15 Best Bushes for the Front of Your House That Look Great Year-Round

Choosing the right bushes for the front of your house can completely transform how your home looks from the street. Front yard bushes don’t just fill empty space—they frame your home, add texture and color, and create a welcoming first impression.

The best choices look attractive in every season, require manageable maintenance, and suit a variety of climates and home styles. Below are 15 of the best bushes for the front of your house that offer year-round appeal, whether through evergreen foliage, seasonal blooms, or interesting textures.

1. Boxwood

Boxwood is one of the most popular bushes for front-of-house landscaping, and for good reason. Its dense, evergreen foliage stays green throughout the year, making it perfect for creating clean lines and structure. Boxwood can be shaped into neat hedges, rounded shrubs, or formal borders along walkways. It works especially well with traditional, colonial, and modern homes, providing a polished and timeless look.

2. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are loved for their large, showy blooms that add instant charm to any front yard. While they shine in spring and summer, many varieties also offer attractive foliage that lasts into fall. When planted in groups near the entrance or under front windows, hydrangeas create a soft, welcoming feel. Choose varieties like panicle hydrangeas for better cold tolerance and longer seasonal interest.

3. Dwarf Japanese Holly

Dwarf Japanese holly is an excellent alternative to boxwood, especially in warmer climates. This evergreen shrub has small, glossy leaves and a naturally tidy shape. It holds its color year-round and requires minimal pruning. Its compact size makes it ideal for lining pathways, framing porches, or filling smaller garden beds without overwhelming the front of the house.

4. Azalea

Azaleas bring vibrant color to the front of your home during spring, with blooms ranging from soft pastels to bold reds and pinks. Many varieties are evergreen or semi-evergreen, meaning they maintain attractive foliage even after flowering. Azaleas thrive in partially shaded areas, making them perfect for homes with large trees or north-facing fronts.

5. Juniper

Junipers are hardy, low-maintenance bushes that look great all year long. Available in upright, spreading, or compact forms, junipers suit a wide range of landscaping styles. Their needle-like foliage comes in shades of green, blue, and silver, adding texture and contrast to your front yard. Junipers are especially useful for drought-prone areas and slopes.

6. Spirea

Spirea is a deciduous shrub that earns its place on this list due to its multi-season interest. In spring and summer, it produces clusters of delicate flowers, while in fall its foliage often turns warm shades of orange and red. Spirea has a naturally neat shape and works well in layered front yard designs alongside evergreens and perennials.

7. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons make a bold statement with their large, leathery evergreen leaves and dramatic spring blooms. These bushes are ideal for anchoring the corners of your house or filling larger front yard spaces. Even when not in bloom, their thick foliage provides year-round structure and greenery, making them a strong foundation plant.

8. Yew

Yews are classic evergreen bushes that adapt well to pruning and shaping. Their dark green needles create a rich, elegant backdrop for flowering plants. Yews thrive in both sun and shade, making them versatile for front-of-house landscaping. They are often used for hedges, privacy screens, or formal garden designs.

9. Dwarf Burning Bush

Dwarf burning bush is known for its spectacular fall color, turning bright red as temperatures cool. During spring and summer, it offers dense green foliage that helps fill out front yard beds. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces, and its dramatic seasonal shift adds interest without requiring constant care.

10. Evergreen Euonymus

Evergreen euonymus provides year-round color and texture, with some varieties featuring variegated leaves in green and gold. This bush is hardy, adaptable, and easy to grow, making it a favorite for front yard borders and foundation plantings. It can be left natural or lightly pruned to maintain a tidy appearance.

11. Lavender

Lavender may not be evergreen in all climates, but it offers year-round appeal through its silvery foliage and woody structure. In summer, its fragrant purple flowers attract pollinators and add a relaxed, cottage-style charm to your front yard. Lavender works especially well in sunny areas and pairs beautifully with stone walkways and neutral-colored homes.

12. Arborvitae

Arborvitae is a go-to choice for homeowners looking for reliable greenery throughout the year. These evergreen bushes are available in many sizes, from compact varieties for small yards to taller options for privacy. Arborvitae maintains its shape well and provides a clean, vertical element that complements both modern and traditional home designs.

13. Dwarf Box Honeysuckle

Dwarf box honeysuckle looks similar to boxwood but is often more tolerant of heat and humidity. Its small leaves stay green year-round, and it naturally forms a low, dense mound. This bush is ideal for edging garden beds or lining walkways, offering a refined look with less maintenance.

14. Ninebark

Ninebark is a versatile shrub that offers interest in every season. In spring, it produces clusters of small flowers, followed by textured foliage in shades of green, purple, or bronze. Its peeling bark adds winter interest, making it a standout choice for front yards that need year-round visual appeal.

15. Camellia

Camellias are prized for their glossy evergreen leaves and beautiful blooms that appear in fall, winter, or early spring, depending on the variety. This makes them especially valuable for adding color during colder months when most plants are dormant. Camellias work well near entryways, where their elegant flowers can be enjoyed up close.

Final Thoughts

The best bushes for the front of your house do more than just look good—they enhance curb appeal, provide structure, and create a welcoming atmosphere in every season. Whether you prefer the clean lines of boxwood, the vibrant blooms of hydrangeas, or the year-round reliability of evergreens like juniper and arborvitae, there’s a perfect option for every home. With thoughtful planning and the right plant choices, your front yard can remain beautiful and inviting all year long.