Skip to Content

20 Hardy Plants That Thrive Anywhere (Plus Gorgeous Varieties For Poor Soil)

20 Hardy Plants That Thrive Anywhere (Plus Gorgeous Varieties For Poor Soil)

Sharing is caring!

Looking to add some greenery to those tricky spots in your garden? These 20 hardy plants are the perfect solution, thriving just about anywhere.

From sun-soaked corners to those shaded, forgotten spots, these beauties know how to flourish. Even poor soil doesn’t stand a chance against their toughness and charm!

Ready to watch your garden come alive with these resilient, low-maintenance wonders?

1. Sedum

© Reddit

Gaze at this resilient beauty, whose succulent leaves seem to whisper tales of survival! Sedum, your go-to for a touch of green even in the rockiest corners. Its leaves are like tiny water tanks, perfect for neglectful gardeners.

Plant in full sun to light shade, and watch it flourish without much fuss. Sedum demands little, offering much in return—perfect for lazy garden days!

2. Lavender

© Reddit

Bask in the calming aroma that drifts from this purple wonder. Lavender is not just a pretty face; it’s a tough cookie in the garden! Those silvery leaves are a testament to its drought-defying prowess.

Lavender adores sun-soaked spots and well-draining soil. It’s a no-nonsense plant that asks only for sunlight and space to stretch its fragrant arms.

3. Coneflower

© Reddit

There’s a party happening in the garden, and Coneflower is the lively host! Those vibrant pink petals aren’t just for show—they’re a beacon of hardiness. You’ll find this perennial dancing through droughts with grace. Plant in well-drained soil and let this beauty embrace the sun’s kiss. Coneflower is your garden’s pop of color that stands tall through it all.

4. Russian Sage

© Reddit

Dare to meet the silvery marvel that is Russian Sage! Its airy flowers sway in the slightest breeze, a dream for those seeking elegance without effort.

With its carefree nature, it adores basking in the sun. Give it dry, well-draining soil and stand back. Russian Sage effortlessly adds height and grace to any landscape, a true no-fuss superstar.

5. Yarrow

© Reddit

Let’s tip our hats to Yarrow, the unsung hero of resilient plants! With its feathery leaves and sunny blooms, it’s a staple in any low-maintenance garden.

Yarrow thrives on neglect, turning poor soil into a canvas of color. Plant in full sun, and it will paint your garden with vibrant strokes. A perennial that’s as tough as it is beautiful!

6. Black-Eyed Susan

© Reddit

Cheerful and unfazed by adversity, Black-Eyed Susan graces your garden with golden rays. Its bright yellow petals are like sunshine on a stem, spreading joy wherever they bloom.

Thriving in full sun, this perennial is a friend to bees and butterflies alike. Plant in well-drained soil, and watch it dance through droughts. Black-Eyed Susan is your golden ticket to a happy garden!

7. Daylily

© Reddit

Meet the Daylily, a garden chameleon that thrives with minimal care. Its colorful blooms are like bursts of joy that brighten even the dullest days.

Daylilies are adaptable, thriving in various conditions with ease. Plant in sun or partial shade and watch them flourish like a dream. These perennials are your garden’s reliable splash of color.

8. Ornamental Grass

© Reddit

Add a touch of wild elegance with Ornamental Grasses that dance in the breeze. Their wispy foliage and understated blooms create a symphony of movement.

These grasses are adaptable, thriving in poor soil and full sun. Simply plant and let them do their thing, bringing texture and life to any garden. Ornamental Grasses are the unsung heroes of effortless beauty!

9. Hosta

© Reddit

Transform your shady spots with the lush foliage of Hosta. Known for its dramatic leaves, Hosta adds structure and style to any garden. It’s a master of adaptation, thriving even in less-than-ideal soil.

Give it shade and moisture, and watch it unfold like a leafy masterpiece. Hosta is your go-to for texture and greenery in low-light areas.

10. Chrysanthemum

© Reddit

Bring a splash of fall color with Chrysanthemums, the stars of autumn gardens. Their vibrant blooms are a feast for the eyes, defying the dullness of poor soil.

These hardy plants love full sun and well-drained soil. Plant them, and enjoy a parade of colors that lasts till the first frost. Chrysanthemums are the perennial party planners of your garden!

11. Coreopsis

© Reddit

Say hello to Coreopsis, the cheerful perennial that thrives on sunshine and smiles. Its sunny yellow blooms are like nature’s confetti, celebrating life in even the poorest soil.

Coreopsis loves basking in full sun and requires minimal care. Plant in well-drained soil, and let it brighten your garden with its cheerful demeanor. A reliable performer that’s always ready to party!

12. Periwinkle

© Reddit

Carpet your garden in shades of blue with the delightful Periwinkle. This low-growing gem spreads like a charming blanket, filling bare spots with ease.

Periwinkle thrives in shade or full sun, showcasing its versatility. Plant it in well-drained soil, and let it weave its magic. A perfect choice for adding charm and coverage to tricky areas!

13. Thyme

© Reddit

Infuse your garden with the aromatic charm of Thyme, where beauty meets utility. This herb’s tiny leaves pack a punch of flavor and resilience, thriving where others fail.

Thyme loves basking in full sun and well-drained, rocky soil. Plant it and enjoy a tapestry of fragrance and flavor. A culinary delight and a hardy garden companion!

