Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

Adaptable to different lighting conditions, the snake plant is a good choice if you travel or move frequently, says Donna Letier, a leading gardening expert and founder of Gardenuity. Just be careful around pets, since snake plants are toxic to cats and dogs. Depending on the variety, these plants can live for 20 years or more, growing up to four feet indoors and eight feet outdoors.

Although the snake plant can withstand drought, it’s not frost-tolerant. Keep your plant near a window, but out of direct sunlight. Letier recommends watering your snake plant every two to four weeks and allowing it to dry out between waterings. “The biggest mistake is overwatering,” she says. “Stick your finger into the soil, and if the top two inches are dry, it’s time to water.” 

When potting, make sure your plant has drainage holes to prevent root rot. Letier suggests repotting every two to three years and using a well-draining soil.

Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora)

When you think of perennials, peonies often come to mind for their vibrant colors and lush foliage; in fact, they can reach three feet wide and tall. “These perennials are truly tough and produce quite a fragrant display in spring,” says Brad Harvey, technical sales manager at Ball Seed Company. So long as the soil is well-drained, you can plant peonies in full sun or part shade.

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)

With a lifespan of 50 years or more, the parlor palm is adaptable, slow-growing, and easy to care for, Letier says. It’s also safe around cats and dogs. Indoors, these plants can grow to six feet but are usually around three feet tall and wide. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so keep your palm out of the sun and away from heating vents and AC units.

Parlor palms love humidity. Keep the temperature between 65°F and 80°F for best results. “Mist daily and let this be your time to be present and practice gratitude,” Letier says. Parlor palms are also very forgiving if you don’t stick to your plant care routine. 

Letier recommends using well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to prevent moisture buildup. Water your plant once a week from the bottom up. “In the winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks since growth slows down,” she says. “Avoid overwatering, as parlor palms are prone to root rot if the soil stays soggy.”

Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

This succulent is known for being tough, long-lasting, and easy to care for. “The jade plant prefers bright light and only requires moderate watering after letting the topsoil dry out before being watered again,” says Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery. “Its leaves store water, so it’s a highly resilient plant that can withstand a bit of neglect if you forget to water it.” Indoors, the jade plant can grow to a height of two to three feet. It can grow even larger outdoors if the conditions are suitable.

Asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis)

If you’re looking for a delicious return on your investment, plant asparagus, which comes in varieties such as Jersey Giant and Purple Passion. “Asparagus is a perennial member of the lily family, meaning once established, it returns year after year,” says Adam Weiss, founder of Pike Lane Gardens. It remains dormant over the winter and can withstand heavy rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. 

The first step is planning where to place your asparagus bed. “It should be located in an area with lots of sunlight and have room for expansion,” Weiss says. He recommends digging an eight-inch trench and planting one-year dormant roots. Allow 12 to 18 inches between rows. “With proper care, periodic feeding, and a little love, an asparagus patch can last decades. My original bed is still thriving after 27 years.” His advice is to delay harvesting the crowns in the first year and allow three quarters to keep growing in the second year. By year three, you’ll enjoy a full harvest.

Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Available in an assortment of colors, daylilies can resist drought and heat stress, making them a wonderful addition to your garden. “Daylilies are rugged enough to grow and bloom in high-traffic landscapes, even along highways and steep hillsides,” Harvey says. “They do need to be divided every few years to keep them vigorous and blooming but can survive even if you neglect them.” He recommends planting daylilies in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Depending on the variety, daylilies can grow between one to three feet tall.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

The colorful blooms of the Christmas cactus give you something to look forward to if you’re dreaming of the holidays. It blooms once a year, and takes six to eight weeks for buds to appear. “To help it bloom for Christmas, the plant needs 14 hours of darkness at night and bright light during the day,” says Joan Mazat, cut flower business manager for Ball Seed Company. Indoors, it needs bright, indirect light; outdoors, it grows well in the shade. 

Water every two to three weeks, using your fingers to check if the top third of the soil is dry. Mazat suggests letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings—but not too much—because it can overwhelm the plant. Cutting your cactus back can help it flourish while encouraging new growth. 

Bearded or Siberian Iris (Iris x Hybrid or Iris Sibirica)

If you’re looking for a plant that can tolerate different soil conditions, consider the bearded or Siberian iris. Most varieties of irises grow best in full sun, and the optimum soil pH is 6.5 to 7. “Bearded irises tolerate a range of soils from loam (i.e., a mixture of sand, clay, and decaying plant material) to clay, but planting sites must be well-drained,” Harvey says.

Growing to a height of two to three feet, Siberian irises thrive in wet soils but still need to be in a well-drained location. He recommends dividing these plants every few years to keep them vigorous and blooming.

Karl Foerster Grass (Calamagrostis x Acutiflora)

This low-maintenance, outdoor perennial can last well over 10 years. “It brings movement to the garden and a wispy texture,” Mazat says. “I apply a fresh mulch yearly around the base, but truly no special care is needed.” She recommends using a light fall cover as winter approaches and pruning the grass in early spring for a fuller display.