landspace

10 MUST-HAVE PLANTS FOR A LOW-MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPE

Landscaping is an essential aspect of property management, but it can be challenging to maintain a beautiful landscape with minimal effort. That’s why low-maintenance landscapes have become increasingly popular in recent years. 

Research has shown that gardening is a common activity in American households, with 55% of them engaging in some form. Interestingly, millennials constitute a significant proportion of gardeners, accounting for 29% of the demographic.

Low-maintenance landscapes require less water, fertilizer, and time to maintain, making them more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run. Using the right plants is one way to achieve a low-maintenance landscape, and in this article, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 must-have plants for a low-maintenance landscape. 

Additionally, It’s important for you to understand that landscape project management software can help streamline the design and maintenance of your low-maintenance landscape project. 

So, whether you’re a property manager, a landscaper, or a homeowner looking to simplify your outdoor space, read on to learn how these 10 must-have plants can help you achieve a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.

  1. SEDUM

Sedum is a genus of succulent plants that is perfect for low-maintenance landscapes. It is easy to grow, drought-resistant, and requires minimal upkeep. 

Sedum plants are succulents that store water in their leaves and stem, making them tolerant to drought conditions. They have fleshy leaves and a compact, low-growing form that adds texture and interest to a landscape.

Sedum produces colourful, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer or fall and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. According to research from Wikipedia, there are over about 600 to 420–470 species of Sedum plants, ranging from groundcovers to tall, upright varieties.

Some popular types of Sedum include Sedum spurium, Sedum ternatum, Sedum reflexum, and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’.

To ensure Sedum plants thrive in your low-maintenance landscape, it is essential to follow some care tips, which include:

  • Growing Sedum plants in well-drained soil and full sun but they can tolerate some shade
  • Avoiding overwatering as Sedum plants require little water once established
  • Pruning Sedum plants back in early spring or late fall to keep them compact and healthy
  • Applying a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, which are beneficial to Sedum plants.
  1. AGAVE

Agave plants are perfect for low-maintenance landscapes because they are drought-tolerant and easy to care for. These plants store water in their leaves and survive in hot, dry conditions. 

Agave plants are known for their striking appearance, with spiky leaves that can be either blue, green, or variegated. They hold significant ethnobotanical importance, particularly to the people of Mexico, where the genus exhibits the highest diversity.

Based on research, Mexico’s agave production in 2021 decreased to 1.77 million metric tons from the previous year’s production of 1.91 million metric tons.

There are over 200 species of Agave plants with varying sizes and shapes. Some popular types of Agave include Agave americana, Agave desmettiana, and Agave parryi.

When caring for Agave plants, it is essential to plant them in well-draining soil and full sun. They do not require frequent watering and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. Agave plants also benefit from occasional fertilization with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary unless there are damaged or dead leaves.

  1. LAVENDER

Lavender is a must-have plant for low-maintenance landscapes due to its drought-tolerant nature and fragrant flowers. It requires little water once established and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Lavender plants come in many varieties, including English, French, Spanish, and others. 

They produce spikes of purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom in late spring or summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Pruning back the plant after flowering helps to maintain its compact shape and prolong its life. 

Additionally, using lavender for cooking or making sachets is a great way to enjoy its fragrance and versatility.

  1. YUCCA

Yucca is a good plant we recommend for low-maintenance landscapes due to its striking foliage and drought-tolerant nature. It requires minimal water once established and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. 

According to a publication, the genus Yucca is part of the Asparagaceae family and consists of approximately 40-50 plants with medicinal properties.

Yucca plants come in various sizes and shapes, from small clumps to large shrubs or even trees. They produce tall spikes of white or cream-coloured flowers that bloom in the summer and attract pollinators such as moths and hummingbirds. 

Pruning the plant back in the late winter or early spring helps to maintain its shape and encourages new growth. Yucca is also known for its ability to purify the air and its edible flowers and fruit.

