The Best Plants for Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Maryland

You can rely on local plants for low-maintenance landscaping in Maryland.

If you’re a homeowner in Maryland looking to beautify your yard without the constant upkeep, you’re in luck. With the right plant selections, low-maintenance landscaping in Maryland can be both attractive and stress-free. From the humid summers to the chilly winters, Maryland’s climate calls for hardy plants that can thrive through a range of conditions with minimal fuss. Whether you’re in Baltimore, Annapolis, or the Eastern Shore, these plants are well-suited to your local environment—and your busy schedule.

Why Go Low-Maintenance?

Low-maintenance landscaping not only saves you time and effort, but it also helps conserve resources like water and fertilizer. Choosing plants that are naturally suited to Maryland’s climate means you’ll spend less time fighting nature and more time enjoying your outdoor space.

Top Plants for Low-Maintenance Landscaping in Maryland

There are a lot of great plants that Maryland homeowners can utilize to create a beautiful garden while also supporting the local ecosystem and relying on Mother Nature to do a lot of the work in allowing them to thrive.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

As Maryland’s state flower, the Black-Eyed Susan is a perfect fit for local gardens. These sunny yellow blooms are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and come back year after year with little effort.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

This native ornamental grass offers structure and movement in your landscape. It’s low-maintenance, highly drought-tolerant once established, and provides year-round interest—even in winter.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

A small, native tree that adds charm with early spring blossoms and heart-shaped leaves. It requires very little pruning and is relatively pest-resistant, making it ideal for Maryland yards.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

This pollinator favorite is native to the region and thrives in full sun. It blooms from summer into fall and is known for its resilience and ability to self-seed.

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Perfect for shady or partially shaded areas, coral bells offer beautiful foliage in various colors. They’re drought-tolerant and low-growing, requiring minimal care once planted.

Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)

A native evergreen shrub that makes a great alternative to boxwood. Inkberry holly thrives in Maryland’s soil and weather conditions and requires very little trimming or intervention.

Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)

This versatile shrub boasts fragrant white flowers in spring and rich red foliage in fall. It’s tolerant of both wet and dry conditions and works well in sun or shade.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

For rock gardens or areas with poor soil, sedum is a standout. It’s a drought-tolerant succulent that comes in a range of textures and colors—and practically takes care of itself.

Design and Build Your Dream Home with Columbia Builders!

Columbia Builders is the home builder of choice in Howard County, offering homes in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Columbia, Marriottsville, Fulton, Clarksville, Dayton, and Brookeville. No matter what the size and scope of your project, we have the skills, experience, and resources needed to bring your vision to life. We offer a level of customization that is truly unmatched and are committed to using materials and craftsmen of the highest quality, so you can trust that your new home is built to last. Columbia Builders was voted Best of Howard County 2020 for best home builder.

If you’re ready to invest in a home, built with your needs in mind, trust in us. Give Columbia Builders a call today at 410-730-3939 or use our contact form here. You can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, and YouTube, and don’t forget to check back on our blog for more tips and information!