The Best Plant Pairings for a Low-Maintenance Garden

Designing a beautiful garden doesn’t have to mean hours of weeding, watering, or pruning every weekend. With the right plant pairings, you can create a visually stunning landscape that practically takes care of itself. At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we specialize in building low-maintenance outdoor spaces that thrive in the Western Chicago climate—and today we’re sharing some of our favorite plant combinations that work with nature, not against it.

Why Pairing Plants Matters

Plant pairing isn’t just about color coordination or aesthetic harmony—it’s about choosing species that complement each other in growth habits, sun and soil needs, and even pest resistance. By matching plants with similar care requirements, you can reduce overall maintenance and create a more balanced, sustainable landscape.

1. Coneflowers and Russian Sage

If you’re aiming for a bold yet effortless summer garden, this pairing delivers.

• Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea) are hardy perennials that bloom from mid-summer to fall, attracting pollinators while resisting deer and drought.

• Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) offers silvery-gray foliage and long-lasting lavender-blue blooms.

Both thrive in full sun, need very little water once established, and create a colorful, textured contrast that looks amazing in Chicago suburban yards.

2. Boxwood and Hydrangea

Want structure and softness? This classic pairing gives you both.

• Boxwood shrubs are evergreen, easy to shape, and provide year-round structure.

• Hydrangeas offer big, beautiful blooms in summer and fall—perfect for softening the edges around your walkway or patio.

Boxwoods anchor the design, while hydrangeas bring color and seasonal flair. Both do well in part shade and well-drained soil, making them ideal for foundation plantings.

3. Hosta and Ferns

If you have a shady backyard corner, lean into it with lush greenery.

• Hostas come in a range of leaf colors and sizes, and once established, they’re very low-maintenance.

• Ferns like Autumn Fern or Japanese Painted Fern add texture and fill in gaps beautifully.

Together, they create a cool, layered look that requires little attention—just keep them mulched and watered during dry spells.

4. Sedum and Ornamental Grasses

For a modern, drought-tolerant combo, look no further.

• Sedum (especially the “Autumn Joy” variety) is a succulent perennial that adds color and structure with almost no effort.

• Ornamental grasses like Blue Fescue or Switchgrass offer movement, height, and contrast.

This duo is perfect for front yards or commercial landscapes where low water and low fuss are top priorities. Bonus: both are resistant to deer and rabbits.

5. Lavender and Catmint

Looking for something fragrant, bee-friendly, and nearly indestructible? This is it.

• Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It smells great and repels pests.

• Catmint (Nepeta) is similar in appearance but spreads more easily, creating a soft, flowing ground cover.

Both bloom profusely and can handle heat, poor soil, and minimal water. Together, they’re a magnet for pollinators and a dream for hands-off gardeners.

Tips for Designing a Low-Maintenance Garden

To get the most from your plant pairings, keep these tips in mind:

• Group by water and sun needs. Mixing drought-tolerant and water-loving plants in the same bed can create extra work.

• Mulch generously. This suppresses weeds and retains moisture—less watering for you.

• Choose perennials over annuals. Perennials come back year after year, reducing the need for seasonal planting.

• Don’t overcrowd. Give your plants room to grow so you won’t need to prune or divide as often.

Ready to Simplify Your Yard?

Low-maintenance doesn’t mean boring. With smart plant pairings, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape that thrives with minimal effort. Whether you’re refreshing your front yard or starting from scratch, Skyline Exteriors Landscaping can help design a garden that works for your lifestyle and your local climate.