The Top Landscape Plants for 2026

Landscape Favorites, Evergreens, Deciduous Trees, Perennials, Annuals, and Houseplants

Gardening enthusiasts are always searching for plants that thrive while bringing beauty and structure to outdoor spaces. As we move into the 2026 gardening season, certain plants stand out for their resilience, ornamental value, and versatility in landscape design.

Choosing the right mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and evergreens can transform a garden into a peaceful retreat or a vibrant outdoor living space. At Maple Leaf Farms we carry a wide selection of landscape plants used in modern garden designs across the region.

Below is a guide to some of the best plants for 2026 gardens, organized by category to help homeowners and landscapers design beautiful outdoor spaces.

Landscape Favorites

These plants are commonly used as focal points or foundational elements in landscape designs.

1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

Japanese maples are prized for their delicate foliage, dramatic color changes, and elegant branching structure.

Benefits: Beautiful foliage color throughout spring, summer, and fall.

Care: Prefers partial shade and well drained soil.

Use: Accent tree for gardens, patios, or focal points in landscapes.

Japanese maples bring elegance and architectural beauty to both traditional and modern garden designs.

2. Viburnum

Viburnums are versatile shrubs known for their flowers, berries, and seasonal color.

Benefits: Provides flowers, berries for wildlife, and fall foliage color.

Care: Adaptable to sun or partial shade with average watering.

Use: Privacy hedges, foundation plantings, and natural landscape borders.

Viburnum is widely used in residential landscapes because it provides year round interest and excellent screening.

3. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are known for their large, showy blooms that brighten garden beds all summer.

Benefits: Long blooming season with dramatic flower clusters.

Care: Prefers morning sun with moist, well drained soil.

Use: Foundation plantings, garden beds, and mixed borders.

Hydrangeas add soft texture and vibrant color to gardens and remain one of the most popular landscape shrubs.

4. Dogwood (Cornus)

Dogwoods are classic flowering trees that provide beauty in every season.

Benefits: Spring flowers, attractive berries, and brilliant fall foliage.

Care: Prefers partial shade and well drained soil.

Use: Specimen tree for front yards and ornamental gardens.

Dogwoods are widely planted in residential landscapes because of their graceful structure and seasonal interest.

5. Magnolia

Magnolias are known for their large, fragrant flowers and bold presence in landscapes.

Benefits: Early spring blooms and striking ornamental flowers.

Care: Prefers full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Specimen tree or focal point in landscape designs.

Magnolia trees provide dramatic seasonal beauty and timeless elegance in gardens.

6. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Redbuds are among the earliest trees to bloom in spring.

Benefits: Early spring flowers and attractive heart shaped leaves.

Care: Thrives in sun or partial shade with average watering.

Use: Accent tree for smaller yards or landscape beds.

Redbuds bring vibrant color to landscapes before many other trees begin flowering.

7. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)

Witch hazel is a unique shrub known for blooming during winter.

Benefits: Winter flowers when most plants are dormant.

Care: Prefers partial shade and moist soil.

Use: Woodland gardens and winter interest plantings.

Witch hazel provides rare winter color and fragrance in the landscape.

8. Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses add movement, texture, and height to garden beds.

Benefits: Low maintenance and drought tolerant.

Care: Full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Mass plantings, borders, and natural landscape designs.

Ornamental grasses create dynamic movement in the garden as they sway in the wind.

9. Boxwood (Buxus)

Boxwoods are classic evergreen shrubs used in formal landscape designs.

Benefits: Dense evergreen foliage that holds its shape well.

Care: Prefers sun to partial shade with well drained soil.

Use: Hedges, borders, and topiary designs.

Boxwoods are widely used in formal gardens and foundation plantings.

10. Serviceberry (Amelanchier)

Serviceberry trees provide beauty and wildlife value.

Benefits: Spring flowers, edible berries, and vibrant fall color.

Care: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Use: Native gardens and wildlife friendly landscapes.

Serviceberry is widely used in natural landscapes and pollinator gardens.

Evergreen Plants

Evergreens provide year round structure, privacy, and winter interest in landscapes.

1. Emerald Green Arborvitae

Benefits: Dense evergreen foliage ideal for privacy screens.

Care: Prefers full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Hedges and privacy plantings.

Emerald Green Arborvitae is one of the most popular privacy trees for residential landscapes.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae

Benefits: Fast growing evergreen ideal for large privacy screens.

