What are the Best Shrubs to Plant Under Windows?
Say goodbye to high-maintenance gardens! Discover 5 amazing shrubs perfect for planting under windows with minimal upkeep.
My first landscape design job after graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington was at a design/build landscape firm that had its nursery. I asked one of the older guys who worked at the nursery what a good evergreen plant that stayed low and compact was. He suggested ‘Gold Thread’ Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera); he showed me this cute little, weeping, golden gumball-shaped plant about 16 inches tall.
I had a client in Colleyville, Texas, who hired us to design and install the landscape. They had a corner lot, and I specified the ‘Gold Thread’ Cypress under six sets of windows. When our crew finished installing, the McMansion-style home looked great.
Fast-forward five years, I got a call from my Colleyville client to do more work. She said she was so happy with my design that they just had to have me complete the backyard.
I couldn’t believe what I saw when I arrived at the house. The cute little ‘Gold Thread’ Cypresses had grown into six-foot-tall Christmas trees that covered half the windows they planted in front of. Everything looked great except for the shrubs covering the windows.
The client loved that the shrubs screened the views into the house from outside yet still let lots of light in. I cringed inside because she thought I was clever.
Even funnier, as I drove around Colleyville, I started noticing the Cypress planted in front of windows and as a border on several properties—all of this because of one ill-informed nursery worker.
I shared that story because that experience taught me to always do my research before I specify a plant. I’m sharing some of my favorite shrubs to plant under windows in this article. Every landscape architect has their ‘go-to’ plants; here are some of mine.
1. The Beauty of 'Rose Creek' Abelia
If you’re looking for a shrub that’s as tough as it is beautiful, ‘Rose Creek’ Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora’ Rose Creek’) is the one for you. This evergreen shrub is known for its compact growth and lovely white flowers that bloom from spring to fall. It’s listed as evergreen but can be affected by cold temperatures in the winter.
The leaves have a glossy, dark green appearance that turns a delightful bronze in the winter. Typically, ‘Rose Creek’ Abelia reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a spread of 3-4 feet.
‘Rose Creek’ Abelia offers a long blooming season, making it a consistent performer in your garden. The white flowers attract pollinators, so bees and butterflies will flutter, adding life and movement to your landscape. Some say it’s fragrant, but it isn’t noticeable.
One of my favorite things about ‘Rose Creek’ Abelia is its adaptability. It tolerates various soil types, which means less worry about perfecting your garden’s soil composition. It thrives in direct sun to partial shade, making placement versatile. Just give it a light pruning to maintain its shape, and you’re golden. This dwarf is one of my favorite shrubs to plant under windows.
2. The Classic Elegance of 'Green Gem' Boxwood
Buxus ‘Green Gem’ is a boxwood variety that perfectly blends formality and function. This evergreen shrub is known for its dense foliage and compact growth characteristics, making it an excellent choice for neatly trimmed hedges or as a standalone feature under your windows. It generally grows to about 2-3 feet in height and width.
Boxwood shrubs have been a staple in gardens for centuries, and for good reason. They’re effortless to shape, making them ideal for creating tidy, formal landscapes. The ‘Green Gem’ variety provides year-round greenery, ensuring your garden looks vibrant even in the depths of winter.
Buxus’ Green Gem’ requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape, which is music to any busy homeowner’s ears. I prefer to leave them alone because they keep the same globe-like shape but are softer-looking. It tolerates various soil types and prefers partial to full sun. Just make sure it gets a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf scorch.
I once had a client who wanted a perfectly manicured garden but had no time for constant upkeep. I specified ‘Green Gem’ Boxwood under their windows, and the transformation was incredible. Not only did it add a touch of elegance, but it also stood up to the occasional neglect, maintaining its pristine appearance year-round.
My only warning about using this plant is like other boxwoods, some people are sensitive to their cat urine smell. Otherwise, it’s an ideal shrub to plant under windows.
3. The Allure of Japanese Skimmia
Japanese Skimmia (Skimmia japonica) is a hidden gem in the world of shrubs. This evergreen beauty boasts fragrant white flowers in spring with gorgeous red berries in the fall, making it a multi-season star.
Its glossy green leaves are a lovely backdrop to the floral and berry displays. Skimmia typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet and spreads about 3-4 feet. What I love most about the plant is that it grows slowly.
Skimmia is particularly valuable for its shade tolerance. This shrub is perfect if you have windows that don’t get much direct sunlight. The ability to thrive in partial to full shade makes it an excellent addition to any garden.
The berries attract birds, adding a lively dynamic to your outdoor space. Plant it in the afternoon shade.
Skimmia prefers well-drained soil, so ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot. It doesn’t need much pruning, just a tidy-up to keep its shape. Water it occasionally, and it will reward you with its stunning display year after year. If you’re looking for shrubs to plant under a window in the shade, this is it.
4. The Charm of Azalea 'Hilda Niblett'
In the DC area, people are ripping out old Azalea plantings everywhere. Folks think of them as old-fashioned. In 2012, an avid gardener client of mine in Greenbelt, Maryland, introduced me to the plant. I noticed a patch of bright green, tall ground cover with delicate leaves in her garden that I didn’t recognize and asked her about. She said it was ‘Hilda Niblett’ Azalea.
I immediately fell in love with the plant; it wasn’t blooming. I had never seen such a dwarf Azalea since I left the South. They can grow ‘Gumpo’ Azaleas (Rhododendron ‘Gumpo’). Most of the Azaleas in the area are in the five-to-seven-foot range.
Azalea’ Hilda Niblett’ (Rhododendron’ Hilda Niblett’) is a deciduous shrub known for its stunning pink flowers and compact size. This azalea is perfect for adding color under your windows, especially in the spring when it’s in full bloom. ‘Hilda Niblett’ typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet and a spread of about 3 feet.
‘Hilda Niblett’ offers a long blooming season and vibrant flowers that can brighten any garden. Its tight, compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, ensuring it won’t overwhelm your window views. The foliage is also attractive, providing interest even when the flowers aren’t blooming.
Azaleas prefer acidic soil, so amend it if it’s too alkaline. They thrive in partial shade, which protects them from the harsh midday sun. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, keeps them healthy and blooming.
5. The Versatility of 'Pia' Hydrangea
Hydrangea’ Pia’ (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pia’) is a delightful, compact hydrangea variety that offers sizeable pink flower clusters and broad leaves. This deciduous shrub is perfect for adding a touch of class and charm to your garden. ‘Pia’ Hydrangea typically grows to about 2-3 feet in height and width.
The ‘Pia’ Hydrangea is known for its long blooming season, making it a standout feature in any garden. Its ability to change flower color based on soil pH adds a fun and unique element to your landscaping. It’s also well-suited for small spaces, ensuring it fits nicely under your windows without crowding them.
Regular watering is vital to keeping hydrangeas happy, especially during dry periods—mulch over the rootball to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Prune dead stems to encourage new growth and maintain their shape.
One of my clients wanted a pop of color under their dining room windows. We planted ‘Pia’ Hydrangeas, and they were thrilled with how the flowers turned a beautiful shade of pink. The hydrangeas became a conversation piece for their garden parties, with guests always asking about them.
They can take a season to look their best on a few of my projects. They can struggle and look weak the first growing season after planting, but if cared for properly, they take off after that.
CONCLUSION
There you have it! To avoid shrubs covering your windows, try these options to create a hassle-free yet stunning garden. And remember, consulting a landscape architect can provide personalized advice to ensure your garden looks its best.
More on small shrubs from Monrovia.
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