What to Plant in Front of Low Windows

When it comes to landscaping, choosing the right plants for your front yard can greatly enhance your home's curb appeal. However, if your home has low windows, you'll want to be strategic about your plant selection to avoid blocking natural light or obstructing views. Here, we'll explore what to plant in front of low windows to create a balanced, inviting landscape.

Firstly, consider plants that are low-growing and have a compact shape. These plants won't block your windows or grow too tall, allowing plenty of sunlight to filter into your home. Let's delve into some excellent options for your front yard.

Low-Growing Shrubs

Shrubs are a great choice for adding structure and texture to your landscape. When selecting shrubs for in front of low windows, opt for varieties that stay compact and have a mounding or rounded growth habit.

Here are two excellent low-growing shrub options:

Boxwood (Buxus)

Boxwood is a classic choice for formal gardens and can be easily maintained into neat hedges or topiaries. Its dense, evergreen foliage provides excellent privacy and screening. Opt for compact varieties like 'Green Mound' or 'Justin Brouwers' that typically grow to be 2-3 feet tall and wide.

Boxwood is versatile and can be used to create beautiful edging, borders, or even low hedges that frame your windows without blocking them.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea)

Hydrangeas are beloved for their beautiful flowers that can change color based on soil pH. For low windows, choose compact varieties like 'Annabelle' or 'Invincibelle Spirit' that grow to be 3-5 feet tall and wide. These hydrangeas produce stunning, rounded clusters of white or pink flowers that contrast beautifully with their dark green foliage.

Hydrangeas are deciduous, meaning they'll lose their leaves in the fall, allowing sunlight to stream into your home during the colder months.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread out to form a dense mat, suppressing weeds and adding texture to your landscape. They're perfect for planting in front of low windows as they won't grow tall enough to block your view or sunlight.

Consider these two ground cover options:

Lamium (Lamium maculatum)

Also known as dead nettle, Lamium is a beautiful, low-growing perennial with white or purple flowers and attractive, heart-shaped leaves. It grows to be only 6-12 inches tall and spreads up to 18 inches wide, making it an excellent choice for planting in front of low windows.

Lamium is easy to grow and maintains a neat, tidy appearance with minimal maintenance. It's also a great source of nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea')

Creeping Jenny is a vibrant, low-growing perennial with glossy, golden-green leaves and small, yellow flowers. It grows to be just 2-4 inches tall and spreads aggressively, forming a dense mat that's perfect for covering large areas quickly.

Creeping Jenny is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for planting in front of low windows. Its bright, cheerful foliage adds a pop of color to your landscape and contrasts beautifully with darker-hued plants.

When selecting plants for in front of low windows, consider factors like growth habit, mature size, and maintenance requirements. Opt for plants that complement your home's architecture and add visual interest to your landscape. With the right plant choices, you can create a beautiful, well-balanced front yard that enhances your home's curb appeal while allowing plenty of natural light to filter into your windows.