14. Bee Balm

© Reddit

Let’s welcome the fiery hues of Bee Balm, the garden’s festival of color. Its vibrant blooms are a magnet for bees and butterflies, thriving in less-than-perfect soil.

Bee Balm loves full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Plant it and enjoy a spectacle of life and color. It’s the life of the party in any garden setting!

15. Agastache

© Reddit

Meet Agastache, the aromatic wonder with its towering spikes of color. This perennial isn’t just pretty; it’s a powerhouse in poor soil!

Agastache loves full sun and well-drained soil, attracting a flurry of pollinators. Plant it, and watch your garden come alive with buzzing guests. A fragrant delight that adds height and drama to any plot!

16. Catmint

© Reddit

Revel in the carefree charm of Catmint, whose soft purple flowers are a delight for cats and gardeners alike. Its aromatic leaves and resilient nature make it a staple in any garden.

Catmint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little care. Plant it, and enjoy its soothing presence as it spreads its soft fragrance. A perennial favorite for low-maintenance gardens!

17. Lamb’s Ear

© Reddit

Embrace the soothing texture of Lamb’s Ear, whose fuzzy leaves invite gentle touch. This silvery perennial is a tactile delight, adding softness to any garden.

Lamb’s Ear thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, showcasing its adaptability. Plant it, and enjoy a garden that’s as charming as it is resilient. A sensory treat that’s hard to resist!

18. Globe Thistle

© Reddit

Add a touch of drama with Globe Thistle, whose spiky blue blooms are a sight to behold. This perennial thrives where others fear to root, turning poor soil into a stage for its performance.

Globe Thistle loves full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Plant it, and watch your garden become a theater of color and form. A bold choice for the adventurous gardener!

19. Ice Plant

© Reddit

Enter the realm of Ice Plant, whose succulent leaves and vibrant blooms defy the harshest conditions. This ground cover is a jewel in rocky soils, thriving where others wilt.

Ice Plant loves full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. Plant it, and enjoy a splash of color that endures the elements. A hardy choice for beachy and arid gardens!

20. Dusty Miller

© Reddit

Let Dusty Miller take center stage with its silvery, lacy leaves that shine in the moonlight. This perennial is a master of subtle elegance, thriving in less-than-ideal conditions.

Dusty Miller loves full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal fuss. Plant it, and enjoy a garden that glows with understated beauty. A classic choice for adding texture and light!

21. Stonecrop

© Reddit

Welcome the rugged charm of Stonecrop, whose succulent leaves thrive in the harshest terrains. This perennial is a testament to nature’s resilience, thriving in rocky soil with ease.

Stonecrop loves full sun and well-drained soil, demanding little care. Plant it, and enjoy a garden filled with texture and color. A hardy choice for the adventurous gardener!

22. Butterfly Weed

© Reddit

Celebrate the garden fiesta with Butterfly Weed, whose orange blooms attract a parade of pollinators. This perennial is tough enough to thrive in poor soil, bringing life to barren landscapes.

Butterfly Weed loves full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Plant it, and watch your garden transform into a lively habitat. A must-have for nature lovers!

23. Goldenrod

© Reddit

Add a splash of sunshine with Goldenrod, whose bright yellow blooms light up the garden. This perennial is a champion of tough conditions, thriving where others falter.

Goldenrod loves full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little care. Plant it, and enjoy a garden that glows with color and cheer. A reliable performer in any setting!

24. Liatris

© Reddit

Marvel at the striking form of Liatris, whose tall purple spikes are a beacon for pollinators. This perennial is a master of resilience, thriving in poor soil with grace.

Liatris loves full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Plant it, and watch your garden come alive with vertical drama. A bold choice for adventurous gardeners!

25. Salvia

© Reddit

Revel in the vibrant hues of Salvia, whose deep blue blooms create a symphony of color. This perennial is a stalwart of dry, poor soil, thriving with minimal fuss.

Salvia loves full sun and well-drained soil, attracting bees and butterflies. Plant it, and enjoy a garden filled with life and color. A favorite for sunny spots!

26. Rosemary

© Reddit

Embrace the aromatic charm of Rosemary, whose needle-like leaves are a delight for the senses. This hardy herb thrives in poor soil, adding fragrance and flavor to any garden.

Rosemary loves full sun and well-drained, rocky soil, requiring little care. Plant it, and enjoy a garden filled with culinary and sensory delights. A must-have for herb enthusiasts!

27. Hens and Chicks

© Reddit

Discover the quirky charm of Hens and Chicks, whose rosettes of succulents thrive in rocky terrains. This perennial is a testament to nature’s adaptability, flourishing where others falter.

Hens and Chicks love full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Plant them, and watch your garden become a tapestry of texture and form. A playful addition to any garden!

28. Sea Holly

© Reddit

Introduce a touch of maritime magic with Sea Holly, whose spiky blue blooms are a sight to behold. This perennial thrives in poor soil, turning barren landscapes into a stage for its performance.

Sea Holly loves full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care. Plant it, and enjoy a garden filled with drama and intrigue. A bold choice for adventurous gardeners!

29. Blanket Flower

© Reddit

Wrap your garden in color with Blanket Flower, whose red and yellow blooms are a fiesta of hues. This perennial thrives in poor soil, adding warmth and cheer to any garden.

Blanket Flower loves full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little care. Plant it, and enjoy a garden ablaze with color and vibrancy. A joyful addition to any landscape!