Imagine driving up to your home and feeling an instant sense of pride and joy. That’s the power of curb appeal. Your home’s exterior is the first thing you and your guests see, and it sets the tone for the entire property. One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal is by using exterior house plants. These green beauties can transform your outdoor spaces in an instant, creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Why Exterior House Plants Matter for Your Outdoor Space
Enhancing Curb Appeal and First Impressions
Your home’s exterior is like a first impression—it sets the stage for what’s to come. By incorporating exterior house plants, you can instantly boost your home’s curb appeal and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These plants add colour, texture, and life to your outdoor spaces, making your home stand out in the best possible way.
Improving Home Value with Attractive Landscaping
Did you know that attractive landscaping can increase your home’s value? It’s true! Potential buyers are often willing to pay more for a home with a well-maintained and visually appealing exterior. By using exterior house plants to create a stunning landscape, you can not only enjoy your outdoor spaces but also potentially increase your home’s resale value.
Environmental Benefits: Air Quality, Temperature Regulation, and Pollinator Support
Exterior house plants aren’t just beautiful—they also offer a range of environmental benefits. They help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. They can also help regulate temperature, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Plus, many exterior house plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and promoting biodiversity.
Psychological Benefits: Stress Relief, Mood Enhancement, and Outdoor Enjoyment
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. By creating an inviting outdoor space with exterior house plants, you can enjoy these psychological benefits right at home. Whether you’re relaxing on your porch or tending to your garden, being surrounded by greenery can help you feel calmer, happier, and more connected to nature.
Top Exterior House Plants to Elevate Your Home’s Look
Evergreen Shrubs
Examples: Boxwood, Holly, Juniper
Evergreen shrubs are a fantastic choice for exterior house plants because they provide year-round greenery and structure. Boxwood, Holly, and Juniper are all excellent options that can thrive in a variety of climates.
Benefits: Year-Round Greenery, Structure, Low Maintenance
One of the most significant advantages of evergreen shrubs is their ability to maintain a lush, green appearance year-round. They provide a consistent backdrop for your other exterior house plants and add structure and permanence to your landscape. Plus, many evergreen shrubs are relatively low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for busy homeowners.
Ideal Uses: Foundation Planting, Hedges, Borders
Evergreen shrubs are incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal. They’re perfect for foundation planting, helping to soften the transition between your home and the surrounding landscape. They can also be used to create hedges or borders, defining different areas of your outdoor space and adding a sense of order and organisation.
Flowering Perennials
Examples: Hydrangea, Lavender, Coneflower
If you’re looking to add a burst of colour to your outdoor spaces, flowering perennials are the way to go. Hydrangea, Lavender, and Coneflower are all stunning options that come back year after year, providing reliable beauty and charm.
Benefits: Seasonal Colour Bursts, Attracts Pollinators
One of the most significant advantages of flowering perennials is their ability to provide seasonal colour bursts. Depending on the variety you choose, these plants can bloom in spring, summer, or fall, adding a touch of vibrancy to your landscape. They’re also great for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and adding life to your outdoor spaces.
Design Tips for Layering Height and Colour
When using flowering perennials in your exterior landscape, it’s essential to consider layering height and colour for maximum impact. Plant taller varieties towards the back of your beds and shorter ones towards the front to create a sense of depth and dimension. You can also mix and match colours and textures to create a visually interesting, dynamic display.
Ornamental Grasses
Examples: Fountain Grass, Blue Fescue
If you’re looking to add texture and movement to your exterior landscape, ornamental grasses are a fantastic choice. Fountain Grass and Blue Fescue are both stunning options that can add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your outdoor spaces.
Benefits: Texture, Movement, Drought Tolerance
One of the most significant advantages of ornamental grasses is their ability to add texture and movement to your landscape. They sway in the breeze, creating a sense of life and energy in your outdoor spaces. Many ornamental grasses are also drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for water-wise gardening.
