The Ultimate Guide on Traditional Japanese & Zen Garden Plants: Top Selection

Pinus densiflora

Japanese Red Pine

Zones 5-9

Native to Japan, red-brown bark, long needles in clusters of two

20-40 feet tall by 20-35 feet wide

Pinus parviflora

Japanese White Pine

Zones 5-8

Elegant, slow-growing tree with blue-green needles in bundles of five

20-50 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide

Pinus thunbergii

Japanese Black Pine

Zones 5-9

Coastal native, dark green needles, rugged appearance

20-60 feet tall by 15-35 feet wide

Juniperus chinensis

Hollywood Juniper

Zones 4-9

Unique, irregularly shaped juniper with twisted branches and blue-green foliage

6-15 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide

Juniperus conferta

Shore Juniper

Zones 6-9

Dense evergreen shrub found along sand dunes and rocky seashores in Japan

1-2 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide

Chamaecyparis obtusa var. breviramea

Chabo-hiba/Kamakura-hiba

Zones 4-8

Dwarf form of Japanese hinoki cypress, compact and slow-growing

3 feet tall by 2 feet wide

Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Plumosa’

Nikko-hiba/Shinobu-hiba

Zones 4-8

Dwarf garden cultivar of Japanese sawara cypress, tolerant of hard pruning, used for topiary and hedges

6-10 feet tall by 4-6 feet wide

Cryptomeria japonica

Sugi

Zones 5-9

Tall, conical evergreen tree with reddish-brown bark and scale-like leaves

50-70 feet tall by 20-30 feet wide

Podocarpus macrophyllus

Kusa-maki

Zones 7-10

Dense evergreen with dark green foliage and red fruits

20-40 feet tall by 10-20 feet wide

Sciadopitys verticillata

Umbrella Pine

Zones 5-7

Unique umbrella-like appearance, dark green needles in whorls

30-50 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide

Taxus cuspidata

Japanese Yew

Zones 4b-7a

Dark green foliage, red berries, tolerant of shade and pruning

10-20 feet tall by the same width

Thujopsis dolobrata

Hiba-arborvitae

Zones 5b-7a

Conical shape, aromatic foliage, reddish-brown bark

30-50 feet tall by the same width

Torreya Nucifera

Japanese Nutmeg Yew

Zones 6-9

Slow-growing evergreen tree with dark green needles and fleshy red fruits

30-40 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide

Buxus microphylla var. japonica (Japanese box; tsuge)

6 through 9

Evergreen shrub native to Japan, used for hedges and topiaries, wood used for making combs

Up to 5 m (16 ft 3 in)

Very slow growth; care needed in transplanting; prefers half-shade; likes lime; mulch to prevent shallow roots from drying out

Cleyera japonica (sakaki)

7 through 8, warmer areas of 6

Broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree, sacred in Shinto religion, used around shrines and in tea gardens

3 x 3 m (10 x 10 ft)

Prefers rich, deep, acid soil and shade; can be pruned hard for broad hedges; suitable as underplanting

Daphniphyllum macropodum (yuzuriha)

7 through 9

Evergreen tree with leaves in whorls, used for New Year’s decorations, suitable for mass planting

Up to 15 m (49 ft)

Frost hardy; prefers rich soil and half-shade; no pruning needed; dislikes root disturbance

Dendropanax trifidus (kakure-mino)

7 through 9

Evergreen tree used around shrines and in tea gardens, very slow-growing

10 m (32 ft 6 in)

Frost hardy; prefers moist shade; dislikes being pruned and root disturbance; suitable for north-facing gardens

Ilex crenata (box-leaved holly/Japanese holly; inu-tsuge)

6 through 9

Small, round, glossy leaves, important for topiary in Japan, slow-growing but vigorous

5 x 4 m (16 ft 3 in x 13 ft)

Prefers partial shade and moist conditions; avoid winter wind; if soil is alkaline, give an annual feed of acid fertilizer

Ilex integra (mochi-no-ki)

8 through 9

Evergreen tree used near shrines, can be transplanted even when quite big

7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft)

Young plants half hardy; established plants tolerate down to -10°C/14°F; prefers moist, rich soil and sun; prune heavily in early summer

Ilex latifolia (luster-leaf holly; tarayo)

7 through 9

Large, serrated leathery leaves with male and female plants for red berries production

6 to 7.5m (20 to 25ft)

Can be hard pruned or clipped for a dense screen; best pruned late winter-early spring; frost hardy

Ilex pedunculosa (long-stalk holly; soyogo)

5

Upright habit with both male and female plants needed for red autumn berries

Up to 6m (20ft)

Prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade; tolerant of air pollution and some sea-air

Ilex rotunda (kurogane holly/round-leaf holly; kurogane-mochi)

6 through 9

Slow-growing evergreen, female plants produce red berries in winter, popular for bonsai

9 to 15m (30 to 50ft)

Prune lightly Nov-Dec, then hard late spring; tolerates partial shade

Lithocarpus edulis (Japanese stone oak; mate-bashii)

