20 Outdoor Plants That Are Nearly Impossible to Kill

1. Ajuga

Ideal for: Shady Gardens

If your garden lacks direct sunlight, finding plants that thrive in shaded spots can be challenging. To discover the best shade-tolerant plants, we reached out to Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms, for the company’s top recommendations. Based in Miami, Florida, Costa Farms provides houseplants and garden plants to retailers nationwide, making them experts in selecting plants that perform well in real-world gardens.

The top shade-loving plant on the list: ajuga. "This groundcover is fantastic for suppressing weeds and adding vibrant color to your shaded backyard. In spring, it produces charming spikes of blue-purple flowers, followed by a dense carpet of foliage throughout the season," says Hancock. For added visual appeal, consider variegated varieties like "Burgundy Glow," with its striking mix of pink and silver leaves. Plus, ajuga is a perennial, returning year after year, so plant it once and enjoy its beauty for seasons to come."

2. Caladium

Perfect for: Shady Gardens

"Add a tropical flair to your shaded backyard with the large, striking leaves of caladium," suggests Hancock. The plant's arrow-shaped leaves come in vibrant colors like red, pink, and white, allowing you to match them with the other plants in your garden. Costa Farms’ favorite variety? "The white caladiums are especially stunning in the shade, as they almost appear to glow, particularly as dusk sets in," Hancock explains. You can treat caladium as an annual and leave it in the ground year-round, or dig it up and store it in a cool place for winter."

3. Persian Shield

Ideal for: Shady Gardens

If you're on the hunt for a resilient plant that can flourish in both northern and southern climates, in full sun or shade, and thrive in both garden beds and containers, then look no further than the Persian Shield. This vibrant, leafy plant not only offers remarkable durability but also stands out in any garden. "We love this tropical plant's striking metallic-purple leaves—they make a bold statement whether on their own or paired with other plants," says Hancock. Treat it as an annual, or if you're feeling adventurous, Hancock suggests bringing it indoors during the winter and placing it in a sunny spot."

4. Oakleaf Hydrangea

Ideal for: Shady Gardens

For more shade-tolerant options, we consulted with the experts at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Jacob Burns, the curator of herbaceous perennial plants, walked us through the best varieties for areas with deep shade. Even when placed under a conifer or tucked away in the darkest corners of your garden, these plants are sure to thrive.

One top low-light option on Burns' list is the oakleaf hydrangea shrub. With its bold, textured leaves and large, cone-shaped flowers, this shrub adds significant curb appeal to any front yard. "These plants begin blooming in mid-June and continue into the summer, even when many other shrubs have stopped," Burns explains. To enjoy beautiful blooms all season long, consider the oakleaf hydrangea.

5. First Frost Hosta

Perfect for: Shady Gardens

If you're working with a backyard that's both shaded and dry, the hosta is one of the few plants that will thrive there. Reaching about 16 inches in height and 30 inches in width, a cluster of hostas can help fill up space in a low-light garden. Most hostas actually prefer some shade, and the darker the variety, the better it adapts to dim environments. When planting in deep shade, Burns suggests opting for the "First Frost" variety, known for its beautiful variegated leaves and pale lavender flowers.

6. Carex Pensylvanica

Ideal for: Shady Gardens

"This is an excellent alternative to grass for a shady area," says Burns. This low-maintenance ground cover behaves like a soft carpet for your garden. Once established, it will spread across your yard, filling gaps without overtaking the existing plants. "It provides a softer texture and blends well with other plants," Burns adds, so you won’t need to worry about it. Combine this shade-loving plant with a flowering, low-light variety like hellebore to add a burst of color to your lush, green space.

7. Agave

Perfect for: Drought-Resistant Gardens

If your yard is located in a sunny, dry spot, finding plants that will thrive there can be just as challenging as selecting those that can survive in the shade. One of Hancock's top choices for a drought-prone area is the agave, a hardy, low-water succulent that stands out wherever it's planted. "There are many varieties to choose from, but we particularly love the variegated ones that add a burst of color," he suggests. Look for varieties with two-tone leaves featuring yellow borders and deep green centers to enhance visual appeal.

