Many Ohio homeowners yearn for a beautiful garden without the high upkeep. And while it is possible, it takes a little bit of research to know exactly what plants you should get.
Well, we did the research for you, so if you want to find out which plants thrive in Ohio’s varied climate, this is it!
The plants below are some beautiful, low-maintenance perennials in Ohio!
Finding Low Maintenance Perennials for Ohio's Climate and Landscapes
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Coneflower
Coneflowers are a star player in your Ohio perennial garden with their hardy nature and vibrant colors. Easily recognized by their tall stems and daisy-like flowers in pinks, purples, and whites, they bring life to any landscape.
Thriving in full sun or partial shade, these low-maintenance plants for Ohio stand up well to the state’s varying weather conditions.
Coneflowers return year after year with minimal care needed, and they attract butterflies and bees, which helps pollinate your garden while adding a touch of dynamic activity. They’re also drought-tolerant perennials that handle summer heat without a fuss.
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Hosta
Hostas present a robust option for those shaded areas of your garden. These perennials thrive in low light, making them perfect companions for trees and north-facing landscapes.
Known for their lush foliage, which comes in various greens, blues, and even variegated patterns, hostas add texture and depth to your outdoor space.
Hostas are not just about attractive leaves; they also send up spiky flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any shade garden. They require minimal care once established and resist common pests like deer.
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Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susans are a hardy perennial favorite among Ohio gardeners. Their bright, golden petals and dark brown centers add a pop of color to any landscape from midsummer into fall.
These low-maintenance plants thrive in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for different garden spots.
Caring for Black-Eyed Susans is simple; they’re drought-resistant once established and don’t require frequent watering. They attract butterflies and birds while resisting deer, ensuring your garden stays lively and beautiful without extra effort.
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Garden Phlox
Garden Phlox stands out in Ohio landscapes with its vibrant blossoms and sweet fragrance. These low-maintenance perennials for Ohio’s climate offer a splash of color from mid-summer into early fall, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.
They thrive in full sun to partial shade and adapt well to the varied Midwestern weather conditions.
Plant Garden Phlox in well-drained soil, ensuring they have room to grow — this helps prevent mildew from forming on the leaves. With minimal care, these hardy perennials will return year after year, providing long-lasting beauty with little effort.
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Blazing Star
Blazing Star, a standout among Ohio’s perennials, catches the eye with its tall spikes of purple flowers that resemble brilliant fireworks. Thriving in full sun and handling drought like a champ, this low-maintenance plant adds elegance to any Ohio landscape.
Gardeners love how it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the summer months.
Plant Blazing Star bulbs in well-drained soil and watch them grow, as they require little care once established yet deliver a spectacular show year after year.
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Daylily
Daylilies are a standout among low-maintenance perennials because they thrive in full sun or partial shade and can handle various soil conditions, making them ideal for Ohio gardens.
Bursting with color, daylilies bloom from early summer to fall, offering a long season of vibrant flowers that require little care.
They resist most diseases and pests, saving time and effort on maintenance. With a range of colors and sizes available, daylilies can energize any spot in your yard while keeping gardening simple and enjoyable.
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Hellebore
Hellebore stands out as a stunning addition to Ohio gardens with its early bloom time and shade-loving nature. These hardy perennials burst into flower even in the late winter, offering color when most plants are dormant.
Gardeners appreciate hellebores for their various colors and patterns, ranging from white to deep purples, often speckled or streaked for added interest.
Easy to care for, hellebores resist pests and diseases well, making them a go-to choice for low-maintenance landscapes in Ohio.
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Catmint
Catmint is your ally for a vibrant, low-maintenance garden in Ohio. Its lush, gray-green foliage and lavender-blue flowers add a splash of color and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
These plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and stand resilient against drought once established. You can plant it along borders or use it to create an aromatic ground cover.
The beauty of catmint extends beyond its appearance; it’s exceptionally easy to grow in Ohio landscapes. This hardy perennial flourishes with little care, making it ideal for busy homeowners seeking easy care plants.
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Lavender
Lavender thrives in just about any climate, offering an easy-care option for homeowners looking to add color and fragrance to their gardens. This hardy perennial demands full sun and well-drained soil, making it a superb choice for drought-prone areas.
With its silvery-green foliage and vibrant purple blooms, lavender beautifies your landscape and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Its resistance to common garden pests adds to the low-maintenance appeal of this beloved plant.
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Sedum
Sedums are perennials that thrive in full sun and can handle neglect better than most garden plants.
Their succulent leaves store water, making them drought-tolerant and perfect for Ohio’s varying weather conditions. Sedum varieties bloom with star-shaped flowers attracting pollinators.
