Which low maintenance shurb can be planted near a foundation?

Question

Location is in extreme Western Maryland (near PA & WV). I would like to plant some bushes next to the house, to obscure various vents. This is a second home and will not receive regular landscaping care. Additionally, the area is frequented by wildlife, so it has to be deer and bear (!) resistant. Any ideas on which shrubs I should plant?

Answer 1

Wax myrtle and juniper do not need regular landscaping and both are on the list of deer resistent shrubs. If you get enough sun you could also try Scotch Broom (which is very pretty.) Holly & Bayberry are two other choices and both offer year-round interest (as does juniper.)

Answer 2

This is a list of shrubs that require little or no care to achieve their best shape. All tolerate shade well and are evergreen.

Abelia 'Edward Goucher'
Daphne odorata 'Aureomarginata' Variegated winter daphne
Kalmia latifolia 'Minuet' Mountain Laurel
Nandinia domestica 'Gulf Stream' or 'Moon Bay'
Lonicera nitida 'Baggesen's Gold"
Pieris japonica 'Sarabande' 'Valley Fire' 'Variegata' and 'White Cascade' Lily-of-the-Valley-Shrub
Rhododendrons
Pink
'Nobel Mountain', 'Rosa Mundi', 'Verry Berry'
Yellow
'Capistrano', 'Odee Wright'
Red
'Fred Peste' , 'Skookum', 'Vulcan'

Answer 3

Box shrubs. They're easy to maintain and hard to kill.