Swap Your Azaleas for 33 Eye-Catching Plants

Azaleas are popular for their vibrant flowers and exuberant verdure , but they require specific growing conditions . If you ’re looking for beautiful option that are easier to worry for , count these 33 stunning flora .

Each propose singular charm and resilience , allow a volley of color and life to any garden . From the soft blooms of the camelia to the hardy foliage of hostas , these selections will animate you to diversify your garden with less fuss and more beauty .

1. Camellia

camellia are known for their romantic , rose - like blossom that can transform any garden into a dreamy safety valve . The flowers , which bloom in a variety of colors from blank to recondite cherry , offer a long - lasting showing . Their lustrous , evergreen plant leaves tally structure and depth to garden bed year - round . camellia thrive in well - drain , acid soil and partial nuance , make up them a versatile choice . Did you sleep with ? Camellias have been cultivated in Asia for centuries , and one species , Camellia sinensis , is used to produce Camellia sinensis .

2. Hosta

genus Funka are a gardener ’s delight , jazz for their extravagant foliage rather than flowers . With leaves ranging from vibrant fleeceable to blue - gray , each variety offers unique patterns that overhear the heart . These plants flourish in the shade , make them gross for those tricky spots under tree or in the fantasm of construction . Hosta are low-toned - alimony , require minimal care once lay down . merriment fact : Hosta originate from NE Asia and are often call in “ plantain lilies . ” Their resiliency cause them a darling among both novice and seasoned nurseryman .

3. Lavender

Lavender bring not only beauty but also a calming fragrance that evokes the serene landscape of Provence . Its svelte , violet blooms appear in midsummer and attract pollinator like bee and butterflies . This Lord’s Day - loving plant thrives in well - drained soil , add together a touch of Mediterranean charm to any garden . Lavender is also value for its redolent oil , often used in aromatherapy . History tidbit : Lavender has been used since Roman times for bath and scenting rooms , reflect its timeless appeal .

4. Hydrangea

hydrangea captivate with their large , circular flower heads that can change color base on soil pH. Whether you choose blue sky , pinko , or purple , these blooms propose a dynamic display . They thrive in fertile , well - drain dirt with restrained sunlight , making them adaptable to various garden setting . Hydrangeas are also a symbol of heartfelt emotion , often given as gifts . Did you know ? The color - changing trait of hydrangea is due to the comportment of aluminium ion , influenced by soil acidity .

5. Peony

Peonies are the prototype of floral sumptuousness , with their lucullan , sports stadium - shape flush that are the centrepiece of any garden . Their fragrance is as captivate as their visual aspect , reminiscent of sweet springiness sidereal day . These perennial thrive in well - drained dirt and full sun , rewarding gardener with blooms that last for decades . Peonies also make fantabulous cut flowers , bringing elegance indoors . Interesting fact : Peonies are often associated with love story and prosperity , make up them democratic in marriage bouquets .

6. Rhododendron

rhododendron are the show - stopper of spring , with their abundant clump of flowers creating a sidesplitter of color . These evergreen bush provide year - rhythm interest with their ornamental leaves . They thrive in acidic , well - debilitate soil and partial shadiness , requiring minimum maintenance once established . Rhododendrons attract hummingbirds , adding rattling front to garden . Did you know ? The name “ rhododendron ” come from the Greek Scripture for rose ( rhodo ) and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ( dendron ) , play up their flowered grandeur .

7. Dahlia

Dahlias are nature ’s firework , collapse with color and intricate patterns . These tuberous plants offer up an astounding change of forms and sizes , from petite pom - poms to large dinner - shell blooms . They choose cheery spots and well - enfeeble soil , rewarding gardeners with a sustain blossoming time of year . Dahlias make sensational cut flowers , adding a splash of colour indoors . Fun fact : Dahlias originate from Mexico , where they were once used as a food source before their ornamental economic value was discover .

8. Gardenia

gardenia enchant with their creamy white blossom and heavenly fragrance , often associated with southern garden . Their shining leaves provide a striking backdrop to the blooms . These evergreen plant bush flourish in fond mood , preferring acidic soil and some nicety . Gardenias are idealistic for planting near patios or walkways , where their aroma can be enjoyed . Did you know ? Gardenias symbolize pureness and sweet , often featured in wedding agreement and perfume .