7 through 9

Fast-growing, suitable for hedging or mass planting

10 m (32 ft 6 in)

Hardy; sun or partial shade; tolerates heavy pruning

Pittosporum tobira (Japanese mock orange; tobera)

8 through 11

Dense evergreen with fragrant white flowers and red seeds in winter

2 to 9m (6 to 30ft)

Tolerant of sea air and some dryness; no pruning required; cultivars with variegated leaves available

Osmanthus x fortunei (Fortune’s osmanthus; hiiragi-mokusei)

7 through 9

Upright with holly-like leaves, fragrant white flowers in late summer to autumn

5 m (16 ft 3 in)

Frost hardy; half-shade or complete shade; prune; tolerates sea air; suitable for hedges

Osmanthus heterophyllus (holly osmanthus; hiiragi)

7 through 9

Dense round shrub with spiny, leathery leaves, fragrant white flowers on female plants

4 to 8 m (13 to 26 ft)

Frost hardy; tolerates shade and sea air; can be pruned; suitable for hedges

Quercus glauca (ring-cup oak; ara-kashi)

7 through 9

Slow-growing live oak with serrated lance-shaped leaves, good for hedges, windbreaks, screens

Up to 9m (30ft)

Frost hardy; leaves turn from purple-crimson to glossy green and glaucous blue-green underneath

Quercus myrsinifolia (bamboo-leaf oak/Chinese evergreen oak/Chinese ring-cupped oak; shira-kashi)

7 through 9

Slow-growing live oak with glossy lance-shaped leaves emerging bronze-red

6 to 12m (20 to 40ft)

Shade tolerant; prune for a dense hedge in July and November; traditionally used as windbreaks; plant shrubs 30cm apart for a 1m tall hedge, 50cm apart for a 1.5m tall hedge

Quercus phillyraeoides (ubame-gashi)

7 through 10

Slow-growing, dense live oak with glossy ovate leaves and fissured brown-grey bark

6 to 9m (20-30ft)

Suitable for hedges; prune late autumn; stop main leading stem at required height and cut back lateral branches to desired length; prefers acid to neutral soil

Ternstroemia gymnanthera (mokkoku)

7 through 10

Frost hardy to half hardy in the UK; dislikes temperatures below -5°C/23°F; ripe wood tolerates colder conditions

5 to 10 m (16 to 32 ft 6 in)

Partial or complete shade; prefers rich acid soil; in early summer remove the longest central stem from each new growth

Ardisia japonica

Marlberry, Yabu-koji

Zones 7a – 11

Evergreen shrub with clusters of pink flowers and red berries

Height: 0.5 to 1 foot, Spread: 6 inches to 3 feet

Aucuba japonica

Spotted Laurel, Aoki

Zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Evergreen shrub with variegated leaves, tolerates shade, dry soil, pollution

Height: 6 to 10 feet, Spread: 5 to 9 feet

Camellia sinensis

Tea, Cha-no-ki

Zones 7 to 9

Evergreen shrub/small tree, white flowers, leaves used for tea

Height: 6 to 15 feet (can grow taller)

Elaeagnus x ebbingei

Ebbing’s Silverberry

Zones 7 to 11

Dense evergreen, silver/gold variegated leaves, fragrant flowers

Height: 8 to 10 feet, Spread: 8 to 10 feet

Euonymus japonicus

Japanese Spindle, Masaki

Zones 6 to 9

Glossy green leaves, often used for hedges, variegated foliage

Height: 6 to 15 feet, Spread: 2 to 8 feet

Eurya japonica

Hi-sakaki

Zones 7 to 9

Small evergreen shrub, dense foliage, small flowers

Height: 2 to 5 feet, Spread: 2 to 5 feet

Fatsia japonica

Yatsude

Zones 7 to 10

Large, palmate leaves, spherical white flowers

Height: 6 to 10 feet, Spread: 6 to 10 feet

Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens

Hai-byakushin

Zones 4 to 9

Low-growing juniper, spreading habit, used as ground cover

Height: 1 to 2 feet, Spread: 4 to 6 feet

Mahonia japonica

Hiiragi-nanten

Zones 7 to 9

Evergreen, holly-like leaves, yellow flowers

Height: 4 to 6 feet, Spread: 4 to 6 feet

Photinia glabra

Red-leaf Photinia

Zones 7 to 9

Bright red new foliage, matures to green

Height: 10 to 15 feet, Spread: 10 to 15 feet

Pieris japonica

Japanese Andromeda

Zones 5 to 8

Evergreen shrub, bell-shaped flowers, attractive foliage

Height: 9 to 12 feet, Spread: 6 to 8 feet

Viburnum odoratissimum

Sweet Viburnum; Sangoju

Zones 8 to 10

Dense evergreen, large glossy leaves, fragrant white flowers

Height: 12 to 20 feet, Spread: 12 to 20 feet

Viburnum suspensum

Sandanqua Viburnum

Zones 8 to 10

Evergreen shrub, leathery leaves, fragrant white flower.

