from neighbors.
These 3-6 foot shrubs are surprisingly easy to maintain, and I love how they add that perfect touch of informal charm to my landscape.
3. Hydrangea – The Mood Changer
I’ll never forget my excitement when I discovered I could change my Hydrangea colors by adjusting the soil pH! Mine bloom in stunning shades of blue and purple from summer through fall.
These 3-5 foot showstoppers absolutely love the morning sun in my garden. I’ve positioned them where they get dappled sunlight throughout the day.
Every time I look at my Hydrangeas, they remind me of my grandmother’s garden. They’re perfect for creating that dreamy, cottage garden feel I’ve always wanted.
4. Roses – The Timeless Beauty
After years of being intimidated by roses, I finally took the plunge with Knock Out Roses. Let me tell you – they’re not nearly as fussy as I feared!
My roses grow to about 3-5 feet tall and spread about 3 feet wide. The blooms range from pure white to the deepest red, creating a stunning display against my home’s facade.
While they do need a bit more attention than other bushes in my garden, the compliments I get from passersby make it totally worth the extra care.
5. Junipers – The Low-Maintenance Dream
As a busy mom, I absolutely adore my Junipers. They’re like the “set it and forget it” of the garden world!
The Blue Star variety has become my absolute favorite, with its gorgeous aquamarine tint that adds unexpected color to my winter landscape.
These hardy plants spread up to 4 feet and can reach 6 feet in height, making them perfect for those awkward spots where nothing else seems to work.
6. Euonymus – The Versatile Veteran
When I needed a fast-growing solution for my problematic side yard, Euonymus came to the rescue.
My Burning Bush variety puts on the most spectacular show in fall, transforming from green to brilliant red. It’s like having nature’s own fireworks display!
I keep mine pruned to about 6 feet, but they can grow up to 15 feet if you let them. Talk about options!
7. Forsythia – The Spring Messenger
Nothing signals the end of winter quite like my Forsythia bursting into bright yellow blooms.
With its graceful arching branches reaching up to 10 feet, this hardy bush has become the backbone of my spring garden display.
I love how it tolerates less-than-perfect conditions – it’s like the trooper of my garden family!
8. Weigela – The Butterfly Magnet
My kids absolutely adore watching butterflies flutter around our Weigela bushes when they’re in full bloom.
The funnel-shaped flowers come in the most delightful colors – from soft pink to deep red. I’ve planted mine where we can enjoy the view from our kitchen window.
Some of my varieties have gorgeous purple leaves that add interest even after the blooms fade.
9. Inkberry – The Refined Beauty
When I needed something elegant but low-maintenance for my containers, Inkberry became my go-to choice.
Standing at a modest 3-4 feet, these sophisticated shrubs provide year-round structure to my garden design.
The birds absolutely love the dark blue berries, bringing wonderful wildlife activity to our front yard.
10. Viburnum – The Grand Finale
If you’re looking for a show-stopping focal point (like I was), Viburnum is your answer!
I planted mine 6 feet from the house, giving it plenty of room to reach its impressive potential of up to 30 feet.
The fragrant white flower clusters make my spring garden smell like heaven, while the fall foliage turns the most amazing shades of scarlet and purple.