6 Pretty Outdoor Plants That Thrive Even If You Forget to Water

If you love a pretty yard but aren’t exactly the type to stick to a watering schedule, you’re not alone. My entire family owns or works in a greenhouse, yet I seem to be awful about keeping up with watering. Ooops…

Some plants seem to wilt the second you forget about them for a day or two, while others just keep doing their thing with very little fuss. If you want landscaping that looks beautiful without turning into one more chore on your to-do list, choosing hardy, low-maintenance plants is the way to go, which is exactly what I do.

These are six of the best low-maintenance plants to grow if you tend to forget to water.

1. Hostas

Hostas are one of the easiest plants to grow, especially if you have a shady yard. Their big, leafy foliage fills in garden beds beautifully and gives landscaping that full, established look without much effort. Once they’re settled in, hostas are pretty forgiving and can handle a little neglect.

2. Wandering jew

Wandering jew is a great choice if you want something fast-growing and eye-catching without needing to baby it. Its trailing vines and striped purple-and-green leaves add lots of color and texture to containers, hanging baskets, or garden edges, and it handles a little neglect surprisingly well.

3. Ferns

Ferns are perfect for giving your yard or porch a lush, woodsy feel. They look delicate, but many varieties are surprisingly easygoing once planted in the right spot. If you give them shade or filtered light, they can reward you with lots of texture and fullness.

They’re especially pretty near old homes, stone walkways, and shady garden corners where you want that soft, layered look. Just keep in mind that while ferns are low-maintenance in the right environment, they’ll usually be happiest in spots that don’t get blasted by hot afternoon sun.

4. Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox is beautiful when it blooms. It creates a thick blanket of flowers that can spill over edges, soften walkways, and brighten up the front of a flower bed. For such a pretty plant, it’s wonderfully easy to take care of.

It’s a great option if you want something low-growing that fills space and adds loads of spring color.

5. Azaleas

Azaleas are a favorite for a reason. They bring gorgeous spring blooms, stay neat and tidy, and can come back year after year with very little effort. Even when they’re not in bloom, their compact shape helps keep landscaping looking polished.

They’re especially nice near foundations and woodland-style beds, where they add color without needing constant deadheading or attention. If you want a flowering shrub that feels classic and easy to live with, azaleas are hard to beat.

6. Daylilies

Daylilies are about as reliable as it gets. They handle heat well, bounce back easily, and add cheerful color to the landscape with very little maintenance. You can’t tuck them into a sunny bed and mostly let them do their thing.

Because they grow in clumps, they’re great for filling empty spaces and making flower beds look fuller.