“Oldest Japanese Garden in California …” from www.tweshastraveldiary.com and used with no modifications.
Summary
Coniferous trees are an excellent choice for Japanese gardens as they offer symbolism and structure throughout the year.
Evergreen trees are vital for Zen gardens as they provide a constant green backdrop.
Deciduous trees add a touch of seasonal change to the garden with their leaves that change color.
When choosing plants, it’s crucial to consider their adaptability to the local microclimate and their contribution to the garden’s aesthetic and ecological balance.
Creating a Zen Oasis: An Introduction
Imagine walking into a peaceful garden where the world’s hustle and bustle fade away, and the only sounds you hear are the rustling of leaves and the soft crunch of gravel under your feet. This is what a Zen garden is all about – it’s a tranquil haven designed to promote peace and contemplation. Whether you’re dealing with the cool, damp air of the coast or the hot, dry conditions inland, you need to choose plants that can handle these conditions.
“Japanese Tea Garden San Francisco” from www.inside-guide-to-san-francisco-tourism.com and used with no modifications.
What Plants to Use for a Japanese Garden in Northern California
Let’s now look at the specific plants that will make your Northern California garden a Zen oasis. First, we’ll discuss the trees, which form the foundation of any Japanese garden.
1) Coniferous Trees: A Selection of Pine, Juniper, Cedar, Cypress, and Exotic Varieties
Coniferous trees in Zen gardens often stand for longevity and immortality. Their evergreen character and hardy shapes make them perfect for giving form and a feeling of permanence. Their year-round leaves also provide a sharp contrast to the changing seasons represented by deciduous trees.
For a more comprehensive list of Japanese garden conifers, check out here.
Pine Varieties
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Juniper Varieties
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Cedar and Cypress Varieties
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Exotic Conifers
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
2) Evergreen Trees
Apart from conifers, other evergreens can bring diversity and texture to your garden. They keep their leaves all year round, offering a steady backdrop of vitality against the more transient parts of the garden.
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 |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
Description |
Size |
Care Tips |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
3) Leafy & Deciduous Trees: Japanese Maples
Deciduous trees are the lifeblood of a garden, marking the passage of time with their seasonal changes. 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.
The process of their growth, maturity, and eventual leaf shedding serves as a vivid representation of the cycles we go through in our own lives.
For a more comprehensive list of ‘Japanese Deciduous Maples’, check out here.
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimensions (feet) |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
4) Blooming Trees: Cherry, Magnolia & Camellia
No Zen garden would be truly whole without the fragile elegance of blooming trees. Their flowers offer a brief, fleeting instance of happiness, a nudge to treasure the here and now.
Flowering trees can bring a touch of excitement and a splash of color to your Zen garden. They are a symbol of life and the changing seasons.
For more information on ‘Blooming Flowering trees in Japanese gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
Cherry and Magnolia Varieties
Cherry Varieties
Scientific Name |
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 |
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 Varieties
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimensions in Feet |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 Varieties
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimensions in Feet |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
5) Evergreen Bushes & Shrubs
Let’s shift our focus to the garden’s unsung heroes: evergreen bushes. These reliable plants offer structure and consistency, making them the ideal setting for the more flashy trees and flowers.
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 a more comprehensive list of ‘Evergreen Bushes & Shrubs on Japanese Gardens’, check out here.
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and Dimension in Feet |
---|---|---|---|---|
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. |
6) Shrubs that Shed their Leaves: Deciduous
Evergreens are the steady, reliable plants in your garden, but deciduous shrubs are the life of the party. They’re the plants that aren’t afraid to change it up and keep things interesting with their seasonal transformations. Deciduous shrubs provide a range of textures that can enhance the depth and appeal of your garden.
For more information on ‘Japanese garden Deciduous shrubs’, explore our detailed guide here.
Scientific Name |
Common Name |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Features |
Size and 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 |
Height and Width not specified; Minimum pruning required |
7) Blooming & Flowering Shrubs
Now, let’s focus on the blooming shrubs, the ones that add bursts of color and happiness to our Zen gardens. Their flowers are subtle reminders of the fleeting nature of beauty, encouraging us to live in the now and appreciate the present.
For a more comprehensive list of ‘Japanese garden blooming shrubs’, check out here.
Scientific and Common Name |
USDA Hardiness |
Features |
Size |
---|---|---|---|
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) |
8) Plants and Flowers in Japanese Gardens
Although trees and shrubs lay the groundwork for your garden, the flowers and blooms complete the picture, producing a rich and textured appearance that’s essential to the Japanese garden style.
For a more engaging garden, try layering plants of varying heights and textures. Start with the tallest trees at the back, add medium-height shrubs in the center, and finish with the shortest plants and ground covers in the front.
For more information on ‘Foliage & Flowers in Japanese gardens’, explore our detailed guide here.
8.1) Foliage
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Growing Conditions and Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
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. |
8.2) Flowers
Shade Perennials and Ground Covers
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Growing Conditions and Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
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. |
Flowering Perennials and Shrubs
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Growing Conditions and Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
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, Liriope, and Climbers
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Growing Conditions and Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 conditions. |
9) Types & Varieties of Bamboo for Japanese Gardens
When you think of a Japanese garden, bamboo immediately comes to mind. It’s more than just a plant; it’s a symbol of strength and flexibility, standing tall and slender, swaying gracefully in the breeze.
Adding bamboo to your garden brings an instant feeling of peace and grace. The sound of its leaves rustling is calming to the ear, and the upright lines of its stalks provide a bold visual contrast. These plants are perfect for the weather and will give your garden an Asian feel.
For a more comprehensive list of ‘Japanese garden Bamboo types’, check out here.
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size (Height) |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Care and Maintenance Tips |
---|---|---|---|---|
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. |
10) Grass in Japanese Gardens
The last detail you add to your Zen garden is the grass, which adds a soft, flowing element to the space. The rustling of the grass in the wind adds a soothing soundtrack to your peaceful haven.
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. Grasses are available in a variety of heights and colors. They can also provide a softer look to the edges of paths and ponds with their elegant shapes.
For a more comprehensive list of ‘Japanese garden Grass’, check out 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 |
“Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco …” from www.flickr.com and used with no modifications.
Common Questions
Why is a Zen Garden Important?
A Zen garden is a location for meditation and thought. It is designed with simplicity, natural beauty, and peace in mind. Each component is selected purposefully, and the entire garden is designed to promote introspection and inner peace.
How to Select Plants for Different Microclimates?
When selecting plants for different microclimates, it’s important to consider the unique characteristics of your garden’s location. This includes factors such as the amount of sunlight, wind exposure, and soil type. By choosing plants that are well-suited to these conditions, you’ll give them the best chance of thriving.
Is it Possible to Include Water Features in a Japanese Garden?
Yes, you certainly can! Water features are a typical component of Japanese gardens. They provide an extra sensory dimension with their calming noises and reflective surfaces. To improve the peaceful ambiance of your Zen garden, consider a basic basin or a tiny, flowing brook.
What Are Some Easy-to-Care-for Plants for a Zen Garden?
Easy-to-care-for plants for a Zen garden include those that are drought-tolerant, native to the area, and slow-growing conifers. Ground covers like moss can also cut down on the amount of weeding you have to do, and using gravel or sand can reduce the amount of lawn care you need to do.
How Can I Manage Common Pests in a Zen Garden?
To manage common pests, begin with prevention. Select plants that are not typically prone to pests and diseases, foster beneficial insects by planting a variety of species, and keep your garden clean. If pests do show up, use environmentally friendly treatments that are targeted to manage them.
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