Knowledgebase

plant recommendation? #924047

Asked January 29, 2026, 6:03 PM EST

Hi, I'm looking for a recommendation for a small plant for just outside our front door. I looked at your website and was thinking the Julia Jane Boxwood would be good but then I read that it doesn't tolerate wind well and the way our house is situated the wind usually seems to blow toward our front door. The area faces the northwest. It gets both direct sun especially in the summer, and times of complete shade too. Can you recommend something that stays green through the winter and will stay between 1 1/2 to 5 ft? Preferable less than 5 ft or can tolerate pruning off the top to keep it short. Oh and it would be preferable if it didn't flowers or if it did if the flowers were not pink or lavender.

Weld County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello and thanks for contacting us about a small, evergreen shrub. Please see the attached link for recommendations from CSU along with tips for what are the best conditions for your situation. You will see the section on boxwoods – now that you know your location is not the best for boxwoods, you can disregard that section. They are difficult to keep looking nice here in Colorado.


If you see something mentioned that might work, do an online search for pictures (use the full name/Latin name) so you can see pictures of what that plant can look like.


I’m also including a link for tree planting instructions (just in case!).


Don’t hesitate to reply if you have any other questions.


Karin


-evergreen shrubs: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/evergreen-shrubs/


-tree planting steps: https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/tree-planting-steps/


Weld County Colorado Master Gardeners Replied February 03, 2026, 10:02 PM EST

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