14 Easy Outdoor Plants To Grow

Few Things rival enchantment of of hanging baskets and window boxes overflowing with vibrant blooms, alongside tall, upright flowers exuding fragrant aromas in the garden. And let’s not forget about the delightful Multicolored leaves peeking from beneath the trees. With such a vast array of options, it can be daunting to know where to begin.

Gardening isn’t just about enhancing your outdoor space; it offers a multitude of rewards beyond aesthetics. Depending on the plant species, it serves as a vital source of pollen and nectar for insects and birds, provides fresh-cut flowers to grace your indoor spaces.

Moreover, tending to a garden can be incredibly therapeutic. With its myriad benefits, it’s no wonder you’ve decided to dive in, sleeves rolled up, ready to dig in the soil and embrace the joys of gardening.

Difference between Annuals and Perennials

Annual plants bloom within a single growing season, offering immediate bursts of color and vitality to gardens. They complete their life cycle within a year, providing flexibility for seasonal displays and arrangements. These quick-growing beauties are perfect for adding instant charm to any outdoor space.

Perennial plants have a lifespan exceeding two years, returning year after year with their enduring beauty. They often have slower growth rates compared to annuals but require less maintenance once established. With their ability to thrive for multiple seasons, perennials are essential for creating sustainable, low-maintenance gardens, offering long-lasting color and structure to outdoor spaces.

1. Marigold (Tagetes)

Marigold plants, scientifically known as Tagetes, are popular annuals prized for their vibrant blooms and easy cultivation. They come in various shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding a cheerful touch to gardens, borders, and containers. Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties and are commonly used in companion planting to deter pests from vegetables and other plants.

2. Geranium (Pelargonium)

Geraniums, belonging to the genus Pelargonium, are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage. Available in a variety of colors including red, pink, white, and purple, geraniums are versatile and adaptable, thriving in both garden beds and containers.

They are prized for their long blooming season, making them a favorite choice for adding color to gardens and landscapes. Additionally, their fragrance can vary from citrusy to spicy, adding an extra dimension to their appeal. Geraniums grown from seed are usually treated as annuals because they may not survive cold temperatures or may not bloom as profusely in subsequent years.

3. Hosta (Perennial Plants )

Hostas are herbaceous perennial plants prized for their lush foliage and shade tolerance. They are popular choices for gardens, borders, and landscaping due to their attractive leaves, which come in various shapes, sizes, and shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns.

Hosta produce elegant spikes of flowers in summer, though they are primarily grown for their foliage. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are excellent options for adding texture and interest to shaded areas of the garden.

4. Petunias

Petunias are colorful annual flowering plants prized for their prolific blooms and versatility in garden settings. Available in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, white, and bi-colors, petunias are popular choices for adding vibrant splashes of color to flower beds, borders, hanging baskets, and containers. They bloom continuously throughout the growing season, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil.

5. Roses

Roses, belonging to the genus Rosa, are timeless flowering plants adored for their beauty and fragrance. With a wide range of colors and forms, they add elegance and charm to gardens, symbolizing love, beauty, and romance.

With proper care and attention, including adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and regular pruning, roses reward gardeners with abundant blooms throughout the growing season, making them timeless favorites in gardens worldwide.

6. Snapdragons

Snapdragons, scientifically named Antirrhinum, are beloved for their unique blossoms that resemble dragon mouths. These annual or perennial plants offer a wide spectrum of hues, from bold to pastel, adding vibrancy to gardens and attracting pollinators. They flourish in sunny spots with well-drained soil, making them delightful additions to any garden.

7. Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies, known scientifically as Hemerocallis, are versatile perennial flowering plants cherished for their showy blooms and easy care. With a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, daylilies brighten gardens and borders from late spring to early fall.

They thrive in various soil conditions and sun exposures, making them popular choices for landscaping. Additionally, daylilies are known for their resilience and adaptability, tolerating drought and neglect with ease.

8. Nasturtium

Nasturtiums, or Tropaeolum, are vibrant annual flowers prized for their edible leaves and flowers. With a spectrum of colors ranging from bright yellows to fiery oranges, they add a splash of color to gardens and are favored for their peppery flavor in salads.

9. Coleus

Coleus, scientifically known as Plectranthus scutellarioides, are popular ornamental plants prized for their colorful foliage and versatility. With a wide range of leaf shapes, sizes, and vibrant hues, coleus add drama and interest to gardens, containers, and landscapes.

They thrive in partial shade to full sun and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Coleus are easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, making them beloved choices for adding visual impact to any setting.

10. Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny, or Lysimachia nummularia, is a low-growing perennial ground cover cherished for its cascading, chartreuse foliage. Ideal for filling in gaps between stones, along pathways, or in containers, this vigorous plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, adding a lush, vibrant touch to any garden or landscape.

11. Monkey Grass

Monkey Grass, also known as Liriope, is a hardy perennial grass-like plant appreciated for its versatility and low maintenance. With its dense tufts of strappy foliage and occasional purple or white flower spikes, Monkey Grass thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a popular choice for borders, edging, and ground cover.

12. Canna Lily

Canna lilies, belonging to the genus Canna, are striking perennial plants known for their bold foliage and vibrant flowers. With large, paddle-shaped leaves and tall flower spikes in hues of red, orange, yellow, and pink, canna lilies add tropical flair to gardens, borders, and containers.

They thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, making them popular choices for adding drama and color to outdoor spaces.

13. Dianthus

Dianthus, commonly known as carnations or pinks, are delightful perennial flowers appreciated for their charming blooms and spicy fragrance. With a variety of colors and forms, dianthus add elegance and allure to gardens, borders, and containers. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, requiring minimal maintenance for a continuous display of beauty.

14. Barberry

Barberry, also known as Berberis, is a versatile shrub valued for its colorful foliage and hardy nature. With varieties offering shades of green, red, orange, and purple, barberries provide year-round interest in gardens and landscapes. They are tolerant of various soil types and conditions, making them excellent choices for low-maintenance landscaping with visual impact.

Select the appropriate plants, and you can achieve stunning landscaping that requires minimal upkeep.