It typically includes a softscape ofperennial and annual plantssuitable for a rocky substrate, sometimes with no soil.
“Rock garden plants” are not a botanical classification, although many aresucculents.
They share specific characteristics, includingdrought resistance, a preference for good drainage, and a compact growth habit.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Here are some of the best plants for a rock garden, from small to large varieties.
Group specimens with similar growing requirements.
It thrives in poor soil and is considered drought-tolerant.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The more sun the plant gets, the more golden its foliage turns.
It produces small, star-shaped yellow blooms in early to mid-summer.
This plant can tolerate some drought, as well as shallow, rocky soil.
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Butterflies tend to like its tiny pinkish-red flowers.
The plant grows well in rock gardens, as well as in stone walls or between garden stepping stones.
The plant will cascade over rocks and low stone walls in a rock garden to soften the setting.
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It readily grows in nutrient-poor soil as long as it has good drainage.
It produces its best foliage infull sunbut can tolerate a little shade, too.
The plant grows to a height and spread of about a foot.
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Although its petals form a pretty pattern, the flowers tend to have a rather unpleasant aroma.
Still, this plant is tolerant of drought and can even handle being grown in a little shade.
On the plus side, it can fill in somewhat shady areas where other plants won’t grow.
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Avoid planting ajuga next to lawns where it can spread.
Instead, keep the plant contained in a rock garden or even a pot.
Pasque Flower
Pasque flower(Pulsatilla vulgaris) is a low-growing, clump-forming plant.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It is an early bloomer in the spring, bringing color to the landscape.
It prefers a well-draining sandy or humus soil and can handle light shade.
Reticulated Iris
Thereticulated iris(Iris reticulata) is another early bloomer in the spring.
The Spruce / K. Dave
The plant is tolerant of poor soil but needs good drainage.
It thrives in poor sandy or rocky soil and can tolerate some drought, heat, and humidity.
is popular and versatile in the garden.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Use the plant in a rock garden, herb garden, or even as edging or a low hedge.
It prefers light, somewhat infertile soil with good drainage.
It grows well in average garden soil but can tolerate poor soil and drought.
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The plant can be an aggressive spreader, so it’s best in a contained area.
The plant doesn’t need much water and has excellent drought tolerance.
The plant grows best with regular moisture and good drainage.
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But it does not like soggy soil.
Columbine
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
is a perennial wildflower with many cultivars.
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Its flowers, which attracthummingbirds, are a fascinating shape said to resemble a jester’s cap.
Once established, columbine is drought-tolerant, making it a suitable rock garden plant.
Coneflower
The coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
is a daisy-like perennial that is hardy and long-blooming.
It’s adaptable to many growing conditions, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils.
The plant is drought-tolerant, though it prefers some moisture in the soil.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Many cultivars are available on the market today in a wide variety of bloom colors.
It grows best in full sun but can tolerate a little shade.
It thrives on sunny slopes and prefers fast drainage.
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Shasta Daisy
The Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is a low-maintenance perennial flower.
It blooms for most of the summer, adding appeal to borders, gardens, and containers.
The plant tolerates a little shade in hot conditions, but wet soil can kill it.
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Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a daisy-like perennial flower.
Perennial Salvia
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Most varieties ofperennial salvia(Salvia spp.)
prefer a sunny spot with good drainage.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
They can tolerate many soil types, including the conditions of a rock garden.
As a bonus, salvia’s colorful flowers tend to attract many pollinators.
It grows to about 3 feet tall with a spread of roughly 4 feet.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The plant has excellent drought tolerance, and it flowers best in full sun.
As a member of the mint family, Russian sage spreads by runners.
Pull up suckers early in the spring from areas where you don’t want it.
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
It likes well-draining, sandy soil, and it can even somewhat tolerate clay.
A young plant needs regular watering, but once mature it is moderately drought-tolerant.
It’s a hardy plant that can tolerate poor soil conditions.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Once established, it even can handle some drought.
The plant is often used as a flower border.
Plus, its tolerance for drought and poor soil makes it a good rock garden plant.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The spiky blooms attract pollinators.
Maiden Grass
Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis’Gracillimus') is a perennialornamental grasswith good drought tolerance.
Rugosa Rose
Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is a sprawling, thorny, flowering shrub.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
It prefers loamy soil but can adapt to clay, sandy, or gravelly varieties.
Good air circulation and avoiding wet soil are key for the plant to remain healthy.
Heavy annualpruningis needed to keep this shrub in a pleasing shape.
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Blooming throughout the warm weather months, Rugosa roses are highly fragrant with the scent of old-world roses.
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The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
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