What Are the Best Low Maintenance Plants for Landscaping?

So, what are the best low maintenance plants for landscaping that will thrive with minimal effort and still look gorgeous year-round? We’ve curated a list of top contenders, each with unique characteristics and care requirements, to help you choose the perfect plants for your effortless garden.  

1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

This cheerful perennial wildflower thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, adding a burst of color with its clusters of tiny, colorful flowers. Yarrow is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal care, making it a favorite among those seeking low maintenance landscaping. Its feathery foliage and vibrant blooms attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, further enhancing its appeal in the garden. For optimal growth, deadhead spent flowers regularly and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor. 

2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Renowned for its intoxicating fragrance and soothing purple flowers, lavender is one of the best plants for low maintenance landscaping. This Mediterranean native thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, and once established, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant. Lavender’s aromatic foliage and stunning blooms add a touch of elegance and tranquility to any landscape. Prune lavender regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. 

3. Sedum (Sedum spp.)

This diverse succulent family offers a wide array of forms, from low-growing, spreading groundcovers to upright varieties with striking foliage. Sedums are incredibly great for low maintenance landscaping, requiring minimal water and thriving in sunny, dry conditions. Their fleshy leaves and vibrant flowers add texture and interest to rock gardens, borders, and containers. Simply plant them in well-draining soil and water occasionally during prolonged dry spells. 

4. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)

This charming herb not only delights with its fragrant foliage and delicate blue or purple flowers but also attracts a host of beneficial pollinators. Catmint is also one of the best plants for low maintenance landscaping as it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, forming a bushy mound that adds a touch of whimsy to the garden. Its drought tolerance and pest resistance make it a hassle-free addition to any landscape. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. 

5. Hosta (Hosta spp.)

These shade-loving perennials are renowned for their large, variegated leaves, which boast a remarkable variety of colors and patterns. Hostas thrive in moist, well-draining soil and add a touch of elegance to shady corners of the garden. With minimal care, they form lush clumps that provide a stunning backdrop for other shade-loving plants.Mulch around hostas to retain moisture and deter slugs. 

6. Peony (Paeonia spp.)

Peony is another classic yet one of the best plants for low maintenance landscaping. These perennials are cherished for their large, fragrant blooms, which grace the garden with their beauty in late spring and early summer. Peonies require well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Water regularly during the growing season and provide support for taller varieties. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage future blooms.

7. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)

These resilient perennials are renowned for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, which bloom in a stunning array of colors and sizes – making it one of the best plants for low maintenance landscaping. While each flower lasts for only a day, the plants produce an abundance of blooms over an extended period. Daylilies are adaptable to various soil conditions and require minimal care. Simply divide clumps every few years to maintain their vigor. 

8. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)

These versatile perennials are prized for their colorful, evergreen foliage, which comes in an impressive range of hues,from deep purples and reds to lime greens and bronzes. Coral Bells prefer partial shade and well-draining soil. Water regularly during dry spells and remove any dead or damaged leaves. 

9. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

This vigorous groundcover forms a dense mat of cheerful yellow flowers and round, bright green leaves. It thrives in moist soil and spreads quickly, making it an effective erosion control solution for slopes and embankments. Its bright color and rapid growth make it an eye-catching addition to the landscape. Trim back occasionally to control its spread.

10. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

This low-growing perennial bursts into a carpet of colorful flowers in spring, creating a stunning display in rock gardens, borders, and along pathways. Its needle-like leaves form a dense mat that suppresses weeds and adds texture to the garden. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and requires little care. Shear back after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

11. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

This soft and fuzzy perennial is beloved for its velvety, silver leaves, which add a unique texture and visual interest to the garden. It also thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Another good thing about Lamb’s Ear is its drought tolerance makes it a practical choice for water-wise landscapes. Just make sure to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

12. Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

This diverse group of evergreen shrubs offers a wide range of forms, from ground-hugging varieties to tall, columnar specimens. Junipers are known for their drought tolerance and adaptability to various soil conditions, making them a popular choice for low maintenance landscaping. Prune occasionally to maintain desired shape and size.