Zen gardens, rooted in Japanese Buddhism, serve as a medium for meditation and reflection, encouraging a sense of tranquility and inner peace through their harmonious and meticulously designed compositions.
We recently visited the Portland Japanese Garden, which is a slide of heaven pretty much in the city that has a peaceful and calming energy.
Known as dry landscape Japanese gardens or karesansui gardens, plants are sparse and carefully chosen alongside carefully arranged rocks, gravel, or sand raked to represent flowing water.
This blog post will guide you through choosing the right Zen garden plants. We’ll provide you with a list of recommended plants to help you create your own Japanese inspired garden, consider factors like climate and location, and discuss the importance of simplicity and balance in plant selection.
For a deeper look at flowering plants like Japanese wisteria and Japanese irises, check out 25 Japanese Plants for Your Garden.
TL;DR
Zen gardens are a type of Japanese dry landscape garden; typically, they do not have many plantings.
The principles of a zen garden space are Austerity (Koko), Simplicity (Kanso), Naturalness (Shinzen), Asymmetry (Fukinsei), Mystery or Subtlety (Yugen), Magic or Unconventional (Datsuzoku), and Stillness (Seijaku).
Evergreen plants provide minimal aesthetics and year-round greenery to your zen garden.
Bamboo is traditionally used for vertical screening.
Cherry blossom trees and Japanese maples are your go-to trees for your zen garden space.
Moss is a vibrant and velvety groundcover. While it’s commonly found in zen gardens, you can substitute it with other zen-inspired groundcovers.
What are the 5 Zen Garden Plants?
Here are the 5 best plants to create your own zen garden:
1. Evergreens
Evergreen plants, such as pine trees, Japanese holly, Japanese boxwood, and garden juniper, are great shrubs that provide consistent greenery throughout the year. This continuous presence symbolizes endurance and the eternal nature of Zen philosophy.
Evergreens are often meticulously pruned and shaped to create distinct, sculptural forms. These forms represent natural elements like rocks, mountains, or islands and contribute to the garden’s overall composition and balance.
Large and well-placed evergreen trees or shrubs can be focal points within the garden. These specimens are carefully positioned to draw the viewer’s attention and guide their gaze through the space.
With its dark green color, evergreen foliage creates a bold contrast against the light-colored gravel or sand often used in Zen gardens. This contrast enhances the garden’s visual appeal and balance.
Evergreens are sometimes strategically placed to create screens or partitions within the garden, offering a sense of seclusion and privacy for meditation or contemplation.
In addition to their aesthetic qualities, evergreens in Zen gardens may carry symbolic meaning. For example, pine trees are often associated with longevity and resilience.
Evergreen species are generally low-maintenance, aligning with the Zen simplicity philosophy. Their ability to thrive with minimal care allows the garden to maintain its serene appearance effortlessly.
Evergreens are great for small spaces just as balconies and courtyards.
2. Bamboo
Bamboo species are frequently used in traditional Japanese Zen gardens for their symbolic and aesthetic qualities.
In Zen philosophy, bamboo represents strength, flexibility, and resilience. Its graceful, swaying stems convey a sense of fluidity and adaptability.
Bamboo’s tall and dense growth is effective as natural screens or partitions within the garden. It creates a sense of seclusion, promoting solitude and meditation.
Its vertical, linear growth pattern contrasts beautifully with the horizontal lines of raked gravel or sand, adding visual interest and balance to the garden.
Additionally, bamboo leaves rustle in the wind, producing a soothing and meditative sound that enhances the overall sensory experience of the garden.
It can be used to create shaded pathways or archways, guiding visitors through the garden and creating a sense of transition and journey.
Bamboo is relatively low-maintenance, aligning with the Zen philosophy of simplicity. It requires minimal care, and most bamboo species, such as Buddha belly bamboo, are evergreen and remain green throughout the year.
3. Japanese Maples
Walk into a traditional Japanese garden, and you will find a range of Japanese maples. They are also frequently used in Zen gardens for their irregular structural shape.
Japanese maples have stunning foliage, ranging from vibrant green to deep red and purple. Their leaves create a visually captivating and dynamic element in the garden.
These leaves’ vibrant colors contrast with the subdued tones of gravel or sand found in Zen gardens, creating visual balance and harmony.
In some cases, Japanese maples may symbolize the changing seasons and the impermanence of life, aligning with the Zen concept of transience and mindfulness.
They are often placed as focal points within the garden, drawing the viewer’s attention and providing a sense of balance and contrast to the overall design.
These trees undergo seasonal changes, with the leaves taking on different colors in spring and autumn. This natural transformation adds an ever-evolving dimension to the garden’s aesthetics.
Like bamboo, the rustling of the leaves in the breeze can enhance the sensory experience of the garden, contributing to its meditative qualities.
Japanese maples may require minimal pruning to maintain their shape, aligning with the Zen principle of simplicity and the use of natural forms.
While not as commonly featured as other plants in traditional Japanese Zen gardens, Japanese maples can be chosen for their unique beauty and symbolic significance, enhancing the garden’s overall aesthetic and philosophical aspects.
4. Moss
Moss is a dominant ground cover for Zen gardens, creating a lush, velvety carpet.
Its vibrant green color adds a soothing element. Blanketing the garden floor, moss complements the rocks, gravel, and sand.
In Zen philosophy, moss represents simplicity, humility, and purity. Its understated and consistent presence reflects the Zen principles of minimalism and mindfulness.
Moss’s soft and cushiony texture invites visitors to walk barefoot, promoting a sensory connection with the earth and a heightened sense of presence.
Moss helps to retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering and contributing to the garden’s low-maintenance nature.
While moss remains green throughout the year, it can also display seasonal variations in color and texture, further enriching the garden’s appearance.
