Foundation plants are anything but boring when you choose evergreens and perennials sized just right for your front beds.
The right foundation plants add instantcurb appealby providing color, texture and structure.
Here are the best foundation plants to consider to make your home’s exterior the envy of the neighborhood.
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Space plants adequately so that theres at least one plants-width between the house and other plantings.
Most importantly, read plant tags and descriptions, and pay attention to your plants overall mature size.
Finally, ensure the plant is suited to survive conditions in yourUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone.
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Grow them in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5a-9b.
Theyre fast-growing, and many can become quite large, topping out at 10 feet.
Look for a dwarf variety for foundation plantings.
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Most spireas can be grown in Zones 4-8, with some adapting to Zone 3 or 9.
Catmint
Youd be hard-pressed to find a tougher plant than catmint.
It has a pleasant spicy-minty scent that discourages deer and rodents from devouring it.
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Look for well-behaved varieties that keep their upright forms, such as Cats Pajamas and Cats Meow.
Their parent plant, Chinese abelia, is much larger and less restrained in its growth.
Abelia blooms profusely, attracting pollinators, but deer tend to avoid it.
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Hardiness depends on the variety, but many can be grown in Zones 5-9.
Daylily
If you cant grow anything else and live in Zones 3-9, try daylilies.
Flowers can be a petite 2 inches up to 8 inches across.
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If you have scorching Southern summers, your daylilies will benefit from light afternoon shade and consistent watering.
Theyre a favorite of deer, so choose a different plant if deer visit your garden frequently.
Happy Returns, Dragons Eye, and Barbara Mitchell offer reliable blooms in the heat.
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Agapanthus is especially attractive when planted in groupings at the front of borders in Zones 8-11.
It ranges from a foot to 18 inches tall, depending on the variety.
Hummingbirds andbees love it.
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Look for Ever White and Ever Sapphire as true stand-outs in your foundation plantings bed.
They grow in Zones 3-9.
Varieties like ‘Limelight’ can be grown in Zone 9.
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Water during hot weather for the best-looking plants.
Sometypes of boxwoodscan be sheared to shape, while other varieties can be left natural.
Most varieties can be grown in Zones 5-9.
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Deutzia
Deutzia is a real show-stopper in the spring with beautiful bell-like flowers that pollinators love.
Yuki Cherry Blossom is an especially lovely, low-growing key in.
They can be grown in Zones 5-8.
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Inkberry Holly
Inkberry holly is a native alternative to boxwood that can withstand heat throughout the South.
Thisevergreen shrubis a good choice for coastal homes as it tolerates salt and occasionally wet soil.
Berries are dark rather than red.
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Use this foundation plant in Zones 4a-11b.
Stonecrop
The old standby, ‘Autumn Joy,’ has been popular for decades for a reason.
Give thissucculent perennialfull sun and well-drained soil, and you’ve got the option to practically walk away.
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Stonecrop also attracts every pollinator around and blooms vigorously in late summer or fall.
Prune weigela just after blooming since it forms buds on old wood.
it’s possible for you to also find variegated varieties and flowers in lavenders or white.
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Experiment with heart-shaped, cup-shaped, and long, twisted leaves.
Hostas can be grown in Zones 3-8 but need more shade in Southern gardens.
Azalea
For many gardeners, blooming azaleas are what defines a Southern spring.
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Azaleas can be very long-lived and reach massive proportions.
Azalea hybrids don’t bloom well in deep shade, but they can scorch in full sun.
The Goldilocks zone is filtered sunlight under a tall tree.
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They must have acidic, well-drained soil to thrive in Zones 5-9.
They should only be planted in full sun if you experience cool summers.
Both grow slowly to about 4 feet tall.
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They mature at 3 to 8 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety.
Plant in rich, acidic, well-draining soil in Zones 7-11.
They like dappled sunlight and a break from hot afternoon sun.
Gardenias are mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
Grow this shrub in Zones 8-10 in acidic or alkaline soil.
Spring blooms are white or pink with five petals and pink-red stamens.
These perennial shrubs attract birds with berries and other pollinators are attracted to the nectar.
These make good foundation plants since they mature at 4 to 6 feet tall and wide.
NC State Extension.Gardenia jasminoides.
