How to Choose the Right Plants for Your Yard in Asheville

4 days ago

3 min read

Your yard is more than just an outdoor space — it's an opportunity to create a beautiful, sustainable extension of your home. At Asheville Landscapes, we often hear from homeowners who feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right plants for their landscape. Between Asheville’s unique mountain climate, fluctuating temperatures, and abundant native species, making the right selections can feel like both an art and a science.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider and share our top plant recommendations for Western North Carolina landscapes.

1. Understand Asheville’s Planting Zones

Asheville sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 6b–7a, which means we experience cold winters, mild to warm summers, and significant seasonal changes. When selecting plants, always check the USDA zone recommendations to ensure long-term health and growth.

Local tip: Choose plants hardy in Zones 5–7 for best year-round performance.

2. Identify Your Yard’s Microclimates

Your yard might have more than one microclimate depending on factors like slope, sun exposure, wind, and soil type. Pay attention to areas that get full sun versus shade, spots where water pools, or spaces with dry, rocky soil.

Pro insight: South-facing slopes tend to be warmer and sunnier, while north-facing areas may stay cooler and damper — ideal for ferns and shade-loving plants.

3. Embrace Native Plants

Native plants are adapted to Asheville’s climate, making them easier to maintain, more resilient against pests, and better for supporting local wildlife like bees, butterflies, and birds. Native landscapes also tend to need less water and fertilizer.

Great Native Plants for Asheville Yards:

Echinacea (Coneflower): Beautiful purple blooms that attract pollinators
Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan): Hardy and cheerful flowers for sunny spots
Heuchera (Coral Bells): Colorful foliage for shady areas
Little Bluestem: A warm-season grass with blue-green blades and copper fall color
Mountain Laurel: A native evergreen shrub with spectacular blooms in spring

4. Plan for Seasonal Interest

A well-designed yard offers something beautiful in every season — not just spring and summer. Choose a mix of evergreens, flowering plants, grasses, and trees that offer color, texture, or berries across the year.

Plant Picks by Season:

Spring: Azaleas, Dogwood Trees, Creeping Phlox
Summer: Daylilies, Hydrangeas, Bee Balm
Fall: Maple Trees, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Sedum
Winter: Holly, Red Twig Dogwood, Hellebores

Design idea: Mix evergreen shrubs with deciduous perennials and ornamental grasses to keep your landscape alive year-round.

5. Consider Maintenance Requirements

How much time do you want to spend maintaining your yard? Some plants, like Boxwoods and Roses, need regular pruning and care, while others — like Yarrow, ornamental grasses, and native ground covers — thrive with minimal intervention.

If you're looking for low-maintenance options:

Choose drought-tolerant species
Group plants with similar water needs
Use mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture

6. Think About Wildlife and Pollinators

A yard that supports local birds, bees, and butterflies is not only beautiful — it's good for the ecosystem. Choose plants that produce nectar, seeds, or berries, and avoid heavy pesticide use.

Pollinator-friendly favorites:

Milkweed (for Monarchs)
Joe Pye Weed
Liatris
Purple Coneflower

Add a birdbath or a bee hotel to boost biodiversity.

7. Don't Forget About Hardscaping

Plants thrive in well-designed environments. Consider how garden beds, stone walkways, retaining walls, or patios integrate with your plant choices. Taller plants can soften fences, while low growers edge paths beautifully.

Asheville Landscapes Tip: We help clients blend hardscaping and plantings for long-term visual balance and function.

8. Test Your Soil

Before you plant, test your soil’s pH, drainage, and nutrient content. Western North Carolina often has clay-heavy soil that may need amending for certain plants.

What to look for:

pH range: Most plants prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.8)
Drainage: Ensure water doesn't pool after rain — roots hate soggy feet
Organic matter: Compost improves both sandy and clay soils

9. Work with a Professional (Like Us!)

A thoughtful plant layout doesn’t just look good — it lasts. Our experienced landscape designers at Asheville Landscapes take into account sun exposure, plant spacing, soil conditions, and seasonal color when planning your garden.

Whether you’re planting a pollinator paradise or a low-maintenance backyard retreat, we can help select the perfect mix of perennials, shrubs, and trees for your space.

Start Planting Your Dream Landscape

Choosing the right plants doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little planning — and the right team behind you — your Asheville yard can become a source of year-round beauty and enjoyment.

Ready to get started? Contact Asheville Landscapes today to schedule a design consultation. Our team is here to turn your outdoor vision into reality.