If you're looking to add some color and life to your yard, but have a history of killing every plant that you put into the ground, keep reading. Here you'll find 10 plants that can survive with little to no help from you—and they look amazing, too!
10 Landscaping Plants You (Probably) Can’t Kill
Updated on Jan. 24, 2024
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Ajuga
This low-maintenance groundcover will add color to your yard with deep purple foliage and small flowers in the spring. Plus, it will help to keep weeds away. It grows best in a shaded area that is moist, but it can tolerate dry spells as well. Ajuga is a perennial, so planting it once will have you set for years to come. If you’re a gardening beginner, these tips will help you get started.
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Agave
The agave plant is perfect for hot, dry, desert-like landscapes. It’s a large succulent that rarely needs to be watered, and it thrives in very sandy, well-drained soil. It’s dark green spiky leaves will add interest and color to any southwestern landscape. Click here to learn which tools are must-haves for your new garden!
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Caladium
Caladium is a colorful leafy plant that will add a tropical feel to your garden, yet it grows best in shade. Its heart- or arrow-shaped leaves can take on a variety of deep green to vibrant red shades. Caladium can remain in the ground during winter in areas where the soil does not freeze; or you can dig up the tubers in early fall and replant them again in the spring.
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Hosta
The hosta is a go-to plant for shade gardens, known for its incredible variety of green foliage. Hostas can grow to be quite large, which is perfect for filling in a bare area of your landscape with color and texture. Usually rainwater is enough to keep the plant healthy, but it may require occasional watering if the soil gets too dry. And hostas will return year after year, so no replanting necessary—just divide them up when they get too big!
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Geranium
This is one of the easiest plants to grow in a home garden. It’s perfect for flower beds, and it is also a popular choice for outdoor planters or hanging baskets. This plant comes in a variety of different colors, and flourishes in many different climates. They also make a great accessory for your balcony or deck. To take care of geraniums, simply water once the dirt begins to get dry. Click here to find tips on gardening on your balcony!
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Purple Fountain Grass
Purple fountain grass is a long grass with a soft, bushy top. It is sure to add height as well as color to your landscape, and it is very easy to maintain. It can thrive in almost any climate and requires little water. Although this plant can handle droughts, it is best to water once in a while when the soil becomes dry.
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Sweet Potato Vine
This plant is a leafy vine that thrives in the summer heat and will pour over the edge of a big outdoor planter. And it requires watering only when the dirt is dry to the touch. The color of the leaves can be blue/green, chartreuse/gold, gray/silver or purple/burgundy. Click here to find tips on growing hanging plants!
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Deadnettle
This groundcover plant can survive in low-sunlight environments and is drought-tolerant, as well. Deadnettle usually remains small, with bright green leaves and pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring, summer and fall. It’s perfect for filling that empty, shaded part of your yard but beware—it can be invasive.
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Daylily
The daylily is a large perennial flower that comes in a variety of gorgeous bright colors. And it’s capable of thriving in cooler northern regions as well as warm southern climates. Once planted, daylilies do not require additional fertilization. Occasional rain should be enough for this durable plant, but really dry soil will require more frequent watering.
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Sedum
This leafy plant produces colorful clusters of flowers. They can survive an extremely long time without rain, leaving you with almost no watering responsibility! This plant is perfect in bunches to fill empty spaces in a flower bed, and its beautiful pink flower clusters add a pop of color to your landscape.
