Got a rocky area that’s driving you nuts? Trust me, I’ve been there! After lots of failed attempts and dead plants, I finally found what works.
These 10 easy plants turned my rocky nightmare into the best part of my yard!
Top 10 Rock Garden Plants
1. Yellow Alison (Basket of Gold)
You guys, I can’t get enough of this gorgeous plant! The moment those clusters of tiny yellow flowers pop up in April, my heart does a little happy dance.
The flowers sit on top of these lovely blue-gray leaves, creating the most stunning display you can imagine.
What I love most about Yellow Alison is that it’s practically bulletproof – it grows in poor soil and doesn’t mind if I forget to water it (which happens more often than I’d like to admit!).
2. Lavender
If you’re looking for a plant that does it all, lavender is your girl! The fragrance alone makes it worth growing, but it’s so much more than just a pretty face.
I use mine along my pathway edges, and let me tell you – walking past it on a warm summer day is pure heaven.
Just make sure you plant it somewhere with good drainage. Trust me on this one – I learned the hard way when I first started gardening!
3. Aubrieta (False Rock Cress)
This little beauty is like nature’s purple carpet! It’s one of the first plants to bloom in my garden each spring.
I absolutely adore how it spills over my rock edges, creating these gorgeous cascades of purple flowers.
Once it gets settled in, this tough cookie doesn’t need much water – perfect for busy moms like me who sometimes forget to water.
4. Candytuft
The contrast between Candytuft’s pure white flowers and dark green leaves makes my heart skip a beat every time I look at it.
My kids call it the “snow plant” because of how the white blooms blanket the ground.
As a bonus, it attracts tons of beneficial insects to my garden – nature’s little helpers!
5. Autumn Joy Sedum
This is seriously the plant that keeps on giving! It starts with pink flowers that slowly transform into the most beautiful rusty red color as fall approaches.
Standing about two feet tall, it’s like having a living sculpture in your garden.
The best part? It thrives on neglect – perfect for those of us who are “spontaneous” with our watering schedule!
6. Coneflower
Talk about a hard worker in the garden! My coneflowers bloom for what seems like forever, and they come in so many gorgeous colors now.
They’re like the superheros of my garden – tough enough to handle clay soil, sandy spots, or rocky areas without complaining.
I plant mine behind shorter rock garden plants to create a lovely layered look.
7. Mugo Pine
Now, if you’re looking for a show-stopping evergreen, Mugo Pine is your answer!
Fair warning though – this isn’t your typical little rock garden plant. It can grow pretty big (mine’s about 15 feet tall now), so make sure you give it plenty of room to spread out.
It’s perfect for creating that year-round structure that every garden needs.
8. Maiden Grass
This is my go-to plant when I need to add some movement and drama to my rock garden.
It grows in these beautiful, fountain-like clumps that sway in the breeze – absolutely mesmerizing!
At 4-7 feet tall, it creates the perfect backdrop for smaller plants while adding tons of visual interest.
9. Purple Fountain Grass
If you’re looking for something that makes a statement, this is it! The purple plumes are absolutely stunning.
I plant mine in groups of three for maximum impact – trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
Just remember that in colder areas, you’ll need to replant it each year (learned that one the hard way!).
10. Yarrow
Last but definitely not least is yarrow – the ultimate “tough love” plant. This strong grower has become one of my favorites for the back of my rock garden.
Word to the wise: give it some space to spread out, or it might try to take over (like that one relative at family gatherings!).
I love using it along my fence line where it can grow tall and show off without bothering its neighbors.