One of the most common requests I receive from readers is for a list of well-behaved shrubs that you can plant in front of your house that won't eventually get swallowed up. here it is. The plants below are very diverse, but they have two things in common. First, it's easy. It's compact, requires little pruning, is easy to grow, won't swallow your house, and won't be eaten by deer. Second, they all belong to our Southern Plant Collection. Read more about these great, low-maintenance landscaping plants for your front yard and click on each link to find a retailer in your area that carries them.
“Miss Lemon” Abelia
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Abelia hybrid 'Hopleys' Sun exposure: Full, partial Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Slightly acidic
This hilly evergreen is characterized by variegated leaves, with edges that change from yellow to ivory over time. Its pale pink flowers attract pollinators all summer long. Grows to about 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. 'Miss Lemon' prefers full or part sun and well-drained soil and is suitable for USDA zones 6 through 9. (The Southern Living Plants site includes USDA zone maps).
Loropetalum 'Emerald Snow'
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Loropetalum chinense 'Emerald Snow' Sun exposure: Full Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Acidic
Giant purple Loropetalums are notorious for eating up homes, but 'Emerald Snow' is not. This evergreen grows 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. In spring, it features green leaves and showy white flowers. Plant in plenty of sunlight and in acidic, well-drained soil. Recommended for USDA zones 7-9. If necessary, prune after flowering.
“Baby Gem” boxwood
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Buxus microphylla 'Gregem' Sun exposure: Full, partial Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Acidic, alkaline
This highly improved, glossy-leaved boxwood grows slowly into a neat muffin about 4 feet tall and wide. It grows well in the ground or in containers and is more resistant to pests than British and American boxwoods. Prefers full or part sun and well-drained soil. Plant in USDA zones 4 through 9.
“Light Show” Red Bottle Brush
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Callistemon viminalis Sun exposure: Full Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Acidic, slightly alkaline
Suitable for people who live in milder areas of the South, this small, thin-leafed evergreen grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. In summer and fall, showy red flowers appear above the leaves that attract pollinators. Provide sunlight and well-drained soil. It tolerates drought and salt air (great for beaches) and grows in USDA zones 8 through 10.
“Obsession” Nandina
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Nandina domestica 'seika' Sunlight: Partial Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Slightly acidic
There are many people who hate Nanten, but if you're one of them, you might change your mind after trying this new variety. “Obsession” is dense and compact, growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with no bare bottom and no spreading roots. It also doesn't flower or produce poisonous fruit, so you don't have to worry about poisoning your precious cedar waxwing. New leaves will turn bright red. 'Obsession' grows in well-drained soil in sun or light shade in USDA zones 6 through 9.
“Evrylo” Karex
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Carex oshimensis 'Everillo' Sunlight: Partial shade Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil pH: Acidic, alkaline, neutral
'Evrylo' Carex is a mounded, grass-like perennial that shines bright chartreuse year-round. Grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, perfect for lining paths, lighting shady areas, growing in containers, and mixing with blue, orange, dark green, and burgundy plants. Deer prefer partial shade to partial shade and don't like some drought, but deer don't like that. Plant in USDA zones 5 through 9.
“Soft Caress” Mahonia
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Mahonia eurybracteata 'Soft Caress' Sunlight: Partial shade Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil pH: Alkaline
Hey, I love this plant! Growing to about 3 feet tall and wide, this graceful evergreen boasts soft-textured foliage reminiscent of bamboo, making it perfect for pairing with coarser plants such as hydrangeas. In winter, pretty yellow flowers decorate the shrub. Grows in moist, well-drained soil in partial sun or shade. Plug it into a border or grow it in a container. Suitable for USDA zones 7 through 9 and not on Bambi's menu.
These plants are grumpy gardener approved
“Mojo” Japanese pittosporum
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Pittosporum tobira 'CNI Three' Sunlight: Partial shade Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Acidic, neutral
Resistant to wind, sandy soils, drought and salt spray, this compact evergreen is perfect for the beach, but also grows well in the suburbs. Unlike other forms of pittosporum, which can grow huge, 'Mojo' pittosporum reaches just 3 feet in height and width, making it perfect for planting under windows. It combines beautiful, colorful foliage with sweet-scented spring flowers. Provide sunlight and well-drained soil. The deer turns its nose at it. Grow in USDA zones 7 through 10.
