When we say “foundation plants” you might think we’re talking about plants that are the backbones of our beds and borders. But that’s not what we mean in this instance. Today we’re discussing plants that are perfect for planting around your home’s foundation. These selections need to adhere to a certain set of requirements: they can’t get too big; they can’t be too small; they can’t have aggressive root systems; they must have multiple seasons of interest. If that sounds like the holy grail of plants, it is! But luck for you we’ve culled together a dynamic assortment of options for all areas of the country. So, if you’re sick of looking at that ugly 2-foot expanse of concrete at the foot of your home listen up, because we’re going to help you cover it up in style.   

Expert: Lifelong horticulturist Tony Fulmer is the retired chief horticulture officer for Chalet, a specialty nursery in Wilmette, Illinois. 

Danielle’s Plants 

Dwarf blue noble fir (Abies procera ‘Glauca Prostrata’, Zones 6-8) 

Neon Burst™ dogwood (Cornus alba ‘ByBoughen’, Zones 2-7) 

‘Blue Shadow’ fothergilla (Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’, Zones 4-8) 

Pancake™ arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Concesarini’, Zones 

Carol’s Plants  

‘George Reynolds’ azalea (Rhododendron x ‘George Reynolds’, Zones 5-8) 

‘June’ hosta (Hosta ‘June’, Zones 3-8)  

Kindred Spirit® oak (Quercus × warei ‘Nadler’, Zones 4-7) 

L.A. Dreamin’® hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ’Lindsey Ann’, Zones 5-9) 

Expert’s Plants  

‘Rooguchi’ clematis (Clematis ‘Rooguchi’, Zones 4-9) 

Dwarf columnar European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus ‘Columnaris Nana’, Zones 4-8) 

‘August Moon’ American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘August Moon’, Zones 4-7)