Not everyone wants to spend hours watering, pruning, and fighting off bugs in the yard. For many homeowners, having a nice-looking garden that doesn’t take much work is the dream. The good news is, if you live in Tennessee, there are plenty of plants that can handle the heat, cold, and everything in between — without needing too much from you.
This list includes tough plants that look great year after year, even if you forget to water them once in a while. They’re perfect for busy folks, new homeowners, or anyone who just doesn’t want to deal with fussy landscaping.
1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
This bright yellow flower with a dark center adds color to any yard and blooms for weeks in the summer. It’s native to the region, so it handles Tennessee’s changing weather like a champ. Black-eyed Susans grow well in full sun and need very little care once they’re settled in the ground.
They also bring in butterflies and other helpful insects. Just plant them in a sunny spot, and they’ll come back every year on their own.
2. Boxwood Shrubs
Boxwoods are those tidy, green shrubs you often see lining walkways or forming a low hedge. They grow slowly, don’t need much trimming, and stay green all year. You can use them to shape borders or just add some structure to your landscape.
Because they’re hardy and drought-tolerant, they make a solid choice for folks who want something simple but neat.
3. Daylilies
Daylilies come in a bunch of colors and are basically foolproof. They bloom like crazy during summer, and once they’re in the ground, they’re hard to mess up. These flowers don’t mind poor soil or hot weather, and deer usually leave them alone.
If you want something that spreads on its own and fills in empty spots, this is a great pick.
Now, if you’re thinking about making bigger changes to your yard and want some help, you might want to talk to a pro. For Nashville landscaping services, it helps to work with folks who know which plants work best locally and how to plan out a clean, low-maintenance layout.
4. Coneflowers (Echinacea)
These daisy-like flowers are another native plant that loves Tennessee’s weather. They bloom in pink, purple, and even white, attracting bees and birds while standing up to heat and dry spells. Coneflowers spread on their own and come back each year with little help.
They also don’t get many plant diseases or pests, so you don’t need to spray or fuss over them.
5. Lavender
Lavender isn’t just pretty — it smells amazing and keeps mosquitoes away. It grows best in sunny spots and doesn’t need rich soil or much water. It can even handle drought once it’s established.
Trim it back once a year, and you’ll have a plant that lasts and gives your yard a clean, relaxed look.
6. Hostas
If you’ve got a shady spot that other plants hate, hostas will save the day. These leafy green plants come in many sizes and shades, from light green to blue-gray. They’re easy to grow and come back year after year, spreading slowly as they go.
They don’t need much attention, and you can mix different types together for a soft, layered look.
7. Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum is a hardy succulent that grows low to the ground and thrives in rocky, dry areas. Some varieties stay short and act like groundcover, while others grow tall with flowers on top. Either way, they handle heat, bad soil, and forgetful owners really well.
Once they’re in place, they practically take care of themselves.
Extra Tips for Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Choosing easy plants is just one part of keeping your yard stress-free. Here are a few more ways to cut down on yard work:
- Mulch your beds – Mulch keeps weeds down and holds in moisture.
- Plant in groups – Clusters of the same plant need less work than a mixed bed.
- Avoid high-maintenance lawns – Go for clover, moss, or groundcover in tough spots.
- Use native plants – They’re made for the climate and don’t need much care.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a master gardener to have a yard that looks nice all year. With the right plants and a simple setup, you can have a space that’s both good-looking and easy to manage.
Whether you’re planting a few shrubs or thinking about redoing your whole yard, starting with low-maintenance plants makes life a lot easier. And if you’re not sure where to begin, getting advice from someone local can make all the difference.
