A landscaping garden (stones and plants) on a small hill and some stone stairs. At the bottom of the hill is a table and chairs. This photo gives a sense of peace and connection with nature, a perfect combination for your outdoor renovations.

The Best Plants for the Carolinas’ Outdoor Spaces: Low-Maintenance and Beautiful

A thoughtfully designed outdoor living space isn’t complete without a touch of greenery. Plants bring life, color, and personality to patios, decks, and gardens; but let’s face it, not everyone has the time (or desire) to be a full-time gardener.

If you live in the Carolinas, you’re in luck: the states’ mild winters and humid summers make it an excellent environment for a wide variety of low-maintenance, high-impact plants. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, choosing the right plants can make your outdoor living space beautiful year-round, without the hassle.

In this post, we’ll share a curated list of the best low-maintenance plants for the Carolinas backyards and how to incorporate them into your landscape design for maximum curb appeal and ease of care.

What Makes a Plant “Low-Maintenance”?

A plant is considered low-maintenance when it:

Thrives in your local climate (zone 7b–9a in most of SC)
Requires minimal watering once established
Is resistant to pests and diseases
Doesn’t need constant pruning or fertilizing

The good news? There are plenty of beautiful, hardy plants that check all these boxes and add instant charm to your outdoor space.

Top Low-Maintenance Plants for South Carolina

🌿 1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

Perfect for structured hedges or border accents}
Evergreen, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant
Needs only occasional pruning to keep its shape

🌿 2. Lantana

A bright, butterfly-attracting flower that thrives in full sun
Blooms from spring through fall in vivid shades of orange, yellow, purple, and pink
Heat and drought-tolerant, with little need for fertilizer

🌿 3. Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)

A native ornamental grass with show-stopping pink plumes in fall
Thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soils
Adds movement and texture to your landscape

🌿 4. Knock Out® Roses

Unlike traditional roses, these are disease-resistant and incredibly hardy
Blooms continuously with minimal maintenance
A favorite for adding long-lasting color to borders or planters

🌿 5. Hellebores (Lenten Roses)

Shade-loving perennials with winter-to-spring blooms
Evergreen foliage provides interest year-round
Practically carefree once established

🌿 6. Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

Native wildflowers that love the Carolinas sun
Easy to grow and self-seeding, so they return year after year
Great for pollinators and naturalizing larger spaces

🌿 7. Hostas

Ideal for shady spots and low-maintenance ground cover
Available in a variety of sizes and colors
Requires little more than mulch and seasonal watering

Detail of a xeriscape garden design by SunSouth Carolinas, featuring drought-tolerant potted plants like rosemary nestled in water-saving gravel mulch in Charlotte/Raleigh.

Expert landscape path lighting by SunSouth Carolinas beautifully illuminates walkways and highlights plantings for nighttime safety and ambiance.

Smart Ways to Integrate These Plants

To get the most out of your plantings, think beyond aesthetics and plan for function:

Use evergreens like boxwood for year-round structure
Add flowering plants like lantana or Knock Out roses for bursts of color
Plant grasses like muhly to soften edges and add visual interest
Incorporate native plants to attract butterflies, bees, and birds
Create layered beds with a mix of heights, textures, and bloom seasons for depth and vibrancy

Add mulch around your plants to reduce weeds and retain moisture, and don’t forget to choose containers and raised beds for patios or decks with limited planting space.

SunSouth Carolinas: Bringing Beauty and Simplicity to Outdoor Living

At SunSouth Carolinas, we believe a stunning outdoor living space doesn’t have to come with constant upkeep. That’s why we help Carolinas homeowners design low-maintenance landscapes that balance beauty and function, perfect for busy families, second homes, or anyone who wants to enjoy more and worry less.

Here’s how we can help:

Full-service outdoor design and construction, from paver patios and swimming pools to stone fire pits and stone walls
Custom landscaping plans that incorporate the best plants for your property and climate
3D design previews, so you can see the full layout before construction begins
Expert crews serving Charlotte, Fort Mill, Indian Land, Waxhaw, Raleigh, and nearby areas

Our team brings together smart design, high-quality materials, and local plant knowledge to create spaces that look incredible and work for you, not the other way around.

Ready to Add Effortless Beauty to Your Backyard?

If you want a landscape that stuns your guests without stressing you out, choosing the right low-maintenance plants is a great place to start. Whether you’re refreshing your current space or building a backyard from the ground up, SunSouth Carolinas is here to help you bloom.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and bring natural, sustainable beauty to your outdoor living dream.

Are you ready to upgrade your patio to the next level?

Whether it’s a pergola, installing pavers or building a pool, SunSouth Carolina is always ready to help you create the patio of your dreams!

If you are located anywhere in South Carolina or North Carolina, you can contact us for a free consultation!

What are you waiting for?