How to Grow Best Shrubs To Plant In Front Of House - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Best shrubs to in front of house is the boxwood. The boxwood is a hardy shrub that can withstand a variety of conditions, making it a perfect choice for the front of your house. It is also a low-maintenance shrub, so you won't have to spend a lot of time caring for it.

How to Grow Best Shrubs To Plant In Front Of House - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Boxwood
  • Yew
  • Holly
  • Juniper
  • Aralia

Good to Know

  • Azaleas
  • Rhododendrons
  • Hydrangeas
  • Forsythias
  • Lilacs
  • Spirea
  • Butterfly Bushes
  • Viburnums
  • Weigelas

How to Grow

  1. For best shrubs to in front of house, first step is to till the soil in the planting area.
  2. Next, add some organic matter to the soil to help with drainage and moisture retention.
  3. Once the planting area is prepared, it is time to select the shrubs.
  4. Choose shrubs that are appropriate for the climate and soil conditions in the planting area.
  5. Dig holes for the shrubs, making sure they are big enough to accommodate the roots.
  6. Place the shrubs in the holes and backfill with soil.
  7. Water the shrubs thoroughly after planting.
  8. Mulch around the base of the shrubs to help with moisture retention and weed control.
  9. Fertilize the shrubs according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  10. Monitor the shrubs for pests and diseases, and take action as needed.

Related plant:
Best Evergreen Shrubs

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, you should know that most shrubs prefer well-drained soil, but can tolerate a range of different soil types. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, consider planting shrubs that are known to tolerate these conditions, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias.

Light requirement

Not too different with other plants, shrubs need the right amount of sun to stay healthy and look their best. The amount of sun your shrub needs depends on the type of plant. Some shrubs thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. If you're not sure how much sun your shrub needs, ask a nursery worker or check the plant's tag. Once you know how much sun your shrub needs, you can choose the best spot for it in your yard.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions in front of your house will largely determine which type of shrub you can grow. If it is sunny and hot most of the time, then a heat-loving plant like the hibiscus is a good choice. If it is shady and cool most of the time, then a shade-loving plant like the rhododendron is a better choice.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 65-75% The hibiscus is a popular shrub to plant in front of houses because it is relatively easy to take care of and it blooms brightly colored flowers. Hibiscuses prefer humid conditions and will do best if the air around them is kept moist. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to drop off the plant.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, usually the plant food, which is taken up by the roots, is the key to successful shrubbery in the front of any home. The best shrubs to in front of house are those that have been fed a diet of organic matter and have had their root systems regularly replenished with fresh compost and mulch.

Light requirement

Pruning is a necessary part of keeping your shrubs looking their best. Mid-spring is the best time to prune most shrubs, as this is when they are just beginning to grow new leaves and branches. You should avoid pruning shrubs too early in the spring, as this can damage the new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. The best way to propagate shrubs is by taking cuttings from the parent plant. This can be done using a sharp knife or pruning shears. To take a cutting, first choose a healthy, disease-free shoot that is about 6-8 inches long. Cut the shoot just below a node, or leaf joint. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end of the shoot in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot of moistened potting mix. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse. Place the pot in a bright, warm spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, you should see new growth. Once the new shrub is well-established, you can transplant it to its permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate are slow to moderate, so be patient when waiting for them to achieve their mature size. Some of the quickest-growing varieties include: -Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): Grows 2 to 3 feet per year. -Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia): Grows 2 to 4 feet per year. -Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus): Grows 3 to 5 feet per year. -Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): Grows 3 to 6 inches per year. -Spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei): Grows 4 feet per year. When choosing shrubs for your front yard, take into consideration the size at maturity, as well as the growth rate. This will help you determine how long it will take for the shrubs to fill in the space and how much maintenance will be required to keep them looking their best.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, insect pests, and diseases. To prevent these problems, water your plants deeply and less often, and be sure to plant them in well-drained soil. Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases, and take action immediately if you see any problems.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your plants regularly.
  • Fertilize your plants monthly.
  • Prune your plants regularly.
  • Place your plants in an area with direct sunlight.
  • Avoid placing your plants in an area with extreme temperatures.
  • Train your plants properly.
  • Protect your plants from pests and diseases.
  • Give your plants enough space to grow.
  • Do not overcrowd your plants.
  • Check your plants regularly for any signs of stress.

Substitution

  • Yews
  • Boxwoods
  • Holly bushes
  • Azaleas
  • Rhododendrons
  • Pieris
  • Kalmia
  • Andromeda
  • Camelot
  • Spirea

Source:
Native plants for Michigan landscapes: Part 2 - Shrubs
Recommended Plants - Kansas State University
Landscape: "Right Plant, Right Place" - A Plant Selection Guide …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category