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best shrubs to plant in front of house

Choosing the best shrubs to plant in front of house can transform your home's exterior, adding year-round colour, structure, and curb appeal. Whether you want a mix of evergreen foliage, seasonal flowers, or low-maintenance varieties, the right shrubs provide a welcoming first impression and help showcase your garden’s style. From classic flowering options to modern foliage plants, here’s how to select and care for shrubs that thrive around New Zealand homes.

Buxus harlandii shrub with dense, green foliage.

Buxus harlandii

Buxus harlandii grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide with charming, bright green leaves. Best results with this evergreen shrub are achieved when it is planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
leucospermum-scarlet-ribbons-

Leucospermum 'Scarlet Ribbons'

5 from 1 customers

Leucospermum 'Scarlet Ribbons' is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant pincushion style flowers and bold architectural foliage. The colourful blooms create a dramatic seasonal display and are excellent for adding warmth and texture to sunny garden areas.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 1.75 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
leptospermum-kea-
Leptospermum 'Kea'

Leptospermum 'Kea' is a colourful manuka shrub admired for its vibrant flowers and fine evergreen foliage. This attractive New Zealand plant produces...

From$27.53
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' (ZZ ZZ Plant)

Zamioculcas 'Black Knight' is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
elaeagnus-submacrophylla-3
Elaeagnus submacrophylla

Elaeagnus submacrophylla is a hardy evergreen shrub prized for its dense growth, glossy foliage, and strong year round structure. The leaves have an...

From$532.39
Griselinia 'Gecko Green' plants growing as a hedge.
Griselinia 'Gecko Green'

Griselinia 'Gecko Green' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fresh green foliage, dense growth, and dependable year round structure. It...

From$18.95
Lavender 'Silver Prince' plant with pink flowers above grey-green foliage.
Lavender 'Silver Prince'

Lavender 'Silver Prince' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its silvery foliage and colourful flower spikes that bring year round interest...

From$19.95
Buxus microphylla 'Koreana' (Korean Box) plant with lush, green foliage.
Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood)

Buxus koreana, commonly known as Korean Box, is a cold-hardy, evergreen shrub ideal for low hedging and formal borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

From$17.95
Photinia Black Jack dark red foliage.
Photinia 'Black Jack'

Photinia 'Black Jack' is a distinctive evergreen shrub valued for its deep red to burgundy new growth, glossy green mature foliage, and dense...

From$18.95
An elegant Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' white flower.
Gardenia 'Professor Pucci'

Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its exceptionally large, fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage. Flowering...

From$18.95
Lavender 'Baby Pink Princess' shrubs in a garden covered with stunning, pink flowers.
Lavender 'Baby Pink Princess'

Lavender 'Baby Pink Princess' is a compact flowering shrub valued for its soft pink flower spikes, aromatic foliage, and long flowering season. The...

From$22.95
Lavender 'Radiance' plant with masses of pink flowers.
Lavender 'Radiance'

Lavender 'Radiance' is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its aromatic foliage and colourful flower spikes that bring long lasting interest to...

From$19.95
Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

From$7.50
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus 'Snowmound' is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
Petrosedum sediforme lush, green foliage.
Petrosedum sediforme

Petrosedum sediforme is a hardy evergreen succulent valued for its dense mats of narrow, blue green leaves and bright summer flowers. Its low...

From$14.95
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' is a compact catmint with aromatic silvery green foliage and rich blue flower spikes through the warmer months. The rounded...

From$17.87
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.63
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The 'Best Seedless' Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$369.95
A border planting of Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' with masses of yellow flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' is a low growing ground cover rose that delivers a bright display of golden yellow blooms across a long flowering season...

From$34.43
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' is a low growing ground cover rose that produces a bold display of scarlet red flowers over a long season. Its spreading...

From$33.81
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser

Native Plant Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth in a wide range of NZ native plants. It provides balanced nutrition to...

From$16.95
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Buxus harlandii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Elaeagnus, and Gardenia, or related Categories - Indoor Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search best shrubs to plant in front of house

Why Front Garden Shrubs Matter

The front of your house is your home's greeting card, and selecting the best shrubs to plant in front of house creates a welcoming environment. Well-chosen shrubs can soften architectural lines, provide privacy, and add seasonal interest with flowers or foliage. Shrubs around entryways, pathways, or beneath windows help define garden borders and offer a lush backdrop for perennials and annuals.

Top Shrub Choices for Curb Appeal

When picking the best shrubs to plant in front of house, consider both aesthetics and maintenance. Evergreen shrubs keep your entrance looking neat throughout the year, while flowering varieties add bursts of colour. One standout option is the Pieris Pink Delight (Lily Of The Valley Shrub Pieris japonica), valued for its charming pink blooms in early spring and attractive evergreen leaves. It’s an excellent choice for adding colour near your porch or along the garden edge.

If you're looking for a fragrant and colourful shrub, the Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant) is perfect for front gardens. Its ever-changing purple, lavender, and white blooms are a conversation starter and provide months of interest. Another fantastic option is Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant), which features aromatic foliage and masses of violet-blue flowers, ideal for bringing both beauty and fragrance right to your entryway.

Easy-Care Shrubs for Modern Homes

If your focus is on low-maintenance landscaping, choose shrubs that won’t demand constant pruning or special care. While not technically shrubs, some indoor plants can adapt well to sheltered outdoor spots. The Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) offers striking upright form and architectural foliage, perfect for pots by the front door or shaded corners. Likewise, Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant) adds vibrant striping to patio containers and is nearly indestructible.

Tips for Planting Shrubs in Front of Your House

For the best results, choose a selection of complementary varieties in different heights, colours, and textures. Plan your planting with the mature size of each shrub in mind to avoid crowding. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and feed regularly with a balanced fertiliser to keep growth lush and healthy. By selecting the best shrubs to plant in front of house, you’ll enjoy attractive greenery and blooms at your doorstep for years to come.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

We love Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra 'Frosty Tops' as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Camellia 'Roger Hall', Mandarin 'Satsuma', and Olive 'Ascolano'.
–The Plant Company

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