Landscaping Plants for a Stunning Modern Yard

A modern landscape features plants that emphasize clean lines, structure, and simplicity. When creating a design plan for your own space, will never lack for want of options. You can choose from a variety of modern plants, including sculptural succulents, soft ornamental grasses, and bright perennials.

Popular Plants for Modern Gardens

Agave

Agave, otherwise known as false aloe, is a type of architectural plant, specifically a succulent, that sprouts fleshy green leaves. Agave plants are typically planted in rock gardens or within hardscape to create a modern, often tropical look. They can add color and dimension to otherwise plant-free patios.

Features:

• Drought-tolerant
• Hardy structure
• Tropical look

Care instructions:

• Plant in rock gardens or in pots with dry, gravelly soil.
• Plant in full-sun areas.
• Water sparingly to avoid root rot.

Yucca

Yucca is a type of evergreen perennial that sprouts long, straight-lined, and sword-shaped leaves. They are ideal for larger spaces and can be a compelling addition to patios with modern, straight-shaped pathways.

Features:

• Drought-tolerant
• Hardy leaves
• Bell-shaped flowers

Care instructions:

• Plant in full-sun areas.
• Plant in dry soil.
• Water occasionally.
• Prune dead leaves.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses often do well in full sun. They can be incorporated into larger garden beds, alongside houses or patios, and between trellises or other large structures to create texture and depth. Common ornamental grasses include bluestem, switchgrass, Pennsylvania sedge, and purple love grass.

Features:

• Tall and fast-growing
• Natural-looking
• Flowering

Care instructions:

• Plant in sunny areas.
• Plant in well-drained soil.
• Trim back every winter or spring to promote new growth.

Coral Bells

Coral bells are an excellent option for homeowners looking to add privacy to their back or front yard. These evergreen perennials grow up to three feet tall and can be planted in rock gardens and woodland areas alike. They can also be used as edging plants within garden beds or along walkways to add color and texture.

Features:

• Hardy foliage
• Dark green, purple, and amber shades
• Texture-rich

Care instructions:

• Plant in partial sun or heavily shaded areas.
• Plant in moist soil.
• Water frequently.

Hostas

Hostas are a low-maintenance perennial perfect for planting around patios and in other shaded areas. They can be layered among other flowering plants or bushes to create a natural garden look.

Features:

• Dense leaves
• White and purple flowers
• Hardy

Care instructions:

• Plant in shady or partial-sun areas.
• Water regularly.
• Prune dead leaves to avoid slug damage.

Sedum

Sedum is a type of succulent perennial that grows best in sunny, dry areas. While some types grow upright, others grow in a creeping pattern. They flower in all different colors and can be used as greenery or ground cover across garden edges and pathways.

Features:

• Drought-tolerant
• Grow up to two feet tall
• Variety of colors

Care instructions:

• Plant in sunny areas, such as rock gardens.
• Plant in dry, well-draining soil.
• Water sparingly.

Agapanthus

Otherwise known as lily of the Nile, agapanthus are a type of perennial that thrive in sunny environments. They offer a colorful floral option for modern outdoor spaces.

Features:

• Blue, white, and purple options
• Flowering, potted plants
• Typically not winter-safe

Care instructions:

• Plant in pots or other planting containers.
• Place in full sun or partial sun locations.
• Water daily.

Palm Trees

With special care, palm trees can grow successfully in Missouri climates. In many cases, palm trees are planted in the summer in Missouri and stored in greenhouses through the spring to ensure they can thrive. Palm trees offer a tropical, yet modern look for backyards with pools, hot tubs, and other warm-weather features.

Features:

• Fan-like leaves
• Tropical
• Drought-tolerant

Care instructions:

• Plant in full sun with well-draining soil.
• Water regularly while establishing, then reduce frequency.
• Protect from extreme cold, if necessary.

FAQs

What are the best low-maintenance plants for a modern landscape design?

Common low-maintenance plants that help create a modern landscape design include:

• Hostas
• Ornamental grasses
• Boxwood shrubs
• Succulents

These plants are sturdy and typically require minimal mulching, watering, or pruning.

What factors make a modern landscape "modern"?

Modern landscape design is usually defined by minimal, clean lines around hardscaping and plants. Key modern features that make a landscape modern include:

• Evenly shaped shrubs
• Straight lines in hardscaping, including along garden borders
• Neutral plant and flower colors
• Strategically placed potted plants or flower clumps
• Minimal patterns

Homeowners creating their contemporary garden designs should opt for a few small focal points and a neutral color palette to start.

What is the 70/30 rule in gardening?

The 70/30 gardening rule in modern design involves using 70% low-maintenance and neutral-colored plants (such as shrubs and certain perennials) and 30% for colorful and seasonal flowers and plants. To create a modern-looking garden, homeowners should focus on using straight, even lines in their hardscaping designs, while incorporating plants that look cohesive and cleanly cut.