A rock garden, often referred to as an alpine garden or rockery, is a planting space that is hardscaped with a variety of boulders, rocks, or gravels. Usually, it consists of a softscape of annual and perennial plants that may grow on rough surfaces, occasionally without soil.
The beauty of a well-designed rock garden is that the plants and rocks complement one other to increase the overall effect; it is well-planned but, when executed correctly, appears organic rather than artificial.
Yellow Alyssum
Yellow alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis) is a low-maintenance, spreading perennial that brightens up gardens with clusters of golden-yellow flowers in spring. It is well-suited for rocky and poor soil conditions, making it ideal for rock gardens. This plant is also highly drought-resistant, requiring minimal watering once established.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
Color Varieties: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Dry, sandy to average, well-draining
Ice Plant
Purple ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) is a vigorous ground cover that produces dazzling, daisy-like flowers throughout the summer. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot. With its ability to withstand drought, it is a great choice for rock gardens and xeriscaping.
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10
Color Varieties: Red-purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Poor to average, dry, well-draining
Angelina Stonecrop
Angelina stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) is a low-growing succulent that forms a dense mat of golden-yellow foliage. Its needle-like leaves turn vibrant orange in cooler months. This hardy plant produces small, star-shaped yellow flowers in summer and thrives in dry, well-drained soil.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
Color Varieties: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Dragon’s Blood Stonecrop
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Dragon’s blood stonecrop (Sedum spurium) is a creeping succulent that adds a splash of color to rock gardens with its reddish-green foliage and tiny pinkish-red flowers. It is highly tolerant of poor, rocky soil and requires little water. Butterflies are often attracted to its blooms, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly landscapes.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
Color Varieties: Pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-draining, slightly acidic
Hens and Chicks
Hens and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum) is a fascinating succulent that forms clusters of rosettes. The main plant, or “hen,” produces smaller offshoots known as “chicks.” This hardy plant thrives in rock gardens, walls, and even cracks between stones. It requires minimal maintenance and can endure harsh growing conditions.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
Color Varieties: Red-purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a fragrant ground cover that features tiny, aromatic leaves and clusters of pink flowers in summer. It spreads easily, making it excellent for filling gaps between stepping stones or cascading over rock walls. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and requires little maintenance.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
Color Varieties: Pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Blue Fescue Grass
Blue fescue (Festuca glauca) is a compact ornamental grass known for its striking blue-green foliage. It grows in small, dense clumps and adds texture to rock gardens. This low-maintenance plant tolerates drought well and remains visually appealing year-round.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
Color Varieties: Light green to yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Snow-in-Summer
Snow-in-summer (Cerastium tomentosum) is a low-growing perennial that produces delicate white flowers in early summer. Its silvery-green foliage provides year-round interest. This plant thrives in sandy or rocky soil, provided it has good drainage.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
Color Varieties: White
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Dry, sandy, well-draining
Candytuft
Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) is a charming perennial that bursts into bloom in mid-spring with clusters of delicate white or pink flowers. It works well in rock gardens and as an edging plant. Though beautiful, its flowers can have a slightly strong scent. This drought-resistant plant also tolerates light shade.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
Color Varieties: White, pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-draining
Ajuga
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) is a fast-spreading ground cover that produces vibrant blue or violet flower spikes in spring. It thrives in shaded areas where other plants struggle but can become invasive if not controlled. Rock gardens and contained spaces help manage its growth.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10
Color Varieties: Blue, violet
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-draining
Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular ground cover that creates a vibrant carpet of pink, red, purple, or white flowers in spring. It thrives in rocky and sandy soil, making it perfect for slopes, walls, and garden borders. This plant tolerates drought and heat better than other phlox species.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Red, purple, pink, blue, white
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-draining
Pasque Flower
Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) is an early bloomer that brings a burst of purple or white flowers in spring. This clump-forming perennial thrives in well-draining, sandy, or humus-rich soil. It tolerates light shade and is an excellent addition to rock gardens.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
Color Varieties: Purple, white
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Gritty, medium moisture, well-draining
Reticulated Iris
Reticulated iris (Iris reticulata) is a petite spring bloomer with striking blue or purple petals. Since it remains small, it looks best when planted in clusters. The bulbs require dry conditions in summer to ensure healthy growth the following year.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
Color Varieties: Blue, purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-draining
Wood Spurge
Wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides) is a unique rock garden plant with striking green blooms and purple-tinged foliage. It adapts well to poor soil and tolerates partial shade, though too much shade may cause it to lose its compact shape.
