Landscaping ideas for Mentor ohio - Ask Extension
I have old boxwoods growing along my front porch I want to replace with something low and slow growing. It faces south.
I live in Mentor Ohio
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Landscaping ideas for Mentor ohio #929063
Asked April 21, 2026, 8:35 AM EDT
I have old boxwoods growing along my front porch I want to replace with something low and slow growing. It faces south.
I live in Mentor Ohio
Any suggestions?
Lake County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi,
I'm not sure if you only want shrubs but I'll include a few ornamental grasses in case you might be interested in those. Or you might want to alternate shrubs & grasses. I'll give you a list that you can google and then get back to me if you have any questions.
Here are some ideas:
1. Dwarf hydrangea - there are many; one is the cultivar 'Bobo'.
2. St John's Wort - Hypericum kalmianum
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/kalm_stjohn.html
3. Itea virginica 'Little Henry'
4. Dwarf ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) - this can get up to 5' so might be too tall for you.
5. Dwarf viburnum - many many from which to choose.
6. Dwarf aronia (common name is chokeberry). They have pinkish white flowers and some have red berries & some have black berries.
Of course, if you want evergreen shrubs, there are dwarf arborvitae, dwarf abelia, 'Nana' Dwarf Balsam Fir, Gem Box Inkberry Holly, dwarf juniper, dwarf spruce.
I also have some short ornamental grasses: Elijah Blue fescue, Pennisetum Bergundy Bunny, Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis).
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Barb
I'm not sure if you only want shrubs but I'll include a few ornamental grasses in case you might be interested in those. Or you might want to alternate shrubs & grasses. I'll give you a list that you can google and then get back to me if you have any questions.
Here are some ideas:
1. Dwarf hydrangea - there are many; one is the cultivar 'Bobo'.
2. St John's Wort - Hypericum kalmianum
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/kalm_stjohn.html
3. Itea virginica 'Little Henry'
4. Dwarf ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) - this can get up to 5' so might be too tall for you.
5. Dwarf viburnum - many many from which to choose.
6. Dwarf aronia (common name is chokeberry). They have pinkish white flowers and some have red berries & some have black berries.
Of course, if you want evergreen shrubs, there are dwarf arborvitae, dwarf abelia, 'Nana' Dwarf Balsam Fir, Gem Box Inkberry Holly, dwarf juniper, dwarf spruce.
I also have some short ornamental grasses: Elijah Blue fescue, Pennisetum Bergundy Bunny, Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis).
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Barb