How and Where to Plant for Maximum Effect
When planting ornamental grasses, it’s essential to consider their mature size and growth habits. Plant them in areas where they have room to spread out and sway in the breeze. They can be used as standalone specimens, in mass plantings, or as part of a mixed border. Just be sure to give them the space they need to reach their full potential.
Succulents and Drought-Tolerant Plants
Examples: Agave, Sedum, Aloe Vera
If you live in a dry climate or want to create a low-maintenance landscape, succulents and drought-tolerant plants are the way to go. Agave, Sedum, and Aloe Vera are all fantastic options that can thrive with minimal water and care.
Benefits: Withstand Dry Climates, Unique Shapes
One of the most significant advantages of succulents and drought-tolerant plants is their ability to withstand dry climates. They store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive with minimal irrigation. They also come in a wide range of unique shapes and sizes, adding visual interest and diversity to your exterior landscape.
Creative Container and Garden Bed Ideas
Succulents and drought-tolerant plants are incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways to enhance your outdoor spaces. They’re perfect for container gardens, allowing you to move them around and create eye-catching displays. They can also be used in garden beds, either as standalone specimens or as part of a mixed planting scheme. Get creative and experiment with different arrangements to find the perfect look for your home.
Climbing Plants and Vines
Examples: Clematis, Trumpet Vine, Climbing Roses
If you want to add vertical interest and soften your home’s facade, climbing plants and vines are the way to go. Clematis, Trumpet Vine, and Climbing Roses are all stunning options that can add a touch of romance and elegance to your exterior landscape.
Uses: Façade Softening, Vertical Interest, Privacy
One of the most significant advantages of climbing plants and vines is their ability to soften the facade of your home. They can cover unsightly walls, fences, or trellises, adding a touch of greenery and life to your outdoor spaces. They also provide vertical interest, drawing the eye upward and adding a sense of height and dimension to your landscape. Plus, many climbing plants and vines can be used to create privacy screens, shielding your outdoor spaces from prying eyes.
How to Choose the Right Exterior House Plant for Your Climate and Soil
When selecting exterior house plants for your home, consider your local climate and soil conditions. This will help ensure that your plants thrive and reach their full potential.
Understanding Your USDA Hardiness Zone
The first step in choosing the right exterior house plants is to determine your USDA hardiness zone. This will give you an idea of the average minimum winter temperature in your area, which is crucial for selecting plants that can survive and thrive in your climate. You can easily find your hardiness zone by entering your zip code into the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Soil Types and Drainage Considerations
In addition to your hardiness zone, consider your soil type and drainage when selecting exterior house plants. Different plants have different soil preferences, so it’s helpful to know whether your soil is sandy, loamy, or clay-based. You should also assess the drainage in your planting areas, as some plants prefer well-drained soil while others can tolerate wetter conditions.
Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Shade Plants
Another key factor to consider when choosing exterior house plants is sunlight exposure. Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade or full shade. Take note of how much sunlight your planting areas receive throughout the day, and choose plants that are well-suited to those conditions.
Tips for Local Nursery Consultation and Testing Soil Quality
If you’re unsure about your local climate, soil, or sunlight conditions, don’t hesitate to consult with a local nursery or extension service. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on your specific location. You can also test your soil quality using a home testing kit or by sending a sample to a lab for analysis. This will give you a better understanding of your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, allowing you to make informed decisions about which plants to choose and how to care for them.
Design Tips for Using Exterior House Plants to Boost Curb Appeal
Now that you’ve selected the right exterior house plants for your home, it’s time to start designing your landscape. Here are some tips to help you create a stunning and cohesive outdoor space that boosts your curb appeal.
Creating Focal Points with Colour and Height Contrast
One of the most effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal is by creating focal points in your exterior landscape. Use colour and contrast in height to draw the eye to specific areas or features. For example, you could plant a tall, colourful flowering shrub next to your front door to create a welcoming focal point. Or you could use a mix of low-growing groundcovers and taller ornamental grasses to create a layered, visually interesting display.