Typically 6 to 12 feet tall and wide.

Acer buergerianum

Trident Maple/Three-toothed Maple

5-8

Tri-lobed leaves, glossy green, turning red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Small greenish-yellow flowers and samaras. Bark is gray-brown with orange, exfoliating. Drought resistant.

Height: 20-45, Spread: 25

Acer capillipes

Snake-bark Maple

5-8

Distinctive striped bark resembling a snake’s skin. Green leaves turning yellow or red in fall.

Height: 20-30, Spread: 20-30

Acer cissifolium

Ivy-leaved Maple/Ash-leaved Maple

5-7

Compound leaves resembling ash or ivy, good yellow to red fall color.

Height: 20-30, Spread: 15-25

Acer japonicum

Full Moon Maple

5-7

Large round leaves, spectacular fall colors from gold to crimson.

Height: 15-25, Spread: 15-25

Acer maximowiczianum

Nikko Maple

5-7

Large leaves with yellow to red fall color.

Height: 30-40, Spread: 20-30

Acer mono

Painted Maple

5-7

Variegated leaves with white or pink splashes.

Height: 30-40, Spread: 30-40

Acer palmatum

Iroha-momiji

5-8

Variety of leaf shapes and colors, stunning fall coloration.

Height: 6-25, Spread: 6-25

Acer rufinerve

Grey Snake-bark Maple/Red Vein Maple

5-7

Grey bark with white stripes and red-veined leaves.

Height: 20-30, Spread: 20-30

Acer shirasawanum

Golden Full Moon Maple/Golden Shirasawa Maple

5-7

Unique leaf shape with excellent yellow to red fall color.

Height: 15-25, Spread: 15-25

Acer sieboldianum

Ko-uchiwa-kaede

4-7

Deeply lobed leaves with bright red fall color.

Height: 15-20, Spread: 10-15

Berberis thunbergii

Japanese Barberry

4-8

Thorny, dense, rounded shrub; good autumn color; resistant to deer browsing; drought and air pollution tolerant

Height: 3-6 feet; Width: 4-7 feet; Prune two or three times a year to maintain size and shape; mid-spring, late summer, and autumn

Disanthus cercidifolius

Redbud Hazel

5-8

Rounded shrub; heart-shaped leaves turning burgundy, orange, and crimson in autumn

Height: 6-10 feet; Minimal pruning required; can be done to shape as desired

Euonymus alatus

Winged Euonymus

4-8

Dense shrub; bright fall color; invasive in the US

Height: 5-15 feet; Width: 5-15 feet; Generally minimal pruning is required unless controlling size or shape

Euonymus oxyphyllus

Korean Spindle Tree

4-8

Slow-growing, upright tree; small white flowers in spring; gaudy seed heads in autumn

Height: Up to 8 feet; Minimum pruning required, remove over-long branches when the plant is dormant

Ilex serrata

Japanese Winterberry

5-9

Slow-growing, bushy with purple stems; female trees produce red berries

Height: Up to 9 feet; No pruning needed except to reduce long spurs

Lindera umbellata

Kuromoji

6-9

Elegant shrub; tolerates hard pruning once established

Height: Up to 9 feet; Cut back main leaders to desired height late winter; remove old stems at base to avoid overcrowding

