25 Best Landscaping Plants

Gardening trends come and go, but balanced low maintenance plants are always in season! From towering trees to delicate ground covers like creeping thyme, low-maintenance landscaping plants transform a home and increase its curb appeal ten-fold. We compiled a list of plants great for beginners, selected based on factors like size, shape, color, and seasonal interest, with considerations for climate suitability. Learning to start your own garden doesn’t have to be daunting. Find your favorite plants for landscape to create privacy, add color and texture, or attract wildlife in a beautiful, natural way. 

How to Pick Plants for Landscaping 

When selecting landscaping plants, several factors should be considered to ensure a cohesive and thriving garden. Firstly, assess the environmental conditions of the planting area, including sunlight exposure, soil type, and drainage. Choose plants that are well-suited to these conditions to promote healthy growth. Additionally, consider the desired aesthetic and functionality of the landscape. Select plants with varying heights, textures, and colors to create visual interest and balance. You can even discover inspiration through our curated list of gardening quotes. Furthermore, research the mature size of each plant to ensure they fit the intended space without overcrowding. Finally, prioritize native and drought-tolerant species to reduce water consumption and support local ecosystems.

Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum 

Originating from East Asia, it boasts a stunning array of leaf shapes and colors, ranging from deep reds and purples to vibrant greens and yellows.

• Shape/Size: Small to medium-sized tree, can also be pruned into a shrub form.
• Hardiness: Depends on the variety, generally hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
• Care: Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. Pruning helps maintain shape.

Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is a household name for a reason. It’s aromatic presence paired with its gorgeous color make it a beautiful choice for your yard. 

• Shape/Size: Low-growing shrub, compact and bushy.
• Hardiness: Drought-tolerant, thrives in full sun, suited for zones 5-9.
• Care: Requires good drainage; trim spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.

Russian Iris, Iris ruthenica  

This is an incredibly versatile plant, thriving in both wetland areas and regular garden beds, making it a beautiful and adaptable addition to various landscapes.

• Shape/Size: Small, soil-hugging shrub. 
• Hardiness: Full sun, zones 3-7.
• Care: Prune after flowering, well-drained soil.

Boxwood, Buxus sempervirens 

These hardy shrubs are cherished for their ability to be shaped into formal hedges or clipped into geometric shapes, adding structure and elegance to landscapes. 

• Shape/Size: Shrub, varies from low hedges to larger shapes.
• Hardiness: Adaptable, prefers partial shade, zones 5-8.
• Care: Regular pruning maintains shape; tolerant of various soils.

Daylily, Hemerocallis fulva 

Each bloom lasts just one day, hence their name, but a single plant can produce dozens of buds over the blooming season.

• Shape/Size: Herbaceous perennial with grass-like foliage.
• Hardiness: Easy to grow in full sun to part shade, zones 3-9.
• Care: Requires regular watering, blooms best in sunny spots.

Russian Sage, Salvia yangii 

Despite the name, it isn’t actually a true sage; it’s a member of the mint family and hails from Central Asia

• Shape/Size: Perennial sub-shrub, upright and airy.
• Hardiness: Drought-tolerant, prefers full sun, zones 4-9.
• Care: Trim in early spring, benefits from well-drained soil.

Variegated Solomon’s Seal, Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’

 In folklore, the plant’s roots were believed to possess magical properties, including protection against evil spirits and the power to enhance wisdom and clarity of thought.

• Shape/Size: Herbaceous perennial.
• Hardiness: Part to full shade, zones 3-8.
• Care: Trim in early spring, benefits from well-drained soil.Moist, well-drained soil, spreads via rhizomes.

Hydrangea, Hydrangea

In acidic soil, they tend to produce blue flowers, while in alkaline soil, they lean towards pink.

• Shape/Size: Shrubs ranging from compact to large.
• Hardiness: Prefers partial shade, varies by species (zones 3-9).
• Care: Regular watering, soil pH affects flower color, prune after flowering.

Plantain Lily, Hosta

Their young shoots and leaves, are edible and can be used in salads or cooked dishes. However, it’s essential to research which varieties are safe for consumption and to avoid those treated with pesticides or chemicals.

• Shape/Size: Herbaceous perennial forming dense clumps.
• Hardiness: Shade-loving, zones 3-9 depending on species.
• Care: Moist, well-drained soil; divide every few years to maintain vigor.

Stonecrop, Sedum

Their succulent leaves store water and thrive in dry conditions, making them excellent choices for low-maintenance gardens and green roofs.

• Shape/Size: Low-growing ground cover to tall border plants.
• Hardiness: Drought-tolerant, full sun, zones 3-9 depending on variety.
• Care: Well-drained soil, minimal water needs once established.

Creeping Fox, Phlox stolonifera 

Its name “Creeping Fox” is inspired by the way its branches spread horizontally like a fox’s tail lying on the ground.

• Shape/Size: Low-growing perennial ground cover.
• Hardiness: Thrives in full sun, zones 3-9.
• Care: Well-drained soil, trim after flowering to maintain compact shape.