8. Desert Rose

Ideal for: Drought-Resistant Gardens

"Think all succulents are spiky? Think again!" Hancock invites us to challenge our assumptions about these water-efficient plants. "Desert rose has the appearance of a bonsai with a thick, sturdy trunk and striking, vibrant flowers. Since its trunk stores water, it requires no regular watering—even during drought," he explains. Whether placed in your backyard or used in an indoor container garden, pair this blooming beauty with cacti or other spiky succulents to create a desert-inspired space that thrives even during the hottest summers. In colder regions, plant desert rose as an annual or keep it as a perennial in areas free of frost," he adds.

9. Sedum

Best for: Drought-Prone Backyards

Even in the hottest summer months, this low-maintenance plant seldom requires watering. With a wide range of sedum available, from low-growing ground covers to upright bloomers, the perfect companion for sedum is simply... more sedum. To simplify the planting process, Hancock suggests purchasing a sedum tile—a "living carpet" composed of smaller plants, which can often be found at garden centers. To plant a sedum tile, simply place it onto loose soil, water it generously at first, and watch it flourish.

10. Armeria

Best for: Backyards With Sandy Soil

If you're fortunate enough to have a garden that isn't shaded or dry, you might still face a common issue: sandy soil. For those of you gardening by the coast and looking for a plant that thrives not only in sandy soil but also in salty air and strong seaside winds, the low-growing armeria will shine in your beach garden. "Charming and delightful, this petite perennial features clumps of grassy foliage and round flowers in shades of red, pink, and white all through the spring," Hancock explains. Growing only 6 to 10 inches tall, this low-growing plant seems to bend with the wind in blustery conditions.

11. Dianthus

Best for: Backyards With Sandy Soil

"Dianthus is one of those plants whose fragrance can reach you before its flowers do," says Hancock. Particularly on warm days, the sweet scent of this flowering beauty will greet you long before you catch sight of its colorful blossoms in shades of purple, pink, white, and lavender. While certain dianthus varieties bloom in the spring, others like the "Kahori" variety begin in the spring and continue to flower all summer. Along with its stunning blooms, the annual dianthus also displays attractive blue-green foliage, making it a lovely addition to garden beds or containers.

12. Shrubby Cinquefoil, "Primrose Beauty"

Best for: Backyards With Sandy Soil

When choosing plants for sandy soil, Jacob Burns from the Chicago Botanic Garden recommends low-maintenance varieties like "Primrose Beauty," a type of flowering shrub that thrives in well-drained soil. Famous for its soft yellow flowers, this variety performs best when planted in full sun. The best part? "No pruning required," says Burns. From June through September, expect an abundance of blooms. With a height of only about 3 feet, this shrub won’t overwhelm your garden and will blend harmoniously with other plants.

13. Threadleaf Tickseed

Best for: Backyards With Sandy Soil

"Bees and butterflies adore this plant," says Burns, so if your goal is to bring pollinators into your garden, this flowering variety will quickly become your favorite. The vibrant golden flowers will bloom for more than a month, from June to July, and if you remove the faded blooms, they’ll continue into the fall. Since the flowers tolerate occasional trimming, this plant is a fantastic choice for a cutting garden.

14. Butterfly Weed

Best for: Backyards With Sandy Soil

Burns recommends planting butterfly weed, not just for its striking orange flowers that are sure to draw attention, but because it serves as the host plant for monarch butterflies. By planting milkweed, you play a role in preserving the species. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on the milkweed’s leaves, which are the only food source for their larvae. Native to North America, milkweed thrives across the country, with the exception of parts of the Pacific Northwest. It’s well-suited for sandy soil and can adapt to various climates. This vibrant, low-maintenance plant will not only enhance your garden with its colorful blooms but also attract a swarm of butterflies.

