What to Plant Next to House Foundation for Beauty and Protection: A Guide to Landscaping Options
What to Plant Next to House Foundation?
When deciding what to plant next to a house foundation, it is important to choose plants that will not cause damage or maintenance issues.
A few suitable options are stonecrop, catmint, hosta, daylilies, coneflowers, boxwood, panicle hydrangeas, switch grass, false cypress, and rose of Sharon.
These plants are low-maintenance, have shallow roots, and can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the house without posing any risk to the foundation.
Key Points:
- Choose plants that will not cause damage or maintenance issues to the house foundation
- Suitable plant options include:
- stonecrop
- catmint
- hosta
- daylilies
- coneflowers
- boxwood
- panicle hydrangeas
- switch grass
- false cypress
- rose of Sharon
- These plants are low-maintenance
- These plants have shallow roots
- These plants can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the house
- These plants pose no risk to the foundation
Did You Know?
1. Certain plants, such as lavender and mint, can repel common household pests like ants, spiders, and mosquitoes when planted next to a house foundation.
2. Planting tall, leafy plants like bamboo or tall grass next to a house foundation can help create a natural windbreak, reducing the impact of strong winds and providing insulation during colder months.
3. A strategic mix of flowering plants, such as marigolds and geraniums, planted next to a house foundation can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which act as natural pest control by preying on harmful insects.
4. Planting small fruit trees, like dwarf apple or pear trees, next to a house foundation can add an aesthetically pleasing touch and provide a source of fresh fruit for homeowners.
5. In addition to their attractive blooms, certain plants like hydrangeas and hibiscus can help absorb excess moisture from the soil and prevent water damage to the foundation of a house.
Stonecrop
Stonecrop, scientifically known as Sedum, is an excellent choice for planting next to your house foundation. This versatile and hardy plant provides both beauty and protection to your home. Stonecrop is a low-growing perennial that thrives in various soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance. Its succulent leaves and vibrant flowers add visual interest to the landscape, while its dense growth acts as a barrier against soil erosion and helps regulate water runoff.
One popular species of Stonecrop is Sedum spurium, commonly known as Dragon’s Blood. It displays deep red foliage and pink flowers, creating a stunning contrast against the neutral tones of your house. Another variety, Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina,’ features bright yellow-green foliage that will brighten up any foundation planting. Stonecrop is also loved by pollinators such as butterflies and bees, making it an eco-friendly choice for your landscape.
To ensure the best results, plant Stonecrop in well-drained soil and provide it with ample sunlight. It can withstand periods of drought, making it an ideal plant for dry areas. With its adaptability and striking appearance, Stonecrop is a top contender for foundation plantings.
Catmint
If you’re seeking a fragrant and visually appealing option for your foundation plantings, consider Catmint (Nepeta). This perennial herb, closely related to catnip, is known for its profusion of delicate and aromatic flowers. Catmint not only adds a touch of elegance to your landscape, but it also serves as an effective barrier against pests, particularly deer and rabbits who are repelled by its strong scent.
One popular variety of Catmint is Nepeta faassenii, also known as ‘Walker’s Low.’ It features clusters of lavender-blue flowers and compact silvery-green foliage, creating a soft and calming effect next to your house. Catmint is also a great choice for attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall biodiversity of your garden.
To cultivate Catmint successfully, provide it with full or partial sun and well-drained soil. This low-maintenance plant requires minimal watering, making it a suitable option for busy homeowners. Enhance your foundation plantings with the charm and fragrance of Catmint, and enjoy the soothing ambience it brings to your surroundings.
Hosta
When it comes to foundation plantings, Hosta remains a classic choice for many garden enthusiasts. Known for their attractive foliage, these shade-loving perennials bring texture and dimension to your landscape. Hostas feature large leaves that vary in color, ranging from blue and green to yellow and variegated patterns, allowing you to create visually striking combinations.
One of the advantages of planting Hostas next to your house is their ability to fill empty spaces and create a lush appearance. They also help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels, protecting your foundation from extreme weather conditions and reducing the risk of erosion.
Hostas prefer partial to full shade, making them an excellent option for areas with limited sunlight. They also thrive in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. These low-maintenance plants propagate easily and require minimal care, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Choose from an array of Hosta varieties and elevate the beauty of your foundation planting with their dramatic foliage.
