Landscaping Plants You Can’t (Easily) Kill

Now that the sun is alive in the Midwest people have been out planting gardens and working on landscaping. As landlords, landscaping needs to be approached with a strategy: durability. You can’t control the people or animals that will choose to walk through the yard, and you certainly can’t trust the weather – especially in Wisconsin. Below are five suggestions of plants you can’t (easily) kill.

Hostas
Hostas could probably survive the apocalypse. They enjoy shade, can tolerate the sun, and come in a variety of colors. The flowers can vary from white to lilac and the leaves can vary in texture, color, and width. They’re popular for how big they can get and the amount of foliage they provide. If you have a family friend (thanks, Sandy!) whose hostas have provided too much foliage, they may even split some plants for you for free!

Weigela
Weigela is similar in care to a shrub. It flowers most when planted in full sun, but still fares well in lightly shaded areas. Some weigela plants at full growth may require some pruning, but hey, maybe you prefer the natural state of the plant (we don’t judge). Next to hostas they can add a nice pop of color to a larger area that is still easy to maintain and care for.

Petunias
Another plant that can cover some ground are petunias. They typically flower in pinks and purples, but can be found in yellow, apricot, red, and white as well. To get the most color out of petunias they should be planted in full sun and, unlike the other plants, they are an annual and must be planted every year.

Coneflower
Native to the Midwest, coneflowers are tough with their drought- and disease-resistant history. The plant does double-duty by flowering in the summer and providing birds food from their seeds in the fall and winter. Coneflowers should be planted in full sun and in soil that dries.

Daylilies
Daylilies have thousands of varieties to choose from and range in color from white to orange to purple. The flowers will bloom briefly, but there are several flowers on a stalk and they vary in the times they bloom. Daylilies should be planted in full sun and can be clipped once all of its buds have bloomed for the season.