15. Lilac Sage, aka "Purple Rain"

Best for: Backyards With Sandy Soil

Jacob Burns, a professional plant curator at the Chicago Botanic Garden, is always considering how plants will work together in a garden. Fortunately, lilac sage makes this process much simpler. "The purple hue complements nearly every other color in the garden," Burns says. Although lilac sage thrives in well-drained sandy soil, if the plants start to droop due to their weight, Burns suggests cutting the stalks and starting over. With a bloom period extending from July to September, these flowers will add color to the garden for months. Plus, deadheading the spent blooms can help lengthen the blooming season.

If you're after fragrant flowers, be sure to explore our list of favorite fragrant flowers to incorporate into your garden or backyard.

16. Lobelia

Best for: Shady Backyards

Lobelia, with its striking purple blooms, brings a splash of color to any garden with shade. This plant prefers cool fall weather and can't tolerate direct sunlight, wilting when temperatures rise above 70 degrees. A low-maintenance beauty, Lobelia thrives when hanging from planters or cascading along garden walls. If it starts to look a bit droopy, simply trim it back, and as the temperatures cool, it will bounce back.

17. Lenten Rose

Best for: Shady Backyards

For a pop of color in a shady garden, Lenten Rose is the perfect choice. This hellebore variety boasts a range of vibrant colors and thrives in cooler climates and shaded areas. It even blooms while snow is still on the ground!

18. Japanese Forest Grass

Best for: Shady Backyards

These fun, pom-pom-like plants bring a cheerful touch to any garden, especially in shady areas that lack direct sunlight. As ornamental grass, they flourish in the shade, forming adorable round clumps.

19. Cranesbill

Best for: Shady Backyards

Cranesbill, also known as hardy geraniums, are aptly named for their durability. These resilient plants, with their pink and purple blooms, grace gardens from late spring to the end of summer, with some even offering a continuous show. Their tough nature makes them ideal for low-maintenance gardens, thriving even under challenging conditions.

20. Begonia

Best for: Anywhere

If variety is what you're after, begonias are the perfect choice. With so many different types to pick from, including these charming polka dot varieties, begonias thrive just about anywhere. Available in a rainbow of colors, most begonias are annuals that can tolerate both sun and shade, making them ideal for garden beds, pots, or really any spot in your garden. For those who love fragrant blooms, check out our favorite fragrant flowers for your garden or backyard.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How often should you water outdoor plants?

  Although natural rainfall can help hydrate your plants, you shouldn't rely on it exclusively. A general rule is that most outdoor plants require at least 1 inch of water each week. If your area gets less than that, you'll need to provide some extra watering. (You can use a rain gauge to track how much rain your garden receives.) However, drought-tolerant plants can typically survive with little to no additional watering, so it's important to know the specific needs of the plants in your garden.

• How can I get rid of bugs and pests on my outdoor plants?

  First, it's important to recognize that not all pests are the same. While some pests cause minor cosmetic damage, others can harm your plants more severely. Knowing which pests you're dealing with will guide you in choosing the appropriate removal methods. Depending on the pest, you may need to use a hose to blast the bugs off, manually remove them and place them in soapy water, or trim off the affected branches or leaves to prevent further contamination.

  Learn More: 8 Plants That Repel Bugs and Mosquitoes
• What are the features of impossible-to-kill outdoor plants?

  Plants that are nearly impossible to kill usually thrive in low to indirect sunlight, enjoy average household humidity and temperatures, grow well in typical potting soil, and can tolerate periods of neglect.

• What plants can withstand all weather conditions?

  Chives, sedum, geraniums, herbs, and agave are plants that can endure extreme weather conditions and continue to flourish regardless of the temperature.

• What are some low-maintenance outdoor potted plants that are hard to kill?

  Herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme are low-maintenance plants that require minimal care and continue to grow despite being neglected. These hardy plants will keep coming back year after year, even after being cut back.