Have a brown thumb, live a busy lifestyle, or are new to gardening? This is for you. Outdoor plants don’t have to be complicated. You can create a beautiful garden and upgrade your landscaping game with a few easy options. So if you’ve ever worried while you watered your outdoor plants, it’s ok, we’ve got you.
Whether your outdoor space has full sun, partial shade, or somewhere in between, these resilient beauties are here to make your life easier and your garden gorgeous.
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
This North American native boasts sunny yellow petals and a dark center. We love them (and we think you will too) because they’re drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and bloom from mid-summer through fall. Plus, butterflies love them!
Fun fact: They look similar to daisies because they are a type of daisy.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
These succulent-like cuties are thick with pinkish blooms and thrive in full sunlight and dry soil. If you’re truly looking for a “set it and forget it” perennial, these are perfect.
Yarrow
From yellow, pink, and white, yarrow is handy and unfussy. These fern-like flat-topped plants are great for the outdoors because they’re pollinator magnets and add texture to perennial borders.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are gorgeous, purple daisy-like flowers that bloom all summer. These beauties attract butterflies and bees, but they aren’t just attractive — they’re also resilient, able to handle drought and poor soil.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia features warm orange and red tones, adding warmth and dimension to your garden beds. They’re great because they love the sun and hate fuss.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent that loves well-drained soil. The queen of minimal care, it grows particularly well in dry and hot climates. Bonus? Aloe vera gel is great for your skin.
Zinnias
Zinnias are vibrant, long-lasting flowers that are beloved for their low maintenance and fast growth. They thrive in sunlight and are great for filling garden beds.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Adored for their unique “clustered” shape and variety of colors, this perennial flower blooms in the summer and thrives in dry soils. Not only are they easy to grow, but monarch butterflies and caterpillars love them.
Lavender
Inhale worry and exhale calm. That’s how it feels to smell the relaxing scent of lavender. This fragrant favorite is drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil.
Hostas
Large with lush leaves, hostas are a foliage favorite because they need very little care. With blue-green or variegated leaves, they thrive in shade or partial shade.
Russian Sage
Featuring soft silver stems and purple-blue flowers, Russian sage is a staple for garden elegance. It’s deer-resistant, loves sun, and is resilient (even in poor soil).
Cosmos
If you’re looking to add a whimsical, airy touch to garden beds, try cosmos. Once planted, these pretty, soft pink to sunny orange flowers only need occasional watering.
Zebra Grass (Miscanthus)
Add some movement and dimension to garden beds with zebra grass. Its variegated leaves sway beautifully in the wind, offer a unique touch (without overpowering), and require little upkeep.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is a velvety, soft silver foliage plant that’s low-growing, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant, making it the perfect groundcover for a low-key lush vibe.
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Cheery and golden-yellow, coreopsis plants love to soak up the sun. We love them because they bloom beautifully without asking much in return.
Daylilies
These beauties come in almost every color and are beloved as low-maintenance perennials. Since they bloom again and again, they are great landscaping focal points.
Catmint (Nepeta)
This pollinator favorite is a fragrant purple-flowered plant that grows happily with little care.
Salvia
Commonly known as “sage,” this easy-to-grow plant is often burned for ceremonies or to clear out bad energy. In its purest form, it’s a pretty blue or at times fiery red plant that’s drought-tolerant, and a hummingbird favorite.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Pollinators love a good bee balm plant. Not only is it aromatic, it’s bold in color – you’ll love it too because it’s perfect for attracting bees, butterflies, and even the occasional hummingbird. Yep, it’s a garden fairy dream.
Succulents (Various)
Succulents are popular – you can pretty much find them in any nursery, especially in dry climates. Just make sure you store them in well-drained containers and don’t overwater.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are colorful, vibrant, and low-fuss — everything your garden needs. They bloom in early spring or fall and love the sun.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Got a shady spot? Coral bells are the answer. This bell-shaped perennial flower has vibrant foliage in purple, lime, or bronze tones that remain beautiful year-round.
Hydrangeas (Panicle or Oakleaf)
Some hydrangeas require more care, but panicle and oakleaf hydrangeas are surprisingly low-maintenance and beginner-friendly.
Dusty Miller
Soft and silvery, these plants add contrast and variety to any garden bed. Dusty miller is perfect for edging and thrives with very little help.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
A butterfly favorite, this fast-growing and fragrant shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune it in early spring, then let it flourish.
Ice Plant
Another succulent stunner, ice plants have vivid daisy-like blooms and thick foliage, perfect for sunny, dry spots.
Knock Out Roses
These aren’t your typical roses. Unlike the traditional variety, knock out roses are low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and bloom like crazy. (Not to be biased, but if you’re going to plant roses…)
Newbie Gardener Tips
Even the most resilient plants need a little love. Here are a few pro-tips (whether you’re new, novice, or consider yourself a pro) to keep your low-maintenance garden looking lush:
- Start with the soil: Well-drained soil is key – add compost or sand to loosen things up.
- Use a slow-release fertilizer once per season to keep your plants fed.
- Install a soaker hose or drip system for low-effort, water-efficient irrigation.
- Mulch it up: Mulching helps retain moisture and block weeds.
- Group by needs: Place drought-tolerant plants together, and shade lovers in the same bed.
- Cut and enjoy: Many of the options on the list make amazing cut flowers for a fresh indoor bouquet!
Pick Your Garden Aesthetic
Whether you’re drawn to a dreamy cottagecore aesthetic or a desert oasis vibe, here are a few simple ways to design your garden:
- Pick a palette: Orange and yellow (gaillardia + black-eyed susans), purple and white (salvia + yarrow), or monochrome.
- Play with contrast: Mix dusty miller, lamb’s ear, and dark purple coral bells.
- Add dimension: Vary taller plants with shorter plants to add depth and visual interest.
No matter where you are on your gardening journey, there’s a low-maintenance plant just waiting to be yours. These fuss-free favorites simply need a little sunshine, water, and a whole lotta love. So grab your garden gloves and cue up your favorite playlist – your dream garden is only a few blossoms away.
More outdoor landscape inspiration
- Backyard Transformation: Upgrades for a Big Impact
- How to Start an Herb Garden at Home for Beginners
- Lawn Preparation for Spring: How To Get Your Yard Ready This Spring
The post Easy Breezy Landscaping with Low-Maintenance Outdoor Plants appeared first on Curbly.