Coral Bells, Heuchera sanguinea 

Native Americans traditionally utilized coral bells for their medicinal properties, such as treating ailments like inflammation and digestive issues.

• Shape/Size: Low-growing mound, perennial.
• Hardiness: Partial shade, zones 4-9 depending on variety.
• Care: Regular watering, divide every few years to rejuvenate.

Smoke Tree, Cotinus 

The name comes from the puffy, airy clusters of tiny, pinkish hairs on their flowers, which give the appearance of smoke billowing from the branches when the plant is in bloom.

• Shape/Size: Small tree or large shrub.
• Hardiness: Full sun, zones 5-8.
• Care: Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage vibrant foliage

Russian Olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia

Although this plant originates in Asia, the “Russian” is likely from its introduction to Europe via Russia in the 19th century.

• Shape/Size: Small tree or large shrub.
• Hardiness: Drought-tolerant, zones 3-8.
• Care: Tolerates poor soil, prune to shape in early spring.

Bleeding Heart, Lamprocapnos spectabilis 

Their unique heart-shaped flowers have led to various romantic and folklore associations. In Victorian times, they were often used to symbolize undying love and deep emotions. 

• Shape/Size: Herbaceous perennial, clump-forming.
• Hardiness: Shade to part shade, zones 3-9.
• Care: Regular watering, goes dormant in summer, trim after flowering.

Dwarf Korean Lilac, Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ 

Originating from Korea, this lilac is particularly cold-hardy, making it suitable for growing in colder regions where other lilac varieties might struggle.

• Shape/Size: Small, soil-hugging shrub. 
• Hardiness: Full sun, zones 3-7.
• Care: Prune after flowering, well-drained soil.

Black-Eyed Susan, Rudbeckia hirta

This cheerful wildflower, with its distinct dark center and golden petals got its name from an Old English poem by John Gay, which boasts about a woman named Susan. 

• Shape/Size: Herbaceous perennial, clump-forming, grows 1-3 feet tall.
• Hardiness: Shade to part shade, zones 3-9.
• Care: Regular watering is needed, especially in dry conditions. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.

Catmint, Nepeta racemosa 

This shrub has a euphoric effect on cats, similar to catnip.

• Shape/Size: Low-mounding perennial.
• Hardiness: Full sun, zones 3-8.
• Care: Drought-tolerant once established, shear after flowering to encourage rebloom.

Japanese Spurge, Pachysandra terminalis

Cultivate lush, evergreen ground cover with its glossy, dark green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers, creating a dense carpet of foliage ideal for shady garden areas.

• Shape/Size: Low-growing ground cover.
• Hardiness: Shade to part shade, zones 4-8. 
• Care: Moist, well-drained soil, spreads slowly.

Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea

Coneflower’s daisy-like blooms and prominent, spiky central cones stand 2-4 feet tall and attract helpful pollinators with their nectar-rich flowers

• Shape/Size: Herbaceous perennial, sturdy stems.
• Hardiness: Full sun, zones 3-9. 
• Care: Drought-tolerant once established, deadhead for prolonged flowering.

Japanese Forest Grass, Hakonechloa macra

This ornamental grass brings a serene elegance to gardens with its graceful, cascading mounds of bamboo-like foliage.

• Shape/Size: Low-growing ornamental grass.
• Hardiness: Part shade, zones 5-9.
• Care: Moist, well-drained soil, benefits from mulching. 

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium 

Ideal for borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows, yarrow is not only beautiful but also attracts butterflies and beneficial insects, adding ecological value to its ornamental appeal.

• Shape/Size: Herbaceous perennial, fern-like foliage.
• Hardiness: Full sun, zones 3-9 depending on species.
• Care: Drought-tolerant, well-drained soil, divide every few years.

False Goat’s Beard, Astilbe chinesis 

Add maximum whimsey for minimal effort with this oddly named flower that brigthens shady spots in your garden. 

• Shape/Size: Herbaceous perennial, fern-like foliage.
• Hardiness: Shade to part shade, zones 4-9.
• Care: Moist soil, benefits from mulching to retain moisture. 

Weigela, Weigela florida 

These showy, trumpet-shaped flowers typically bloom in clusters of pink, red, or white. 

• Shape/Size: Deciduous shrub, arching branches.
• Hardiness: Full sun to part shade, zones 4-8.
• Care: Prune after flowering, adaptable to various soils.

Incorporating low-maintenance landscaping plants into your garden design not only promotes sustainability and environmental resilience, but also frees up your schedule. Take the time to choose the right plants for delivery based on your environment. By selecting species that are well-suited to your local climate, soil conditions, and sunlight exposure, you can create a beautiful and vibrant outdoor space that thrives with minimal intervention. For a little extra help, follow these tips for curating the perfect low-maintenance garden. With thoughtful planning and strategic plant selection, you can enjoy a stunning and sustainable landscape year-round, enhancing the beauty and value of your property while minimizing maintenance demands.

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