Hi all,

Looking for recommendations for a taller shrub or evergreen plant for the front of my house in the corner. I'd like something that will be an architectural anchor of sorts, so I would like it to be evergreen if possible. The front of the house is east facing, so it gets sun in the morning until about 12-1pm. Drought tolerant is a plus! Very rooty or large roots that travel is a negative since it will be close to the house. This will replace one of the nandinas that we just pulled out.

Kim

Maybe an evergreen Ilex? Ilex crenata might be more architectural than you are looking for, but it's evergreen. I like it better when there is more than one plant, but that's just my preference. There's another holly that gets tallish without being huge. Shiny leaves without the prickles, but still has red berries. I used to visit a house that had one growing and it was an easy care plant that was trimmed up like a small tree about 8' and that's where it stayed. Pretty much was left on its own, but I don't know which Ilex it was.

A Texas Mountain Laurel or female Yaupon holly would have some seasonal interest and I think both grow well in your area. They are two of my favorite plants.

Thanks for the suggestions! I never considered a holly...I will look into those. I plan on incorporating some rosemary and salvias in the front as well, so that might work well actually. I have a mountain laurel in the front yard already, one of the first things I planted.

How about a Camilla?

A cultivar of Camellia I might specifically recommend would be "Yuletide". It is a pyramidal growing variety with a very long blooming period. The flowers are single, intense red with a bright yellow center. It would meet all your needs- evergreen, dense growth, upright shape and potential to get all and prefers part shade. It has a very formal look to it- making it a good choice for a an anchor on a corner.
If you like a tropical look, you might consider a Windmill Palm. They do terrific in a part shade location, in fact, they often look better that way than when grown in full Sun. It is a real "statement" plant.

My concern about a Camellia, is that Seguin may be too far west for it to thrive. I believe they prefer acidic soil and more rainfall and higher humidity than it might receive there. My test is to look at what your neighbors are growing successfully and also what is available in a good local nursery.