Care: Thrives in full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Windbreaks and large property boundaries.

Green Giant Arborvitae grows quickly and forms tall privacy barriers.

3. Eastern Red Cedar

Benefits: Extremely hardy evergreen with drought tolerance.

Care: Prefers full sun and well drained soil.

Use: Privacy screens and windbreaks.

Eastern Red Cedar is valued for its durability and natural appearance.

4. Nellie Stevens Holly

Benefits: Evergreen foliage with attractive red berries.

Care: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Use: Privacy hedges and ornamental plantings.

Nellie Stevens Holly is a popular evergreen shrub for screening and winter interest.

5. Blue Atlas Cedar

Benefits: Distinctive blue foliage and dramatic branching.

Care: Full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Specimen tree for large landscapes.

Blue Atlas Cedar provides striking color and architectural beauty.

6. Deodar Cedar

Benefits: Soft needles and graceful cascading branches.

Care: Prefers full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Large specimen tree.

Deodar Cedar adds elegance and unique structure to landscapes.

7. Colorado Blue Spruce

Benefits: Blue needles and strong pyramidal shape.

Care: Full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Accent tree or evergreen screening.

Blue Spruce provides bold color contrast in landscape designs.

8. Fat Albert Blue Spruce

Benefits: Dense blue foliage with symmetrical shape.

Care: Full sun and moderate watering.

Use: Ornamental evergreen tree.

Fat Albert Spruce is prized for its vibrant blue color.

9. White Pine

Benefits: Soft needles and fast growth.

Care: Prefers full sun with moist soil.

Use: Windbreaks and large landscapes.

White Pine creates tall evergreen backdrops in landscapes.

10. Canadian Hemlock

Benefits: Graceful evergreen foliage with soft texture.

Care: Prefers partial shade with moist soil.

Use: Privacy hedges and woodland landscapes.

Hemlock provides a natural evergreen screen in shaded gardens.

Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees provide shade, seasonal color, and strong structure in landscapes. These trees lose their leaves in winter but provide dramatic changes in foliage throughout the year.

1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Benefits: Fast growing shade tree with brilliant red fall foliage.

Care: Prefers full sun with moist, well drained soil.

Use: Shade tree for lawns, streets, and large yards.

Red Maple is widely planted for its vibrant fall color and ability to adapt to many soil conditions.

2. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Benefits: Stunning fall foliage in shades of orange, red, and yellow.

Care: Prefers full sun with deep, well drained soil.

Use: Large shade tree for parks and residential landscapes.

Sugar Maple is a classic North American tree known for its beautiful canopy and fall colors.

3. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

Benefits: Bright red fall foliage and strong shade canopy.

Care: Thrives in full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Large shade tree for landscapes and open spaces.

Scarlet Oak provides dramatic autumn color and strong landscape structure.

4. Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Benefits: Strong, durable tree with fast growth and large canopy.

Care: Prefers full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Shade tree for large yards and parks.

Red Oak is a reliable landscape tree known for its strength and long lifespan.

5. Zelkova (Zelkova serrata)

Benefits: Graceful vase shaped canopy and good urban tolerance.

Care: Prefers full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Street tree or shade tree for lawns.

Zelkova is often used as a replacement for American elm due to its similar shape and durability.

6. Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

Benefits: Light filtered shade and attractive foliage.

Care: Thrives in full sun with average watering.

Use: Shade tree for lawns and residential landscapes.

Honey Locust is valued for its airy canopy that allows sunlight to filter through.

7. London Plane Tree (Platanus × acerifolia)

Benefits: Large shade tree with distinctive bark.

Care: Prefers full sun and moderate watering.

Use: Street tree and urban landscapes.

London Plane trees are commonly used in cities because of their tolerance to pollution.

8. River Birch (Betula nigra)

Benefits: Attractive peeling bark and fast growth.

Care: Prefers moist soil and full sun.

Use: Accent tree near water features or natural landscapes.

River Birch adds unique texture to landscapes with its decorative bark.

9. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Benefits: Unique feathery foliage and excellent flood tolerance.

Care: Thrives in full sun with moist soil.

Use: Large landscape tree or near ponds and wetlands.

Bald Cypress offers unusual texture and golden fall color.

10. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

Benefits: Star shaped leaves and vibrant fall color.

Care: Prefers full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Shade tree for large landscapes.

Sweetgum trees are known for their striking autumn foliage.

Flowering Shrubs

Flowering shrubs add color, fragrance, and seasonal beauty to garden beds and landscapes.

