Complete Gardening
Discover the charm and versatility of these 13 standout plants chosen by our experts. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden, bring life into your home, or simply admire their beauty, each plant offers something unique.
From striking foliage to vibrant blooms, these selections are sure to inspire and delight any plant enthusiast.
1. Staghorn Sumac
The Staghorn Sumac is a remarkable plant known for its stunning fall transformation. Its leaves turn a fiery red, making it a standout in any landscape. In spring, it produces clusters of yellow-green flowers that attract pollinators.
This plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add color and height. Its unique branching pattern resembles stag antlers, which adds a touch of the wild to your garden. Easy to grow and maintain, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
2. Ninebark
Ninebark is a versatile shrub that offers year-round interest. Its name comes from its unique bark that peels away in layers, adding texture to winter gardens. In spring, it bursts into bloom with clusters of white or pink flowers.
These blooms give way to red fruit in the fall, providing food for birds and wildlife. Ninebark adapts well to various soil conditions and is drought-tolerant, making it a resilient choice for different garden styles. Its foliage ranges from deep burgundy to bright green, offering color diversity throughout the seasons.
3. Boxwood Balls
Boxwood Balls are the epitome of elegance in garden design. Their perfectly rounded shape adds a touch of formality and structure to any landscape. Often used in topiary art, they are ideal for creating hedges or standalone features.
These evergreen shrubs require little maintenance and are highly adaptable, thriving in both sun and shade. Regular trimming keeps their shape pristine, making them a favorite among gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty. Resistant to deer and other pests, Boxwood Balls offer year-round greenery and are perfect for gardens of any size.
4. Hornbeam
Hornbeam trees are known for their stately presence and dense foliage. These trees provide excellent screening and windbreaks, making them popular in large gardens and parks. Their leaves turn a beautiful yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest.
Hornbeams are tolerant of heavy pruning, which makes them ideal for hedging. They thrive in a range of soil types and conditions, from sun to partial shade. With their strong wood and resilience, Hornbeams are a durable addition to landscapes, offering both beauty and functionality for gardeners.
5. Spotted Bee Balm
Spotted Bee Balm is a vibrant herbaceous perennial that attracts bees and butterflies with its bright pink and purple flowers. It’s a pollinator-friendly plant that enhances biodiversity in gardens.
This plant thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Its foliage releases a pleasant aroma, adding to its appeal as a garden plant. Spotted Bee Balm is drought-resistant and easy to grow, making it a wonderful addition for those looking to support local pollinators. Its unique flowers and aromatic leaves make it a garden favorite.
6. Cow Parsley
Cow Parsley is a graceful plant that adds a touch of wild elegance to gardens. With its delicate, lace-like white flowers and fern-like foliage, it creates a soft, romantic atmosphere.
It thrives in a variety of soil types and can grow in full sun or partial shade. Often seen in hedgerows and meadows, Cow Parsley is easy to grow and self-seeds readily, offering abundant blooms each season. Its airy structure complements more robust plants, making it a versatile addition to any garden looking for a naturalistic design.
7. Giant Chalk Dudleya
Giant Chalk Dudleya is a striking succulent with silvery-blue rosettes that make it a focal point in any garden. Known for its drought tolerance, it thrives in rocky and well-drained soils.
This plant prefers full sun and is well-suited to Mediterranean climates. Its architectural form adds structure and visual interest, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping. Giant Chalk Dudleya requires minimal water once established, and its unique appearance makes it a conversation starter in gardens focused on sustainability and beauty.
8. Wild Columbine
Wild Columbine is a charming native perennial known for its distinctive red and yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. It’s perfect for adding color and life to shaded garden areas.
This plant thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and prefers partial shade. Wild Columbine is easy to grow and requires little maintenance, making it a favorite among gardeners looking for low-effort beauty. Its unique, spurred flowers are not only eye-catching but also support local wildlife, providing nectar for pollinators in naturalistic garden settings.
9. California Buckwheat
California Buckwheat is a hardy native plant that produces clusters of white to pink flowers. It’s well-suited for dry, sandy soils and is a valuable addition to drought-tolerant gardens.
This plant blooms profusely in summer, providing a food source for bees and butterflies. It thrives in full sun and is resistant to pests, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. California Buckwheat’s ability to thrive in poor soils makes it an excellent choice for erosion control, adding both beauty and practicality to landscapes.
10. Desert Globemallow
Desert Globemallow is a resilient perennial known for its striking orange flowers that bloom in arid conditions. Its adaptability makes it a standout choice for xeriscaping and desert gardens.
This plant thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and requires full sun. It’s a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies throughout its long blooming season. Easy to care for and drought-resistant, Desert Globemallow is ideal for gardeners seeking vibrant color with minimal water use. Its robust nature and vivid flowers make it a favorite in sustainable garden designs.
11. Dahlia
Dahlias are beloved for their vibrant and varied blooms that range in color and size. These tuberous perennials are a highlight in summer gardens, offering showy flowers from midsummer to first frost.
They thrive in fertile, well-drained soil in sunny locations. Regular watering and deadheading encourage continuous blooms, making Dahlias a favorite among gardeners who enjoy hands-on care. Their versatility in form and color makes them suitable for floral arrangements, adding a splash of color indoors and out. Dahlias are a celebration of garden grandeur.
12. Roger’s Red Wild Grape
Roger’s Red Wild Grape is a vigorous vine known for its stunning red foliage and sweet grapes. Perfect for covering arbors and trellises, it transforms spaces into lush, colorful retreats.
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Its vibrant leaves add autumn interest, while the grapes are a delightful treat for both humans and wildlife. Roger’s Red Wild Grape requires regular pruning to maintain shape, but its stunning appearance and fruit make it a rewarding choice for gardeners.
13. Basil
Basil is a culinary favorite known for its aromatic leaves and versatility in the kitchen. This herb thrives in warm, sunny locations and well-drained soil.
Regular harvesting encourages new growth and keeps the plant bushy. Basil is perfect for container gardening, making it accessible for those with limited space. Its fragrant leaves are a staple in dishes like pesto and salads, adding fresh, herbal notes. Easy to grow and maintain, Basil is a must-have for any home cook or garden enthusiast looking to add flavor and greenery to their space.