Shady yard owners, rejoice!
These hardy outdoor plants can thrive in almost any condition.
In fact, these common problems may just inspire you to get more creative with your plant picks.
Photo: Stefan Rotter/Getty Images
The shade-surviving plant at the top of the list:ajuga.
Costa Farm’s favorite hue?
Jacob Burns, the curator of herbaceousperennial plants, guided us through the varieties best suited for deep shade.
Costa Farms
One low-light pick at the top of Burns' list was the oakleafhydrangea shrub.
To enjoy blossoms throughout the season, opt for the oakleaf hydrangea.
This free-growing ground cover is similar to a soft carpet for your garden.
Costa Farms
“There are a wealth of varieties from which to choose.
Our favorites are variegated types that bring in an extra splash of color,” he suggests.
Desert Rose
“Think all succulents are spiny?
Costa Farms
Hancock challenges us to reconsider what we think we know about these drought-tolerant plants.
“Desert roselooks like a bonsai with a thick, squat trunk and beautiful flamboyant blooms.
Plant desert rose as an annual in the north, or treat it as perennial in frost-free regions.
William Bishoff
Sedum
Even at the height of summer, this low-maintenance plant rarely needs to be watered.
Known for its pale yellow blooms, this variety fares best when situated in full sun.
And the best part?
Paul S. Drobot
“You don’t have to prune it,” Burns reports.
Luckily, lilac sage makes the matchmaking process remarkably easy.
“The purple color goes well with almost any other color in the garden,” Burns explains.
Gail Jankus/Getty Images
Lobeliaprefers cool fall weather, hates direct sunlight, and wilts if the temperature exceeds 70.
An easy-to-maintain plant, they look beautiful cascading out of planters alongside garden walls.
An ornamental grass, they thrive in the shade and grow in cute round clumps.
Costa Farms
Cranesbill
Nenov/Getty Images
Cranesbill, also called hardy geraniums, literally have hardy in the name.
They can survive almost anything and still pop out a flower for you, perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
(A rain gauge can help you monitor how much rainfall your garden is getting.)
Costa Farms
For starters, not all pests are the same.
Some pests only cause minor cosmetic damage, while others can lead to overall plant decline.
They are all hearty plants that will repeatedly return, no matter how much you cut them back.
Costa Farms
Costa Farms
Costa Farms
Chicago Botanic Garden Photos
Gratysanna/Getty Images
William Bishoff
constantgardener/Getty Images
Reiko Zoe T./Getty Images
Jacky Parker Photography/Getty Images
Jacky Parker Photography/Getty Images
Nenov/Getty Images
Blanchi Costela/Getty Images