1. Rhododendron

Benefits: Large spring blooms in vibrant colors.

Care: Prefers partial shade with acidic soil.

Use: Woodland gardens and foundation plantings.

Rhododendrons provide bold spring color and lush evergreen foliage.

2. Azalea

Benefits: Bright spring flowers and compact growth.

Care: Prefers partial shade and well drained soil.

Use: Garden beds and woodland landscapes.

Azaleas create spectacular bursts of color during spring bloom season.

3. Spirea

Benefits: Easy to grow shrub with clusters of flowers.

Care: Thrives in full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Borders and mass plantings.

Spirea is widely used in landscapes for its reliability and long bloom period.

4. Weigela

Benefits: Trumpet shaped flowers that attract pollinators.

Care: Prefers full sun with average watering.

Use: Accent shrub in landscape beds.

Weigela adds vibrant spring and summer color to gardens.

5. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)

Benefits: Attracts butterflies and pollinators.

Care: Full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Pollinator gardens and landscape beds.

Butterfly Bush produces long spikes of colorful flowers throughout summer.

6. Forsythia

Benefits: Early spring yellow blooms.

Care: Prefers full sun and moderate watering.

Use: Hedges and early spring color.

Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom each spring.

7. Smoke Bush (Cotinus)

Benefits: Unique smoky flower plumes and colorful foliage.

Care: Thrives in full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Accent shrub or specimen plant.

Smoke Bush adds dramatic color and texture to landscapes.

8. Abelia

Benefits: Long blooming flowers and glossy foliage.

Care: Prefers full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Borders and foundation plantings.

Abelia provides extended flowering and soft texture in gardens.

9. Nandina

Benefits: Colorful foliage that changes throughout the year.

Care: Thrives in sun or partial shade.

Use: Accent shrub or low hedge.

Nandina adds year round color and structure to landscapes.

10. Loropetalum

Benefits: Deep purple foliage and bright pink flowers.

Care: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Use: Accent shrub in landscape beds.

Loropetalum adds bold color contrast in gardens.

Perennials

Perennials are plants that return year after year, making them reliable additions to garden beds and landscapes. They provide seasonal color, attract pollinators, and require less replanting than annual flowers.

1. Hosta

Benefits: Large decorative foliage with many color variations.

Care: Prefers shade to partial sun with moist soil.

Use: Shade gardens, borders, and woodland landscapes.

Hostas are widely used for shaded gardens because of their lush foliage and easy care.

2. Astilbe

Benefits: Soft plume like flowers and attractive foliage.

Care: Prefers partial shade with moist soil.

Use: Shade gardens and woodland plantings.

Astilbe adds texture and soft color to shaded garden areas.

3. Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Benefits: Hardy perennial with vibrant flowers.

Care: Thrives in full sun with average watering.

Use: Borders, garden beds, and mass plantings.

Daylilies are extremely reliable and produce colorful blooms throughout summer.

4. Dianthus

Benefits: Fragrant flowers and compact growth.

Care: Prefers full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Dianthus produces bright flowers that add cheerful color to gardens.

5. Iris

Benefits: Elegant flowers with striking shapes.

Care: Thrives in full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Garden beds and borders.

Irises bring dramatic vertical flowers and color to perennial gardens.

6. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum)

Benefits: Classic white flowers with long bloom period.

Care: Prefers full sun with average watering.

Use: Cottage gardens and mixed perennial beds.

Shasta daisies add bright, cheerful blooms throughout summer.

7. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Benefits: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Care: Prefers full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Pollinator gardens and wildflower plantings.

Bee balm is a favorite for wildlife friendly gardens.

8. Joe Pye Weed

Benefits: Tall flowering plant that attracts pollinators.

Care: Prefers full sun with moist soil.

Use: Natural landscapes and pollinator gardens.

Joe Pye Weed produces large clusters of pink flowers in late summer.

9. Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Benefits: Bright yellow flowers that bloom for long periods.

Care: Thrives in full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Wildflower gardens and borders.

Black Eyed Susans are classic summer flowers that brighten any garden.

10. Geum

Benefits: Bright colorful blooms and compact growth.

Care: Prefers sun to partial shade with well drained soil.

Use: Borders and mixed perennial beds.

Geum provides vibrant color in spring and early summer gardens.

Annuals

Annual flowers bloom continuously throughout the season and provide vibrant color for garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets.

1. Petunia

Benefits: Long blooming flowers in many colors.

