What defines a low maintenance shrub?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Shrubs that require low maintenance change our perceptions of gardening and represent the best in durability and ornamental value for today's landscape designs and yard improvements. These hardy shrubs require little maintenance, making them perfect for homeowners with little time or for landscapers who want to garden responsibly. Low-maintenance shrubs like juniper and rosemary can tolerate some difficult conditions and additionally, are attractive and provide height and color all year in most gardens.
Drought Tolerance
- Lantana survives on 12 inches of annual rainfall once established
- Deep-rooted yucca stores water for months, needing irrigation only in extreme droughts
- Mulch around Russian sage to reduce evaporation by 30%
Pest Resistance
- Boxwood's bitter alkaloids deter deer and rabbits
- Holly's spiny leaves discourage browsing animals
- Essential oils in rosemary repel aphids and mites naturally
Soil Adaptability
- Beautyberry tolerates acidic clay soils common in Zones 5-8
- Butterfly bush thrives in sandy coastal soils with pH 6.0-7.5
- Amend heavy clay with compost before planting viburnum
Choosing plants that match your USDA zone will save you money. One of my clients spent $400 on hydrangeas in Zone 9 before purchasing lantana which grew well without a shade cloth. Always check the nursery tag against the USDA zone map online before buying the plant.
Carefully considered placement maximizes impact. Plant holly for the winter berry effect close to a window, or use dwarf juniper for fire-wise landscaping in the dryer regions. I turned a client's dry, uninteresting slope into a 3-D textured hillside of creeping juniper and more importantly stopped the erosion in two seasons.
Sustainable practices make the difference. Incorporate beautyberry as an accent towards warm-season native ornamental grasses to benefit pollinators while suppressing weeds. A suburban couple reduced mowing their lawn by 60% by bordering the yard with viburnum and witch hazel, promoting habitat for songbirds while cutting their water bill.
Read the full article: 10 Low Maintenance Shrubs for Effortless Landscapes
