If you're looking to create a garden that's visually appealing all year round, you'll want to focus on plants that offer interest in multiple seasons. This means selecting a mix of flowering plants, foliage plants, and plants with interesting bark or stems.
Some plants, like the Red Maple (Acer rubrum), offer vibrant fall colors that can't be beat. Others, like the Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata), produce bright red berries that persist through the winter months.
In addition to these showstoppers, plants like the Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) and the Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) provide attractive foliage year-round.
Trees
Trees are a must-have in any garden, providing vertical height, shade, and sources of food and shelter for people and critters.
There are many great options to choose from, but if you're looking for something smaller, Northern Pin Oak is a great choice, perfect for small spaces.
Oaks are incredibly beneficial, providing food for more butterfly and moth larvae than any other tree genus in North America.
Native large trees can bring a lot of character to your garden, with options like the ones listed in our top 10 favorites.
American holly is a tough and attractive evergreen option, with sharp pointy leaves and bright red berries on female trees.
This evergreen can develop into a large pyramidal tree in full sun, making it a great choice for those with plenty of sunlight.
Shrubs
Shrubs can form a foundation for a garden, and some are great for their foliage while others provide additional flowers.
Native shrubs are a great choice for gardens in North America, and there are many to choose from. Some native shrubs are great for their foliage, while others provide additional flowers to the garden.
10 native shrubs are worth considering for your garden, including some that provide beautiful flowers and others that offer attractive foliage.
Perennials
Perennials are a great choice for gardeners in North America, and for good reason. They come back year after year, requiring less maintenance than annuals.
Some perennials, like butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), are drought-tolerant when established. This means you can enjoy their beauty even in dry spells.
Butterfly milkweed is also a host plant for monarch caterpillars, which can defoliate the leaves. However, the leaves will grow back if the defoliation happens early in the season.
This perennial is a great choice for water gardens, as it can thrive in containers or ponds with varying levels of sunlight.
For another approach, see: Butterfly Weed Plant Care
Flowers
Roses are America's national floral emblem, and many gardeners love them for their beauty.
If you're looking for a drought-tolerant flower, consider Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), which blooms from late spring to early autumn and attracts butterflies.
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata ssp. pulchra) is another good choice, with its clusters of dusty-rose flowers that attract pollinators.
Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) is a perennial that prefers full sun and medium-wet, well-drained soil.
This plant is not a grass at all, but is a member of the Iris family, and it will readily self-seed if growing conditions are good.
If you want to keep Blue-eyed Grass vigorous, divide it every 2-3 years.
Here are some key facts about the plants mentioned:
Roses
Roses are a favorite flower and plant for many gardeners in North America, and it's easy to see why. The rose is America's national floral emblem.
Rosa 'Mrs. Dudley Cross' is a nearly thornless variety that produces beautifully red new foliage and creamy yellow/pink flowers. This makes it a great choice for mixed borders with a nice repeat bloom in autumn.
Rosa 'Thérèse Bugnet' has prickly stems that are beautifully burnished red in winter, while mildly fragrant, stunning pink double flowers emerge late spring through early autumn.
Swamp Rose
The swamp rose is a beautiful and hardy plant that's perfect for adding some drama to your garden. Soft-pink spring flowers give way to showy red fruits in fall and winter, making for a stunning display.
Its shiny mahogany twigs turn glorious red in the fall, adding a pop of color to your yard. This all-season beauty is a great choice for gardeners who want to enjoy their plants year-round.
The swamp rose is a low-maintenance option that can thrive in a variety of conditions. With proper care, it can provide you with years of enjoyment and beauty.
A fresh viewpoint: Rose Garden
Rosa chinensis var. mutabilis
The Rosa chinensis var. mutabilis is a unique and fascinating rose variety. Its single flowers change from yellow to rose, making a whimsical display on this large, healthy, long-blooming shrub.
This rose is known for its long flowering season, and its large size makes it a great choice for a statement piece in your garden. It's a great option for those who want a rose that will bloom for a long time.
The Rosa chinensis var. mutabilis is a shrub that can grow quite large, making it a great choice for a hedge or a screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are only found in North America?
The following plants are native to North America: Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) and Phlox divaricata 'Blue Moon' (Woodland Phlox). Discover more about these and other native North American plants.
What are the best low maintenance outdoor plants?
For low-maintenance outdoor plants, consider hardy options like chives, sedum, geraniums, and herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme. These plants can thrive in various conditions and require minimal upkeep.
How do I identify the plants in my garden?
To identify the plants in your garden, observe and note the plant's climate, leaf shape, size, arrangement, fruits, flowers, and any distinctive features like barbs or thorns. By carefully examining these characteristics, you can narrow down the possibilities and learn more about the plants growing in your garden.
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