Salix gracilistyla

Rosegold Pussy Willow

5-9

Waterside willow; fluffy gray catkins

Height and Width not specified; Minimum pruning required

Prunus cerasoides var. rubra

Kanbi-zakura

Zones 5-8

Taiwan Cherry, Medium-sized tree

20-30 feet tall

Prunus incisa

Fuji Cherry

Zones 5-8

Fuji Cherry, Small tree

15-20 feet tall

Prunus jamasakura

Japanese Hill Cherry

Zones 6-9

Japanese Hill Cherry, Small to medium-sized tree

20-30 feet tall

Prunus japonica

Oriental Bush Cherry

Zones 6-9

Oriental Bush Cherry, Small tree

15-25 feet tall

Prunus mume

Japanese Apricot

Zones 6-9

Japanese Apricot, Small to medium-sized tree

Varies, generally around 15-25 feet tall

Prunus sargentii

Sargent Cherry

Zones 4-7

Sargent Cherry, Medium-sized tree

Typically 25-35 feet tall

Prunus speciosa

Oshima Cherry

Zones 5-8

Oshima Cherry, Medium-sized tree

Around 20-30 feet tall

Prunus x subhirtella

Pendula

Zones 5-8

Weeping Higan Cherry, Small tree with a weeping habit

Generally 15-25 feet tall

Prunus x yedoensis

Yoshino Cherry

Zones 5-8

Yoshino Cherry, Medium-sized tree

Typically 25-40 feet tall

Magnolia figo

Banana Shrub/Port-Wine Magnolia

Zones 7-10

Evergreen shrub or small tree with fragrant flowers

Typically 10-13 feet tall

Magnolia kobus

Kobushi Magnolia

Zones 5-8

Deciduous tree with white, fragrant flowers in early spring

25-50 feet tall

Magnolia liliflora

Lily Magnolia/Mulan Magnolia

Zones 5-8

Deciduous shrub with large, showy purple flowers in late spring

8-12 feet tall

Magnolia obovata

Japanese Big-Leaf Magnolia

Zones 5-8

Large deciduous tree with huge leaves and white flowers

Up to 80 feet tall

Magnolia salicifolia

Japanese Willow-Leaved Magnolia

Zones 5-8

Japanese Willow-Leaved Magnolia, Deciduous tree

Not specified

Camellia japonica

Yabu-tsubaki

Zones 7-9

Evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and showy flowers

6-12 feet tall, Spreads 5-10 feet

Camellia sasanqua

Sazanka

Zones 7-9

Evergreen shrub with fragrant flowers that bloom in the fall

4-10 feet tall, Spreads 5-7 feet

Corylopsis pauciflora (Buttercup Winter Hazel, Buttercup Witch Hazel)

Zones 6-8

Deciduous shrub with racemes of pale primrose yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. Leaves turn yellow in fall.

4 to 6 feet

Corylopsis spicata (Tosa-mizuki, Spike Winter Hazel)

Zones 5-8

Deciduous shrub with slender, pendant racemes of lemon-yellow flowers in March and April.

4 to 8 feet height, 6 to 10 feet spread

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ (Winter Daphne)

Zone 7 and higher

Evergreen shrub with fragrant, pale-pink flowers and glossy, yellow-edged foliage.

Up to 5 feet

Deutzia gracilis (Japanese Snow Flower, Hime-utsugi)

Zones 5-8

Bushy, upright shrub with white, fragrant flowers in spring. Compact growth.

Up to 3 feet

Enkianthus perulatus (White Enkianthus, Dodan-tsutsuji)

Zones 6-8

Deciduous shrub with heather-like flowers in early spring and red autumn foliage.

1 to 2 feet

Exochorda racemosa (Common Pearlbush, Rikyubai)

Zones 5-8

Deciduous shrub with delicate, scented, white flowers in late April to May.

Up to 15 feet

Gardenia augusta ‘Radicans’ (Creeping Gardenia, Hime-kuchinashi)

Zones 8-10

Dwarf gardenia with waxy, heavily scented white flowers in early summer.

1 to 2 feet

Hibiscus mutabilis (Confederate Rose Mallow, Fuyo)

Zones 7-10

–

Not specified

Hypericum patulum (Kinshibai)

Zones 6-7

Evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with yellow cup-shaped flowers from August to October.

Not specified

Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Hortensia)

Zones 5-9

Includes lacecap and mophead forms. Flower color changes with soil pH.

5 to 6 feet 7 inches

Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea, Peegee Hydrangea)

Zones 4-7

Fast-growing shrub with large, conical flower heads.

Up to 9 feet 9 inches

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea, Kashiwa-ajisai)

Zones 6-9

White to cream-colored flowers in large panicles, oak-like leaves with good autumn color.

Up to 6 feet

Kerria japonica (Japanese Kerria, Japanese Rose)

Zones 4-9

Bright yellow single or double flowers in spring.

6 feet 6 inches x 8 feet

Lespedeza bicolor (Japanese Bush Clover, Yama-hagi)

Zones 5-8

Tiny purple-pink flowers at the end of summer and in autumn, weeping branches.

5 to 6 feet 7 inches

Lespedeza thunbergii (‘Albiflora’, ‘Versicolor’)

Not specified

‘Albiflora’ has white flowers, ‘Versicolor’ has white and rosy purple flowers.

Not specified

Loropetalum chinense (Chinese Fringe Flower, Tokiwa-mansaku)

Zones 7-10

Evergreen shrub with scented white flowers, ‘Rubrum’ has pink or red flowers.

Not specified

Osmanthus fragrans f. aurantiacus (Fragrant Olive, Sweet Olive)

Zones 8-10

Clusters of tiny orange blooms with an intense fruity scent in autumn.

Up to 32 feet 6 inches

Paeonia suffruticosa (Tree Peony, Moutan; Botan)

Zones 4-8

Deciduous shrub with large, beautiful flowers and shallow roots.

Up to 6 feet 7 inches

Philadelphus satsumi (Satsumi Mock Orange)

Zone 7

Deciduous, upright shrub with showy, scented flowers in summer.

6 to 8 feet

Rhaphiolepis umbellata (Yeddo Hawthorn, Indian Hawthorn; Sharinbai)

Zones 8-10, warmer areas of zone 7

Evergreen shrub with small, oval leaves and clusters of white flowers in early summer.

Up to 5 feet

Rhododendron indicum (Satsuki Azalea)

Zones 7-8

Small-leaved, dense, evergreen azaleas with bright pink flowers in late May.

