The 8 Best Shrubs to Plant Around House Foundation of 2026

If you've ever dreamed of growing gardenias but thought your climate was too cold, the Frostproof Gardenia might change your mind. This variety is one of the more cold hardy options out there, thriving in USDA zones 7 through 9. It's a live shrub that arrives in a 1-gallon pot, ready to be planted in your garden or a large container. The plant is ideal for anyone who wants that classic gardenia fragrance without the constant worry about frost damage. It's also a solid pick for beginner gardeners since its care routine is straightforward.

The standout feature is definitely the flowers. Large, white blooms appear from spring into summer, releasing a sweet, heady scent that can fill a whole yard. The glossy, leathery dark green leaves look polished and stay attractive even when the plant isn't in bloom. It grows to a mature size of about 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it a good fit for hedges, foundation plantings, or as a specimen near a walkway where you can enjoy the fragrance up close. Real-world feedback from buyers is mostly glowing, with many noting that plants arrived healthy, full, and often already blooming. Some folks did mention that the plant needed more frequent watering than the standard once a week, especially during hot spells, so keep an eye on the soil moisture.

Design and build quality are solid for a live plant. The shrub is well rooted in its 1-gallon pot, and the packaging seems to protect it during shipping. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate watering. Once established, it's fairly drought tolerant, but don't let it dry out completely. The main maintenance tasks are a spring fertilizer application and a light trim after flowering if you want a more compact shape. That's about it. It's not a fussy plant.

No plant is perfect, and there are a couple of things to watch for. A small number of reviewers reported that their plant didn't survive the winter in zone 7b, which suggests that while it's cold hardy, it may not handle the coldest edge of its range without protection. Also, some buyers noted that their plant took a while to produce blooms after planting, so patience might be needed. These aren't deal breakers, but they're worth knowing.

Overall, the Frostproof Gardenia delivers on its promise of cold tolerance and incredible fragrance. It's a beautiful, low-maintenance shrub that can thrive in many gardens where other gardenias struggle. If you live in zones 7-9 and want a reliable source of that unforgettable gardenia scent, this is a great choice. Just be ready to water a bit more in summer and maybe offer some winter mulch in the colder parts of zone 7.

The Bloomerang Dark Purple Lilac from Proven Winners is a reblooming shrub that changes the game for lilac lovers. Traditional lilacs give you just a few fragrant weeks in spring. This one flowers from mid-spring, takes a short rest, then keeps blooming from mid-summer straight through fall frost. For anyone who wants that classic lilac scent and color for months, not days, this plant delivers.

The standout feature is its nonstop performance. Huge, deep purple flower clusters appear in spring and then repeat into autumn. The fragrance is unmistakable: sweet, floral, and nostalgic. On top of that, it has impressive disease resistance. You won't see the powdery mildew or leaf spot that often plague other lilacs. Deer leave it alone, and it handles hot, humid summers better than most. The plant forms a neat, rounded shrub that reaches 4-7 feet tall and spreads 4-6 feet wide, perfect for a hedge, foundation planting, or standalone showpiece.

Real-world feedback from buyers confirms the quality. Multiple reviewers noted the plant arrived healthy, robust, and often larger than expected. One happy buyer said it was 'much larger than anticipated' and 'in perfect condition.' Even when the box showed some shipping abuse, the plant survived and thrived. A few leaves with minor damage were reported, but overall, the shrub was described as vibrant, well-rooted, and ready to plant. The packaging is designed to protect the plant during transit, and most customers found it easy to open and get into the ground.

There are a few honest drawbacks to weigh. The plant goes fully dormant in late fall and winter, losing all its leaves. That's normal for lilacs, but new owners should know they'll see bare branches for several months. Also, the mature size can surprise first-time buyers. One reviewer admitted they 'had NO idea this shrub would be as large as it is.' So give it room to grow. Shipping also isn't always perfect; a couple of customers mentioned damaged boxes, though the plant inside was fine in most cases.

