If you have somehow managed to test the survival limits of every plant, then you’ll appreciate a few landscaping plants that are kind of indestructible.
I did this in my own garden and found a few tough beauties – those plants that thrive through missed waterings, full sun, and all kinds of neglect (yep, these plants exist).
For anyone who’s ever accidentally killed a “low-maintenance” plant, these hardy picks are a must. Check them out to keep your yard looking great (no green thumb required!).
1. Caladium Is A Hardy Tropical Beauty
If you want to add a tropical vibe to your landscape, I would definitely recommend growing caladium!
Its heart-shaped leaves come in colors from deep green to bright red. If you’re in a warmer area, you can leave it in the ground all winter.
In colder spots, just dig up the tubers in fall and replant in spring for another season of color.
Here’s a popular caladium variety: Caladium Thai Beauty: Growing And Caring For It
2. Ajuga Is A Pretty Ground Cover That’s Super Easy To Grow
Ajuga is an easy-care ground cover that can make your garden look pretty with its deep purple leaves and small spring flowers. This ground cover plant also helps to prevent weeds from growing!
Ajuga can handle drought, though it grows best in shaded, moist areas. As a perennial, it only needs to be planted once to thrive for years (ideal for those gardeners that don’t like planting).
Related: Creative & Simple Ground Cover Ideas For A Stunning Landscape
3. Purple Fountain Grass Can Thrive In Almost Any Climate
Purple fountain grass is a tall plant with soft, feathery tops that add both height and color to your landscape.
It’s low-maintenance and can thrive in nearly any climate with minimal watering. While it handles drought well, you should still water it from time to time so that the soil doesn’t get too dry.
4. Daylily Produces Pretty, But Tough Flowers
The daylily is a hardy perennial that produces flowers in beautiful colors and can thrive in both northern and southern climates.
Once planted, daylilies are low-maintenance and don’t need extra fertilizing. Occasional rain is usually enough, but in really dry spells, they’ll appreciate a bit of watering.
Related: 11 Fantastic Plants That Can Withstand Heat And Cold
5. Geraniums Are The Easiest Flowers You Can Grow
Geraniums are some of the easiest plants to grow in any garden – you can use them for flower beds, planters, and even hanging baskets.
With a variety of lively colors, they thrive in different climates, so you get to pick and choose the ones that suit your style. If you want your pretty flowers to keep thriving, just water them when the soil feels dry.
Related: 6 Tips For Growing Geraniums In Pots If You’re Short On Space
6. Agave Are Ideal For Hot, Desert-Style Landscapes
If you live in a hot area where your garden feels more like a desert, then you should consider growing agave.
These large succulents thrive in sandy, well-drained soil and need minimal watering. Their dark green, spiky leaves are great for adding color and texture to any southwestern garden.
Related: How To Grow And Care For An Agave Plant Indoors And Outdoor
7. Hostas Are Gorgeous Plants That Can Handle The Shade
Hostas are a top choice for shaded gardens. They are loved for their lush green foliage and variety of sizes. These plants can grow large, so you can easily fill in all those dark corners in your garden.
Generally, rainwater is enough to keep them thriving, though a bit of watering is helpful if the soil dries out. Best of all, hostas come back every year, so no need to replant – you can just divide them when they start to outgrow their space!
Related: 10 Hostas Tolerant Of Sunny Conditions
8. Sweet Potato Vines Thrive In Summer Heat
This leafy vine loves summer heat and looks absolutely stunning spilling over the edge of a large outdoor planter. It’s easy to grow, needing water only when the soil feels dry.
Its leaves come in a range of shades, from blue-green to gray-silver and deep purple, so you can combine a lovely splash of color to add to your outdoor space.
9. Sedum Can Grow With Little To Almost No Need For Watering
This hardy plant adds clusters of pink flowers to your garden, thriving even in dry spells with almost no need for watering.
It’s ideal for filling out flower beds and requires minimal care – just plant it in bunches, sit back, and enjoy the view!
Related: Prune Sedum The Right Way This Winter For Stunning Blooms Next Spring
10. Deadnettle Grows Well In Shade And Drought
Deadnettle is a hardy, ground covering plant that thrives in shady spots and can handle dry conditions.
Most gardeners use this plant to fill out empty spaces since it produces prominent green leaves and pretty pink or purple flowers that bloom throughout the year. Just keep it in check since it might get invasive!
Related: 7 Frost-hardy Plants That Fit Into Any Garden
11. Yarrow Handles Heat And Drought Like A Champ
If you’re looking for a plant that thrives on neglect, yarrow is your best bet. I planted it in my garden and basically forgot about it – and guess what? It still bloomed like crazy!
Yarrow is tough as nails, handling heat, drought, and poor soil with ease. Plus, its tiny, clustered flowers add a charming, wildflower vibe to any landscape. Once it’s established, it hardly needs any care, making it a dream for low-maintenance gardeners.
Plus, it attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, so you get a lively garden without the extra effort.
12.Russian Sage Brings Lavender-Like Beauty With Zero Fuss
I always wanted a lavender-like plant in my yard but didn’t want to deal with the fussiness of real lavender. That’s when I found Russian sage – and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and poor soil, producing tall, airy spikes of purple-blue flowers that look stunning in any landscape. Even better, it’s practically maintenance-free.
The silvery-green foliage stays pretty all year, and deer don’t even bother it (which is a win if you have a deer problem like I do). If you love an effortless, dreamy garden look, Russian sage is a must!