“Chef's Choice” Rosemary
Provided by PDSI Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis 'Roman Beauty' Sun exposure: Full Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Acidic, neutral
Why go to the herb garden when you can clip a sprig or two of cooking rosemary to the foot of your front door? “Chef's Choice,'' which blooms with showy blue flowers in spring, is a great addition to the kitchen because its leaves are high in oil. In the garden or in containers, this tidy, carefree evergreen forms mounds about 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. I hate deer. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil in USDA zones 7 to 1.
“Bayou Bliss” Distillium
Provided by PDSI Botanical Name: Distylium BLDY01 HybridSun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Well-drained, moist soil pH: Slightly acidic
Looking for a nifty, easy-to-grow alternative to the all-too-common boxwoods, boxwoods, junipers and hollies? Try 'Bayou Bliss' Distillium. Soft, thin evergreen leaves are arranged in sleek, layered branches. 'Bayou Bliss' grows up to 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Deer usually don't care. It tolerates heat, drought, and moist soil, preferring sun or light shade in USDA zones 7a through 9b.
Purple Pixie Dwarf Weeping Lopetalum
PDSI Botanical Name: Loropetalum chinense 'Peack' Sun Exposure: Full, Partial Soil Type: Well-drained soil pH: Slightly acidic
Need an innovative tool to go with the flow? If you live in USDA zones 7a through 9b, check out the evergreen Purple Pixie Dwarf Weeping Loropetalum. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, growing in full sun to partial shade. You can expect showy pink flowers in spring, but you can enjoy rich purple foliage all year round.
Cast in bronze distilium
Southern Living Plant Collection Botanical name: Distylium hybrid Sun exposure: Full, partial Soil type: Well-drained, moist soil pH: Acidic
Disease and pest resistant, Bronze Distillium Cast is a compact shrub that reaches a rounded 3 to 4 feet in height at maturity. Suitable for USDA zones 7a through 9b, it tolerates full sun to partial shade. New buds appear a maroon-bronze color and mature to a rich, glossy green.
Utopia plum yew
Provided by: Southern Living Plant Collection Botanical name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Plania' Sun exposure: Shade Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Acidic, neutral
Evergreen shrubs suitable for shady locations don't have to be chosen between holly and boxwood. Introducing the Utopia plum yew (Cephalotaxus harringtonia 'Plania'). It has beautiful deep green needle-like leaves that slowly grow to 3 to 4 feet in height and width and requires little pruning. There are almost no pests, and deer don't eat them either. Basically, all you need is well-drained soil. Once established, it tolerates heat and drought well. Grow in USDA zones 6 through 10.
“Orange Rocket” barberry
Southern Living Plant Collection Botanical name: Berberis thunbergii 'Orange Rocket' Sun exposure: Full, partial Soil type: Well-drained soil pH: Acidic
This easy-care 'Orange Rocket' barberry brings brightly colored foliage to your garden. Starting as bright coral shoots, it matures into ruby-red leaves that continue to put on a show into fall. It performs best in USDA zones 5a through 9b and tolerates full sun to partial shade. It is a vertically shaped shrub that reaches about 4 feet tall and 1 1/2 feet wide at maturity.
“Little Bonnie” Dwarf Spiraea
Botanical name: Spiraea bumalda 'Little Bonnie' Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade Soil type: Average, well-drained soil pH: Acidic, neutral
Not all spirea varieties are suitable for the facade of the house, as they can grow very tall. However, 'Little Bonnie' grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The lavender-pink flowers bloom from spring to summer and attract butterflies and birds, but deer tend to avoid them. The blue-green leaves are also eye-catching. Grow in full sun to partial shade in USDA zones 4a through 9b.
“Ever Sapphire” Agapanthus
Botanical Name: Agapanthus Sun Exposure: Full Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, loamy soil pH: Acidic, Neutral
Bright blue agapanthus flowers attract birds and butterflies to your garden without attracting pests. It is an evergreen shrub that blooms from spring to summer, does not require pruning, and is drought tolerant. Grows quickly, reaching 20 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide. Partial sun in USDA zones 8a-11b.