Verdict: This Proven Winners Bloomerang Lilac is a top-tier choice for anyone who wants easy-care, fragrant flowers over a long season. It's disease resistant, deer resistant, and low maintenance. The price is fair for a healthy, well-grown plant in a 3-gallon pot. If you have a sunny spot with well-drained soil and want months of lilac blooms, this shrub is hard to beat.

The Frostproof Gardenia Shrub is a standout choice for gardeners who want the classic beauty and fragrance of gardenias but need a plant that can handle cooler temperatures. This variety is one of the more cold hardy options, with flower buds that resist late spring frosts without damage. That means you get reliable blooms even in unpredictable weather.

Its glossy, leathery dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop for the abundant white flowers. The blooms are magnificently fragrant, making this shrub a natural fit for placing near patios, entryways, or other outdoor living areas where you can enjoy the scent. The upright habit and tolerance of direct sunlight set it apart from other gardenias, which often need more shade.

At maturity, this shrub reaches 48 inches in height and width, making it an excellent choice for a hedge or foundation planting. It thrives in USDA zones 7-9 and does best in full sun to partial shade with moderate watering. The care is straightforward: water before planting, dig a hole three times the width of the pot, and back-fill with soil. Add mulch and fertilize in early spring for best results.

One potential drawback is that it's not suited for all climates, as it requires specific zones. But for those in the right area, this is a low-maintenance plant that delivers strong fragrance and visual appeal. If you're looking to screen walls or fences, or just want a fragrant addition to your garden, this Frostproof Gardenia is a solid choice.

The Proven Winners Center Stage Pink Crape Myrtle is a showstopper for any sunny garden. This 2-gallon shrub delivers vivid hot pink flowers with bright yellow stamens that pop against its near-black foliage. It's designed for gardeners in USDA zones 6 through 10 who want a low-maintenance plant that keeps performing from spring through fall.

What sets this crape myrtle apart is its early bloom time and exceptional mildew resistance. While many crape myrtles struggle with powdery mildew in humid climates, this variety stays clean and healthy. The vigorous growth means you get a full, bushy plant that reaches 6 to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide at maturity. It's perfect as a specimen plant, hedge, or mixed border addition.

The foliage is the real star here. Those deep reddish-black leaves hold their color all season, creating a dramatic backdrop for the bright pink flowers. Even when the plant isn't blooming, it adds serious visual interest to your landscape. It's deciduous, so you will see leaf drop in winter, but new growth emerges reliably each spring.

One thing to keep in mind is the mature size. This plant can get quite large, so give it enough room to spread. It also prefers regular watering, especially during its first year and in hot, dry conditions. But once established, it's remarkably tough and drought-tolerant.

Overall, the Proven Winners Center Stage Pink Crape Myrtle is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting reliable color and unique foliage with minimal fuss. Its early blooms, disease resistance, and bold good looks make it a winner for both new and experienced gardeners.

Brand: Proven Winners

Model: Center Stage Pink

Type: Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

Size: 2 Gallon Container

Mature Height: 72-144 inches (6-12 feet)

Mature Width: 96 inches (8 feet)

USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Bloom Period: Spring to Fall

Flower Color: Hot Pink

Foliage Color: Reddish-Black

Water Needs: Regular watering

Special Features: Low maintenance, mildew resistant, early bloomer

Usage: Outdoor

Planting Instructions: Dig a hole three times the width of the pot. Place the plant 1-2 inches above the soil level. Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add more soil if needed. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Care Tips: Water regularly, especially the first year. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage new growth. This plant is deciduous, so don't worry if it loses leaves in winter - it will come back strong in spring.

Best Uses: Use as a focal point in garden beds, as a flowering hedge, or in large containers. Its dramatic foliage and flowers make it perfect for adding color and contrast to any sunny spot.

