14 Low Growing Shrubs for Bushes in Front of House
The front of your house sets the first impression, and landscaping plays a big part in that. Low-growing shrubs are a perfect way to frame your entry, soften hard edges, and add greenery without blocking windows or views.
Unlike tall hedges, these shrubs stay compact, neat, and easy to manage. Whether you want color, texture, or year-round greenery, there’s a low-growing bush to match your home’s style.
Boxwood
Boxwood shrubs are a landscaping classic, especially for framing entryways. Their dense, evergreen leaves can be trimmed into clean shapes, giving your home a polished look.
They work beautifully in formal gardens or paired with colorful flowers for balance. Even a simple row of boxwoods instantly upgrades curb appeal.
Dwarf Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are known for their big, showy blooms, and dwarf varieties fit perfectly under windows. They bring soft, seasonal color with shades of white, pink, or blue.
Planted in groups, they create a lush, romantic feel. Their rounded flowers add charm and brighten up any front yard design.
Spirea
Spirea is a hardy, low-growing shrub that produces clusters of delicate blooms in spring and summer. The arching branches and fine leaves soften walkways and foundations.
Different varieties offer pink, white, or even golden foliage, so you can find one that complements your home’s exterior. Spirea thrives with very little maintenance.
Dwarf Japanese Holly
Japanese holly looks similar to boxwood but has glossier, darker leaves. Dwarf types stay compact, making them perfect for front borders.
They add a rich evergreen backdrop that pairs well with seasonal flowers or decorative stones. This shrub’s neat, rounded look works in both traditional and modern yards.
Lavender
Lavender is both beautiful and fragrant, with silvery-green foliage and purple blooms. Low-growing varieties thrive in sunny spots near the front walk or porch.
Besides their charming look, they attract pollinators and bring a calming scent. A row of lavender adds instant cottage-style charm to your home’s entrance.
Barberry
Dwarf barberry shrubs bring bold color to the front of your house with their deep red or burgundy leaves. Their compact size makes them ideal for edging.
They create a striking contrast against green lawns and lighter flowers. Barberry’s year-round color ensures your landscaping never feels dull.
Dwarf Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are famous for their vibrant spring blooms, and dwarf varieties keep things compact. Their glossy green leaves stay attractive even when the flowers fade.
Planted along a foundation, they create a cheerful, colorful welcome. These shrubs thrive in partial shade, making them versatile for many yards.
Potentilla
Potentilla is a hardy shrub that blooms with bright yellow, white, or pink flowers all summer long. It stays low and rounded, perfect for foundation planting.
This shrub is a great choice if you want color throughout the warm months without much upkeep. Its cheerful flowers brighten any front yard design.
Wintercreeper (Euonymus)
Wintercreeper is an evergreen shrub with variegated leaves that stay colorful year-round. Dwarf varieties spread nicely without getting too tall.
They add texture and interest, especially near walkways or entry steps. Their mix of green, yellow, or cream tones keeps the front of your house looking lively in every season.
Dwarf Nandina
Also called heavenly bamboo, dwarf nandina has feathery leaves that change colors through the year—from green to red to bronze. It adds dynamic interest without overwhelming the space.
Its compact shape makes it perfect for planting under windows or along porches. The shifting leaf tones keep your front yard looking fresh across the seasons.
Heather
Heather is a low-growing evergreen shrub that produces small but vibrant blooms. Its fine foliage and clusters of pink or purple flowers bring cottage-style charm.
It thrives in well-drained soil and adds long-lasting color to foundation beds. Heather works beautifully in combination with rocks or gravel pathways.
Dwarf Blue Spruce
For a touch of evergreen drama, dwarf blue spruce offers silvery-blue needles in a compact shape. It adds a pop of cool-toned color to your yard.
Planted in pairs or clusters, they make striking accents near the entrance. These hardy shrubs stand out beautifully against brick or stone homes.
Azalea (Dwarf Varieties)
Dwarf azaleas are known for their bold spring flowers in shades of red, pink, or white. Their smaller size makes them perfect for neat rows in front of windows.
Even after the blooming season, their tidy green foliage keeps things looking sharp. They’re a great way to add bursts of seasonal color without going overboard.
Dwarf Yew
Yews are evergreen shrubs that stay compact when pruned. Their deep green needles and clean form make them versatile for any home exterior.
They work equally well in modern landscapes or classic designs. Dwarf yews provide year-round structure while leaving space for flowers to shine.
Low-growing shrubs are the perfect balance of beauty and practicality for front-yard design. They soften the look of your home, add color, and give structure without blocking views.
By mixing varieties—evergreens, flowering shrubs, and colorful foliage—you can create a layered, inviting front garden that looks great in every season.