1 to 3 feet

Rhododendron yakushimanum (Yakushima Rhododendron)

Typically Zones 5-8

Evergreen rhododendrons with big leathery leaves, slow-growing.

Up to 13 feet

Rhododendron Tsutsuji Group (Azaleas)

Not specified

Covers all azaleas, both evergreen and deciduous, suitable for hard pruning.

Not specified

Deciduous Azaleas (R. quinquefolium, R. dilatatum, R. reticulatum, R. japonicum)

Zones 6-8

Less vigorous growth, R. quinquefolium has delicate structure and white flowers.

Not specified

Serissa foetida (Snowrose, Tree-of-a-thousand-stars, Serissa)

Zones 7-11

Semi-evergreen shrub with white flowers, leaves may drop in winter.

2 to 4 feet

Spiraea cantoniensis (Reeves’s Spiraea, Kodemari)

Zones 7-9

Deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub that flowers in mid-spring, can be pruned into a sphere.

3 feet 3 inches to 6 feet 7 inches

Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spiraea)

Zones 8-10

Clump-forming, deciduous shrub that flowers from May through July.

4 to 6 feet

Spiraea thunbergii (Baby’s Breath Spirea, Breath-of-Spring Spirea, Yuki-yanagi)

Zones 4-8

Flowers in early spring with trailing branches.

3 feet 3 inches to 5 feet

Stachyurus praecox (Kibushi)

Zones 7-8

Deciduous shrub with yellow flowers in March and good autumn leaf color.

3 to 5 feet

Viburnum furcatum (Forked Viburnum, Scarlet-leaved Viburnum, Mushikari)

Zones 5-9

Deciduous shrub with scented white flowers in May and good autumn color.

Up to 11 feet 2 inches

Viburnum japonicum (Hakusanboku)

Zones 7-9

Evergreen shrub with small, fragrant white flowers in early summer.

Up to 6 feet

Viburnum phlebotrichum (Otoko-yozome)

Zone 5

Small white flowers, leaves turn crimson in autumn.

Up to 8 feet

Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball, Odemari)

Zones 5-8

Deciduous shrub with large, spherical white flowerheads.

Up to 3 meters (9 feet 9 inches)

Aspidistra elatior (Ha-ran)

Resilient plant with dark, glossy leaves that can add a lush, verdant texture to tea gardens.

24 – 36 inches tall, 12 – 30 inches wide

8 through 10

Shade, well-drained soil, regular watering during dry periods.

Farfugium japonicum (Tsuwabuki)

Evergreen perennial with glossy leaves that can bring a bright, reflective quality to shaded garden areas.

30 cm (1 ft) in height

7 through 10

Moist conditions, partial or complete shade, well-draining but consistently moist soil.

Hosta spp. (Plantain Lily; Giboshi)

Versatile perennials with a wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, producing tall spikes of flowers in summer.

Varies by species, from small to large

Varies by species, from 3 through 9 to 3 through 8

Partial to full shade, well-drained, moist soil, regular watering, mulching in spring.

Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge; Fukkiso)

Evergreen ground cover that forms dense mats of glossy leaves in whorls.

25 x 60 cm (10 in x 2 ft)

5 through 8

Partial to deep shade, slightly acidic to neutral soil, annual acid fertilizer if soil is neutral, pinch out tips for denser growth.

Rohdea japonica (Japanese Sacred Lily; Omoto)

Evergreen perennial with leathery leaves and greenish-yellow flower-heads followed by red or white berries.

Foliage up to 30 cm (1 ft) long

6 through 10

Moist, acidic soil in shade, suitable for understory planting or ground cover.

Arisaema thunbergii subsp. urashima (Urashima-so)

Herbaceous perennial with a unique jack-in-the-pulpit-like spathe and poisonous roots.

8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in)

5 through 9

Partial to full shade, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Aster tataricus (Shion)

Tall perennial with pale, delicate lavender flowers blooming in autumn.

Up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in)

3 through 7

Moist soil, full sun, not suitable for shaded conditions.

Astilbe (Chidake-sashi)

Dwarf hybrid ‘Sprite’ with dark foliage and pale pink flower spikes in summer.

About 30 cm (1 ft) tall

4 through 8

Rich, moist soil in partial shade, consistent moisture.

Begonia grandis subsp. evansiana (Shukaido)

Perennial with fleshy stalks, red flush around the nodes, and pale red single flowers.

About 50 cm (1 ft 8 in)

6 through 9

Protection from winter cold, moist, well-drained soil, partial shade.

Bletilla striata (Shi-ran)

Deciduous terrestrial orchid with lance-shaped leaves and bright pink flowers.

Not very tall

5 through 9

Moist, rich soil, partial shade, mulch in autumn or lift and store tubers.

Calanthe discolor (Ground Orchid; Ebine)

Woodland orchid from Japan with maroon and white flowers on a tall stem.

Noticeable height

6 through 9

Partial shade, moist, humus-rich, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil, dry in winter.

Chelonopsis moschata (Jako-so)

Slow-spreading perennial with tiny, deep mauve penstemon-like flowers.

