Outdoor Planting
Mint Julep Juniper
Evergreen, spreading shrub with bright mint-green foliage
Arching habit, good for foundations
Height: 4-6 feet; Width: 6-8 feet
Plant in average to moist but well-drained soil; fertilize in spring and summer
Plant in full sun
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; apply mulch in fall; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; prune as needed in spring.
Gold Coast Juniper
Compact, evergreen shrub with medium green foliage with golden-yellow new growth
Holds golden color when in cold weather
Height: 3-4 feet; Width: 3-4 feet
Plant in average to moist but well-drained soil; fertilize in spring and summer
Plant in full sun
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; apply mulch in fall; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; prune as needed in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; prune as needed in spring.
Vanderwolf Pine
Evergreen pine tree with blue-green needles that appear twisted; fast-growing
Dense, broad in youth becoming broad, flat-topped at maturity
Height: 30-50 feet; Width: 15-35 feet
Plant in moist, but well-drained soil
Plant in full sun to light shade
Hardy in USDA zones 4-7:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; apply extra mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun to light shade; apply mulch in fall; may languish in warmer areas of this zone.
Bearberry Cotoneaster 'Lowfast'
Semi-evergreen to evergreen, spreading ground cover shrub with dark green foliage and red fruit
Height: 1-2 feet; Width: 6-8 feet, spreading
Plant in average to moist but well-drained soil
Plant in full sun
Hardy in USDA zones 5-7(8):
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; may be semi-evergreen in this zone; prune as needed to keep in bounds and neat in appearance.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; prune as needed to keep in bounds and neat in appearance.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; apply mulch after first hard frost; prune as needed to keep in bounds and neat in appearance.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; apply mulch in fall; prune as needed to keep in bounds and neat in appearance; may languish in warmer areas of this zone.
Alpina Japanese Spirea (Daphne Spirea)
Spiraea japonica "Alpina" is a non-native plant on the invasive watch list in TN, KY, VA and the U.S. Forest Service. It is best avoided near moist areas.
Deciduous shrub with blue-green foliage topped with pink flowers from late spring through summer
Plant in full sun
Plant in rich, but well-drained soil
Water regularly until established; fertilize in spring; prune 1/2 to 1/3 when dormant
Deadhead to prevent the formation of seeds that produce unwanted seedlings
Height: 12-15 inches; Width: 2-3 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8:
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; may defoliate early in hot, dry weather.
Maiden Grass
Miscanthus sinensis is a non-native invasive grass from Asia. It has escaped cultivation and invaded natural areas throughout the Midwest and South.
Medium upright ornamental grass with copper-colored plumes in mid to late fall; foliage is russet in fall
Plant in full sun to light shade
Can be invasive
Tolerant of a wide range of soil
Prune back to ground in late winter to early spring; fertilize in spring
Divide every few years in early spring
Height: 4-6 feet; Width: 2-4 feet
Hardy in zones 5-9:
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost to prevent winter heaving; remove mulch in spring; avoid exposure to salt; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
Silver Maiden Grass
Miscanthus sinensis is a non-native invasive grass from Asia. It has escaped cultivation and invaded natural areas throughout the Midwest and South.
Medium upright ornamental grass with vertical bands of white/green and crimson plumes
Plant in full sun to light shade
Can be invasive
Tolerant of a wide range of soil
Prune back to ground in late winter to early spring; fertilize in spring
Divide every few years in early spring
Height: 4-6 feet; Width: 2-4 feet
Hardy in zones 5-9:
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost to prevent winter heaving; remove mulch in spring; avoid exposure to salt; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
Heavy Metal Switch Grass
Medium ornamental grass with metallic blue foliage that has stiff, upright appearance
Pink flowers in fall
Plant in full sun
Plant in rich, but well-drained soil
Prune back to ground in late winter to early spring; fertilize in spring
Divide every few years in early spring
Height: 4-5 feet; Width: 2-3 feet
Hardy in zones (4)5-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost to prevent winter heaving; remove mulch in spring; avoid exposure to salt; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice; may be marginally hardy in zone 4a.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost to prevent winter heaving; remove mulch in spring; avoid exposure to salt; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring; plant may flop over in heavy snow or ice.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; remove mulch in spring.