Care: Prefers full sun with regular watering.

Use: Containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds.

Petunias provide bright, colorful blooms all summer long.

2. Marigold

Benefits: Hardy flowers that repel some garden pests.

Care: Thrives in full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Borders and vegetable gardens.

Marigolds are known for their bright orange and yellow blooms.

3. Begonia

Benefits: Beautiful flowers that thrive in shade.

Care: Prefers partial shade with moist soil.

Use: Shade beds and containers.

Begonias add color to areas where many other flowers struggle.

4. Impatiens

Benefits: Excellent shade flowering plant.

Care: Prefers shade with regular watering.

Use: Garden beds and containers.

Impatiens create vibrant color in shaded garden areas.

5. Zinnia

Benefits: Bright flowers that attract butterflies.

Care: Thrives in full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Garden beds and cutting gardens.

Zinnias provide colorful flowers throughout summer.

6. Geranium

Benefits: Bold blooms and drought tolerance.

Care: Prefers full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Containers and garden beds.

Geraniums are popular for patios and outdoor containers.

7. Coleus

Benefits: Colorful foliage rather than flowers.

Care: Prefers partial shade with moist soil.

Use: Containers and shade gardens.

Coleus adds vibrant leaf color to garden designs.

8. Verbena

Benefits: Long blooming flowers that attract pollinators.

Care: Thrives in full sun with well drained soil.

Use: Borders and containers.

Verbena provides vibrant flowers that last throughout summer.

9. Dusty Miller

Benefits: Silvery foliage adds contrast in gardens.

Care: Prefers full sun with moderate watering.

Use: Borders and decorative plantings.

Dusty Miller creates beautiful contrast with flowering plants.

10. Calibrachoa

Benefits: Small petunia like flowers that bloom continuously.

Care: Prefers full sun with regular watering.

Use: Hanging baskets and containers.

Calibrachoa produces abundant flowers throughout the growing season.

Tropical Plants and Houseplants

Indoor and tropical plants bring greenery into homes while creating relaxing indoor environments.

1. Ficus

Benefits: Large glossy leaves and strong vertical growth.

Care: Prefers bright indirect light with moderate watering.

Use: Indoor accent plant.

Ficus trees create a bold indoor focal point.

2. Monstera

Benefits: Large tropical leaves with unique shapes.

Care: Prefers bright indirect light and moderate watering.

Use: Indoor decorative plant.

Monstera plants are popular for modern indoor decor.

3. Snake Plant

Benefits: Extremely hardy and low maintenance.

Care: Tolerates low light and minimal watering.

Use: Indoor plant for homes and offices.

Snake plants are known for their durability and air purifying qualities.

4. Pothos

Benefits: Fast growing vine with attractive foliage.

Care: Prefers indirect light with moderate watering.

Use: Hanging baskets and indoor vines.

Pothos plants are easy to grow and very forgiving.

5. Philodendron

Benefits: Large decorative leaves.

Care: Prefers indirect light and moist soil.

Use: Indoor tropical plant.

Philodendrons add lush greenery to interior spaces.

6. Peace Lily

Benefits: Elegant white flowers and air purifying qualities.

Care: Prefers low to moderate light.

Use: Indoor plant for homes and offices.

Peace lilies are popular indoor flowering plants.

7. Rubber Plant

Benefits: Large glossy leaves and bold structure.

Care: Prefers bright indirect light.

Use: Indoor decorative plant.

Rubber plants create dramatic indoor greenery.

8. Dracaena

Benefits: Tall architectural plant with narrow foliage.

Care: Prefers indirect light with moderate watering.

Use: Indoor floor plant.

Dracaena adds height and structure to indoor spaces.

9. Spider Plant

Benefits: Easy to grow with cascading foliage.

Care: Prefers indirect light with moderate watering.

Use: Hanging baskets and containers.

Spider plants are one of the easiest indoor plants to grow.

10. Parlor Palm

Benefits: Elegant tropical foliage.

Care: Prefers low light and moderate watering.

Use: Indoor decorative plant.

Parlor palms create a relaxed tropical feel indoors.

Honorable Mentions

Several other plants continue to grow in popularity with gardeners and landscapers.

Butterfly Bush

Crape Myrtle

Barberry

Junipers

Clematis vines

Wisteria

Liriope

Pampas Grass

Blueberries

Fig trees

These plants add diversity, color, and functionality to both ornamental and edible gardens.