Looking to elevate the front of your modern house?
Take a look at these standout bushes, shrubs, and small trees that will pop in your front yard.
From tall, striking greenery to small, elegant flowering trees and shrubs, these selections will enhance your home’s curb appeal and create a stylish, inviting entrance.
Find your perfect landscaping inspiration now!
Eye-Catching Shrubs & Bushes For Planting In Front Of Your Modern House
1. Thuja
Renowned for its durability, Thuja is an excellent choice for privacy hedges in modern landscapes.
Its lush, green foliage remains vibrant year-round and requires minimal maintenance.
Fast-growing and hardy, it provides a natural screen that enhances both security and aesthetics.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-7
Average Mature Size: 10-15 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Grown For: Privacy hedges, year-round foliage, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis
2. Limelight Hydrangea
Limelight Hydrangeas bring a burst of color with their large, lime-green blooms that transition to pink and burgundy as the season progresses.
These hardy shrubs are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to the front of a modern house.
With minimal care required, they thrive in various conditions and make a stunning statement in any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 6-8 ft. tall, 6-8 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Deciduous
Grown For: Large colorful blooms, minimal care, seasonal interest
Botanical Name: Hydrangea paniculata
3. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Compact and conical, Dwarf Alberta Spruce is perfect for modern landscapes.
Dense, bright green needles create a neat look with minimal pruning. Slow-growing and evergreen, it adds year-round elegance to your home’s entrance.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-8
Average Mature Size: 10-12 ft. tall, 3-5 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Evergreen
Grown For: Compact size, neat conical shape, year-round interest
Botanical Name: Picea glauca ‘Conica’
4. Skyrocket Juniper
Tall and narrow, Skyrocket Juniper is perfect for modern home fronts.
Striking blue-green foliage stays vibrant year-round with minimal maintenance.
Fast-growing and drought-tolerant, it adds vertical interest without overwhelming your landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 15-20 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Fast
Type: Evergreen
Grown For: Tall narrow growth habit, blue-green foliage, drought tolerance
Botanical Name: Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’
5. Wine & Roses® Weigela Shrub
Featuring deep purple leaves and vibrant pink flowers, Wine & Roses® Weigela Shrub makes a striking addition to any modern home front.
Its bold foliage and stunning blooms attract hummingbirds, adding life and color to your landscape.
Easy to care for, this shrub thrives in various conditions.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 4-5 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Deciduous
Grown For: Colorful foliage, vibrant flowers, wildlife attraction
Botanical Name: Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’
6. Emerald Green Arborvitae
Ideal for creating privacy, Emerald Green Arborvitae boasts a slender, columnar shape that fits well in modern landscapes.
Its lush, emerald-green foliage remains vibrant throughout the year, requiring minimal maintenance.
This hardy evergreen adds structure and elegance to any front yard.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-7
Average Mature Size: 12-14 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Evergreen
Grown For: Privacy screening, slender shape, year-round color
Botanical Name: Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
7. Boxwood
Versatile and resilient, Boxwood is a classic choice for modern home fronts.
Its dense, glossy green foliage can be easily shaped into hedges or topiaries, adding a touch of sophistication.
Low maintenance and evergreen, it provides year-round beauty and structure to your landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 2-4 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Evergreen
Grown For: Dense foliage, easy shaping, year-round beauty
Botanical Name: Buxus spp.
8. Cardboard Palm Tree
Unique and eye-catching, Cardboard Palm Tree adds a tropical flair to modern home fronts.
Its thick, leathery leaves and compact growth make it perfect for smaller spaces.
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it thrives in warm climates and adds a bold, architectural element to your landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11
Average Mature Size: 4-6 ft. tall, 6-8 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Evergreen
Grown For: Tropical appearance, thick leaves, compact size
Botanical Name: Zamia furfuracea
9. Rhododendron
Bursting with vibrant blooms, Rhododendron is perfect for adding color to modern landscapes.
Its large, glossy leaves provide year-round interest, while its stunning flowers create a focal point in spring.
Easy to care for, this shrub thrives in shaded areas and acidic soil.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 3-8 ft. tall, 3-8 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Type: Evergreen or Deciduous (depending on the variety)
Grown For: Vibrant blooms, glossy leaves, shade tolerance
Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.
10. Lollipop® Crabapple Tree
Dazzling with its spring blossoms, Lollipop® Crabapple Tree adds a touch of charm to any modern home front.
Compact and spherical in shape, it produces fragrant white flowers followed by small, colorful fruit.
This ornamental tree is easy to care for and offers year-round interest with its attractive foliage.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 8-10 ft. tall, 8-10 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Moderate
Type: Deciduous
Grown For: Spring blossoms, compact shape, ornamental fruit
Botanical Name: Malus ‘Lollizam’
11. Dwarf Mugo Pine
Compact and hardy, Dwarf Mugo Pine is perfect for modern landscapes with limited space.
Its dense, dark green needles provide year-round color and texture.
Low maintenance and resilient, this evergreen shrub is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and container planting.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-7
Average Mature Size: 3-5 ft. tall, 6-10 ft. wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Evergreen
Grown For: Compact size, year-round color, low maintenance
Botanical Name: Pinus mugo var. pumilio
Want More?
Did you find the perfect shrubs & bushes for the front of your modern house?
If you are looking for a ranch look, we put together an article on the best bushes & shrubs for the front of a ranch house.
Also, these small trees and shrubs are ideal for front yard landscaping and you are sure to find some perfect for your needs.
