As far as low-maintenance plants go, dozens of beautiful varieties work in a wide range of planting zones. However, before you start planting, it’s important to know which plants are right for your property’s climate. Trying to grow plants outside of the correct USDA hardiness zone will inevitably lead to disaster. Few northern plants can easily survive southwestern states’ heat, while many outdoor plants that thrive in the south won’t stay in freezing temperatures.
It’s also essential to check with an owner’s association or other local regulatory agency to see if there are any restrictions on what type of outdoor plants you can use. Several invasive species are strictly banned in some states, while HOAs may have their reasons for limiting which plants can be used and where. Some areas even have rules about how many plants you must have in a yard! Plus, while you want your Reno property to look good, it is still important to ensure that your rental’s yard fits with other landscaping in the neighborhood. This will help guarantee that your property values stay high and your rental home remains competitive in the market.
Evergreen Varieties
Once you know what will work best in your climate and neighborhood, it’s time to begin sorting plants and trees for your rental property’s yard. The best outdoor plants for a rental property are those that will thrive even if they are a bit neglected from time to time. As a rule, your best options will be evergreen varieties or perennials, which return each year without needing to be replaced.
Many attractive evergreen plants offer vivid colors year-round, even in freezing weather. Nandina Domestica is an easy-to-grow evergreen shrub with white flowers in the spring and bright red berries in the winter. For an easy-to-grow landscape plant that you can use in the kitchen, try rosemary. In the right climates, rosemary will stay green year-round with fragrant leaves that work well as a seasoning for your favorite dishes.
Durable Outdoor Plants
One of the best things about durable plants is that many of them offer beautiful flowers. Take Meadow sage, for example. The large purple blooms on this perennial last from spring to fall and attract hummingbirds, too. But few things can beat the golden brilliance of the forsythia bush in the spring. Used as either a hedge or a natural-growing shrub, the forsythia offers a big explosion of colorful flowers early in the spring and then pretty green leaves late into autumn months. Both versatile and easy to care for, it’s a great addition to many rental property landscapes.
Some of the more challenging areas to grow plants are shady yards or large sunny regions. In the shade, nothing grows better than the vivid greens and golds of hostas. These easy-to-grow plants provide beautiful ground cover under trees or in other shady areas of the yard. On the other hand, sunny spots need to look nice, too. Instead of planting a high-maintenance lawn, consider adding low-growing phlox or creeping jenny. These plants spread easily but are not invasive and can create a beautiful carpet of flowers that will never need to be mowed.
Would you like more tips on how to create a low-maintenance Reno rental property that has great curb appeal? Contact us today or give us a call at 775-826-1414.