Smart plant selection is the single most effective way to create a low-maintenance, high-enjoyment garden. Phipps offers an annual list of Top 10 Sustainable Plants, selected for their non-invasive habits, as well as for their resistance to disease and insects. Once established, these plants require minimal watering and fertilization. Many of these plants are on display in the Outdoor Garden at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Consult our lists, and ask for these plants at your local nursery.

Top 10 Sustainable Plant Finder

Use our helpful Top 10 Sustainable Plant Finder to find the perfect selection for your garden from our database of over 100 plants!

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Plant Type

• Ornamental grass
• Ground cover
• Perennials
• Shrubs
• Trees
• Bulb or bulb-like

Plant Width

• Under 6"
• 6 – 18"
• 18" – 3'
• 3 – 6'
• 6 – 10'
• 10 – 15'
• 15 – 25'
• 25 – 40'
• Over 40'

Plant Height

• Under 6"
• 6 – 18"
• 18" – 3'
• 3 – 6'
• 6 – 10'
• 10 – 15'
• 15 – 25'
• 25 – 40'
• Over 40’

Sunlight

• Full sun (6+ hours light)
• Partial sun (4 – 6 hours)
• Shade (less than 4 hours)

Soil

• Acid soil
• Alkaline soil
• Dry soil
• Moist, well-drained soil
• Wet soil

Seasonal Interest

• Spring blooms
• Summer blooms
• Fall blooms
• Fall foliage color
• Winter blooms
• Winter interest

Ecological Functions

• Cover for wildlife
• Nest site for birds
• Pollen for bees, beetles, flies and caterpillars
• Nectar for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
• Food for birds
• Food for mammals
• Host plant for butterflies
• Sequesters carbon
• Native to southwestern Pennsylvania

Landscape Functions

• Fragrant
• Evergreen
• Screening
• Shade/cooling
• Edible/safe for human consumption
• Deer tolerant
• Drought tolerant

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