Planting Sedum is a breeze; they adapt to a wide range of soil types, though they prefer well-drained ground. A bonus for busy homeowners is that these plants rarely fall prey to pests or diseases, keeping your gardening tasks minimal.
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Baptisia
Baptisia, also known as false indigo, stands out as a praiseworthy choice for Ohio landscapes. Its deep roots make it drought tolerant, perfect for those hot Midwestern summers.
As a native Ohio perennial, Baptisia offers striking blue flowers in spring that transform into attractive seed pods by late summer. This plant is not just about beauty; it’s a powerhouse for survival.
Baptisia requires very little attention throughout the year, and it thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade, making it versatile for different garden spots. With its bushy growth habit and height reaching up to 4 feet tall, Baptisia also adds structure to your low-maintenance garden design.
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Coreopsis
Coreopsis, often known as tickseed, makes a vibrant statement in any Ohio garden. These sun-loving perennials burst with yellow, gold, or pink blossoms from early summer to fall. They thrive in full sun conditions and adapt well to the varied climate of Ohio landscapes.
Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, Coreopsis asks for very little but delivers plenty of colorful blooms that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Planting Coreopsis adds cheerful spots of color that are easy to care for, requiring minimal watering or fertilizing. With their long flowering season and ability to withstand hot summers, these low-maintenance plants exemplify effortless gardening – just what an Ohio homeowner needs.
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Bee Balm
Bee Balm is a vibrant flower that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, adding movement and life to any garden space. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and isn’t picky about soil types, making it a perfect fit for new and experienced gardeners in Ohio landscapes.
Gardeners love this plant for its showy blooms that come in red, pink, purple, or white hues and its fragrant leaves, often used in teas. It spreads easily without becoming invasive and resists deer while being drought-tolerant once established.
Planting Bee Balm adds instant charm to your outdoor space with minimal fuss—truly an easy-care perennial that keeps Ohio gardens colorful year after year.
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Chrysanthemum
Often called ‘mums,’ these hardy perennials bring cheer as many other flowers are fading, offering an array of hues from white to deep burgundy.
Plant them in well-draining soil for best results; once established, they require minimal watering and can easily handle cooler temperatures.
For a stunning autumn landscape show, mums pair beautifully with other plants like sedums and ornamental grasses. Remember to pinch back the stems in early summer to encourage bushier growth and more blooms next season.
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Yarrow
Yarrow thrives in full sun. This hardy plant resists drought and blooms from early summer into fall, offering a long season of color.
Its feathery foliage and clusters of small flowers attract butterflies, adding life to your garden while requiring minimal care.
Ohio gardeners value yarrow for its versatility as well. It fits perfectly into perennial borders or wildflower gardens with its range of hues, including yellow, white, pink, and red.
Ease of care extends beyond mere tolerance of poor soil conditions; yarrow can also withstand hot, dry climates that challenge other plants. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking easy care plants that deliver vibrant beauty without the fuss.
Tips for Growing Low-Maintenance Perennials in Ohio
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Choose native plants
Choosing native Ohio plants perennials can transform your garden.
These plants are adapted to thrive in the local climate and soil conditions, requiring minimal care. Native species like Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, and Bee Balm attract bees and butterflies, enhancing your outdoor space’s beauty and ecosystem.
Incorporating these native, low-maintenance plants reduces water usage and the need for chemical treatments.
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Consider soil and light conditions
To achieve low-maintenance gardening success in Ohio, understand your soil and light—test soil for pH and nutrients to select perennials that thrive with minimal care.
Some plants prefer rich, moist soil, while others thrive in dry or sandy conditions. Full-sun perennials need six hours of direct sunlight daily, perfect for open areas. Shade perennials flourish in less intense light or dappled shade, ideal for spaces covered by large trees.
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Regular watering, pruning, and maintenance
To maintain a thriving garden in Ohio’s climate, provide consistent care. Watering is crucial, especially during dry spells. Aim for an inch of water per week through rainfall or supplemental methods. Water deeply at the roots in the early morning.
Pruning promotes new growth and prevents disease spread. Remove spent flowers for a second bloom. Shape low-maintenance trees and shrubs by removing dead branches and improving airflow.
Regularly inspect your perennials to address any signs of distress promptly.
Conclusion
So, these are just a few of our favorite perennials here at Farrell’s Lawn And Garden Center. If you’re interested in any of them, visit our shop, and we’ll show you our best selection. You can also find many more plants and flowers in our store, so don’t hesitate to visit.
If you want to start a landscaping project for your home in Bryan, OH, or surrounding areas, we can help you.
Get a free quote today or ask us anything about the best flower choices for your property!