Up to 60 cm (24 in)

5 through 9

Damp conditions, partial shade.

Chloranthus japonicus (Hitori-shizuka)

Dainty perennial with a single spike of white, scented, bottlebrush-like flowers.

Up to 60 cm (24 in) tall, 90 cm (36 in) spread

6 through 9

Partial shade, moist, well-drained soil.

Chloranthus serratus (Futari-shizuka)

Produces two spikes of scented, white, bottlebrush-like flowers.

Similar to Chloranthus japonicus

6 through 9

Moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.

Clintonia udensis (Tsubame-omoto)

Herbaceous, clump-forming perennial with bell-shaped white flowers in racemes.

30 x 20 cm (1 ft x 8 in)

5 through 8

Fertile, moist, neutral to acidic soil in partial or full shade.

Dicentra peregrina (Bleeding-heart; Koma-gusa)

Japanese herbaceous perennial with distinctive heart-shaped flowers. ‘King of Hearts’ cultivar has red flowers.

Not specified

5 through 9

Humus-rich, moist, slightly acidic soils in partial shade. Regular dead-heading and division every six to ten years.

Disporum smilacinum (Chigo-yuri)

Perennial with one or two pendent flowers on each stem in spring.

20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) high

4 through 8

Partial shade and consistently moist soil.

Eupatorium fortunei (Fuji-bakama)

Known for its pale lavender umbels that bloom in autumn.

1 m (3 ft 3 in)

4 through 9

Moist soil, full sun to partial shade.

Filipendula purpurea (Kyoganoko)

Forms clumps of toothed leaves and feathery crimson flowers in summer.

1.2 m x 60 cm (4 ft x 2 ft)

3 through 8

Full sun to partial shade, moist soil, suitable near water.

Gentiana makinoi (Oyama-rindo)

Herbaceous perennial with pale blue flowers in late summer.

Not specified

5 through 9

Acidic soil, full sun to partial shade, ideal for rock gardens or alpine settings.

Gymnaster savatieri (Gymnaster/Aster savatieri; Miyako-wasure)

Produces pale blue or white aster-like flowers in late season.

30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) high, 60 to 75 cm (2 to 2.5 ft) spread

5 through 7

Full sun or partial shade, adaptable to soil conditions.

Heloniopsis orientalis (Shojo-bakama)

Evergreen perennial with strap-like leaves and star-shaped flowers.

Not specified

5 through 8

Shade, moist, well-drained soil.

Hemerocallis spp. (Daylilies)

Variety of daylilies, including tawny daylily (H. fulva) with double flowers.

Not specified

4 through 9

Moist but not wet soil in full sun, some species may be invasive.

Hepatica nobilis var. japonica (Yuki-wari-so)

Semi-evergreen perennial with star-shaped purple-blue flowers in early spring.

Not specified

5 through 8

Neutral, heavy soil in partial shade, good for rock gardens, resents transplanting.

Iris japonica (Shaga)

Frost hardy with flowers blooming in spring to early summer.

Not specified

7 through 9

Well-shaded, moist soil.

Iris sanguinea (Ayame)

Beardless iris with grass-like leaves and violet flowers.

Up to 90 cm (3 ft)

4 through 9

Moist but not wet soil in full sun.

Liriope muscari (Yabu-ran)

Evergreen perennial with pale lavender flower spikes in autumn.

Not specified

5 through 10

Well-drained soil in sun, partial shade, or shade.

Millettia japonica (False Dwarf Wisteria; Hime-fuji)

Legume with narrow wisteria-like leaves and violet flowers in summer.

60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft)

8

Rich, moist soil, can be grown in a container.

Physalis alkekengi (Chinese Lantern; Hozuki)

Known for bright orange, papery, lantern-shaped seed pods in autumn.

Not specified

3 through 9

Full sun, can spread aggressively by rhizomes.

Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower; Kikyo)

Known for purple, white, or pink flowers that bloom in early autumn or summer.

Not specified

3 through 8

Sunny, rich soil.

Polygonatum falcatum (Fragrant Solomon’s Seal; Naruko-yuri)

Produces greenish-white delicate pendulous flowers along the stem.

Not specified

4 through 8

Well-drained soil and partial shade.

Sedum alboroseum (Autumn Stonecrop; Benkei-so)

‘Mediovariegatum’ has variegated leaves and large, white flower heads in late summer.

Up to 50 cm (20 in) high, 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) spread

4 through 9

Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil.

Sedum kamtschaticum (Russian Stonecrop; Kirin-so)

Creeping sedum with yellow flowers in late summer, drought-tolerant.

About 15 cm (6 in)

4 through 9

Good drainage and full sun.

Saxifraga fortunei var. incisolobata (Daimonji-so)

Mound-forming herbaceous perennial with flowers from August to November.

Up to 25 cm (10 in) high, 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20 in) spread

6 through 9

Partial to full shade, regular watering.

Stauntonia hexaphylla (Mube)

Evergreen climber with glossy leaves and lightly scented bell-like flowers.