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 8
Color Varieties: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-draining
(And so on for the remaining plants…)
Moonbeam Coreopsis
Moonbeam coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’) is a hardy perennial that belongs to the aster family. It flourishes in sandy or rocky soil and can withstand drought, heat, and humidity. This plant is commonly used in borders but also excels in rock gardens due to its low-maintenance nature.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a fragrant, multi-purpose plant that enhances gardens with its aromatic foliage and delicate blossoms. It thrives in rock gardens, herb gardens, or as an edging plant. Lavender prefers well-draining, slightly alkaline soil and requires minimal maintenance.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
Color Varieties: Purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture, alkaline
Yarrow
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a resilient perennial known for its feathery foliage and clusters of tiny flowers. It can thrive in poor soil conditions and is drought-tolerant. Due to its spreading nature, it is best suited for controlled spaces such as borders or designated garden beds.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: White, yellow, pink, red
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, lean, dry to medium moisture
Autumn Joy Sedum
Autumn Joy Sedum (Hylotelephium ‘Herbstfreude’) is an easy-to-care-for perennial that prefers sandy or gravelly soil. Its water requirements are minimal, and it boasts excellent drought tolerance. The plant reaches about 2 feet in height and displays pinkish flowers that darken to red in autumn.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Pink, red, purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture
Spiked Speedwell
Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata ‘Royal Candles’) is a compact perennial featuring vibrant, spiky flower clusters. It is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and foundation plantings. This plant thrives with regular watering but dislikes overly wet soil.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
Color Varieties: Blue-purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, average, medium moisture
Columbine
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) is a striking wildflower with intricate, jester cap-like blooms that attract hummingbirds. It establishes quickly and becomes drought-tolerant over time, making it a great addition to rock gardens. To prevent excessive spreading, remove seed heads after flowering.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Red, pink, yellow, white, blue, purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, average, medium moisture
Coneflower
Coneflower (Echinacea spp.) is a long-lasting perennial that adapts well to a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky conditions. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering. This taller plant works well in the background of a garden or alongside lower-growing flowers.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Pink, purple, red, white
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture
Purple Fountain Grass
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is an ornamental grass often treated as an annual in cooler regions. It is valued for its dramatic foliage and feathery plumes, making it an excellent focal point or group planting in a garden.
USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10
Color Varieties: Purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, average, medium moisture
Blue Rug Juniper
Blue Rug Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’) is a low-growing evergreen shrub with attractive blue-green foliage. It thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and is ideal for covering slopes or adding texture to rock gardens.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9
Color Varieties: Nonflowering
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture
Shasta Daisy
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) is a classic, easy-to-grow perennial that blooms throughout summer. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade in hotter regions. While it requires minimal maintenance, excessive moisture can harm the plant.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
Color Varieties: White and yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is a cheerful, daisy-like perennial that can thrive in various soil conditions. While it prefers moist, nutrient-rich soil, it can adapt to less-than-ideal environments as long as proper drainage is maintained.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7
Color Varieties: Yellow, yellow-orange
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, average, medium moisture
Perennial Salvia
Perennial Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a drought-resistant plant that flourishes in full sun and well-draining soil. It is a great option for rock gardens and attracts pollinators with its vivid flower spikes.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 10 (varies by type)
Color Varieties: Pink, purple, green, blue, yellow, white
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture
Six Hills Giant Catmint
Six Hills Giant Catmint (Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’) is a sprawling, fragrant perennial that thrives in well-drained soil. This low-maintenance plant is heat- and drought-tolerant but benefits from afternoon shade in particularly hot climates.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 7
Color Varieties: Blue, purple, white
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture
Russian Sage
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a hardy perennial that offers both height and texture. It prefers full sun and dry conditions, making it well-suited for rock gardens. This plant spreads by runners, so managing its growth is important.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
Color Varieties: Blue, purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, dry to medium moisture
Mugo Pine
Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) is a compact evergreen shrub that works well in rocky landscapes. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy and loamy soil. While young plants need regular watering, mature ones become relatively drought-resistant.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 7
Color Varieties: Nonflowering
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, loamy, medium moisture
Rockspray Cotoneaster
Rockspray cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) is a deciduous shrub known for its striking red berries and foliage that turns reddish in fall. It thrives in various soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Once established, it has excellent drought resistance, requiring little supplemental watering.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 7
Color Varieties: Pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-draining
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) is a hardy perennial valued for its soft, silvery-green foliage that resembles the texture of a lamb’s ear. Often used as a border plant, its unique leaves add contrast to a garden. This plant is highly adaptable, tolerating dry and poor soil conditions. Additionally, its spiky flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
Color Varieties: Pink-purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Maiden Grass
Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’) is an elegant ornamental grass that brings height and movement to a garden. With arching leaves that change from green to copper or silver hues, it provides seasonal interest. This clump-forming grass is also highly drought-tolerant once mature and works well as a focal point or in mass plantings.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
Color Varieties: Copper to silver
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
Rugosa Rose
Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa) is a robust, sprawling shrub that produces highly fragrant blooms throughout the warmer months. It adapts well to different soil types and requires good air circulation to prevent disease.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 7
Color Varieties: Pink, white
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, loamy, slightly acidic, moist