9. Fuchsia

Fuchsias are the dancers of the plant life world , with their nodding rosiness resembling ballerina in ballet skirt . These shade - loving plants add a splash of colouring material to hanging basket and garden borders . know for their unequaled , two - toned flowers , fuchsias come in a variety of vibrant hues , thread aid and admiration . They thrive in well - drained , moist soil and benefit from veritable feeding . Fun fact : Fuchsias were discovered by French phytologist Charles Plumier in the recent 17th century and named after German botanist Leonhart Fuchs .

10. Bleeding Heart

run hearts are a garden ’s romantic storytellers , with heart - form salad days that seemingly “ bleed ” droplets of color . These perennial wonders thrive in louche spots , adding a whimsical touch to woodland garden . Their diffuse , fern - like foliage complement the magical flowers , creating a lucullan , superimposed effect . phlebotomise hearts opt moist , well - drained soil and bring former spring gardens to life . Did you know ? The phlebotomize heart is native to Asia and was introduce to the West in the 19th 100 , captivating gardener with its unequaled flowered showing .

11. Clematis

Clematis vine proffer a tapestry of color , with star - shaped prime in hues ranging from deep purpleness to soft pink . These climbers are utter for adding vertical interest to fences and trellises . Clematis prefers sunny locations with roots fill in by other plants , thriving in well - drained soil . Their dramatic bloom can appear throughout the growing time of year , hex onlookers . Fun fact : With over 300 specie , clematis flower are experience as “ queen of climbers ” and have been cultivated since the sixteenth hundred .

12. Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants are the shape of tropical beauty , with their sheer , trumpet - shaped heyday that ask for admiration . These sunlight - loving plants bring a touch of paradise to gardens , with blossom in pictorial shades of red , yellow , and pink . Hibiscus flourish in well - drained soil and warm climates , often becoming the centerpiece of garden landscapes . Their flowers pull hummingbirds , bring dynamic motion to the garden . Did you know ? In Hawaii , hibiscus is the state heyday and symbolise hospitality and joy .

13. Lilac

Lilacs are cherished for their pick up fragrance and clusters of delicate flowers that herald the arrival of spring . With blooms ranging from light pink to deep purple , they add a splash of colour to any landscape . These sturdy bush expand in well - drained soil and full Sunday , offer minimum maintenance and maximum beauty . lilac are often planted for their unfermented odor , which carries on the breeze . Interesting tidbit : Lilacs belong to the olive family and were first bring to Europe from the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth hundred .

14. Magnolia

magnolia are the epitome of elegance with their large , fragrant heyday that herald the comer of spring . Their flowers , often white-hot or pink , adorn trees with a majestic mien . These tree choose well - drained , slightly acidic land and expand in full sun to fond shade . Magnolias are a dateless pick for garden , offering a refined silhouette and captivate odour . Fun fact : Magnolia trees have live for millions of years , with dodo records dating back 95 million twelvemonth , showcasing their ancient lineage .

15. Astilbe

Astilbe plant life bring a touch of softness to gardens with their feathery plumes of pink , red , or blank . These shade - loving perennial are staring for add together texture and color to woodland garden . expand in rich , dampish filth , astilbes are low - sustenance and declare oneself a prolonged flowering time of year . Their fern - like foliage adds profoundness and contrast to garden beds . Did you cognise ? Astilbe is aboriginal to Asia and North America , and its name total from the Greek words “ a ” import without and “ stilbe ” entail brightness , referring to its frail blooms .

16. Sedum

Sedum , also experience as stonecrop , is a succulent that expand in poor dirt with little pee . These hardy plant life are perfect for rock garden or as soil cover version , offer a variety of textures and colors . Sedum ’s star - shaped flowers come out in previous summertime , leave a explosion of pinkish or white-livered atop fleshy unripened leaves . Their resilience and easy - attention nature make them a favorite among fussy gardeners . playfulness fact : Sedum is often used in green roof for its drought impedance and ability to draw in pollinators .

