hardy bushes for front of house

Question

Hello, I live in Chicago and we would like to replace old scraggly shrubs with hardy bushes that don’t need too much TLC. Can you suggest anything? Also how far apart do we plant the bushes? Thank you so much. I’m not in the garden very much, mostly because of my work schedule, but some day I will be a true gardener!

Answer 1

You don't say if they are for the foundation or out in the yard, but I would suggest some evergreens as well as deciduous (drop their leaves in winter) shrubs.

When you purchase plants, the plant tag should tell you how far apart to plant the shrubs. It also should tell you their mature width, so you can go by that as well.

If they are for foundation plantings, be sure to plant them about 3 feet from the house. Many homeowners make the mistake of planting too far under the eaves and the plant gets crowded next to the house.

There are many varieties of yews that are cold hardy and are the most shade tolerant of the evergreens if you have a shady area.

Here are more suggestions:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/flowering-shrubs-for-zone-5.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-5/planting-zone-5-shrubs.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/landscaping-shrubs-for-nearly-any-purpose.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs