When it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn and garden in Utah, choosing the best plants is essential. Anyone who lives in Utah knows just how unique the state’s climate is, with its dry conditions and beautiful desert scenery.
Utah is one of the driest states in the country, with an average of 13 inches of precipitation each year. The state is continually impacted by drought. This presents a challenge for homeowners who want to maintain a beautiful lawn while also conserving water.
Choosing the best outdoor plants for your garden and lawn can make it tricky. Keep in mind the state’s unique climate as you consider the best options for your lawn. Choosing the right plants can help you achieve a beautiful lawn that’s also sustainable and low-maintenance.
Fortunately, plenty of options are well suited for Utah’s unique climate. Beautiful, drought-resistant plants can add beauty and diversity to your lawn without the need for constant watering.
Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance option or a showy plant to add to your lawn, we’ve covered 10 of the best outdoor plants (in no particular order) for your Utah lawn.
Sagebrush
Sagebrush is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant native to Utah’s unique landscape. While it’s not typically considered a traditional lawn plant, it can be a great addition to your Utah lawn.
The shrub provides a natural barrier and helps to conserve water, making it a sustainable choice for homeowners. When growing sagebrush in Utah, selecting a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure is important.
Once established, sagebrush requires very little maintenance, making it a low-maintenance and water-wise option for your lawn. Additionally, the distinct aroma of sagebrush adds a unique element to your landscape, making it an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate native plants into their lawn.
Yucca
Yucca is another plant that is well-suited for Utah lawns. The plant is common in the southwestern regions of the state and can tolerate hot, dry conditions. Yucca’s unique appearance, with its sword-shaped leaves and tall, spiky flowers, adds visual interest and texture to your lawn.
Additionally, yucca is low maintenance and requires little water once established, making it one of the best plants for homeowners looking to conserve water. Yucca should also be planted in a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
With its hardiness, unique appearance, and water-wise qualities, yucca is one of the best drought-resistant plants for your Utah lawn.
Utah Mountain Lilac
Utah mountain lilac is a beautiful and fragrant shrub that is perfect for adding color and texture to your lawn. Utah mountain lilacs feature long, slender leaves and clusters of delicate purple or white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.
Utah mountain lilac is well-suited for Utah’s climate and soil conditions and is relatively low maintenance once established. This shrub thrives in full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Utah mountain lilac is also a great choice for attracting pollinators to your lawn. By planting Utah mountain lilac in your Utah lawn, you can enjoy the sight and scent of this beautiful shrub while also supporting the local ecosystem.
Yarrow
Yarrow flowers are drought-resistant plants that can add beauty and practicality to your Utah lawn. With its fern-like foliage and clusters of delicate flowers, yarrow is a striking addition to any landscape.
The plant can grow in various soil types and pH levels, making it viable for Utah gardens. It should be planted in a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Silvery Lupine
Silvery lupine is a native wildflower that can add beauty and ecological value to your Utah lawn. With its tall, slender stems and clusters of vibrant purple flowers, silvery lupine is a striking addition to any landscape.
The plant is relatively low maintenance and is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators to your lawn. When planting silvery lupine in your Utah lawn, select a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon is a hardy shrub that can add both color and texture to your lawn. The plant features large, showy flowers that bloom in various colors.
One of the best outdoor plants for your lawn, it’s perfect for Utah’s dry climate and soil conditions and is relatively low maintenance once established. When planting Rose of Sharon on your lawn, select a location with enough space for the shrub to grow to its full size.
Ornamental Grass
Ornamental grasses are great for adding texture, movement, and interest to your lawn. The plant is highly versatile, coming in various heights and colors. They can be used in various settings, including borders, groundcovers, and accent pieces.
Like many of the plants on this list, they require little maintenance and should be planted in well-draining soil and with full sun exposure.
Pasque Flowers
Pasque flowers are a beautiful and unique addition to any lawn in Utah. These wildflowers are native to the state and feature bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and blue.
They bloom in early spring and are among the first plants to flower in Utah’s short growing season.
Jupiter’s Beard
Jupiter’s beard is a beautiful, hardy perennial that can add color and texture to your lawn. The plant features small, bright pink flower clusters that bloom in late Spring and Early Summer.
Orange Agoseris
A stunning native wildflower with bright orange flowers, Orange Agoseris can add both beauty and ecological value to your lawn.
Orange Agoseris is an important food source for native pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to a sustainable landscape. It’s well adapted to Utah’s dry climate and soil conditions.
Summit Lawn and Pest Control Can
If you’re ready to have the best-looking lawn in the neighborhood, Summit Lawn and Pest Control is here to help. Based in Orem and serving Utah County, our team of lawn care experts is dedicated to helping you achieve the lawn of your dreams.
Contact us or call us at 801.473.9926 to take the first step towards a beautiful, pest-free lawn.
