Many of us have full sun in our front yards, especially if you live in a newer neighborhood that doesn't have many shade trees. It can be difficult to know what shrubs to grow that will thrive in our hot summer sun, and we all want beautiful curb appeal! Today, we are sharing 16 specific varieties of shrubs that thrive in full sun. Many varieties of the same shrubs below thrive in full sun; use our Plant Finder tool to help determine others you might want to look for at the nursery. We are also sharing design tips and care tips, if you plan to plant any of these this spring.

1. Dwarf Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo)

   
   

2. Hetz Columnar Juniper (Juniperus chinensis )

   
   

3. Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex)

   
   

4. Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

   
   

5. Diamond Dazzle Crape Myrtle shrub-form (Lagerstroemia)

   
   

6. Chrysalis Cranberry Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

   
   

7. Limelight Prime Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

   
   

8. White Pillar Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

   
   

9. Color Guard Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)

   
   

10. Emerald Heights Distylium (Distylium)

    
    

11. Skyrocket Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

    
    

12. Dwarf Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

    
    

13. Lemon Thread False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

    
    

14. Brindabella Purple Prince Rose (Rosa)

    
    

15. Tor Spirea (Spirea betulifolia)

    
    

16. Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri)

Design Tips for Your Front Landscaping

When planning out your front landscape, it is ideal to have color or foliage in every season. That is why many gardeners choose evergreens as a backdrop in their front gardening beds. Pay attention to the shrub's mature size, placement, and (if your deciduous or evergreen shrub flowers) timing of blooms to ensure blooms in spring, summer, and possibly even fall and winter.

Look at your home itself. Space shrubs that naturally complement the style of your home. Taller evergreens typically work well on the corners of the house; they soften and frame the home. Additionally, a taller shrub or small tree (some ideas include a small Crape Myrtle or tree-form Hydrangea) can often be planted in between two windows (such as windows on the front of a side-entry garage). Medium- to low-growing plants work well near walkways or under windows, where they won't block the view. Mixing different textures in your shrubs and other plants helps create interest.

If your home is symmetrical (has a front door centered on the home), continue that symmetry in your landscaping. For homes with an off-center front door, we recommend using groupings of plants in a staggered design rather than symmetry. Pairing plants in odd numbers often looks best to the eye.

Add perennials and/ or annuals if you have the depth in your gardening bed. Perennials and annuals look amazing in front of shrubs. They provide extra color (especially annuals) and are often a finishing touch in a gardening bed.

Care for Full-Sun Shrubs

There are steps to caring for these shrubs, and we are laying out general recommendations. For specific questions about your plant's care, please don't hesitate to ask us at the nursery.

• Watering

These shrubs are hardy and perform wonderfully in full sun, yet they need proper watering, especially the first year they are planted. We recommend deeply watering (a hose at the base of the shrub for approx. 15-20 minutes on a very slow trickle) newly planted shrubs (planted within the last year) approximately every 3-4 days when we are not receiving adequate rain. Typically, our winters are quite wet, so you may not need to water much, or at all, during this time. It's also best to water earlier in the day or later in the evening.

• Soil Preparation

Plants often grow best in well-draining, fertile soil. We have a lot of heavy clay in Middle Tennessee. It's best to amend your soil, if needed, before planting. Soil conditioner helps with drainage; we will help you know how to use it for the size of your gardening bed- just ask us at the nursery. Compost can also be mixed into your soil to add nutrients.

• Fertilization

Most shrubs need to be fertilized in late winter/ early spring. If you are unsure of what fertilizer to use, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10) is a safe route to go that will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. The three numbers on the fertilizer bag represent nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen helps the plant above the ground (foliage/ blooms), phosphorus helps the plant below the ground (its roots), and potassium helps the plant overall. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can cause too many leaves and not enough flowers.

• Pruning

Occasionally, pruning is needed. Usually in late winter, but it depends heavily on the plant. If your shrub blooms in early spring, do not prune in late winter or you will be pruning off all your buds. Ask us pruning questions about your specific plant- we will give you detailed advice on when.

It is the perfect time to plant shrubs! We're here to help answer any questions you have! We look forward to seeing you very soon at your local nursery.

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