Not everyone fancies themselves a hardcore gardener. I get that. A lot of folks simply want a nice looking landscape but don’t want to spend hours on end taking care of it. That’s why I came up with this list of what I call Pretty Darn Carefree Plants. These are plants that require little care or maintenance, will tolerate most types of soil, are bothered by few if any pests and diseases, and, as if all that weren’t enough, are beautiful to boot.

But let me be clear: There’s not a plant on the planet that you can just stick in the ground and ignore. All plants must be watered the first year so that they become established, meaning they develop a good root system that’s able to support the plant. Beyond that initial period however, nearly all of the plants that follow will do fine with only occasional watering or fertilization.

And keep in mind that this is only a partial list. I could have included at least a dozen more, but these are among my favorite tried-and-true selections, and they’ll get you off to a great start.

Chinese Pistache, Shumard Oak, and Tupelo are three of the toughest, most adaptable deciduous trees you can plant in this area, and all three offer great fall color. Fact is, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Just make sure to plant them in full sun. 

Among conifers and evergreens, Spartan and Taylor Junipers, as well as our native Yaupon Holly are great choices as well. They too need a sunny spot, although Yaupon Holly will do fine with a few hours of afternoon shade.

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Unless otherwise noted, the following shrubs need at least six hours of sun, but can handle a few hours of afternoon shade.

Abelia is a great group of shrubs represented by several excellent, carefree candidates, many of which are evergreen and all of which flower. Give them full sun, and they’ll give you years of delight. Think of them as azaleas for the sun.

Boxwood has been a mainstay in the gardening world for decades because it’s so easy to grow and maintenance free. Few evergreens are as dependably carefree. Prune only in spring (if at all) to avoid winter damage.

Vitex or Chaste Tree (which I would describe as a large shrub, although dwarf forms are available) is the greatest pollinator magnet ever, and bumblebees in particular absolutely love it. Plant in full sun and simply enjoy for years to come. 

Nandina used to get a bad rap because the species that was so commonly planted years ago tends to get gangly with age. Not so with the many new – and colorful -- introductions, all of which are evergreen. 

Noble Privet is a great narrow, upright evergreen that’s undemanding and can be sheared to maintain a preferred size and shape. Clusters of white flowers in spring are a bonus.

Spirea is another great group of shrubs. They’re deciduous, but they’re tough as nails and beautiful. And the variety of leaf colors is awesome.
 
Rose of Sharon is a snap to grow, it’s tough, and its flowers – which are available in several colors – last and last. 

Oak Leaf Hydrangea is a must for any garden. Whereas other types of hydrangeas can be a bit finicky, this one will grow in part sun or shade and bloom prolifically. Flowers are stunning.

Wax Myrtle is a great but not-so-well known evergreen shrub. It’s fast growing (at least 3’ a year), making it ideal for a quick hedge, and it’s very drought tolerant. Birds love the berries!

Yucca loves the sun and heat, and once established it requires next to nothing in the way of care. In fact, it’s so tough it’s tough to kill! The foliage – both solid green to blue green as well as variegated, gives way to striking flowers atop long stalks.

There are dozens and dozens of carefree perennials, but these top my list for ease of care, making them ideal for new gardeners, and most are great for attracting pollinators. Best grown in full sun unless otherwise noted.

*Needs shade.

Yes, groundcovers spread, but that’s the point. They cover the ground and create a low-maintenance (and weed-suppressing) living mulch.
 
Ajuga
With its waxy leaves and blue or pink flowers, this baby will thrive even in deep shade. Think of it as a blooming carpet.

Angelina is a gorgeous sedum with golden-green foliage. It’s super easy to grow, and thrives in dry, sunny spots.

Liriope and Mondo are excellent for covering large, shady areas. Their grasslike foliage is evergreen, and Liriope produces beautiful flowers in late summer. It does have a tendency to spread, whereas Mondo is well-behaved. 

Pachysandra is a dynamite, evergreen, deer-resistant ground cover that forms a thick mat. Perfect for mass planting beneath large, mature trees.

Vinca Minor
This hardy form of Vinca is a trailing evergreen with glossy foliage and beautiful, dainty blue flowers. Grows best in shade or dappled light.