Best Shrubs for East-Facing House Sides

When it comes to landscaping your home, the east side often presents unique challenges due to sun exposure and potential wind. However, with the right shrubs, you can create a lush, inviting space that thrives in these conditions. Let's explore some of the best shrubs for the east side of your house.

East-facing yards typically receive morning sun and afternoon shade, with varying levels of wind depending on your location. This means choosing shrubs that can tolerate some heat and wind, while still providing the desired aesthetic and functionality.

Evergreen Shrubs for Wind Protection and Privacy

Evergreens are excellent choices for the east side of your house, as they provide year-round privacy, wind protection, and a sturdy framework for your landscape.

Evergreens also help to filter out dust and pollen, improving air quality around your home. Plus, their dense foliage creates a welcoming environment for birds and other wildlife.

Arborvitae (Thuja) Varieties

Arborvitae, also known as Thuja, is a popular choice for privacy screens and windbreaks. Their dense, evergreen foliage provides excellent coverage, and they grow well in partial shade. Some popular varieties for the east side include 'Emerald Green' and 'American Pillar'.

Emerald Green Arborvitae grows up to 15 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for taller screens or hedges. American Pillar, on the other hand, grows up to 12 feet tall but only 3 feet wide, perfect for narrower spaces or as a standalone accent.

Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen that can quickly create a dense screen or windbreak. It tolerates partial shade and grows well in various soil types. Its narrow growth habit makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces or as a tall hedge.

Leyland Cypress can grow up to 60-80 feet tall, but it's typically maintained at a height of 15-25 feet for privacy screens. Keep in mind that it requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size.

Deciduous Shrubs for Seasonal Interest and Color

Deciduous shrubs offer beautiful seasonal interest, with vibrant flowers in spring, lush foliage in summer, and stunning fall colors. They also allow more sunlight to reach your home in winter, helping to warm your space.

When choosing deciduous shrubs for the east side of your house, look for varieties that can tolerate some heat and wind, and provide a mix of colors and textures throughout the seasons.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea) Varieties

Hydrangeas are beloved for their stunning, long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage. They prefer partial shade but can tolerate more sun on the east side of your house. Some popular varieties include 'Annabelle', 'Invincibelle Spirit', and 'Endless Summer'.

Annabelle Hydrangea produces large, white flower clusters that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. Invincibelle Spirit is a compact variety with pinkish-white flowers that rebloom throughout the summer. Endless Summer Hydrangea is known for its ability to produce flowers from spring until fall, even in partial shade.

Rhododendron (Rhododendron) Varieties

Rhododendrons are elegant, broad-leaved evergreens that produce showy flowers in spring. They prefer partial shade but can tolerate more sun on the east side of your house. Some popular varieties include 'Nova Zembla', 'PJM Elite', and 'PJM Polly'.

Nova Zembla is a compact, early-blooming variety with lavender-pink flowers. PJM Elite is a popular choice for its hardiness, disease resistance, and vibrant purple-pink blooms. PJM Polly is a dwarf variety that produces clusters of pinkish-white flowers.

By selecting a mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs for the east side of your house, you can create a beautiful, functional landscape that thrives in your unique environment. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties and colors to create a space that reflects your personal style. Happy planting!