Can I Plant Euonymus Near the House That Won't Be Bad for the Foundation?

Moisture

• The main concern for planting shrubs near a foundation is that excess moisture can seep into the foundation, causing damage. Fortunately, euonymus is fairly drought tolerant once established and rarely need supplemental watering. Plant euonymus five feet from the home's foundation to reduce the risk of moisture even further. Grade the soil so water drains away and install rain gutters, as well. Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of wood chip mulch to conserve moisture, reducing the need for watering, but leave a 12-inch space next to the house to deter insects from entering the house.

Size

• When selecting euonymus for the foundation, consider the size of the mature plant. Burning bush euonymus may grow 12 feet or higher, taking on a treelike appearance. This plant won't damage the foundation, but can overwhelm the space and block windows and doors. Try Compacta, a dwarf burning bush variety that stays under 6 feet high, or the small evergreen varieties, such as Euonymus fortunei.

Aesthetics

• When selecting euonymus for the foundation, consider aesthetics, as well. Evergreen euonymus is a common choice and looks attractive layered with other shrubs and perennials. Wintergreen euonymus is a creeping ground cover that forms a dense mat under shrubs and large perennials. Some varieties are variegated white or yellow.

Root Damage

• Concerns over roots damaging a foundation are generally unfounded, according to the New Mexico State University Extension. Euonymus shrubs have small roots, incapable of damaging foundations, and even large tree roots will grow away from a foundation unless moisture is present in the foundation. By keeping a dry zone near the house, you'll encourage plants' roots to grow elsewhere.

Recommendations

• Select euonymus adapted for your region. Japanese euonymus, for example, is only hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 7. Pay attention to the mature size of the shrub, selecting plants that grow 5 feet high or less. Combine euonymus with other drought-tolerant deciduous and evergreen shrubs, such as arborvitae, sage, juniper or snowberry, for a low-water planting that will keep the foundation dry.