Low-Maintenance Plants For Landscaping

Landscaping shouldn’t feel like a second job. No one wants to spend every weekend pruning, watering, and battling a patch of dirt that refuses to grow anything but disappointment. The answer is to have low-maintenance plants.

Low-maintenance perennials bloom year after year without demanding constant attention. Even if you’re stuck with poor soil, there’s a plant that can handle it. That’s why we’ve put together a short list of low-maintenance plants for landscaping that bring beauty without the burden:

Flowers 

Flowers bring life, colour, and texture to garden beds without demanding constant attention. Here are some of the best options for a low-maintenance garden that thrives in a variety of conditions:

Coneflower 

A true North American native, the coneflower is as tough as it is beautiful. Its colourful blooms range from blue-purple flowers to vibrant pink blooms, adding bold colour to any perennial garden. With deep roots pulling moisture from below, it thrives in dry soil, light shade, or full sun without constant watering.

This drought-resistant flower works well in container gardens, borders, and hanging baskets. It pairs effortlessly with shrub roses and other plants, creating a layered, natural look. The showy flowers attract pollinators, rebloom without deadheading, and handle everything from moist soil to well-drained soil.

Russian Sage 

Russian sage brings a soft, airy texture to flower beds and is perfect for foundation plantings. Its silvery foliage and white blooms stand out against darker greens, adding curb appeal that lasts all season long. This disease-resistant deciduous shrub flourishes in the sun to partial shade, handling heat and early fall chills without issue. Use it near fruit trees, as ground cover, or in a shady garden where other plants struggle. It works well in mass plantings, creating movement and depth.

Hosta 

For yards with little sun exposure, hostas are a go-to choice. In Winnipeg, these easy-care perennials thrive in partial sun and shaded areas. Their lush foliage provides season-long interest, while their flowers add subtle beauty.

Hostas add depth and structure to any outdoor space, thriving in various soil types while pairing beautifully with garden sage, ferns, and other shade-loving plants. Low-maintenance and resilient, whether filling a rock garden or serving as a creeping plant in a woodland setting, hostas bring effortless greenery to any landscape. They require minimal watering and little upkeep.

Low-Maintenance Shrubs 

Shrubs bring structure and year-round beauty to any landscape without demanding constant upkeep. These hard-to-kill plants thrive in partial shade or even deep shade, making them perfect for spots where other greenery struggles. Even without a green thumb, these great plants are established quickly and require minimal care:

Ninebark

Ninebark is one of the toughest low-maintenance plants you can add to your landscape. Native to North America, this hardy shrub handles poor soil, fluctuating weather, and minimal watering without issue. It thrives in various soil types, including acidic soil, and once established, becomes highly drought-tolerant.

Its deep root system helps prevent erosion, making it a smart choice for slopes and garden beds. With textured bark, changing foliage, and delicate flowers in late spring, ninebark delivers curb appeal through every season. It works well as a ground cover, hedging, or a focal shrub, among other outdoor plants. Durable, adaptable, and requiring little upkeep, ninebark brings effortless structure and colour to any outdoor space.

Spirea 

Spirea is a drought-tolerant shrub that thrives in full sun and brings effortless beauty to garden beds. Blooming in early summer produces clusters of white, yellow, or purple flowers, depending on the variety.

It adapts to different soil types and requires minimal care beyond occasional shaping. Once established, it flourishes in well-drained soil, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. New leaves emerge in fresh hues, adding season-long colour. Whether planted as a border, used as a creeping plant, or added for contrast, spirea blends durability with striking blooms.

Hydrangea 

Colourful blooms and lush foliage make these low-maintenance perennials a favourite for flower beds, mass plantings, and container gardens. Hydrangeas are well-suited to shady gardens and areas with partial sun since they require little more than occasional pruning.

Some, like oakleaf hydrangea, offer stunning foliage that shifts with the seasons. Others bloom on new growth, allowing for late winter pruning without sacrificing flowers. While they prefer moist soil, many adjust to dry soil over time.

Grasses 

Grasses effortlessly fill gaps in flower beds or replace high-maintenance turf, adding texture and natural charm. Some work as ground cover, preventing weeds and holding soil in place. Others bloom continuously through early fall, complementing other plants in a low-maintenance garden:

Karl Foerster 

A low-maintenance favourite, Karl Foerster feather reed grass brings effortless structure to perennial gardens and container gardens. Its drought-resistant nature makes it ideal for landscapes with poor soil or irregular watering. Once established, it handles full sun with ease and requires little more than an occasional trim.

This North American staple offers continuous seasonal interest, with feathery plumes that start pink and shift to golden hues by early fall. Perfect for pairing with fruit trees or other outdoor plants, it holds its shape through winter, adding texture even when other perennials fade.

Prairie Grass

Prairie grass is an easy-care perennial that brings structure and movement to any landscape. A North American native, it’s built for harsh conditions, handling very acidic soil, dry soil, and poor soil without issue. It needs little water, making it a great plant for low-maintenance gardens.

Deep roots improve soil structure, prevent erosion, and help the grass bloom continuously through the seasons. Its deer-resistant nature makes it ideal for foundation plantings and ground cover, while small flowers attract pollinators.

Contact Bulger And Plant Yourself In The Perfect Landscape!

Tired of high-maintenance yards that never look right?Bulger Brothers Landscaping designs low-maintenance, high-impact landscapes built for Winnipeg’s climate. We handle it all, from sod installation and rock beds to patios and drainage solutions, creating outdoor spaces that look great with minimal upkeep. Request a quote today!