Plants are the perfect way to boost curb appeal. Whether you choose annuals, perennials or shrubs, they smarten up any entryway and make it feel like there's no place like home! To get started, choose a planter. Look for one that complements your home’s style and color, and make sure it’s large enough to make a statement and be seen from the street. Then, pay attention to how much light your entryway receives: Full sun is six or more hours of direct sun, while part sun is about half that. Shade means the area doesn’t get any direct sun at all, which may be the case if you have a portico or overhang above your front door. Next, choose plants that can handle your specific sun/shade conditions.
You can go a few different ways with design: Opt for flowers of a single color for maximum impact. Or, mix and match types of plants, combining upright forms with those that spill over the edges. Shrubs also work well in containers for a more formal appearance, but make sure they can survive winters in your USDA Hardiness Zone. Transplant potted shrubs to the ground in fall, or keep them in an unheated shelter such as a garage during the winter. It’s a necessary step, because potted shrubs aren’t as tough during winters as those in ground (because the roots can freeze). Another option is to choose shrubs that are one to two hardiness zones tougher than yours. For example, if you live in Zone 5, choose one that’s hardy to Zones 3 or 4.
Here are a few of our favorite front door plants to dress up any entryway.
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1
Marigold
These old-fashioned annuals come in a variety of bright, cheery colors such as gold, orange, and creamy white. Stick with taller varieties. Marigolds survive heat and dry spells and bloom until frost, so they’re just about the perfect low-maintenance flower. Pinch off spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Needs full sun.
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2
Sweet Alyssum
The honey-scented diminutive blooms of this low-growing annual make it a delightful plant. Sweet alyssum is gorgeous cascading from containers, but make sure it gets enough sun so it continues to bloom. Mix it in with taller plantings, if you like, though it shines on its own, too. Needs full sun, but will take afternoon shade.
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3
Begonia
Begonias come in a huge array of colors and sizes, and these annuals don’t need to be deadheaded to continue blooming. Some types are grown for their beautiful foliage. Needs mostly shade.
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4
Angelonia
Tiny snapdragon-type flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple make this annual an adorable addition to any planter. Angelonia comes in cascading and upright types, which range in height from 18 to 40 inches tall. Needs full sun.
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5
Hydrangea
Hydrangea shrubs come in a dizzying array of sizes and varieties and work in almost every climate. For pots, the paniculata types do particularly well. Needs at least six hours of sun to bloom.
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6
Coleus
The gorgeous textures and colors of coleus, grown for its striking foliage, range from chartreuse and burgundy to deep red and rust. Read the label, because some varieties prefer sun while some need afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
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7
Fuchsia
This exotic-looking annual attracts butterflies and hummingbirds with its stunning flowers in shades of red, purple, or pink. Needs full shade.
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8
Ferns
Ferns come in many different shapes and sizes, but they always look elegant flanking a doorway in pots or hanging baskets. They can be planted in ground in the fall, if they’re a variety that can survive in your hardiness zone. Need full shade.
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9
Caladium
The large heart-shaped leaves and splashy pinks and greens make this an eye-catching plant for your front door. They’re tropical, so they love the heat. In cooler climates, bring them indoors in fall to enjoy as a houseplant. Need mostly shade.
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10
Sweet Potato Vine
This vigorous annual loves the heat, and its pretty leaves come in varying shades of chartreuse and burgundy. It’s attractive planted with other plants to tumble over the pot edges, but get a large container because it needs room to stretch. Needs part to full sun, with more intense color in full sun.
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11
Dwarf Butterfly Bush
This charming shrub keeps on blooming all summer long, attracting butterflies (of course!) and other pollinators. Plant it in ground at the end of the season. Needs full sun.
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12
Euphorbia
Clouds of dainty white flowers cover this plant, which comes in varying heights from 12 to 36 inches, all season long. It looks delicate, but it’s a tough-as-nails annual that tolerates heat and drought. Needs part sun to sun.
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13
Shrub Rose
Shrub roses, also called landscape roses, make a lovely addition to your front entrance. And they’re not as picky as you think! Look for newer hybrids which bloom all season, don’t need deadheaded, and are more disease-resistant. In cold climates, plant in ground, though they will do fine in pots in warmer climates during winter. Full sun.
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14
Ornamental Grasses
Tall stately ornamental grasses are striking in pots, and they add modern drama and high style to any entryway. They’re drought tolerant. Need full sun.
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15
Lavender
Silvery foliage, pretty purple-blue spikes of flowers, and a light scent make lavender a romantic front porch addition. Plant in ground in fall unless you live in a warm climate. Needs full sun.
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16
Boxwood
If you’re looking for a classic entryway plant, boxwood is the answer. Tiny, glossy leaves make this evergreen the perfect choice for a more formal setting. Look for types that hold their rounded shape so you won’t have to shear. Needs part to full sun.
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17
Mandevilla
This climbing vine, which needs a trellis for support, has large flowers in pink, red, white, and yellow and adores heat. It blooms all summer long until frost. Mandevilla is considered a frost-tender evergreen, meaning it will overwinter in warm climates but is treated as an annual in cooler climates. Needs part to full sun.
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18
Heuchera
The frilly-edged leaves and bright colors of these perennials look smashing in containers. The flowers are inconsequential, but the foliage in every shade from burgundy to purple to green to nearly black is stunning! Plant them in ground after the season is over. It’s versatile and takes either sun or shade.
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19
Arborvitae
Arbs are super cold-hardy and low maintenance evergreens. Look for dwarf varieties or those with a neat, rounded shape to add flair to your entry. Needs part to full sun.
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20
Cuphea
This pretty annual, also called firecracker plant, has bright red or orange tubular flowers that hummingbirds cannot resist. Cuphea blooms all summer and loves the heat. Needs full sun.
