Looking to add some character to your garden? Certain plants will definitely do the trick. But are you worried about having to spend more time keeping them maintained? Never fear because here are five low-maintenance plants you can use to get those results without the added work.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea

This amazing shrub offers beauty that is almost unmatched. Its large white flowers turn to a pink color as they age, which contrasts with the green foliage of other trees and shrubs around it. The foliage of the plant turns to red during the fall and the winter months are not strong enough to cause the plant to drop its white blossoms.

Spirea

This shrub offers vibrant yellow and green color during the summer months. It can be maintained and pruned to appear very formal, or it can be allowed to grow wild and reach a height of about 5 feet. In the fall, the foliage of this shrub will begin to change colors, gaining a red edge and yellow center.

Purple Smoke Bushes

These shrubs have stems that grow almost perfectly straight, making them the perfect border plant. They require little maintenance, other than pruning, and offer vibrant color.

Emerald Gaiety

Although technically a groundcover bush, this amazing plant grows to nearly three feet in height and 5 feet in width. The beautiful leaves are green with white edging, and the white turns to pink in the fall for an added bonus.

Blue Star Juniper

Junipers are a favorite among evergreen shrubs, and this one is perhaps one of the best choices. This shrub is a little more expensive than other juniper bushes, but it is a very consistent, hardy plant with beautiful needles. The needles will take on a white appearance during the winter months.

Bonus: Tips for Caring for Your Trees & Shrubs

Aside from watering, there are other things you can do to help protect your trees and shrubs. Selecting plant food that is specially formulated for the plants you are growing is one way to ensure they receive the nutrients they need, especially if your soil is not especially fertile.

But be sure you don’t overdose them with food, as this can actually cause serious damage to the biologic structure of the plant. Also, if possible, use organic fertilizer over chemical plant food. This does less damage to the environment and poses less of a health risk to you and your family.

You now have some great ideas for selecting your new trees and shrubs for your garden space. The key is to select plants that do well in your climate and plant them in areas where they will flourish.

If you’d like more help picking the right additions to your garden, give SiteScape, Inc. a call. They’d be happy to give you suggestions on which plants will thrive on your property. Get in touch with them today and get ready for spring!