The August Beauty Gardenia is a classic choice for anyone wanting to add an unforgettable fragrance to their outdoor space. This medium-sized evergreen shrub produces an abundance of double white blossoms that measure up to 3 inches across, and the scent is rich and sweet – a real crowd-pleaser. It's especially well-suited for gardeners in USDA zones 7 through 9, but it can also thrive as a container plant that moves indoors during cold months.

Standout features include its vigorous growth habit and extended bloom period. Unlike some gardenias that flower only briefly, this cultivar pumps out blooms from mid-spring through summer, often continuing into fall with proper care. The dark green, lance-shaped leaves provide a glossy backdrop that looks attractive even when the plant isn't in flower. Many buyers report receiving plants with multiple buds forming, so you get a head start on enjoying the blooms.

In real-world use, the August Beauty has earned a solid reputation. Customer reviews highlight healthy arrivals with good root systems, and the fragrance is consistently praised. That said, a few owners noted yellowing leaves after shipping or pest problems like aphids and mealybugs. These issues are common with gardenias and usually manageable with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Once established, the shrub is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering and an early spring feeding.

Drawbacks are worth considering. If you live in zone 6 or colder, this plant will need winter protection or indoor overwintering. Some users also mentioned leaf drop when conditions aren't quite right – gardenias can be finicky about overwatering or sudden temperature changes. But with a bit of attention, these challenges are typically temporary.

Overall, the August Beauty Gardenia delivers exactly what it promises: a heavily fragrant, long-blooming shrub that adds elegance and sensory delight to any landscape. It's a smart purchase for zone 7-9 gardeners who want a reliable showstopper, and for container growers willing to provide a little extra care, it's equally rewarding.

• Botanical Name: Jasminoides (Cape Jasmine)
• Common Name: August Beauty Gardenia
• Mature Size: 36-48 inches wide x 48-72 inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9
• Bloom Period: Spring through fall
• Flower Color: Double white
• Foliage: Evergreen, lustrous dark green
• Spacing: 36 inches
• Container Size: 2.5 quart pot
• Shipping Height: 8-12 inches (1 gallon) or 14-18 inches (2.25 gallon)
• Water Needs: Regular watering
• Material Feature: Organic

The Proven Winners Neatball Boxwood is a standout choice for gardeners looking for a hardy, low-maintenance evergreen shrub. Bred for exceptional cold tolerance, it keeps its rich dark green color even in harsh winter conditions, making it ideal for USDA zones 5 through 9. Its compact, naturally rounded form reaches about 2 to 3 feet in both height and width, so it fits perfectly in small gardens, along walkways, or as a tidy hedge without constant trimming.

What sets this boxwood apart is its no-fuss growth habit. You won't need to babysit it with a strict pruning schedule; the Neatball stays neat on its own. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and needs only light watering once established. The evergreen foliage offers year-round interest, from fresh spring growth to deep green winter color. Most buyers report receiving well-packaged plants in good condition, ready to go in the ground. A few did note that some plants arrived small or looked like a single branch, but overall the feedback is positive, with a 4.4-star rating from early customers.

In terms of design and build quality, you get a 1-gallon pot with a healthy starter shrub. The plant is grown by Proven Winners, a trusted name in the industry, so you know the genetics are solid. The root system is well-developed, and the foliage is dense and vibrant. Just follow the simple care instructions: water before planting, dig a hole three times the width of the pot, backfill, and mulch. Fertilize in early spring for best results.

It's important to be realistic about size expectations. This is a young plant, so it won't instantly fill a 3-foot space. Give it a few years to reach its mature dimensions. Also, while it's very cold-hardy, it doesn't produce flowers, so if you're after blooms, you'll need to pair it with other plants. The negative reviews highlight occasional inconsistency, but those are rare compared to the praise for healthy, thriving plants.

Overall, the Proven Winners Neatball Boxwood delivers on its promise of easy care and year-round beauty. It's a solid investment for anyone who wants a reliable green foundation plant without the workload. With proper planting and minimal attention, you'll have a tidy, dark green accent that holds up through all seasons. Highly recommended for low-maintenance landscaping in cooler climates.