  1. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

We recommend ornamental grasses due to their easy care and versatility. They require minimal watering once established and can thrive in various soil types and sun exposures. 

Furthermore, ornamental grasses come in various sizes, colours, and textures, providing year-round interest to a landscape. They can be used as borders, groundcovers, or as focal points in a garden. 

Ornamental grasses are also low-maintenance in pruning, typically only requiring a cut back in the late winter or early spring.

  1. CACTI

Cacti are ideal for a low-maintenance landscape as they require minimal watering and can thrive in arid environments. These plants come in various shapes and sizes, from small, round globular forms to tall, columnar species. 

Some popular types of cacti include the barrel cactus, prickly pear cactus, and saguaro cactus. Cacti have unique and striking features, such as their spines and colourful blooms, which can add interest and texture to a landscape. 

With proper placement and care, cacti can be a beautiful and easy-to-maintain addition to any low-maintenance garden.

  1. RUSSIAN SAGE

Russian Sage is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that adds colour and texture to your landscape. It’s a hardy perennial that’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy homeowners or those who want a low-fuss garden. 

This plant has beautiful lavender-blue flowers that bloom in summer and add a striking contrast to other plants. Russian Sage is also deer-resistant, making it an excellent option for those living in areas with lots of wildlife. 

With its easy-care nature and stunning appearance, it’s no wonder why Russian Sage is a must-have for any low-maintenance landscape.

  1. SUCCULENTS

Succulents come in many shapes, sizes, and colours and can add much interest to any garden. Research highlights desert succulents as a sustainable resource in a carbon economy.

Plus, they’re straightforward to care for! Since they store water in their leaves and stems, they don’t need to be watered often, making them perfect for those who want a beautiful garden without the hassle of constant upkeep.

They also thrive in hot, dry climates, so they’re perfect for areas that don’t get a lot of rain. With such wide varieties available, succulents are a great way to add personality and charm to your landscape

  1. ROSEMARY

Rosemary is a fantastic addition to a low-maintenance landscape. It’s a hardy herb that can survive in harsh conditions, making it perfect for those who want a low-maintenance garden. 

Statistics reveal that in 2022, the population of Rosemary was recorded as 428. Over the past year, the population of Rosemary has grown by 6.20%, and in the last five years, it has increased by 7.00%.

Its fragrant, needle-like leaves add a pop of green to the landscape and provide a lovely aroma when brushed against. Rosemary can also be used in cooking, making it a versatile and valuable plant in your garden. 

Best of all, it requires minimal care and attention, making it an excellent option for busy gardeners. Just make sure to plant it in well-draining soil and give it plenty of sunlight, and you’ll have a beautiful, low-maintenance garden addition.

  1. BOXWOOD

Boxwood comes last in our list, it is a versatile plant that can be used for both formal and informal landscapes. Its dense foliage and evergreen nature make it a perfect plant for hedges, topiaries, and borders. 

Not only is it low-maintenance, but it also requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. Boxwood thrives in full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established. 

It’s also deer-resistant, which makes it an excellent option for gardens in areas with high deer populations. With its classic look and easy upkeep, boxwood is a must-have for any low-maintenance landscape.

CONCLUSION

A low-maintenance landscape can provide various benefits, including saving time, money, and resources. It can also reduce environmental impact and give a beautiful, relaxing outdoor space with minimal effort. There are many plants to choose from when creating a low-maintenance landscape. 

The ten must-have plants we have discussed, which are Sedum, Agave, Lavender, Yucca, Ornamental Grasses, Cacti, Russian Sage, Succulents, Rosemary, and Boxwood, are excellent choices for homeowners who want to reduce the amount of time and effort they spend on landscaping while still enjoying beautiful outdoor spaces. 

These plants are easy to care for, drought-resistant, and add visual interest to any garden. By incorporating these low-maintenance plants into your landscape, you can spend less time working on your yard and more time enjoying it. Thanks for reading!

Christophe Rude
Christophe Rude
Articles: 15880

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