“Anderson Japanese Gardens Pictures …” .
- Illinois Plant Selection for Japanese Gardens
- 1) Coniferous Trees
- 2) Evergreen Trees
- 3) Leafy & Deciduous Trees: Japanase Maple
- 4) Blooming & Flowering Trees
- 5) Evergreen Shrubs & Bushes
- 6) Shrubs that Shed their Leaves: Deciduous
- 7) Blooming & Flowering Shrubs
- 8) Foliage and Flowers in Japanese Gardens
- 9) Japanese Gardens Grass
- Common Questions
Key Takeaways
Coniferous trees like pines and spruces are excellent for year-round structure and can tolerate Illinois’s winters.
- Deciduous trees such as Japanese maples provide seasonal beauty with their vibrant fall colors.
- Evergreen shrubs like azaleas and boxwoods offer low-maintenance greenery and structure.
Choose a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, evergreen and flowering shrubs, and grasses for a year-round appeal.
First things first, a Japanese garden is an art form that reflects the natural landscapes. In Illinois, where the seasons paint the year with distinct colors and textures, your garden can mirror these changes. It’s about finding harmony between the elements of your garden and the natural world surrounding it. Remember, it’s not about copying a style; it’s about capturing a feeling
Understanding Illinois Hardiness Zones
Given the harsh winters and the unique aesthetic of a Japanese garden, here are some trees and shrubs that can withstand the Illinois climate while also fitting into the serene beauty of a Japanese garden. Illinois covers a number of hardiness zones, so the plants that flourish in one part might not in another. The majority of the state is in zones 5a to 7b. This range provides a wide variety of plants, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific zone for your location before deciding.
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“Illinois Growing Zones Map | Gardening …” from www.gardeningknowhow.com and used with no modifications.
Illinois Plant Selection for Japanese Gardens
1) Coniferous Trees
Coniferous trees, with their evergreen nature and diverse forms, are staples in Japanese gardens, providing year-round structure and greenery.
For more information on ‘Coniferous Trees in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific & Common Name |
Description |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
Size |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pinus densiflora (Japanese Red Pine) |
Native to Japan, red-brown bark, long needles in clusters of two |
Zones 5-9 |
20-40 feet tall by 20-35 feet wide |
|
Pinus parviflora (Japanese White Pine) |
Elegant, slow-growing tree with blue-green needles in bundles of five |
Zones 5-8 |
20-50 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide |
|
Pinus thunbergii (Japanese Black Pine) |
Coastal native, dark green needles, rugged appearance |
Zones 5-9 |
20-60 feet tall by 15-35 feet wide |
|
Juniperus chinensis (Hollywood Juniper) |
Unique, irregularly shaped juniper with twisted branches and blue-green foliage |
Zones 4-9 |
6-15 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide |
|
Juniperus conferta (Shore Juniper) |
Dense evergreen shrub found along sand dunes and rocky seashores in Japan |
Zones 6-9 |
1-2 feet tall by 6-8 feet wide |
|
Chamaecyparis obtusa var. breviramea (Chabo-hiba/Kamakura-hiba) |
Dwarf form of Japanese hinoki cypress, compact and slow-growing |
Zones 4-8 |
3 feet tall by 2 feet wide |
|
Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Plumosa’ (Nikko-hiba/Shinobu-hiba) |
Dwarf garden cultivar of Japanese sawara cypress, tolerant of hard pruning, used for topiary and hedges |
Zones 4-8 |
6-10 feet tall by 4-6 feet wide |
|
Cryptomeria japonica (Sugi) |
Tall, conical evergreen tree with reddish-brown bark and scale-like leaves |
Zones 5-9 |
50-70 feet tall by 20-30 feet wide |
|
Sciadopitys verticillata (Umbrella Pine) |
Unique umbrella-like appearance, dark green needles in whorls |
Zones 5-7 |
30-50 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide |
|
Taxus cuspidata (Japanese Yew) |
Dark green foliage, red berries, tolerant of shade and pruning |
Zones 4b-7a |
10-20 feet tall by the same width |
|
Thujopsis dolobrata (Hiba-arborvitae) |
Conical shape, aromatic foliage, reddish-brown bark |
Zones 5b-7a |
30-50 feet tall by the same width |
|
Torreya Nucifera (Japanese Nutmeg Yew) |
Slow-growing evergreen tree with dark green needles and fleshy red fruits |
Zones 6-9 |
30-40 feet tall by 15-25 feet wide |
2) Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees are key to maintaining the garden’s beauty across all seasons, offering a backdrop of continuity and resilience. Their consistent presence symbolizes the ongoing present moment, a fundamental principle in Zen philosophy.
