Low maintenance Landscape Design

Velvet Cloak Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria 'Velvet Cloak')

The velvet cloak smoke tree has beautiful, deep purple leaves.

Large deciduous shrub or small tree with deep purple leaves and "puffs" of pink flowers in early summer.
Plant in average garden soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained; tolerates some salt.
Plant in full sun.
Height: 10-15 feet/ Width: 15-20 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 5-8:
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; provide supplemental water during dry spells.
Zone 8: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; provide supplemental water during dry spells.

Jules Verne Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Jules Verne')

This perennial is known for its fragrant double pink flowers.

Herbaceous perennial noted for its fragrant double pink flowers.
Plant in full sun to light afternoon shade; cut back foliage after frost.
Plant shallowly in rich, but well-drained soil; fertilize in spring; divide in autumn, if desired.
Height: 32 inches/ Width: 28-32 inches
Hardy in USDA zones 3-8:
Zone 3: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt; plant in full sun; fertilize when new growth appears in spring.
Zone 4: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt; plant in full sun; fertilize when new growth appears in spring.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt; plant in full sun; fertilize when new growth appears in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; mulch lightly in fall; plant in full sun to light afternoon shade; fertilize when new growth appears in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; mulch lightly in fall; plant in full sun to light afternoon shade; fertilize when new growth appears in spring; blooming may be reduced after warm winters.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; mulch lightly in fall; plant in full sun to light afternoon shade; fertilize when new growth appears in spring; blooming may be reduced after warm winters.

Winter King Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis 'Winter King')

Bright red fruit grows on the winter king hawthorn through winter.

Upright deciduous small tree with flat clusters of white flowers in May followed by bright red fruit through winter and occasional thorns.
Plant in average garden soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained
Plant in full sun with good air circulation.
Height: 15-20 feet/ Width: 18-20 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 5-7:
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; apply extra mulch after first hard frost.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; provide supplemental water during dry spells.
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' — Big Blue Liriope
Clump forming, evergreen ground cover with grass-like foliage and lavender flowers in summer.
Plant in rich organic soil that is well-drained.
Plant in full sun to full shade.
Prune back tattered foliage in late winter; divide in spring if needed.
Height: 12-18 inches
Width: 1-2 feet
Hardy in USDA zones (5) 6-10:
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; avoid exposure to salt; mulch heavily after first frost; pull back mulch in spring; may be deciduous in this zone.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to full shade; mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to full shade; mulch after first frost; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.
Zone 10: Plant in early fall; plant in light to full shade; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in spring.

Variegated Ribbon Grass (Pharlaris arundinacea 'Strawberries & Cream')

The Strawberries & Cream Ribbon Grass is banned where it is not native.

Gardener's Note: The Strawberries & Cream Ribbon Grass is considered native to Canada and its neighboring northern states, but it is banned where it is not native because it can be invasive. Check with your local native plant society or extension service office to learn whether it is native to your area.
Variegated green and white perennial grass with white flower spikes in summer and arching foliage that turns pink in cold weather.
Plant in full sun to partial shade; foliage and flowering is better in full sun; prune to the ground in late winter.
Plant in average garden to wet garden soil; can be aggressive in a wetland setting.
Height: 18-36 inches/ Width: 24-36 inches, spreading
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after planting and again before first frost; water when dry.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after planting and again before first frost; water when dry.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after planting and again before first frost; water when dry.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch after planting and again before first frost; water when dry.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch after planting and again before first frost; water when dry.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch after planting and again in spring; water when dry.