Japanese gardens have captivated people with their minimalist, mystical beauty for centuries. Japanese gardens reference an astounding depth of cultural and spiritual symbology, telling stories through plants, materials, and design,
Demystifying these secrets can be daunting for anyone trying to recreate Japanese garden vibes at home.
The good news?
You don’t need a PhD in Japanese history to understand and apply the basics – and plants are a great place to start.
In this post, I’ll provide essential info on 25 Japanese plants commonly found in gardens worldwide. In addition to practical details on hardiness zones, soil, and sun exposure, I’ll explore the cultural and spiritual significance of these Japanese plants, giving you the option to script a story of your own!
TL;DR
- Planting in a Japanese-style garden is intentionally layered and carefully maintained. Build a narrative into your planting plan, and be prepared for some garden maintenance.
- Account for the optimal growing conditions for each listed plant species before spending money at your local nursery.
- Some of the species listed below are invasive in parts of the world. Always verify that you aren’t planting an invasive species.
What are the Best Plants for a Japanese Inspired Garden?
Without further ado, let’s examine the most common Japanese plants used in Zen garden designs worldwide.
Trees
1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
AKA: Palmate Maple, Smooth Japanese Maple
Native to: Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia, and southeast Russia
USDA Zones: 5-9
Pros: Intricate foliage, sculptural branching structure, fall colors
Considerations: Full/partial sun; sandy, acidic soil
Japanese maples are a standout choice for any garden due to their striking leaf shapes and colors. I love these for their vibrant seasonal transformations, showcasing greens and purples in summer and shifting to reds, oranges, and purples in fall.
They create striking focal points in a garden, thriving under larger trees or by water features thanks to their love for partial shade and modest size.
2. Japanese Cherry (Prunus serrulata)
AKA: Sakura Tree
Native to: Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam
Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Pros: Stunning spring blooms attract bees & butterflies
Considerations: Full/partial sun; loamy, well-drained soil
Japanese Cherry trees are springtime show-stoppers. Typically planted as ornamental features in larger landscapes or along avenues, they create stunning natural canopies, making them ideal for framing walkways or as the centerpiece in a spacious garden.
Cherry trees are a great option for symbolic tress for zen garden planting. Their appeal lies in the brief but stunning bloom period, which has inspired countless festivals worldwide.
The cherry blossoms of these ornamental cherry trees, known as sakura in Japanese, represent a transient beauty that echoes the fleeting nature of life – a concept deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
3. Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata)
AKA: Japanese elm, keyaki, keaki
Native to: Japan, Korea, eastern China, and Taiwan
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Pros: Drought tolerant
Considerations: Full sun; moist, well-drained soil
Japanese Zelkova trees are one of my favorite street trees. They are exceptionally hardy and feature an appealing vase-shaped branching structure topped by a broad canopy of dense foliage. These trees are often used in public spaces because of their high tolerance to urban conditions and ability to grow relatively fast, providing quick shade and aesthetic appeal.
With leaves that turn brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow in autumn, Japanese Zelkova trees are a favorite for adding seasonal color. Their smooth, gray bark, which peels to reveal orange patches beneath, adds winter interest. This combination of year-round beauty and durability makes them a practical and popular choice for city planning and garden design.
Deciduous Shrubs
4. Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica)
AKA: Maule’s Quince
Native to: Japan
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Pros: Spring blossoms
Considerations: Full/partial sun; moist, well-drained loamy soil
Japanese Quince is a hardy shrub known for its vibrant spring blossoms and ornamental fruit. This shrub bursts into a spectacular display of bright orange, red, or pink flowers early in the spring, even before the leaves appear, making it a standout in any garden during the cooler months.
With its dense, thorny branches, Japanese Quince also serves as an excellent barrier plant or natural fence, offering beauty and functionality to garden spaces. Its durability and low maintenance requirements make it a favorite among gardeners looking for reliable and striking shrubbery.
5. Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
AKA: French Hydrangea, Lace-Cap Cydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea, Hortensia
Native to: Japan
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Pros: Large flowers for extended summer and fall interest
Considerations: Full/partial sun; well-drained loamy soil
Bigleaf Hydrangea is an unmistakable staple in gardens everywhere. Its large, showy flowers bloom in various colors, from pink to blue, depending on the soil’s acidity. These shrubs are favored for their ability to provide a bold splash of color through the summer months.
Typically used in borders, as foundation plantings, or in container gardens, Bigleaf Hydrangeas are versatile, adjusting well to both sun and shade. The lush foliage and large blooms make them an excellent choice for creating a visual impact and adding a romantic cottage garden feel.
Evergreen Shrubs
6. Azalea (Rhododendron Spp)
AKA: Evergreen Azalea, Deciduous Azalea
Native to: Asia (evergreen variety) and North America (deciduous variety)
Hardiness Zones: 4-10 (varies by species)
Pros: Late spring-summer blooms
Considerations: Full/partial sun (varies by species); moisted, well-drained soil
Azaleas are broadly categorized into two types: evergreen and deciduous. Evergreen azaleas maintain their leafy appearance year-round. They bloom profusely in the spring with flowers ranging from white to deep red.
Deciduous azaleas typically produce larger flowers but lose their leaves in the fall only after putting on a spectacular show of vivid autumn foliage. Deciduous azaleas are generally more tolerant of harsh winter conditions once established.
Both types of Azaleas are excellent for borders, foundation plantings, or as standalone features in a landscape. They thrive in well-drained, acidic soil and benefit from some shade, making them ideal for under-tree plantings or eastern exposures.
7. Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica)
AKA: Common Camellia
Native to: China
Hardiness Zones: 7-9
Pros: Early and late season blossoms
Considerations: Partial sun; acidic soil
Japanese Camellias are one of my favorite shrubs. Their glossy, evergreen leaves provide excellent winter interest, while their large and innumerable white, pink, and red flowers explode in color in early spring.
Often used in formal garden settings, Japanese Camellias are perfect for creating structured designs like hedges or as elegant specimen plants in shaded areas. They thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and prefer environments that protect them from harsh afternoon sun.
8. Japanese Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
AKA: gardenia, cape jasmine
Native to: Japan and Southern China
Hardiness Zones: 8-11
Pros: Fragrant blossoms
Considerations: Full/partial sun; well-drained, acidic soil
If fragrance is your thing, add some Japanese Gardenia to your garden. These evergreen shrubs bloom primarily in late spring and early summer, filling gardens with a sweet, captivating aroma highly valued in perfumery and aromatic products.
Commonly used in borders, as specimen plants, or in container gardens, Japanese Gardenias are a favored choice for areas where their scent can be enjoyed up close (e.g., patios, along walkways, etc.). They thrive in well-drained, acidic soil and require some protection from direct afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
9. Bamboo (Phyllostachys)
AKA: Over 75 Bamboo species under the Phyllostachys genus – too many to list here!
Native to: China
Hardiness Zones: 7-11
Pros: Late-summer and fall interest
Considerations: Partial sun/shade; deep, well-drained soil
Bamboo Phyllostachys is renowned for its rapid growth, tall, elegant canes, and sturdy, hollow stems that vary in color from green to gold to black, depending on the species. Phyllostachys is particularly popular for creating natural screens or barriers due to its dense growth habit.
Ideal for larger landscapes or as a privacy screen, Phyllostachys thrives in various soil types, although it prefers moist, well-drained conditions. It’s essential to manage the spread of Phyllostachys, as it can become invasive without proper containment (e.g., root barriers).
10. Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)
AKA: Japanese Pieris
Native to: Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan
Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Pros: Attracts bees and butterflies
Considerations: Full/partial sun; acidic, well-drained soil
Japanese Andromeda is incredibly dynamic throughout much of the year. Its cascading clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, or red captivate in early spring. New leaf growth emerges in striking colors like bronze or bright red before maturing to an attractive evergreen foliage.
Japanese Andromeda excels in woodland settings or as part of foundation plantings where its year-round visual interest can be fully appreciated. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and benefits from protection against harsh midday sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves.
11. Japanese Skimmia (Skimmia japonica)
AKA: There is only one common name, although Japanese Skimmia has several additional names for various cultivars.
Latin name: Skimmia japonica
Native to: Japan, China, and Southeast Asia
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Pros: Fragrant, fall seasonal interest
Considerations: Partial sun/shade; well-drained, acidic soil
Japanese Skimmia is a compact evergreen shrub known for its leathery, dark green leaves and fragrant white or pink flower springtime clusters. It also produces bright red berries that first appear in autumn and last throughout the winter, contrasting with drab winter foliage.
Often used in shade gardens, under larger trees, or as part of foundation plantings, Japanese Skimmia thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Due to its moderate size and slow-growing nature, it is particularly suited to smaller gardens or urban settings.
Herbaceous Perennials
12. Japanese Windflower (Anemone hupehensis)
AKA: Buttercup
Native to: Asia
Hardiness Zones: 5-8
Pros: Mid-summer and fall interest
Considerations: Full/partial sun; moist, well-drained soil
Japanese Windflower is a late summer and fall beauty. It is delicate and airy, featuring large, saucer-shaped flowers that dance atop slender flower stalks. These blossoms, typically white or pink with golden stamens at the center, provide a lively burst of color when many other garden plants are beginning to fade.
Ideal for border plantings or as a part of a woodland garden, Japanese Windflowers thrive under a canopy of trees or in areas with dappled sunlight. They prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil and benefit from a layer of mulch to keep their roots cool and moist.