Russian Sage
Deciduous shrub with silver foliage and showy violet-blue flowers in late summer and early fall
Plant in poor to average garden soil that is well-drained
Plant in full sun; prune severely when dormant
Height: 3-5 feet; Width: 2-4 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 5-9:
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; avoid exposure to salt; prune back to 12 inches and mulch heavily after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; prune back to 12 inches and mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; prune back to 12 inches and mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; prune back to 12 inches and mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; prune back to 12 inches and mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Moonshadow Euonymus
Euonymus fortunei "Moonshadow" can be invasive in the Midwest, Northeast and South.
Evergreen vine/ground cover with shiny green leaves with yellow mottled centers
Plant in poor to average garden soil that is well-drained
Plant in full sun to moderate shade
Invasive
Height: 1-3 feet; Width: 6 feet, spreading
Hardy in USDA zones (4)5-8(9):
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; avoid exposure to salt; mulch heavily after first frost; pull back mulch in spring; may survive better with good snow cover and protection from harsh winter wind.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; avoid exposure to salt; mulch heavily after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring; may not thrive in this zone.
Big Blue Lilyturf
Clump forming, evergreen ground cover with grass-like foliage and lavender flowers in summer
Plant in rich organic soil that is well-drained
Plant in full sun to full shade
Prune back tattered foliage in late winter; divide in spring if needed
Height: 12-18 inches; Width: 1-2 feet
Hardy in USDA zones (5)6-10:
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; avoid exposure to salt; mulch heavily after first frost; pull back mulch in spring; may be deciduous in this zone.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to full shade; mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to full shade; mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 10: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Variegated Lilyturf
Clump forming, evergreen ground cover with green grass-like foliage edged in white and lavender flowers in summer
Plant in rich organic soil that is well-drained
Plant in full sun to full shade
Prune back tattered foliage in late winter; divide in spring if needed
Height: 12-18 inches; Width: 1-2 feet
Hardy in USDA zones (5)6-10:
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; avoid exposure to salt; mulch heavily after first frost; pull back mulch in spring; may be deciduous in this zone.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to full shade; mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to full shade; mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 10: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Garden Pink Carnation
Trailing evergreen perennial grown as a groundcover or in containers with silver foliage and red flowers in mid spring
Plant in moist, but well-drained soil
Plant in full sun
Shear back after flowering to promote reblooming
Height: 12-18 inches; Width: 12-18 inches
Hardy in USDA zones (3)4-9:
Zone 3: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; may be marginally hardy in this zone.
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun.
Becky Shasta Daisy
Upright perennial with white daisy flowers with yellow centers in summer
Plant in well-drained soil
Plant in full sun
Deadhead to promote continued blooming; divide in spring if needed
Height: 32-40 inches; Width: 12-18 inches, slowly spreading
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in spring; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in spring; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in spring
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun.
Prairie Sun Gloriosa Daisy
Annual with 5-inch golden daisy-like flowers with orange petal base and sage-green centers
Plant in well-drained soil
Plant in full sun
Deadhead to promote continued blooming; may reseed
May become covered with powdery mildew.
Space generously to allow for good air circulation
Height: 36 inches; Width: 12-18 inches
Annual in all zones (seems to die in fall no matter how warm):
Zones 2-8: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; collect seed in fall for planting the following spring; discard plants after killing frost.
Zones 9-11: Plant in spring or sow seeds in fall when ripe; discard plants in fall.
Autumn Colors Gloriosa Daisy
Annual with 7-inch yellow or bronze daisy-like flowers with maroon-burgundy centers
Plant in well-drained soil
Plant in full sun
Deadhead to promote continued blooming; may reseed
Space generously to allow for good air circulation
Height: 20-24 inches; Width: 12-18 inches
Annual in all zones (seems to die in fall no matter how warm):
Zones 2-8: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; collect seed in fall for planting the following spring; discard plants after killing frost.
Zones 9-11: Plant in spring or sow seeds in fall when ripe; discard plants in fall.
Next Up
Outdoor Greenery
Shrubs, Grasses and Flowers
Springtime Planting
Flowers and Grasses
More Plant Types
Spring Greenery
How to Change the Color of a Hydrangea and the Best Soil to Use
How to Grow Hydrangeas
Blue Muffin Viburnum and 14 Other Plant Varieties
