6 Low Maintenance Plants That Will Thrive in Your Yard, According to Plant Pros

Whether you're stocking up on indoor plants or creating an outdoor oasis, it's not always easy to keep those plants alive. However, you don't need to be a gardening guru to do so. It's why low-maintenance plants are a great alternative — they still look pretty but don't require much upkeep or effort. Luckily, there are several options to choose from for a nice variety of shrubs, flowers or perennials. Here, plant experts share the best low-maintenance plants for your yard and the minimal care they need to thrive.

The 6 best low maintenance plants

From not needing a lot of water or sunlight to being able to grow in various climates, certain plants don't need constant attention to survive.

Low maintenance plants: Lavender

Lavender is great for essential oils, and soothing energy, plus it smells great. The best part? Growing it yourself is super easy. It's a "fragrant, drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun exposure and slightly alkaline soil," says Sally Allsop Founder of All That Grows . This plant, specifically, thrives in well-draining environments but it's important to understand your climate when choosing to plant lavender.

As far as taking care of it, Allsop says apart from chopping it back at the end of the summer, it’s very low maintenance. She recommends pinching off the flowers when the buds start to grow in the first year and pruning lightly in the following years to maintain their shape.

Related: Can Springtime Blooms, Like Lavender, Ease Pain and Boost Energy? Here’s What The Science Says

Low maintenance plants: Abelia Edward Goucher

This plant is an easy choice for landscaping as "it can thrive in full sun to partial shade, it prefers well-draining soil that is moist and rich in organic matter, and once it is established it is drought tolerant," says Alex Kantor, owner of Perfect Plants Nursery . The foliage starts as a maroon color and then transitions to glossy dark green leaves.

The Abelia Edward Goucher shrubs generally do well in all climates, but Kantor notes that the best time to plant it is in "early spring or early fall so it has the whole growing season to establish its root system." These also do best in fully lit areas of the yard.

Low maintenance plants: Liriope Royal Purple Shrub

As the name suggests, this shrub has green leaves and purple flowers that typically bloom in late summer or early fall. "This plant will do well in full sun to partial shade, can tolerate a range of soil types and is drought tolerant once established," says Kantor.

It works well as a border plant or a filler in garden beds and Kantor adds that it doesn't require a ton of pruning. You won't be down in the dirt too much with this one! You can plant this one anywhere as it's adaptable to various conditions.

Low maintenance plants: Coneflowers

"Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, are a hardy perennial that can put up with poor soil and full sun and are a beautiful addition to any low-maintenance garden," says Allsop.

They will grow all season as long as you remember to remove the dead flowers. Other than that, they thrive easily.

Related: No-Woe Perennials Turn Black Thumbs Into Garden Pros — Here’s the Dirt on These Power Plants

Low maintenance plants: Sedum

If you're a succulent lover, then sedum is a must-have in your garden. There are lots of different types of this plant, but no matter which color or type you choose, they're all low-maintenance.

"Sedum thrives in dry, rocky conditions and requires minimal watering, so if you often forget to water your garden, sedum will be ideal for you," says Allsop.

Related: Grow Your Own Succulent Garden, Plus How To Grow New Succulents From Their Leaves!

Low maintenance plants: Loropetalum Ruby Chinese Fringe Flower Shrub

The Loropetalum Ruby Chinese Fringe Flower Shrub has unique burgundy foliage with pink flowers that resemble fringe. You can maintain its shape or trim it into a hedge. "This plant prefers well-drained soil but it can easily adapt to different types of soil," says Kantor.

It does well in full sun or partially shaded areas but will ultimately produce more flowers if it has more sunlight. Kantor notes that it also requires moderate watering, especially when it is being established. "However, once it is rooted it is drought-tolerant, and the Lorepatlum Ruby Chinese Fringe Flower Shrub does not require a lot of pruning."

For more planting tips:

6 Easy Houseplants That Are Low-Maintenance Wonders, According to Plant Pros

No-Woe Perennials Turn Black Thumbs Into Garden Pros — Here’s the Dirt on These Power Plants

6 Indoor Plants That Will Thrive in (and Brighten Up) Your Bathroom