17. Foxglove

Foxgloves are the towering beauties of the garden , with tall peak spike covered in cannular blooms . Their purple , pink , or white flowers tote up vertical interest and attract pollinators . These biennials choose fond nuance and well - drain soil , often self - seeding to return year after year . Foxgloves are beloved for their bungalow garden charm . Did you know ? Foxglove is the author of digitalis , a nitty-gritty medication , highlighting its two-fold use as both a beauty and a medicative plant .

18. Zinnia

Zinnias are the cheerful companions of summer gardens , with bright , daisy - like flowers in an array of colors . These annuals thrive in full Sunday and well - debilitate soil , offering around-the-clock efflorescence . Their long - lasting flowers are gross for cut , bring bursts of color indoors . Zinnias are also a magnet for butterfly , creating a lively garden atmosphere . Fun fact : Zinnias are native to Mexico and were once considered “ peak of the idle ” by the Aztecs , used in traditional ceremony .

19. Impatiens

Impatiens lend a splattering of colour to shaded garden maculation with their hopeful , cheerful blooms . These annuals fly high in moist , well - drained soil , provide a continuous presentation of pinkish , red , and white heyday . Their compact growing and abundant blossom make them idealistic for border and containers , adding vibrancy to shaded areas . Impatiens are easy to care for , making them a ducky among gardener . Did you know ? Impatiens are also do it as “ concern - me - nots ” due to their seed pods , which burst when touched , dispersing seeds wide .

20. Daylily

daylily are the authentic stars of the perennial garden , with their bright , horn - shape blooms that last just a day . Despite their fleeting flower , they grow multiple bloom on each straw , ensuring a colourful display throughout summer . These unfearing plant expand in full sun and well - drained soil , requiring minimal care . day lily are also drouth - tolerant , making them consummate for low - upkeep gardens . play fact : Though call “ day ” lily , these plant are not dependable lily but belong to to the genus Hemerocallis .

21. Verbena

Verbena is a sun - loving plant life that brings delicate clustering of purple flowers to gardens . bonk for their long blooming season , these perennial are thoroughgoing for borders and containers . Verbena thrives in well - drained soil and full sun , attracting butterfly and other pollinators . Their low - grow use makes them ideal for ground covering fire , creating a carpet of color . Did you get it on ? Verbena has been used medicinally for centuries , believed to have calming properties and once referred to as “ tears of Isis . ”

22. Coreopsis

tick-weed , also known as tickseed , offer up upbeat , daisy - like efflorescence in vibrant yellow hues . These aboriginal flora are hardy and drought - tolerant , thriving in poor soil and full sun . Their long - lasting bloom make them a darling for pollinators , adding life history to any garden . Coreopsis is double-dyed for edge and wildflower gardens , bringing a sunny disposition . Fun fact : Coreopsis was named the body politic wild flower of Florida , reflecting its popularity and adaptability across various landscapes .

23. Heuchera

Heuchera , commonly known as coral bells , offer a stunning array of foliage colours that range from deep purpleness to hopeful yellow green . These perennials are prized for their cosmetic folio that add grain to gardens . genus Heuchera thrive in fond shade and well - enfeeble soil , make it perfect for shadowy borders and containers . Their modest , buzzer - shaped flowers attract pollinators , add up dynamic interest to your garden . Did you know ? genus Heuchera is native to North America and was traditionally used by Native Americans for medicative purposes .

24. Lantana

Lantana is a vivacious , sunshine - loving plant that brings bunch of multicolored flowers to gardens . These annuals are heat - tolerant and thrive in well - drained soil , bring bluff color to border and container . Their sweet ambrosia attracts butterflies and hummingbirds , produce a lively garden environment . Lantana ’s long flower time of year insure uninterrupted color throughout the summertime month . Interesting tidbit : Lantana is moot invasive in some regions due to its vigorous outgrowth , so gardeners should supervise its spread .

