10 Most Popular Landscape Plants
Landscape plants play a crucial role in enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of outdoor spaces. They contribute to environmental health by improving air quality, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitats for wildlife.
Although there are many different types of landscape plants available, the plants below are frequently picked by gardeners for both their beauty and low maintenance features as well.
1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
• Evergreen shrub with dense, dark green foliage
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
Uses in Landscaping
• Hedges, topiaries, and garden borders
• Care Tips
• Regular pruning to maintain shape
• Mulching to retain moisture
2. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
• Flowering shrubs with large blooms in various colors
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Light: Partial shade to full sun (depending on the variety)
Uses in Landscaping
• Foundation plantings, borders, and focal points
• Care Tips
• Pruning for optimal bloom production
• Adequate watering, especially during dry periods
3. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
• Deciduous tree with stunning foliage colors
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
Uses in Landscaping
• Ornamental tree for focal points and accents
• Care Tips
• Protection from strong winds
• Regular watering during dry spells
4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
• Aromatic herb with purple flowers
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil
• Light: Full sun
Uses in Landscaping
• Borders, rock gardens, and aromatic gardens
• Care Tips
• Pruning after flowering
• Minimal watering once established
5. Hostas (Hosta spp.)
• Perennial plants with lush, variegated foliage
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
• Light: Partial to full shade
Uses in Landscaping
• Ground cover, shade gardens, and borders
• Care Tips
• Protection from slugs and snails
• Regular watering during dry periods
6. Roses (Rosa spp.)
• Flowering shrubs with a wide variety of colors and forms
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Light: Full sun
Uses in Landscaping
• Flower beds, borders, and climbing supports
• Care Tips
• Regular pruning for shape and health
• Disease and pest management
7. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
• Perennial plants with trumpet-shaped flowers
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
Uses in Landscaping
• Borders, mass plantings, and ground cover
• Care Tips
• Deadheading to promote continuous bloom
• Division every few years to maintain vigor
8. Ornamental Grasses (Various species)
• Grasses with striking foliage and inflorescences
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
Uses in Landscaping
• Borders, accent plants, and erosion control
• Care Tips
• Cutting back in early spring
• Minimal watering once established
9. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)
• Flowering shrubs with vibrant blooms
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil
• Light: Partial shade to full sun
Uses in Landscaping
• Foundation plantings, borders, and woodland gardens
• Care Tips
• Mulching to retain moisture
• Protection from extreme cold and wind
10. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.)
• Deciduous tree with long-lasting blooms
• Growing Conditions
• Soil: Well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun
Uses in Landscaping
• Ornamental tree for borders and focal points
• Care Tips
• Pruning in late winter to encourage new growth
• Regular watering during dry periods
These 10 landscape plants collectively enhance garden aesthetics, support biodiversity, improve environmental conditions, and require relatively low maintenance, making them ideal for a variety of landscape designs.
Additionally, landscape plants can increase property values, offer shade and cooling, and promote mental well-being by creating visually pleasing and serene environments. These plants also help in noise reduction and can act as windbreaks, further contributing to a more comfortable and sustainable living environment.