A practical outdoor plant library for front yards, patios, borders, pollinator beds, shade beds, and low-maintenance home landscapes.
This overview poster is included for quick scanning. The individual cards below are better for mobile reading and search.
Search by plant name, light, soil, season, or care note.
Light: Morning sun / afternoon shade
Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining soil
Water: Deep water 1–2x weekly during heat
When to plant: Spring or fall
Care note: Mulch roots and prune by variety; some bloom on old wood.
Best for: Big seasonal blooms for borders.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Lean, gritty, fast-draining soil
Water: Water to establish, then keep dry
When to plant: Spring after frost
Care note: Avoid heavy wet soil and overfeeding.
Best for: Pollinator-friendly, fragrant, drought-tolerant.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average well-draining soil
Water: Water to establish, then drought-tolerant
When to plant: Spring or fall
Care note: Leave seed heads for birds.
Best for: Reliable pollinator plant.
Light: Shade to part shade
Soil: Rich, moist soil
Water: Water when top soil dries
When to plant: Spring or fall
Care note: Protect from slugs and hot afternoon sun.
Best for: Easy foliage for shade beds.
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-draining soil
Water: Deep water during establishment
When to plant: Spring or fall
Care note: Avoid wet roots and prune lightly.
Best for: Year-round structure.
Light: Full sun to part sun
Soil: Average well-draining soil
Water: Moderate water
When to plant: Spring or fall
Care note: Divide clumps when crowded.
Best for: Tough low-maintenance blooms.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average soil
Water: Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
When to plant: Spring after frost or fall
Care note: Deadhead or leave seedheads for birds.
Best for: Affordable pollinator color.
Light: Morning sun / afternoon shade
Soil: Moist, well-draining, slightly acidic soil
Water: Consistent moisture during establishment
When to plant: Spring or fall
Care note: Protect from hot wind.
Best for: Elegant focal point.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining soil
Water: Moderate, avoid soggy roots
When to plant: Spring after frost
Care note: Cut back after bloom flushes.
Best for: Pollinator magnet.
Light: Part sun to shade
Soil: Rich, draining soil
Water: Moderate moisture
When to plant: Spring or fall
Care note: Best color depends on variety and light.
Best for: Colorful shade foliage.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Lean, gritty, draining soil
Water: Low once established
When to plant: Spring after frost
Care note: Avoid wet compacted soil.
Best for: Groundcover between stones.
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average soil
Water: Water when top inch dries
When to plant: After last frost
Care note: Deadhead for continuous flowers.
Best for: Affordable annual color.