Can grow to 9 m (30 ft) or more

8 through 11

Tolerant of very acid and alkaline soils, frost hardy.

Tricyrtis hirta (Toad Lily; Hototogisu)

Clump-forming perennial with spotted purple flowers in summer to early autumn.

60 to 100 cm (2 to 3 ft 3 in) high

4 through 8

Moist, slightly acidic, well-shaded conditi

Bambusa multiplex (Hedge Bamboo)

Clumping bamboo ideal for hedges and privacy screens.

3 to 5 m (9 ft 9 in to 16 ft 3 in)

8 and above

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Regular watering. Prune to maintain shape. Use a root barrier.

Chimonobambusa marmorea (Kan-Chiku)

Low-growing bamboo with solid stems and red, mottled culms.

Up to 3 m (9 ft 9 in)

8 through 10

Prefers shade and rich soil. Can be invasive; use a root barrier.

Hibanobambusa tranquillans (Inyo-Chiku)

Hardy hybrid with large leaves and smooth canes.

3 to 5 m (9 ft 9 in to 16 ft 3 in)

7 through 9

Prefers acidic soil. Can be invasive; use a root barrier.

Phyllostachys bambusoides (Ma-Dake)

Tall bamboo used for groves and crafts.

10 to 20 m (32 ft 6 in to 65 ft)

7 through 10

Prefers full sun and rich soil. Difficult to transplant. Prune in spring.

Phyllostachys edulis (Moso-Dake)

The thickest bamboo, used for groves and edible shoots.

15 to 20 m (49 to 65 ft)

8 through 10

Prune in spring to desired height. Use a root barrier.

Phyllostachys nigra (Kuro-Chiku)

Canes turn black over time. Suitable for small gardens.

2 to 3 m (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 9 in)

7 and above

Prefers shade. Can be invasive; use a root barrier.

Phyllostachys pubescens var. heterocycla (Kikko-Chiku)

Mutation of P. edulis with zig-zag joints and bulging culms.

N/A

7 and above

Rare ornamental bamboo. Use a root barrier.

Phyllostachys sulphurea (Ogon-Ko-Chiku)

Green canes turn bright yellow streaked with green.

Up to 8 m (26 ft)

7 and above

Can be invasive; use a root barrier.

Pleioblastus simonii (Me-Dake)

Good hedging bamboo but highly invasive.

Up to 6 m (10 ft)

7 through 10

Use a root barrier or cultivate in a container.

Semiarundinaria fastuosa (Narihira Bamboo)

Tall, upright bamboo with green culms striped burgundy-brown.

Up to 7 m (25 ft)

7 through 10

Prune in spring. Use a root barrier.

Semiarundinaria kagamiana (Rikuchu-Dake)

Bushy bamboo that tolerates both sun and shade.

3 to 5 m (9 ft 9 in to 16 ft 3 in)

6 through 9

Can be very invasive; use a root barrier.

Semiarundinaria yashadake “Kimmei”

Yellow culms tinted pink and green, turning dusky red in sunlight.

N/A

7 through 10

Can be very invasive; use a root barrier.

Sinobambusa tootsik (To-Chiku)

Pruned for rounded leaf growth.

3 to 8 m (9 ft 9 in to 26 ft)

9 and 10

Hardy to -10°C/14°F. Can be very invasive; use a root barrier.

Tetragonocalamus quadrangularis (Shiho-Chiku)

Canes flattened on all four sides.

5 to 6 m (16 ft 3 in to 19 ft 6 in)

8 through 11

Prefers shade and rich soil. Difficult to transplant. Use a root barrier.

Carex hachijoensis (Evergold Sedge)

An evergreen sedge with creamy yellow and green variegated foliage, tufted and adaptable to various light conditions

30 cm x 35 cm (1′ x 1’2″)

Zones 5-10

Light trimming in late winter/early spring, prefers moist well-drained soil, pest and disease resistant

Hakonechloa macra (Aureola)

A variegated Japanese forest grass with bright gold leaves and green stripes, red-tinted in autumn

36 cm x 40 cm (1’2½” x 1’4″)

Zones 5-9

Consistent moisture, slow grower, prefers partial shade, pest and disease-free, deer resistant

Imperata cylindrica (Japanese blood grass)

A grass with distinctive blood-red leaf tips, more controlled and garden-friendly than the species

Up to 50 cm long leaves

Zones 5-9

Minimal maintenance, prefers full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil

Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silvergrass)

Culturally significant in Japan, but recognized as an invasive species

Not specified

Not specified

Consider non-invasive alternatives due to its invasive nature

Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhlygrass)

Known for its superb pink flower plumes in autumn, thrives in sandy or rocky well-drained soils, full sun

Up to 90 cm (3′)

Zones 5-9

Minimal maintenance, prefers full sun

Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

A medium-sized grass that adds vertical interest and is disease-free, useful for erosion control

Up to 1.2 meters (4′)

Zones 3-9

Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring

Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)

Tall, clump-forming, adaptable to various soil types, drought-tolerant

90 to 150 cm (3 to 5′)

Zones 4-9

Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring

Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed)

Scented flowers late summer to early autumn, native to North America, fine-textured foliage

60 to 90 cm (2 to 3′)

Zones 3-9

Drought-tolerant once established, minimal maintenance, prefers well-drained soils

Polytrichum formosum (O-sugi-goke)

Lush, dense growth resembling a miniature forest floor. Thrives in damp, shaded areas. Tall, upright growth adds texture and depth.