25. Marigold

Marigolds are the temperateness of the garden , with their bright orangeness and yellow blooms that bring warmth to any distance . These yearbook are easy to grow , thriving in full sun and well - drained grunge . marigold are known for their pest - repelling belongings , often used in companion set to protect vegetables . Their long - lasting blooms make them a staple in summer gardens . playfulness fact : Marigolds are often associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico , symbolize the Dominicus and resurrection .

26. Ornamental Grasses

decorative grass add front and texture to gardens with their feathery feather and elegant soma . These versatile plants are small - criminal maintenance , thriving in various soil types and climates . Their tall , arching stems provide structure and year - round interest group , specially when backlit by the sun . decorative grasses are pure for adding dividing line and rhythm to garden designs . Did you eff ? Many ornamental grasses are native to prairies and meadows , contribute to biodiversity and providing habitat for wildlife .

27. Snapdragon

Snapdragons are playful plants with their dragon - similar blooms that kids love to nip open . These yearly are stark for tote up vertical color to garden beds and border . snapdragon expand in full sun and well - drained soil , extend a range of color from pastels to bold reds and yellows . Their long - last flowers make them a front-runner for cutting gardens . Interesting fact : Snapdragons are aboriginal to the Mediterranean region , and their name comes from the bloom ’s resemblance to a dragon ’s face when pinched .

28. Japanese Maple

Nipponese maple are the artisans of the tree cosmos , with their finely edit out leaves and stunning seasonal colors . These trees offer take up red , orange , and white-livered chromaticity , making them focal points in any landscape painting . They opt well - drain soil and partial refinement , supply a graceful form and elegant silhouette . Nipponese maple are often used in bonsai and traditional Japanese gardens . playfulness fact : Nipponese maples have been cultivate for over 300 years , with over a thousand varieties display unique leafage Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and colouration .

29. Begonia

Begonias are a gardener ’s favorite for their colourful blooms and versatile growing habit . These tint - loving plants tender heyday in a broad range of colors , from soft pinks to vivid reds . begonia thrive in well - drain soil and are perfect for container , hang baskets , and garden bottom . Their lush leaf contribute texture and interest to fly-by-night spots . Did you eff ? begonia are name after Michel Bégon , a Gallic patron of botany , and are aboriginal to tropic and subtropical region around the world .

30. Salvia

Salvia , also sleep together as sage , is a pollinator ’s paradise with its vivacious disconsolate or empurpled bloom spikes . These plants are drought - liberal and fly high in well - drained stain and full Dominicus . Salvia ’s aromatic foliage adds another level of interest , and its long blooming season ensures uninterrupted coloring material . These versatile plants are excellent for borders and wildlife garden . Fun fact : The name “ salvia ” come from the Latin “ salvere , ” intend to bring around , play up its diachronic use in traditional medicine .

31. Phlox

Phlox is a wizard accession to any garden , with its cluster of whiz - shape flowers in pinkish , lily-white , and purple . These perennial are have sex for their sweet fragrance and long blooming season . Phlox thrive in well - drained soil and full sun , providing a carpet of color that attracts pollinators . Its versatility makes it perfect for borders , rock garden , and containers . Did you know ? Phlox is native to North America and was popularized in Europe in the 18th hundred , becoming a staple in cottage gardens .

32. Tuberose

Tuberose is the epitome of scent , with its intoxicating scent that perfumes the even air . These tropic industrial plant produce marvelous spike of white , waxy flowers that blossom in belated summer . Tuberose thrives in quick climates and well - drained soil , often constitute near patios to revel their evening fragrance . They are also used in essence , capture their alien essence . merriment fact : Tuberose is aboriginal to Mexico and was introduce to Europe in the 16th century , where it became a favorite in fragrance fashioning .

33. Fountain Grass

Fountain weed is a elegant addition to gardens , with its arching plumage and gentle , flow appearance . These ornamental sess fly high in full sun and well - drain territory , adding texture and movement to landscape . Their feathery plumes overhear the visible light attractively , offering year - one shot interest . jet weed is everlasting for borders , rock and roll garden , and as a backdrop for flowering plants . Did you recognise ? jet weed is often used in landscape painting invention for its scurvy maintenance and ability to rock gently in the air .