Plants for Front Yard Landscaping

Paprika Yarrow

• Paprika yarrow is also known by the names milfoil, staunchweed, sanguinary, thousandleaf and soldier's woundwort. The scientific name is achillea millefolium. It is a drought-resistant perennial that reaches an average height of 18 to 24 inches. It is winter-hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. It grows best in full sun to partial shade. It blooms in late summer to early fall and has red-orange flowers. In some areas, this plant is considered an invasive weed. It attracts bees, butterflies and birds. Yarrow is poisonous to humans and animals and as a result it is resistant to deer and rabbits. This plant can be propagated either by dividing the root ball, or growing it from seed.

Lilac

• This plant is known by the names lilac, common lilac, french lilac and Syringa vulgaris. It is a shrub that reaches an average height of 8 to 10 feet. It can be cultivated best in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. It has smooth-textured, deciduous foliage and lavender or violet blooms known for their fragrant aroma. This plant displays blooms from late spring into early summer. This plant is popular in landscaping due to its ability to attract birds, butterflies and bees. Lilac will thrive in full sun. It has average water needs and cannot tolerate over-watering. This plant can be propagated by grafting, rooting stem cuttings, growing from seed or air layering.

Weeping Willow

• The weeping willow is a tree commonly used in residential landscaping. Having trees in your yard not only creates shade for plants that cannot tolerate full sun, it can also cut down on your energy bill if they are tall enough to block direct sunlight from hitting your house. Weeping willows reach heights of 30 to 40 feet, and it some cases much more. They can survive in USDA hardiness zones 6 though 9. They thrive in full sun, and have higher-than-average water needs. When choosing a spot for this tree, take care to avoid septic tanks and water lines, as the willow is notorious for breaking into subterranean fixtures.