Prefers damp, shaded areas. Maintain moisture for optimal growth.

Racomitrium canescens (Suna-goke)

Silver-green color with a wiry texture. Can withstand more sunlight and drier conditions. Perfect for rock gardens.

Can tolerate more sunlight and drier conditions. Ideal for rock gardens or challenging areas.

Thuidium tamariscinum (O-shinobu-goke)

Fern-like structure, delicate and lacey. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and a bit of shade.

Keep soil moist and well-drained. Provide some shade to mimic its natural habitat.

Campylopus japonicus (Yamato-fude-goke)

Spiky appearance with upright growth and bright green tufts. Drought-tolerant and suited for rock gardens.

Prefers moisture but is drought-tolerant. Suitable for rock gardens and as an accent in sandy or gravel paths.

Leucobryum neilgherrense (Hosoba-shiraga-goke/Yama-goke)

Cushiony, pale green clumps that brighten up shady spots. Adds a whimsical touch to the garden.

Thrives in acidic soil. Once established, requires minimal maintenance. Ideal for shady areas.

Dicranum scoparium (Kamoji-goke)

Robust, upright growth resembling tiny broom heads. Hardy and versatile, can grow on both soil and wood.

Adaptable to various conditions. Can be used to cover ground or drape over logs and stones for structure.

Epimedium grandiflorum var. thunbergianum (Bishop’s Hat)

5-9

Partial to full shade

Humus-rich, well-drained

Consistently moist

Colorful spring blooms

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass)

6-10

Partial shade

Well-drained

Regular watering

Dense mat, can handle foot traffic

Reineckea carnea (Kichijo-so)

7-10

Partial to full shade

Moist, well-drained

Drought-tolerant once established

Evergreen, late-year blooms

Saxifraga stolonifera (Yuki-no-shita)

6-9

Partial shade, cool moist conditions

Moist, well-drained

Extra water during dry spells

Alpine charm, white blooms

Syneilesis palmata (Shredded Umbrella Plant)

5-7

Partial shade

Rich, well-draining

Moist but not waterlogged

Unique dissected leaves

Adiantum aleuticum (Aleutian Maidenhair Fern)

A deciduous or semi-evergreen fern with graceful, bright green fronds that open like the fingers of a hand atop upright, shiny, purple-black wiry stems

Plant in part-shade to full-shade locations, ensure well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil

Blechnum nipponicum (Japanese Deer Fern)

A hardy fern with glossy, dark green fronds that are evergreen in many climates, providing structure and color even in winter

Can withstand a range of climates (USDA zones 5-9), prefers acidic to neutral well-drained soil, and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture

Cyrtomium macrophyllum (Large Leaf Holly Fern)

A fern with bold, leathery fronds that add texture and a touch of the exotic to garden spaces

Prefers partial to full shade, amend soil with compost for a rich growing medium, and water deeply but infrequently

Davallia mariesii (Hare’s Foot Fern)

Known for its furry rhizomes that creep over the soil or along pots, adding whimsy to shaded patios and balconies

Requires excellent drainage, use a potting mix rich in organic matter, and ensure the site doesn’t collect standing water

Dryopteris erythrosora (Japanese Red Shield Fern)

Features metallic coppery-red new fronds that mature to deep green, offering year-round interest with changing colors

Regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture, use organic mulch to retain moisture and enrich the soil, and plant in a location with dappled sunlight or light shade

Equisetum hyemale (Horsetail)

A reed-like plant with striking vertical lines and a prehistoric appearance, suitable for water gardens or pond edges

Thrives in wet, boggy conditions, prefers full sun to partial shade, and consider planting in containers to prevent aggressive spreading

Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)

A clump-forming fern with feathery fronds resembling ostrich plumes, ideal for filling in large, shady areas

Give room to grow, prefers moist, rich soil and a bit of shade, and can act as a groundcover or provide a contrasting backdrop

Polystichum polyblepharum (Japanese Tassel Fern)

An evergreen fern with glossy, dark green fronds that emerge in a tassel-like form before unfurling

Leverages evergreen beauty for year-round interest, prefers shade but can handle dappled sunlight, and maintain moist but well-drained soil

Selaginella tamariscina (Peacock Fern)

Not a true fern, it has iridescent, peacock-blue foliage and forms dense mats as a groundcover

Create a dynamic contrast with softer fern textures, use as a striking groundcover in shaded areas, and keep in mind its preference for higher humidi