Want a lush yard without the backbreaking work? It’s possible. The secret is choosing low-maintenance plants that thrive in your local climate. A little research before you shop ensures a beautiful landscape with zero stress.

Abelia

This easy-to-grow shrub does well, and is evergreen in much of the United States. It gets 2 to 3 feet high and up to 4 feet wide, displaying small white flowers There are numerous varieties of abelia; look for one known to do well in your area. Some like full sun, while others are fine with a bit of shade.

Liriope

Liriope is a short, clumping grass-like ground cover that produces pretty spikes of purple flowers. It does well in many parts of the United States, and likes sun or part shade. Deer and rabbits don’t like it much, so those critters won't be a problem. Liriope is drought-tolerant, so no fussing with the hose every day.

Hosta

These leafy green beauties are known for their love of shade, but some varieties can tolerate a bit of sun. Hostas grow into good-sized clumps and some types display stalks of pretty, small flowers. They’re drought-tolerant and don’t require any special care. Depending on where you live, they may freeze to the ground over winter, but will come back in the spring.

Agapanthus

Sometimes called lily of the Nile, this plant has grass-like leaves and deep purple flowers that attract hummingbirds. It does well in part shade or sun, and it’s very drought-tolerant, so don’t worry about watering it every day. It can grow to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

Purple Fountain Grass

This large ornamental grass is very drought-tolerant and doesn't require a ton of care throughout its growing season. It forms large clumps of purple, arching leaves and plumes of fluffy flower heads in fall. If you want to do a bit more upkeep, cut the plant back to about 8 inches tall in late winter; this will encourage it to grow back bigger and better in springtime.

Purple coneflower

Masses of daisy-like flowers that top tall stems are the hallmark of coneflower. This drought-tolerant plant isn’t picky about soil, but it does like full sun. You can cut off spent blooms if you like, to encourage additional flowering, but leave them be in the fall to provide seeds for birds. In many places in the United States, coneflower is perennial and will come back year after year. Bees and butterflies are also attracted to this plant.

American beautyberry

This large shrub is typically grown in the understory—beneath trees—so unsurprisingly it’s a shade-lover. In autumn, it produces spectacular clusters of purple berries that attract birds and deer. Its long arching branches feature big green leaves that fade to a beautiful yellow color in fall. It’s drought-tolerant, and doesn’t require fancy soil. No pruning is required either.

Photography: Amazon