13. Japanese Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
AKA: AKA mums, chrysanths
Native to: China
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Pros: Stunning large blossoms, several colors and cultivars available
Considerations: Full/partial sun; well-drained soil
Japanese Chrysanthemums are iconic and highly regarded for their vibrant blooms and intricate petal arrangements. These flowers are a staple in autumn gardens, blooming in a spectacular array of colors, including pink, white, red, and yellow. The blooms can vary significantly in shape and size, from small button-like flowers to large, elaborate blossoms.
Commonly used in border plantings, container gardens, or as a part of traditional Japanese tea gardens, these chrysanthemums are celebrated for their ability to bring a splash of lasting color late into the fall season. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and require a sunny location to produce the best blooms.
14. Japanese Iris (Iris ensata)
AKA: hanashōbu
Native to: Japan, China, Korea, and Russia
Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Pros: Attracts bees and butterflies
Considerations: Full/partial sun; damp, rich, acidic soil
Japanese Iris is for all you pond lovers out there. Its elegant and dramatic blooms grace gardens in early to mid-summer. These flowers are particularly striking, with large, flat blossoms in deep purples, blues, whites, and pinks.
Often planted around water features or in moist garden areas, Japanese Iris thrives in acidic, well-drained soil that remains consistently moist. They are particularly well-suited to bog gardens or along the edges of ponds.
15. Japanese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi)
AKA: Bladder Cherry, Chinese Lantern, Strawberry Groundcherry, Winter Cherry, Alchechengi Berry, Klabuster Cherry
Native to: South and northeast Asia, southern Europe
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Pros: Mid-summer, fall, and winter interest
Considerations: Full/partial sun; well-drained soil
Japanese Lantern is known for its distinctive, bright orange to red papery husks that encase small fruit, resembling traditional lanterns. This plant adds a unique ornamental touch to gardens, particularly in the fall when these colorful husks are most vivid and the surrounding foliage turns a deep, golden yellow.
Typically used in borders or as an intriguing addition to dried floral arrangements, Japanese Lanterns thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They are relatively easy to grow and can spread quickly if not contained, making them suitable for areas where they can naturalize without overtaking other plantings.
16. Japanese Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
AKA: Hairy Toad Lily, Toad Lily
Native to: Japan
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Pros: Late-summer and fall interest
Considerations: Partial sun/shade; well-drained, loamy soil
Japanese Toad Lilies have a unique and exotic appeal. They flourish in late summer to early fall when many other flowers fade. These perennials are notable for their intricate, orchid-like flowers dotted with purple or blue on a white or pale yellow background. The flowers are small yet striking, often catching the eye with detailed patterning.
Toad Lilies thrive in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, ideal for shady garden spots or woodland settings. They are perfect for underplanting beneath taller shrubs or trees, where they can receive filtered sunlight that mimics their native forest habitats.
17. Plaintain Lily (Hosta)
AKA: Hosta, Gibōshi
Native to: Japan, China, Korea, and eastern Russia
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Pros: Late-summer and fall interest
Considerations: Partial sun/shade; rich, organic soil
Plantain Lilies are a staple in shade gardens due to their lush foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. These perennials are highly valued for their wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from greens and blues to variegated patterns with white or yellow.
Plantain Lilies are typically used as groundcover or border plants. Their dense leaves create a thick mat that suppresses weed growth. In the summer, they also produce delicate spikes of lavender or white flowers that rise above the foliage and add an extra layer of visual interest.
18. Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium)
AKA: Oni Yuri
Native to: Japan, China, Korea, and eastern Russia
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Pros: Attracts bees
Considerations: Full/partial sun; organic, well-drained soil
Tiger Lilies are striking perennials known for their vibrant orange color and dramatic appearance. Their flowers are instantly recognizable by their bright orange petals dotted with dark spots, resembling a tiger’s coat. The blooms curve backward, creating a distinctive shape that adds an exotic flair to any garden.
Ideal for planting in borders, wildflower gardens, or as a striking backdrop in cottage gardens, Tiger Lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. They are robust and relatively easy to care for, often naturalizing and spreading over time if conditions are favorable.
Grasses & Ferns
19. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
AKA: Black Lady Fern, Oriental Lady Fern
Native to: East Asia
Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Pros: Striking feather-like foliage with purple accents
Considerations: Partial sun/shade; well-drained, loamy soil
Japanese Painted Ferns are celebrated for their stunning foliage. Its silver-gray leaves are accented with hints of blue and purple, often highlighted by contrasting dark central ribs that create a striking visual effect.
Japanese Painted Ferns thrive in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They are ideal for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a complement to other shade-loving plants. They prefer cooler, shaded environments where their colors can develop fully without being faded by too much sunlight.
20. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
AKA: Hakone Grass
Native to: Central Japan
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Pros: Excellent ground cover
Considerations: Full/partial sun, shade; moist, well-drained soil
Japanese Forest Grass is a graceful, shade-tolerant grass known for its cascading habit and vibrant foliage. This ornamental grass is particularly prized for its soft, arching leaves, which range in color from bright green to golden yellow.
Japanese Forest Grass thrives in moist, well-drained soil, ideal for planting along borders, under taller plants, or in container gardens. It prefers partial shade, where its colors can glow vividly without being bleached by strong sunlight. The grass moves beautifully with the breeze, adding a sense of motion and softness to garden compositions.
21. Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica var. rubra)
AKA: Cogon Grass, Kunai Grass
Native to: Japan, China, and Southeast Asia
Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Pros: Summer and fall interest, attracts butterflies
Considerations: Full/partial sun; moist, well-drained soil
Japanese Blood Grass is renowned for its strikingly vibrant foliage that transitions from green at the base to deep crimson at the tips, resembling a flame. This dramatic color shift makes the grass a compelling choice for adding bold color and texture to garden designs. As the seasons progress from spring to fall, the red intensifies, providing a robust display of color when many other garden plants start to fade.
Ideal for borders, rock gardens, or as a dynamic ground cover, Japanese Blood Grass excels in full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soil. I recommend root barriers when planting ornamental grasses, as some species can spread aggressively under favorable conditions.
22. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus)
AKA: Dwarf Lilyturf
Native to: Japan, China, India, Nepal, and Vietnam
Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Pros: Evergreen, extremely hardy
Considerations: Partial sun/shade; moist, well-drained soil
Mondo Grass is a low-growing, evergreen ground cover highly valued for its lush, grass-like foliage. This versatile plant forms dense tufts of slender, dark green leaves that create a smooth, carpet-like appearance in the garden. It’s an excellent choice for filling spaces between stepping stones, bordering garden paths, or as an understory plant in shaded gardens.
Thriving in partial to full shade, Mondo Grass prefers moist, well-drained soil and is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It’s also remarkably resilient, tolerating various soil conditions and urban pollution, making it suitable for multiple landscaping needs.
Vines & Groundcovers
23. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
AKA: Chinese Honeysuckle, Gold-and-Silver Honeysuckle, Hall’s Honeysuckle, Honeysuckle
Native to: East Asia
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Pros: Fragrant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Considerations: Full/partial sun; moist, loamy soil
Japanese Honeysuckle is a vigorous climbing vine known for its sweetly scented, delicate white or yellow flowers. This fast-growing plant is famous for quickly covering fences, trellises, and other structures, providing dense foliage and fragrant blooms from late spring through summer.
While it thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soil conditions, Japanese Honeysuckle requires some care to prevent it from becoming invasive. If this species is invasive to your area, consider using alternate Honeysuckle species such as Lonicera periclymenum and Lonicera × heckrottii.
24. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
AKA: Carpet Box, Japanese Pachysandra, Pachysandra
Native to: Japan, Korea, and China
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Pros: Drought tolerant
Considerations: Partial sun/shade; organic, well-drained soil
Japanese Spurge is a low-maintenance ground cover plant ideal for shaded areas in the garden. This evergreen perennial forms dense mats of glossy, deep green leaves and small white flowers in spring.
Japanese Spurge is highly adaptable, tolerating different soil types and spreading slowly to create lush, weed-suppressing ground cover under trees or along walkways.
25. Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda)
AKA: Wisteria
Native to: Japan, China, and Korea
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Pros: Fragrant, attracts Butterflies
onsiderations: Full/partial sun; acidic, well-drained soil
Japanese Wisteria is a spectacular climbing vine known for its cascading, fragrant, pale blue or violet flower clusters. These long, pendulous racemes can reach up to 20 inches in length and bloom profusely in the spring, creating a breathtaking display that is both visually stunning and aromatic.
Due to its vigorous growth and substantial weight, Japanese Wisteria requires a strong support structure to grow over arbors, pergolas, or sturdy fences. It thrives in full sun, which encourages the most prolific flowering, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Regular pruning is essential to control its size and promote flowering.
Final Thoughts
Consider these 25 Japanese plants an inspirational foundation for your Zen garden plans. This list is not comprehensive, and there are many other spectacular Japanese plants to choose from.
The important thing to remember is this: to capture the essence of a Japanese garden, you should aim to tell a story through your planting. Rather than thinking of each plant as an individual specimen, consider how it fits into the broader structure and narrative of your garden—no matter how big or small the space.
Whether it’s an ornamental cherry tree or a subtle ground cover, you can imbue the vibrant colors, unique textures, and fragrant flowers of these Japanese plants with your own significance and meaning.