For more information on ‘Evergreen Trees in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific & Common Name |
Description |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
Size |
Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Buxus microphylla var. japonica (Japanese box; tsuge) |
Evergreen shrub native to Japan, used for hedges and topiaries, wood used for making combs |
6 through 9 |
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 |
|
Ilex crenata (box-leaved holly/Japanese holly; inu-tsuge) |
Small, round, glossy leaves, important for topiary in Japan, slow-growing but vigorous |
6 through 9 |
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 pedunculosa (long-stalk holly; soyogo) |
Upright habit with both male and female plants needed for red autumn berries |
5 |
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) |
Slow-growing evergreen, female plants produce red berries in winter, popular for bonsai |
6 through 9 |
9 to 15m (30 to 50ft) |
Prune lightly Nov-Dec, then hard late spring; tolerates partial shade |
3) Leafy & Deciduous Trees: Japanase Maple
Deciduous trees bring a dynamic element to the garden, with their seasonal changes adding color and texture throughout the year. In the spring, their new leaves symbolize renewal, while the colors of their autumn leaves paint the landscape with fiery colors before they fall, revealing the stark beauty of their branches against the winter sky.
For more information on ‘Deciduous Trees in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimensions (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Acer buergerianum (Trident Maple/Three-toothed Maple) |
5-8 |
Known for tri-lobed leaves, glossy green above, 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 |
4) Blooming & Flowering Trees
Flowering trees are the highlights of any Japanese garden, providing spectacular blooms that symbolize renewal and beauty. No Zen garden would be truly whole without the fragile elegance of blooming trees.
For more information on ‘Flowering Trees in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimensions in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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 kobus (Kobushi) |
Zones 5-8 |
Kobushi Magnolia, Deciduous tree with white, fragrant flowers in early spring |
25-50 feet tall |
|
Magnolia liliflora (Shi-mokuren) |
Zones 5-8 |
Lily Magnolia/Mulan Magnolia, Deciduous shrub with large, showy purple flowers in late spring |
8-12 feet tall |
|
Magnolia obovata (Japanese Big-Leaf Magnolia) |
Zones 5-8 |
Japanese Big-Leaf Magnolia, Large deciduous tree with huge leaves and white flowers |
Up to 80 feet tall |
|
Magnolia salicifolia (Japanese Willow-Leaved Magnolia) |
– |
Japanese Willow-Leaved Magnolia |
– |
5) Evergreen Shrubs & Bushes
Evergreen shrubs serve as the foundation of the garden’s structure, offering a variety of textures and shades of green. If you’re looking for a Zen garden that doesn’t require much maintenance, evergreen shrubs are a smart option. They need less pruning than plants that lose their leaves, and they keep their leaves all year, which means less garden waste.
For more information on ‘Evergreen Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Euonymus japonicus (Japanese Spindle, Masaki) |
Zones 6 to 9 |
Glossy green leaves, often used for hedges, variegated foliage |
Typically 6 to 15 feet tall and 2 to 8 feet wide |
|
Juniperus chinensis var. procumbens (Hai-byakushin) |
Zones 4 to 9 |
Low-growing juniper, spreading habit, used as ground cover |
Generally 1 to 2 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide |
|
Pieris japonica (Japanese Andromeda) |
Zones 5 to 8 |
Evergreen shrub, bell-shaped flowers, attractive foliage |
Typically 9 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide |
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Connect with a plant expert for personalized guidance. Schedule your free consultation here!
6) Shrubs that Shed their Leaves: Deciduous
Deciduous shrubs add a layer of complexity and change to the garden, with their seasonal foliage and flowering habits. They’re the plants that aren’t afraid to change it up and keep things interesting with their seasonal transformations.
For more information on ‘Deciduous Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific Name and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size |
Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
– |
Minimum pruning required |
7) Blooming & Flowering Shrubs
Flowering shrubs inject color and fragrance into the garden, creating focal points and areas of interest. Their flowers are subtle reminders of the fleeting nature of beauty, encouraging us to live in the now and appreciate the present.