The Proven Winners Double Play Doozie Spirea is a modern twist on a classic landscape staple. This seedless, non-invasive shrub puts all its energy into producing an incredible display of purple-red flowers from late spring well into fall. The show starts even earlier with deep red foliage in early spring, giving your garden months of visual interest. Ideal for gardeners in USDA zones 3-8, this spirea thrives in full sun to partial shade and reaches a manageable 24 to 36 inches in both height and width.

What sets the Double Play Doozie apart is its continuous, seed-free blooming. Because it doesn't waste energy on seed production, you get wave after wave of flowers without any deadheading. The blooms are a bright, glowing purple-red that really pops against the green summer foliage. Plus, it's drought tolerant once established and naturally deer resistant - a big plus for suburban or rural landscapes. Maintenance is minimal: just water moderately, plant in well-draining soil, and fertilize in early spring.

In terms of design and build quality, this shrub arrives healthy and well-rooted from Proven Winners, a trusted brand in horticulture. It ships dormant in winter through early spring, which helps it establish quickly after planting. The compact size makes it versatile for containers, mass plantings, or as a low hedge. One potential drawback is that it's deciduous, so you'll have bare branches in winter. Also, while it's low maintenance, the best flower show requires at least 6 hours of sun daily; too much shade leads to fewer blooms.

Overall, the Double Play Doozie Spirea is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a fuss-free, long-blooming shrub that won't take over the garden. Its seedless, non-invasive habit makes it responsible for the environment, while the vibrant color and deer resistance reduce the need for chemicals or constant attention. If you're looking for a reliable, beautiful addition to your landscape that keeps flowering from spring through fall, this spirea delivers.

The Purple Daydream Loropetalum from Southern Living is a compact evergreen bush that delivers year-round visual interest with its deep purple foliage. Each spring, it produces a show of dark pink string-like flowers that stand out against the leaves. This shrub is designed for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, space-saving plant that offers consistent color without constant care.

In real-world use, this loropetalum performs well in both full sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden spots. Its neat, mounding habit keeps it tidy without heavy pruning, and once established, it handles dry spells with ease. The foliage stays purple through all seasons, so you get lasting appeal from a single plant. Deer tend to leave it alone, which is a bonus for suburban yards.

Build quality comes from Southern Living's trusted breeding: the plant arrives in a 1-gallon nursery pot, ready for transplant. It reaches about 2 feet tall with a similar spread, perfect for borders, foundation plantings, or containers. The plastic pot is standard, but the plant itself is robust and well-rooted.

Potential drawbacks include a slower start; you'll need to water it regularly the first season to help it settle. It also demands well-draining acidic soil, so if your garden has heavy clay or neutral pH, some soil amendment is necessary. And it only thrives in zones 7-10, so northern gardeners will need to look for a different variety.

Overall, the Purple Daydream Loropetalum is a reliable, attractive shrub that delivers on its promises. It's a solid choice for anyone in the right climate who wants big color in a small package with minimal upkeep. We recommend it for foundation plantings, mixed borders, or container gardens where purple foliage and spring blooms will shine.

Indoor/Outdoor Usage: Outdoor
Brand: Southern Living
Material Feature: Live plant
Color: Purple
Special Feature: Low Maintenance
Expected Blooming Period: Summer to Fall
Item Weight: 5 Pounds
Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Unit Count: 1.0 Count
Expected Planting Period: Fall to Early Spring
Product Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade. Water regularly to maintain moist soil. Prune after flowering. Protect from harsh winter winds.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10
Expected Plant Height: 2 Feet
Soil Type: Well-draining Acidic Soil
Moisture Needs: Moderate Watering
Number of Pieces: 1
Number of Items: 1
Container Material: Plastic Nursery Pot
Style: Ornamental Flowering Shrub
Product Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 12 inches