For many homeowners, having a beautiful yard is a top priority—but finding the time to maintain it? Not so much. The good news is that a stunning landscape doesn’t have to come with endless upkeep. With the right low-maintenance landscaping plants, you can enjoy vibrant color, texture, and greenery with minimal effort.
Whether you have a busy schedule, a dry climate, or simply prefer a hassle-free yard, this guide will help you discover hardy, drought-tolerant, and native plants that practically take care of themselves.
Low-maintenance plants are ideal for:
These plants typically require:
✅ Minimal watering
✅ Little to no pruning
✅ Resistance to pests and disease
✅ Longevity and seasonal resilience
Now let’s explore some of the best low-maintenance landscaping plants that thrive with minimal attention.
Type: Drought-tolerant perennial
Best For: Sunny gardens, borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes
Lavender is not only beautiful and fragrant, but it also thrives in hot, dry conditions with very little maintenance. Its purple blooms attract pollinators and its aromatic foliage repels pests.
Pro Tip: Plant in well-drained soil and prune annually to keep it tidy.
Type: Succulent
Best For: Xeriscaping, desert gardens, modern landscapes
Agave is a showstopper with its bold architectural shape. It stores water in its leaves, making it perfect for dry climates and forgetful waterers.
Pro Tip: Most agave varieties require full sun and minimal watering.
Type: Native perennial
Best For: Cottage gardens, borders, or wildflower meadows
This cheerful yellow flower thrives in various climates, is drought-tolerant once established, and blooms from summer through fall. It’s resistant to pests and thrives in poor soil.
Pro Tip: Pair with other native perennials for a self-sustaining garden bed.
Type: Drought-tolerant perennial
Best For: Wildlife gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes
Coneflowers are native to North America and provide months of vibrant blooms. They attract butterflies and bees while standing up to heat, drought, and neglect.
Pro Tip: Leave seed heads in place after blooming to feed birds in the fall.
Type: Perennial grass
Best For: Texture, structure, and erosion control
Varieties like blue fescue, feather reed grass, and fountain grass add movement and interest to any yard. These grasses require very little water and thrive in a wide range of soils.
Pro Tip: Cut back once a year in early spring to encourage new growth.
Type: Evergreen shrub
Best For: Hedges, foundation plantings, and formal gardens
Boxwoods are dense, slow-growing evergreens that can be left unpruned or shaped for structure. They are disease-resistant and thrive in various light conditions.
Pro Tip: Plant in well-drained soil and mulch to retain moisture.
Type: Perennial herb
Best For: Drought-tolerant borders and medicinal gardens
Yarrow is known for its fern-like foliage and clusters of tiny flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red. It’s nearly indestructible once established and attracts pollinators.
Pro Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage longer flowering.
Type: Perennial flowering shrub
Best For: Tropical-style gardens, colorful landscapes
While tropical hibiscus can be high-maintenance, hardy hibiscus varieties are low-care and cold-tolerant. These stunners bloom with dinner-plate-sized flowers in summer and require little pruning.
Pro Tip: Plant in full sun and moist, well-drained soil for best blooms.
Type: Groundcover
Best For: Replacing grass, filling in beds, and preventing erosion
Native or drought-tolerant ground covers require less mowing, watering, and fertilizing than traditional grass lawns—and they add texture and seasonal interest.
Pro Tip: Use as a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas to cut down on maintenance.
Type: Perennial flowering plant
Best For: Flower beds, slopes, and mass plantings
Daylilies are rugged, adaptable, and bloom in an array of colors. They multiply over time, fill in bare spots quickly, and require little care beyond occasional deadheading.
Pro Tip: Divide every few years to promote stronger blooms and reduce overcrowding.
You don’t need to be a full-time gardener to enjoy a lush, vibrant yard. By choosing low-maintenance, drought-resistant, and native plants, you can create an outdoor space that looks beautiful year-round—without the stress of constant upkeep.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or just want to replace high-maintenance plants, these options will help you enjoy the beauty of your landscape with ease.
