When we began our gardening journey, I had no clue there were annuals and perennials, let alone what either was. We picked up outdoor low-maintenance plants—at least, we thought they were low-maintenance—at the local hardware store’s garden center, Lowes, to be exact. We gravitated toward what looked pretty and then read the attached labels.
The plants weren’t living seemingly past a few weeks. What were we doing wrong? There were quite a few things we were doing wrong, but luckily there was a nursery within a few miles of us.
After a couple of visits, we learned about some of the easier plants to maintain, which is exactly what we discuss in this post.
Plants that are as easygoing as they are beautiful. These low-maintenance options are ideal for busy gardeners, beginners, or anyone who prefers a laid-back approach to their garden.
If you’re looking for low-maintenance options for inside your home, be sure to check out our guide on the best indoor low-maintenance plants.
These easy-care varieties offer beauty and simplicity, making them a great choice for any gardener looking to enjoy a thriving garden with minimal effort.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is a hardy perennial known for its fragrant purple flowers and ability to thrive in poor soil. It loves full sun and only needs occasional watering. Plus, it’s a natural pest repellent, making it a great choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Hosta
Hostas are shade-loving perennials with large, lush leaves that come in various shades of green, blue, and yellow. They are perfect for filling shaded areas in your garden and require minimal care—just a bit of watering during dry spells.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are resilient, drought-tolerant perennials with bright, daisy-like flowers. They thrive in full sun and only need occasional watering. These flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life to your garden without extra work.
Sedum
Sedums are succulents that are nearly indestructible. They thrive in full sun and poor soil, needing very little water to stay healthy. Their fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers make them an attractive, low-maintenance option for any garden.
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are tough perennials that can thrive in a variety of soil types and weather conditions. They produce beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in cycles, ensuring color in your garden throughout the growing season with minimal effort.
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant with silvery-green foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It thrives in full sun and poor soil, needing very little water. This plant adds a touch of elegance and fragrance to any garden.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-Eyed Susans are cheerful, daisy-like flowers that are easy to grow and maintain. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant once established. Their bright yellow petals bring a splash of color to any garden.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a resilient perennial known for its aromatic, gray-green foliage and spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. It thrives in full sun and poor soil, needing little water, and blooms from late spring into fall. Catmint’s mounding habit is perfect for borders, pathways, or mass plantings, and it attracts bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Creating a beautiful outdoor garden doesn’t have to require constant attention. With these eight outdoor low-maintenance plants, you can enjoy a vibrant, colorful garden without frequent care.
If you’re looking to bring the same low-maintenance charm indoors, check out our guide to the best indoor low-maintenance plants for some easygoing options.