Balancing Structure with Softness in Planting Schemes
When designing your exterior landscape, it’s essential to strike a balance between structure and softness. Evergreen shrubs and ornamental grasses can provide a sense of structure and permanence, while flowering perennials and climbing plants can add a touch of softness and romance. Mix and match plant types to create a harmonious, visually appealing display.
Combining Plants with Hardscape Elements like Walkways and Lighting
Your exterior house plants don’t exist in a vacuum—they’re part of a larger landscape that includes hardscape elements like walkways, patios, and lighting. When designing your outdoor spaces, consider how your plants will interact with these elements. Use plants to soften walkway edges or create a sense of flow and continuity between areas. You can also use lighting to highlight your plants and create a warm and inviting atmosphere after dark.
Seasonal Interest Planning for Year-Round Beauty
To keep your exterior landscape looking beautiful year-round, it’s essential to plan for seasonal interest. Choose a mix of plants that bloom or provide visual interest at different times of the year. For example, you could plant early-blooming bulbs like tulips and daffodils for spring colour, followed by summer-blooming perennials like coneflowers and hydrangeas. In the fall, you could add in ornamental grasses and shrubs with colourful foliage, and in winter, evergreen plants will provide a welcome burst of greenery.
Essential Care Tips for Maintaining Healthy Exterior House Plants
Once you’ve selected and planted your exterior house plants, it’s essential to provide them with the care they need to thrive. Here are some critical tips to help you maintain healthy and beautiful plants.
Watering Best Practices for Different Plant Types
Different exterior house plants have different watering needs, so it’s essential to tailor your watering practices to each type. In general, most plants prefer deep, infrequent watering rather than light, frequent watering. This encourages deep root growth and helps the plants withstand drought. Be sure to water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. And always check the soil moisture before watering—if it’s still moist, hold off until it dries out a bit.
Soil Amendments and Mulching Benefits
To help your exterior house plants thrive, it’s a good idea to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve soil structure, fertility, and drainage, creating a more hospitable environment for your plants. You should also consider mulching around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like wood chips or shredded leaves are a great choice, as they break down over time and add nutrients to the soil.
Pruning and Deadheading Tips for Sustained Flowering and Shape
Regular pruning and deadheading can help keep your exterior house plants looking their best. Prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain plant health and encourage new growth. You can also prune to shape your plants and control their size. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can help promote more blooms and keep your plants looking tidy. Just be sure to use clean, sharp tools and make clean cuts to minimise damage to the plant.
Pest and Disease Prevention Strategies Naturally
To keep your exterior house plants healthy and pest-free, it’s important to practice preventive measures. Start by choosing disease-resistant plant varieties and providing them with optimal growing conditions. Keep your plants well-watered and fertilised, and avoid overcrowding to promote good air circulation. You can also use natural pest control methods, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects, to keep pests at bay. And always keep an eye out for early signs of disease or infestation, addressing any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting and Caring for Exterior House Plants
While exterior house plants can be a fantastic way to boost your home’s curb appeal, there are some common mistakes to avoid when selecting and caring for them.
Overwatering or Underwatering
One of the most common mistakes people make with exterior house plants is overwatering or underwatering. Both can be harmful to plants, causing root rot or drought stress. To avoid this, water your plants deeply but infrequently, and always check the soil moisture before watering.
Choosing Plants Unsuitable for Local Conditions
Another common mistake is choosing plants that aren’t well-suited to your local climate or soil conditions. This can lead to poor growth, disease, or even the plant’s death. To avoid this, research your local hardiness zone, soil type, and sunlight exposure, and choose plants well-adapted to those conditions.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Exterior house plants require regular maintenance and inspection to keep them looking their best. Neglecting this can lead to overgrown, unhealthy plants that detract from your home’s curb appeal. To avoid this, make sure to prune, deadhead, and fertilise your plants regularly, and keep an eye out for any signs of pests or disease.
Overcrowding and Poor Spacing
Finally, overcrowding and poor spacing can be a big mistake when it comes to exterior house plants. When plants are too close together, they can compete for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, leading to poor growth and reduced health. To avoid this, make sure to space your plants according to their mature size, and give them room to grow and thrive.
