We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Some Low Maintenance Plants?

By A. Ribken
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,300
Share

Although gardening is a relaxing and fun activity, low maintenance plants can make it more of a joy than work. There are several choices in low maintenance gardening, once challenges are determined. Are drought tolerant plants necessary or low maintenance flowers? Is it the climate or the soil that presents the greatest challenges? What are the best choices in low maintenance plants?

When seeking low maintenance plants, it is especially important to consider the location of the garden. The first thing to do when planning low maintenance landscaping is to determine where the property falls on the hardiness zone map, also known as climate or growing zones. Once it is established where the climate zone is located, planning can begin with low maintenance plants appropriate to the area.

Stick with dwarf varieties of trees and shrubs. They will require less pruning and shaping, and if placed correctly, will contribute to low maintenance gardening. A good example of a low maintenance shrub is a Japanese barberry. It comes in several hues, requires only a spring pruning, and makes a great hedge. They prefer sunlight and dry soil; a perfect choice if the area is prone to drought.

A good choice among low maintenance trees would be an Amur maple tree. It can tolerate many soil conditions, although its preference is for a moist, well-drained area. The dark green leaves burst into glorious red and orange in the fall, and is especially effective as a shade tree near a patio or porch.

For low maintenance plants the choice is endless. Perennials are plants that last more than two years. This might be a good choice for low maintenance landscaping. Black-eyed Susans, purple coneflower and daylilies are example of low maintenance plants that will come back year after year.

Ornamental grasses such as feather reed grass and tall switchgrass require minimum care, contributing to low maintenance landscaping. Other low maintenance plants can include ground cover like creeping phlox, pink everlasting or creeping mazus. Make sure to check the climate zones to make sure the choices made are appropriate for the growing area.

With careful and thoughtful choices, low maintenance gardening can be more of a joy and less back-breaking work.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By DinoLeash — On Aug 27, 2010

I always thought that a fern was pretty low maintenance. Either they really aren’t or I can’t grow anything. I have killed every fern I have ever bought. I don’t know if I over-watered them or under-watered them.

I bought ten ferns to hang on my wrap-around porch and they were so beautiful for about a month. Then they started turning brown and crunchy.

By zonkel — On Feb 04, 2009

What are some hardy perennial plants?

What are some hardy annual plants?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-some-low-maintenance-plants.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.