Plants are a great way to add beauty and curb appeal to any residential or commercial landscape, but not all of us have the time or patience to maintain plants. The last thing you want to do is invest money in plants only to have them die from lack of attention and upkeep. Fortunately, there are low-maintenance options that will thrive in North Carolina’s climate and allow you to enjoy a beautiful landscape without all the work. 

Low-Maintenance Flowers

If you would like to add some color to your landscape, here are some heat loving flowers that will withstand the hot North Carolina summers.

  • Zinnias are annual plants that soak up the heat and direct sun. The flowers come in a variety of rich, vibrant colors and they tend to reach above knee height, making them a great option for background plants. You can start them from seed and see results in just a couple of days. There really isn’t an easier flower to plant and maintain, especially in hot areas that experience drought conditions.
  • Periwinkle has the appearance of a delicate flower, but don’t be fooled. This hardy plant does well in the heat and requires little attention. Once is has taken hold, you won’t have to worry about watering. Because it spreads quickly, periwinkle is often used as ground cover, but can also be added to potted arrangements near entrances for an added touch of color.
  • Pentas are native to tropical areas, so they are perfect for North Carolina’s summers. These plants have large, leafy bases and clusters of small flowers that come in red, pink, purple and white, which will attract both butterflies and hummingbirds to your landscape. Expect pentas to grow between 18 to 36 inches in length and plan your gardens accordingly.

Best Tree for North Carolina

You know it is spring in North Carolina when the flowering dogwoods begin to bloom. These beautiful trees will add plenty of color to you landscape during the spring and provide some shade during hot weather. Typically, flowering dogwoods will do best as an understory tree that receives some shade. If you have some larger trees on the property and want to add more color and texture, the flowering dogwood is a great low-maintenance option.

Easy to Maintain Decorative Grass

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to fill out your landscape without adding work to your plate is by planting big and little bluestem ornamental grasses. These perennials come in a variety of shades of blue/green that include hints of copper that will add color and texture to your garden beds. They are easy to grow from seed, love the sun and will spread quickly to provide great ground cover. 

With the right plan in place, you can design a residential or commercial landscape that requires practically no maintenance. Enjoying beautiful, natural surroundings doesn’t have to mean constant watering and weeding. There are plenty of low-maintenance plant options that are perfect for the Triangle area. To learn more about your options and get started on your landscape project, contact JT’s Landscaping today.