For more information on ‘Flowering Shrubs in Japanese Gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness |
Features |
Size |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Corylopsis pauciflora (Buttercup Winter Hazel, Buttercup Witch Hazel) |
Zones 6-8 |
Deciduous shrub with pale primrose yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. Leaves turn yellow in fall. |
4 to 6 feet tall |
|
Corylopsis spicata (Tosa-mizuki, Spike Winter Hazel) |
Zones 5-8 |
Deciduous shrub with lemon-yellow flowers in March and April. |
4 to 8 feet tall, 6 to 10 feet wide |
|
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 white flowers in late April to May. |
Up to 15 feet, can be kept compact |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Rhododendron yakushimanum (Yakushima Rhododendron) |
Typically Zones 5-8 |
Evergreen rhododendrons with big leathery leaves, slow-growing. |
Up to 13 feet |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
Viburnum furcatum (Forked Viburnum, Scarlet-leaved Viburnum, Mushikari) |
Zones 5-9 |
Deciduous shrub with white flowers in May and good autumn color. |
Up to 11 feet 2 inches |
|
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 9 feet 9 inches |
8) Foliage and Flowers in Japanese Gardens
The selection of foliage and flowers is critical for creating a balanced and harmonious Japanese garden, with each plant chosen for its aesthetic contribution and symbolic meaning.
For more information on ‘Best Foliage and Flowers in Japanese Gardens:’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Growing Conditions and Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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 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 |
9) Japanese Gardens Grass
Grass types in Japanese gardens are chosen for their texture, color, and the way they move with the wind, contributing to the garden’s tranquility. Grasses are simple, and that’s what makes them so powerful. They don’t demand attention, they simply enhance the other elements, swaying softly and giving the garden a sense of calm and stability.
For more information on ‘Ultimate Guide to Japanese Garden Grass:’, explore our detailed guide here.
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size (Height x Width) |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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 |
“Photo Gallery – Anderson Japanese Gardens” from andersongardens.org and used with no modifications.
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Common Questions
As we finish our journey through the best plants for Japanese gardens in Illinois, you might still have some questions. Let’s go over a few common ones to make sure you’re ready to create your own peaceful sanctuary.
What makes Japanese gardens in Illinois unique?
What are the best plants for a Japanese garden in Illinois?
How can I keep my Japanese garden in Illinois authentic?
Can I incorporate native Illinois plants into my Japanese garden?
What are some easy-to-care-for plants for a Japanese garden in Illinois?
What Makes Japanese Gardens in Illinois Unique?
Japanese gardens in Illinois take advantage of the state’s four distinct seasons, which are perfect for showcasing the fleeting beauty of nature—a central concept in Japanese garden design. The varying weather conditions also mean a wide variety of plants can be used, ensuring the garden remains attractive throughout the year.
What are the best Japanese garden plants for Illinois?
Opt for plants that can survive in USDA zones 5a to 7b, like different types of pines, maples, viburnums, and grasses like Carex and Hakonechloa. These plants can withstand the varying temperatures and conditions of Illinois weather.
How Can I Keep My Japanese Garden in Illinois Authentic?
To keep your garden authentic, you should focus on the principles of Japanese garden design: simplicity, naturalness, and elegance. Use plants and materials that remind you of Japanese landscapes, but also keep in mind that they need to be able to adapt to the local climate.
Is it Possible to Use Native Illinois Plants in My Japanese Garden?
Of course! Using native plants can enhance the sustainability and ecological value of your garden. Native grasses, ferns, and wildflowers can easily be incorporated into a Japanese garden environment while also supporting local wildlife.
What Types of Low-Maintenance Japanese Garden Plants Are Suitable for Illinois?
Consider plants that are resistant to drought and disease. Dwarf conifers, sedges, and low-growing shrubs such as Japanese barberry and boxwood are great low-maintenance choices that maintain the Japanese garden style.
Keep in mind, the process of creating a Japanese garden is just as significant as the end result. Be patient, take inspiration from the natural world, and allow your garden to embody the beauty and tranquility that is characteristic of a Japanese garden. With thoughtful planning and selection, your Illinois garden will transform into a peaceful sanctuary that provides a feeling of calm and rejuvenation all year round.
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