Top 20 Low-Maintenance Plants Perfect for Effortless Landscaping

Euonymus

Euonymus, also known as wintercreeper, is a resilient and visually appealing plant for landscaping. 'Gold Splash,' for instance, grows to heights of 18 inches to 2 feet and can be pruned heavily, making it suitable as ground cover, a climbing plant, or a shrub. This variety adds year-round color to Zones 5 to 8 and adapts to most soil types, except for consistently wet conditions. Its variegated leaves feature a mix of yellow and green hues, and its mounding growth pattern is ideal for mass plantings, borders, containers, and tight spaces such as around walkways and garden paths.

Euonymus prefers partial sun to full sun. The best time for pruning is in the fall, but you can remove stray stems as needed throughout the year. Applying a slow-release fertilizer for trees and shrubs in early spring is recommended. Keep in mind that some wintercreeper euonymus varieties can outcompete native plants, so it's advisable to consult with your local extension service if you have concerns about the specific variety you intend to grow. For instance, 'Gold Splash' is restricted in Maryland and Indiana.