If you want to create a landscape that is both beautiful and functional, the best plants for landscaping are ones that add height, structure, and winter interest. They provide a backdrop for other plants and provide form when annuals and perennials die back. These plants thrive in Zones 4 through 7 of the U.S. and will add an extra dimension to your garden. Read on to discover which plants are best for landscaping. You might be surprised at how versatile they are.
Red creeping thyme
The best red creeping thyme plants for your landscaping projects are not those you have to beg for; they’re among the easiest flowers to grow and maintain. You can easily grow them from seed indoors in the spring and transplant them outdoors after the last frosts. Plants grow up to 6 inches tall and spread out to 10 inches wide. They can grow in patches, or you can prune them back after the flowers die off.
The plants should be planted at least 12 inches apart to allow them to fill their space, but do not crowd them with other perennials. For best results, space them closer together than they are far apart. Space red creeping thyme plants about 12 to 15 inches apart. Closer spacing will help them fill out faster. Water regularly, but make sure that the soil doesn’t become soggy as this can cause root rot. Fertilize them with an all-purpose fertilizer, applied according to package directions.
The best red creeping thyme plants for landscape design are those that look beautiful and resist moderate foot traffic. You can plant them in pots or mixed beds, and they will provide a nice ground cover. The plant will produce a pleasing fragrance when crushed. This plant can also be used as a ground cover for a lawn, so it’s a great choice for that. But if you want to make the most of your landscaping, you can choose among the different varieties.
Creeping sedum
Despite their low maintenance, creeping sedums are perfect for landscaping. They grow less than 6 inches tall and spread 3 feet wide. While not the most reliable ground plant, these beauties are very hardy in pots. You can buy creeping sedum in evergreen and perennial forms. Those that are hardy to the cold are often referred to as ‘evergreen’.
Once established, sedums require little or no watering. They do well in average to slightly poor soil, but they do not thrive in clay or compacted soil. If you’re concerned about watering, don’t worry. You can even plant them in the shade. While they do not require any fertilizer, they do need adequate drainage. Overwatering may cause rot or disease.
A sedum’s low water requirement makes it a great plant for landscaping, especially in difficult sites. You can interweave patches of color and texture with them. Some of the most beautiful varieties include pink-flowering S. spurium ‘John Creech’ and a variety of sedums with different flowers and textures. These creeping sedums are also perfect for edging.
There are two types of sedum: creeping sedum and clumping weeds. The former grows taller and does not spread. While the latter spreads quickly, it looks best when watered properly. The ground soil should drain well and not be constantly wet. A few types of creeping sedum can also do well in rocky soil, so you may have to improve the soil before planting.
Oregon grape
The tall, beautiful Oregon grape is a wonderful landscaping plant that can be used for screening or accent purposes. Its foliage is a bronzy color, while its bright yellow flowers are lightly scented. They’re bold and colorful, and they attract hummingbirds and bees. Oregon grapes grow well in a variety of soils, although they prefer an evenly moist soil with plenty of humus. This perennial is a good choice for landscape design because it needs little supplemental water and grows well in shade. Its blooming time is late April-May.
The Oregon grape is a beautiful shrub that offers several benefits to wildlife. Its clusters of yellow flowers attract butterflies and moths. The fruit, a tart grape, is edible and can be made into jellies and jams. The leaves and berries can also attract bees, which collect the pollen. Because Oregon grapes grow in shady areas, they are an ideal choice for wildlife gardens. However, be careful when harvesting this shrub as it can be invasive in some areas.
Native to western Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, the tall Oregon grape grows one to two feet tall and four to six feet wide. It is found mostly in forests east of the Cascade Mountains and is often used as a groundcover or shrub. It’s easy to care for, and its small yellow flowers bloom in late winter and early spring. In addition to the flowers, Oregon grapes also produce berries, which persist into the fall.
Creeping phlox
It can thrive in any terrain and will grow well in any soil type. Phlox prefers soil that is evenly moist but well-drained. It will grow best in late winter and early spring. The soil should be amended with organic matter such as compost. Watering is necessary for the plant every week. Despite its slender, woody stems, it will not dominate your landscape.
If you’d like to propagate your creeping phlox plant, the good news is that it is relatively easy to do. You can take stem cuttings from the plant to plant. It’s best to take the cuttings after flowering has completed. Make sure to remove any foliage from the lower half of the stem before dipping it in plant rooting hormone. This will encourage rooting.
You can buy creeping phlox cuttings as small plants or from seed. Seedlings need careful nurturing and several seasons to mature. However, if you’re in an area with harsh winters, you can purchase young or small plants. In spring or autumn, you can plant creeping phlox seeds in a well-drained potting medium. A mixture of perlite and coarse sand is ideal. Plant the cuttings thinly so that they don’t smother each other.
Once established, creeping phlox is a low-maintenance plant. Once planted, it spreads easily and requires minimal encouragement to produce foliage. However, watering is needed during dry spells. Phlox prefers moderate amounts of water. Soil moisture meters will help you decide when to water it. If the temperatures are high, you should make sure to water it more frequently.
Siberian bugloss
If you want an exotic tree that will be beautiful in a landscape, try Siberian bugloss. This perennial shrub thrives in full to part shade. The soil in which it grows should be moist but not too wet. If you can’t find such a tree in your area, consider planting it near a pond or shade garden. This ground cover will take a few years to fill in.
A hardy perennial, Siberian bugloss will grow to about 12 inches tall and 16 inches in height when it is flowering. The flower stems grow up to 18 inches long, and its foliage is attractive throughout the growing season. Siberian bugloss will spread slowly by means of rhizomes, but once established, it will form a nice ground cover. The plant will grow slowly enough not to require frequent division and seldom becomes invasive.
The Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ is a super-sized version of the Siberian bugloss. It features heart-shaped foliage with contrasting green veins and beautiful sky-blue flowers in early spring. It forms a dense mound and spreads with creeping rhizomes. Siberian bugloss is hardy in zones three to eight, and its foliage is highly decorative and useful for landscaping.
Blue chiffon
If you want to create a gorgeous backdrop for your landscape, you should plant the Blue Chiffon shrub in early spring. It thrives in full sun to part shade and can tolerate drought and heat. Once established, Blue Chiffon will shrug off salt. In addition, it grows in upright form, so it is ideal for hedging. Once it is established, it will produce beautiful blue blooms and attract hummingbirds to your garden.
Another blue plant to add is the ‘Blue Chiffon’ rose of Sharon. This shrub has beautiful, bold blue trumpet-shaped flowers with a violet throat in midsummer. Its foliage is a light green with lobed leaves and does not develop a fall color. This multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub features a midsummer flower color that can be balanced by other plants.
Roses shaped like anemones are another popular option for a blue chiffon garden. ‘White Chiffon’ rose of Sharon has large white blooms and matures at six to eight feet tall. ‘Blue Satin’ rose of Sharon is a great choice for landscaping. It matures at eight to 12 feet. It has semi-double petals and yellow stamens. Its height is approximately eight to ten feet, making it an ideal small tree.