Daylilies
If you desire an explosion of color and a long blooming season in your foundation plantings, Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are an excellent choice. These perennial flowers produce vibrant and showy blooms that last for several weeks, bringing life and energy to your house exterior.
A wide range of colors and sizes are available, allowing you to customize your foundation plantings according to your preference. From fiery oranges and reds to soft pastels and vivid purples, Daylilies offer endless possibilities for adding personality to your landscape. Additionally, their grass-like foliage remains green and attractive even when the blooms have faded, ensuring visual interest throughout the year.
Daylilies are relatively low maintenance, requiring moderate watering and well-drained soil. They perform best in full sun or partial shade, depending on the variety. With their striking blooms and easy care, Daylilies are a top choice for foundation plantings.
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis) offer an explosion of color and a long blooming season.
- They produce vibrant and showy blooms that last for several weeks.
- Daylilies are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, allowing for customization.
- Their grass-like foliage remains green and attractive, even when the blooms have faded.
- Daylilies require moderate watering and well-drained soil.
- They perform best in full sun or partial shade, depending on the variety.
“If you desire an explosion of color and a long blooming season in your foundation plantings, Daylilies are an excellent choice.”
Coneflowers
If you’re searching for a plant that combines beauty, durability, and attractiveness to pollinators, look no further than Coneflowers (Echinacea). These perennials are native to North America and have gained popularity due to their striking flowers and medicinal properties.
Coneflowers come in various colors, including purple, pink, white, and orange. Their daisy-like petals surround a prominent cone-shaped center, creating a distinctive and eye-catching display. The vibrant blooms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also attract bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden, enhancing its ecological value.
These hardy plants can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and are resistant to drought and heat. Plant them in well-drained soil and provide full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. Incorporating Coneflowers into your foundation plantings will not only add visual interest but also support local wildlife and create a healthy ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is best to put around foundation of house?
Mulch is the ideal material to put around the foundation of your house. Not only does it provide an aesthetically pleasing look, but it also offers numerous benefits. Mulch acts as a natural insulator, protecting your foundation from extreme temperatures. Additionally, it helps retain moisture in the soil, preventing it from drying out and causing potential damage to your home’s foundation. Mulch also acts as a barrier, inhibiting weed growth and reducing the need for constant maintenance.
What can you plant right next to your house?
One excellent option to consider planting right next to your house is a row of Dwarf Blue Spruce trees. These evergreen beauties have striking blue-green needles that offer a burst of color all year long. Not only do they add visual interest, but their compact size makes them a perfect choice for planting near your home without overwhelming the space.
Another wonderful choice would be Hydrangeas, which are known for their stunning blooms and ability to provide structure to your garden. These deciduous shrubs offer a variety of colors and types, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your preferences. Placing them near your house not only adds a pop of color but also transforms the area into a vibrant and inviting space.
Lastly, consider adding landscape roses near your house. These easy-to-grow plants are known for their long-lasting blooms, providing months of brilliant color. Whether you opt for classic red roses or prefer more unique hues, these roses will enhance the beauty of your house and create an enchanting atmosphere.
How do you landscape next to a house foundation?
When landscaping next to a house foundation, it is important to prioritize the safety and longevity of the structure. Instead of placing vegetation directly next to the foundation, consider creating a well-defined border or pathway using non-plant elements such as decorative stones or pavers. This will not only add aesthetic value but also prevent excess moisture buildup and potential damage to the foundation. Additionally, maintaining an open space allows for easier inspection and access to the foundation if any issues arise in the future.
Is it OK to plant shrubs close to house?
When it comes to planting shrubs close to a house, it is generally recommended to maintain a specific distance to prevent potential issues. For instance, small shrubs should typically be planted at least 2 feet away from the foundation, while medium-sized shrubs should be placed about 3 feet away. When dealing with taller shrubs, it is advisable to have a gap of 4 to 5 feet. Nonetheless, the spacing guidelines may vary based on the specific heights and dimensions of the shrubs. It is worth mentioning that when creating hedges, the rules for spacing plants may differ from individual shrub planting.