Need ideas for shrubs/bushes Zone 6a (or 6b depending)

[angelwing]

We are currently going to destroy what we have out front and the hubby wants to put bushes in the front of the house, then we are getting rid of the other bushes and putting plants there (the peple who used to live here had it backwards and it looks like..well crap)so I need some ideas:) He wants bushes that dont grow higher than 3 feet as they will be infront of the living room windows, I was thinking Azelas maybe.

Any ideas on what type of bushed? The front gets about 5 hours or a little more of sun since it faces west and we live in SE PA and we were changed to zone 6a (or 6 b) so any help would be greatly appreciated!

[weathermom]

Azaleas are nice and look beautiful in the spring, just be careful of variety, some can grow quite large.

One smaller bush I like is the "my monet" wiegelia, it has variegated leaves and gets flowers on it in the spring. It is a dwarf variety and supposedly only gets to 18" ( we will see). This may not be as big as you want.

We have had several bushes get bigger than we wanted and have had to move them and try again for smaller ones. I guess you really need to read up on growth and pruning to keep them from getting too big. We have had barberry, euonymus, daphne, and holly all get too big. I think they would have been fine if i had kept up with the pruning.

I am in North Jersey, so all that I mentioned will be ok in your zone also.

[angelwing]

TYVM!

[CajunMama]

There are some Encore Azalea's that can be planted in your zone. Encore Azalea's bloom for 3 out of the 4 seasons.

See all the beautiful Encore Azalea's

[angelwing]

TY! I hope to be planting my eggplant, tomatoes, ornamental corn, peppers and I forget what else this weekend that I have started from seeds, and also want to hit the nursery too to see what they have

Thanks again!

[CajunMama]

AW, I got some Encore Azalea's from Lowe's and also Walmart. The ones I got at Walmart last week were 50% off...$5.44/bush. Maybe you can get lucky too!

[angelwing]

Thanks CM, the Walmart here is not the greatest, but I am planning to go to Lowes for other things I'll check there

[Pburgh]

Japonica Pieris
This is my favorite!! It's great for our area. It looks terrific in the Winter and blooms in the spring with flowers that look like lily of the valley. It has shiny green leaves and all the new grow is bright red and looks like a flower. It can be pruned back and shaped any way. It's drought tolerant. You will love it!!! Google it and you too will fall in love with it. Great Plant!!

[angelwing]

Wow, thank you! I do like it, now to find it!