Landscape Design Ideas & Pictures

Low-Maintenance Plants for Easy Landscaping

Check out these 15 varieties of low-maintenance plants, we've got planting, watering, fertilizing and pruning instructions for every gardening zone.

Velvet Cloak Smoke Tree (<i>Cotinus coggygria</i> 'Velvet Cloak')

The velvet cloak smoke tree has beautiful, deep purple leaves.

Large deciduous shrub or small tree with deep purple leaves and "puffs" of pink flowers in early summer.
Plant in average garden soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained; tolerates some salt.
Plant in full sun.
Height: 10-15 feet/ Width: 15-20 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8:
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; provide supplemental water during dry spells.
Zone 8: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; provide supplemental water during dry spells.