Do you love gardening but struggle to keep your plants alive? Do you have a yard that is too dry, too shady, or too sandy for most flowers? Don’t worry, there are still plenty of beautiful plants that can thrive in even the most challenging conditions. In this post, we will introduce you to 10 outdoor plants that are hardy, low-maintenance, and almost impossible to kill. Whether you want to add some color, texture, or fragrance to your garden, these plants will not disappoint you.
1. Lilac Sage
Lilac sage, also known as purple rain, is a perennial plant that produces spikes of purple flowers from July to September. It attracts butterflies and bees with its slightly spicy scent. Lilac sage can grow in sandy, well-drained soil and full sun, but it can also tolerate alkaline soil. It is ideal for mixed borders and containers.
2. Zagreb Tickseed
Zagreb tickseed is another perennial plant that blooms from late June to late August. It has bright green leaves and golden yellow flowers that add a cheerful touch to any garden. Zagreb tickseed is very tolerant of heat, drought, and humidity, and it prefers sunny locations. It can grow in clay soil, but it does better in moist and well-drained soil. It is suitable for area planting, borders, and flower beds.
3. Armeria
Armeria, also known as sea thrift, is an evergreen plant that grows between six and ten inches in height. It has grass-like foliage and clusters of white, pink, or red flowers that appear in spring. Armeria is perfect for beachside gardens, as it can survive in light or sandy soil and salty conditions. It also tolerates dry and windy environments and requires little watering.
4. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed is a type of milkweed that has shiny green leaves and bright orange-yellow flowers that take up to three years to bloom. As the name suggests, butterfly weed attracts butterflies, especially monarchs, which lay their eggs on the leaves. The leaves are the sole source of food for the monarch caterpillars. Butterfly weed can grow in light or sandy soil and withstand all weather conditions. It needs full sun and good drainage.
5. Agave
Agave is a succulent plant that has large, fleshy leaves with spiky tips. It comes in various sizes and colors, and some varieties have variegated or striped patterns. Agave is very slow-growing, but it can live for decades. It produces long-lasting flowers in green, white, or yellow shades, but only once in its lifetime. Agave is ideal for dry, sunny areas, as it can store water in its leaves and survive droughts. It needs well-drained soil and occasional fertilizing.
6. Dianthus
Dianthus, also known as carnation or sweet william, is a fragrant plant that has narrow, green leaves and flowers in various colors, such as pink, red, white, or purple. Some flowers have fringed or spotted petals. Dianthus blooms from spring to summer and can rebloom in fall if deadheaded. Dianthus can grow in sandy, rocky, or clay soil, as long as it is well-drained. It likes full sun or partial shade and moderate watering.
7. Caladium
Caladium is a tropical plant that has arrowhead-shaped leaves in shades of red, pink, white, or green. Some leaves have contrasting veins or spots. Caladium adds a touch of color and drama to shady areas of the garden, as it can tolerate low light. It can also grow in containers or indoors. Caladium needs moist, rich, and well-drained soil and regular feeding. It goes dormant in winter and reappears in spring.
8. Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a succulent plant that has thick, fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers in yellow, pink, red, or white. Sedum comes in different shapes and sizes, from groundcovers to upright varieties. Sedum is very easy to grow and care for, as it can adapt to almost any soil type and condition. It can handle drought, heat, cold, and poor soil. It prefers full sun and good drainage.
9. Geranium
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Geranium, also known as cranesbill, is a perennial plant that has lobed, green leaves and flowers in blue, purple, pink, white, or red. Some flowers have veined or streaked petals. Geranium blooms from spring to fall and can attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Geranium can grow in any soil type, as long as it is well-drained. It can tolerate sun or shade and needs moderate watering and pruning.
10. Chives
Chives are not only a culinary herb, but also a decorative plant. They have thin, tubular, green leaves and round, purple flowers that form in clusters. Chives can grow in any soil type and condition, and they can even self-seed and spread. They like full sun or partial shade and regular watering and harvesting. Chives can add flavor and color to your dishes and your garden.
These are just some of the outdoor plants that are almost impossible to kill. With these plants, you can enjoy gardening without worrying too much about the soil, the sun, or the water. Just plant them, give them some basic care, and watch them flourish in your garden. Happy gardening!
