You landscaping can be much more stylish if you use foundation plants. These will cover the lower, unfinished portions of your home, while also adding definition to the hardscaping of your yard. You can plant foundation covers that mark off your pathways and add style to your front and backyard. The best type of foundation plants are those that are thick, can be sculpted, require little water, and are easy to keep alive. Evergreens are definitely the way to go. This article explains why English boxwoods and Chinese holly are both ideal for foundation plants.

English Boxwood

English boxwood is a very popular evergreen species for all sorts of foundation cover. It is healthiest in well-drained soil, but it can thrive in most climates with very little attention. It has very thick and dense foliage, making it very easy to sculpt. The unique shape of the leafs and bright blossoms (usually white or red, depending on the subspecies) make English boxwood a beautiful choice. As you might have guessed by the name, boxwoods can be sculpted with sharp corners and straight, defined edges. It is so grows very slowly, so it is easy to take care of. You won't need to hire professional landscapers to keep up your shaped boxwoods.

Chinese Holly

Chinese holly is very similar to English boxwood when it comes to usage as a foundation plant or hedge. It is an evergreen that doesn't need much maintenance or watering. The overall shape of Chinese holly bushes is rounder, rather than square like boxwoods. The waxy holly leaves are hearty and they won't stain concrete or cause a big mess. Chinese holly has a distinct leave shape and red blossoms that is quite iconic. These are often associated with Christmas. Your trimming can be made into garland during the holidays. It remains a very useful and practical foundation plant for any property. Certain species of Chinses holly can grow be over 6' tall. There are popular dwarf species that are great for residential hedging.

Chinese holly and English boxwood are very common and sold at most landscape supply and home improvement stores. They are obviously very similar to each other in many ways, but they are both great for foundation plants and hedging. In conclusion, English Boxwoods are more structural and can be easily shaped to create rigid lines. Chinese hollies are better if you want a more natural, rounder look.

For more information, contact a company like DeClue & Sons Tree Care, Inc.