Need ideas for low-maintenance full sun plants.
We just replaced our 42-yr-old subdivision sign. It had shrubs all around it but they were too tall and full of weeds. The man who was tasked with cutting them much lower botched it and after this photo was taken, he dug up what little was left. Now it looks very barren. This sign is smaller than the old one so doesn't fill the space the previous one did. It's in full sun.
We want to plant something that's VERY low-maintenance on the front and back side (both show from the road) that will look nice all year long. Maybe some shrubs that won't grow taller than about 3.5 ft would work well. Flowers would be pretty, but only part of the year and would need more care, so we think shrubs of some kind -- maybe with colorful foliage or interesting leaves, etc. -- would do the trick. This is in metro Atlanta.
Also, we have only a small amt to spend so we need to consider the cost. Any suggestions, bearing in mind the stipulations? Once the wood has dried sufficiently (in the spring), we're going to seal the wood and leave the natural color.

Here's a link form the University of Georgia Extension. It looks like Boxwoods are recommended. Take a look for more ideas:
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B625&title=Landscape%20Plants%20for%20Georgia#title7
Sounds like you might be looking for an evergreen shrub so you have year round foliage.
https://www.gardendesign.com/shrubs/evergreen.html
If you are looking for fast growing shrubs:
https://www.gardenloversclub.com/plant-finder/shrubs/privacy-shrubs/
Blooming shrubs:
https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g25414973/best-flowering-shrubs/
What about hosta. Many varieties, and colors, no maintenance except cut dead leaves off in the fall.
I have mine in the sun and they do fine.
How about a trip to your local nursery and see what they recommend? They know what will work in you area and can come up with some reasonable suggestions.
Geraniums in most any color would look great or even an assortment of colors would work. They love sunshine and don't take too much care.
Hi Louise, here re a couple of ideas
‘Ruby’ Loropetalum
Every commercial retail space needs some great foundation plants that offer good, solid coverage.
Enter ‘Ruby’ loropetalum. This sun-loving shrub is possibly one of the smallest of the loropetalum varieties with a compact, rounded form that grows 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide but can be pruned shorter.
Its unusual clusters of pink fringe flowers bloom year-round, accompanying the shiny, ruby red young leaves. This brilliant color can certainly add variety and pizazz to the landscape.
https://medium.com/@FastTreeRemovalServicesAtlanta/6-colorful-plants-trees-and-shrubs-for-your-atlanta-ga-fall-yard-aa0123f8a2b3
Hi Louise, here's a few beautiful ones you can plant under your sign - https://www.fromhousetohome.com/garden/full-sun-perennials/
Hello,
I would tend to go to the Garden Centre or Look up in a book for low growing evergreen shrubs that flower. You could surround the area with Large rocks, or plant up Climbing plants either side of the upright poles and let them scramble up. Best wishes.
Here's a post that might help https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/low-maintenance-plants-for-easy-landscaping-pictures
Hello. Where are you located?
That would determine the best plant materials to suggest. Most plants success depend on their hardness to geographic planting zones presenting weather conditions. This information could give us more clue to give you the best suggestions for plant success!
Additionally for the best local professional advice
I would highly suggest contacting your cooperative extension. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site there waiting to answer the communities questions that know your local situation quite well.
Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal.
Best wishes in your gardening and landscaping adventures!
Ah valuable information. I missed the location.
Take a look at this link and see if growing a smaller cultivar of azalea might be a good choice. The flowering is limited but these plants can be very sturdy and last a long time.
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B670&title=Selecting%20and%20Growing%20Azaleas
There are several in the 3 to 5 foot range if you can find one of the dwarf varieties it might be an option
We have evidence of boxwood blight disease in our MG local office situation. I’m not sure I could recommend boxwood at this time until a disease resistant cultivar is created. There is no treatment other than to destroy the plant. A prophylactic pre-treatment in a commercial setting involves expensive chemicals timed at the appropriate times.
https://yancey.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Boxwood-Blight-Guide-01.03.13.pdf?fwd=no
Personally I haven’t had any luck with camellias in my zone 7A.
I find that looking around at plantings at commercial sites to be very valuable view compatible growing choices in my area. Then it is time to research the required maintenance. Definitely do not get any of the taller plume grasses they need to be cut down every year as well as be divided frequently.
You may wish to consider some groundcover to be at the base of your shrubs too. Some use ground covers instead of the annual chore of wood chip mulching.
Also be aware some master gardener extension offices to have annual plant sales which are very economical way to purchase plants perhaps some might even donate to your cause. There’s no better plant to obtain and one is been home grown in your area. Master Gardeners like to share their plants!
IMO, most shrubs are not low maintenance. They have to be clipped and shaped to look attractive and to keep them small, also watered, and weeded.
I am wondering how Agave plants might grow in your climate? They are almost maintenance-free, as they do not require any clipping or pruning, need very little water, are deer proof, and generally grow fast.
https://www.hometalk.com/1641372/q-blue-agave-in-georgia
Blue Agave in Georgia?
Hi Louise: Here are some sites that may help:
https://www.kinseyfamilyfarm.com/nursery-plants/evergreen-shrubs/
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B625#title7
One thing you might try is to go Freecycle.org or Trashnothing.com and ask for the plants you want. These are free sites, and are all over the USA. The only requisite is that you can get or give things and they must be absolutely free. You can get and give just about anything. I gave away some broken packing foam from a new tv set I bought! A lady owned a bakery, was closing it and selling her glass cake stands. The foam was perfect for her for packing the plates. Like they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure, and it doesn't hurt to ask. After all, a no is better than a missed yes :)
Good luck
We use ornamental grasses that grow about 3 feet and very low maintenance https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/13-terrific-tall-grasses-pictures
Have you checked with the local nursery? They can usually give you some great suggestions for your zone.
Perhaps some type of Juniper that will grow in your area. They will need yearly trimming with minimal water. Good luck
Here are 15 great ideas for you: https://www.fromhousetohome.com/garden/full-sun-perennials/