Moss is relatively easy to cultivate and maintain, requiring minimal attention, which aligns with the Zen principle of simplicity and effortlessness.
Unlike the plants above, although moss can grow in various environments, it doesn’t grow everywhere. Moss thrives in moist, shady areas and can often be found in forests, ground, rocks, and tree trunks. Mosses adapt to many climates and conditions, including frigid and wet environments. However, there are limitations to where moss can grow, as it prefers environments with consistent moisture and does not do well in extremely dry or polluted areas.
5. Cherry Trees
Cherry tree species, particularly cherry blossoms, are used in traditional Japanese Zen gardens for their symbolic and aesthetic significance.
Cherry blossoms symbolize the transient and fleeting nature of life in Japanese culture. Their short-lived beauty represents the impermanence of all things, aligning with the Zen concept of mindfulness and acceptance of change.
An ornamental cherry tree bursts into a spectacular display of pink or white blossoms in the spring, creating a breathtaking seasonal focal point in the garden.
The sight and fragrance of cherry blossoms contribute to the garden’s sensory experience, evoking a sense of calm and contemplation.
Cherry blossom petals may be intentionally placed in water features like ponds or basins, symbolizing life’s fleeting nature as they float on the water’s surface.
Cherry trees have deep cultural significance in Japan, connecting the garden to broader cultural and historical narratives.
If You Can't Moss...
In traditional Japanese Zen gardens, groundcovers play a vital role in creating a sense of simplicity, balance, and harmony. Here are some ideas for Zen-inspired groundcovers often used in these gardens:
Thyme (Thymus spp.):Â Thyme is a low-growing herb with tiny, aromatic leaves. Its creeping nature and resilience make it an excellent groundcover choice. Varieties like woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) and elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum) are popular.
Sedum (Sedum spp.):Â Sedums are succulent groundcovers known for their drought tolerance and easy maintenance. Varieties like dragon’s blood sedum (Sedum spurium) and stonecrop (Sedum acre) can add subtle beauty to Zen gardens.
Dwarf Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus):Â Often categorized as an ornamental grass, this grass-like groundcover is native to Japan and features dark green, strappy leaves. It creates a neat, uniform appearance and can be used to define pathways or border other elements in the garden.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia):Â Creeping Jenny is a trailing groundcover with vibrant green or golden-yellow leaves. It splashes color and texture to the garden, contrasting other elements.
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans):Â Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, forms dense mats of foliage and produces spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers in the spring. It can be used to cover larger areas while adding seasonal interest.
Corsican Mint (Mentha requienii):Â Corsican mint is a fragrant, low-growing herb with tiny leaves. It releases a pleasant aroma when stepped on, enhancing the sensory experience of the garden.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum):Â Creeping thyme is a low-maintenance groundcover that produces small, aromatic leaves and occasional clusters of tiny flowers. It’s ideal for adding texture and fragrance to Zen gardens.
Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis):Â Japanese spurge is a shade-tolerant ground cover with glossy green leaves. It thrives in cool, moist conditions and can be used in shaded areas of the garden.
Elfin Thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’):Â This miniature thyme variety is especially well-suited for intricate patterns or smaller areas in Zen gardens due to its diminutive size and compact growth habit.
Consider the Climate and Location of Your Zen Garden
Before you begin selecting plants for your Zen garden, it’s crucial to consider the climate and location in which your garden will thrive. Zen gardens can be adapted to various climates, but your plant choices should align with the local weather conditions. Here are some considerations:
Sunlight
The first consideration when selecting plants for your Zen garden is the sunlight your garden receives throughout the day.
This factor is critical because different Zen garden plants have varying light requirements. Some plants thrive in full sun, such as bamboo or Japanese maples, while others prefer shade or partial shade, like moss or certain groundcovers.
Assess your garden’s sun exposure to ensure that you choose plants that will receive the right light for optimal growth and health.
Hardiness Zone
Your hardiness zone is pivotal when deciding which plants to include in your Zen garden. Different regions have varying temperature ranges and seasonal changes, which can significantly impact plant survival and growth.
Check your hardiness zone and research plants best suited for your specific region. For instance, if you live in a cold climate, you may want to select evergreen plants or cold-hardy varieties of cherry blossoms. Conversely, if you have a warm environment, you can consider tropical plants that thrive in higher temperatures.
Soil Type
Understanding the soil type in your garden is another crucial aspect of plant selection. Zen gardens often use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, as excess moisture can be detrimental to the overall aesthetics and health of the garden.
Before choosing your Zen garden plants, assess whether your soil is sandy, loamy, or clay-heavy. Many Zen garden plants, such as moss, thrive in well-draining soil, while others may require amendments or raised beds to ensure proper drainage.
By tailoring your plant selection to your soil type, you can help your garden flourish and maintain its peaceful ambiance.
The Importance of Simplicity and Balance in Plant Selection
Zen gardens are all about simplicity and balance. When selecting plants, keep these principles in mind:
Minimalism
Simplicity is at the core of Zen garden design, and this principle extends to plant selection. Embrace minimalism by opting for a limited selection of plants. A clutter-free garden promotes a sense of calm and allows each plant to shine individually.
Choose just a few carefully curated plants instead of overwhelming the space with numerous species. In Zen gardens, less truly is more. A restrained plant palette emphasizes the importance of each element, enhancing the garden’s overall serenity.
Texture and Form
Texture and form are essential considerations when selecting plants for your Zen garden. Look for plants with distinct shapes, sizes, and foliage to create visual interest and balance.
Consider the contrast between the soft, delicate leaves of a Japanese maple and the sturdy, vertical stems of bamboo. Incorporating various textures and forms into your garden adds depth and complexity without compromising its simplicity. The juxtaposition of these elements creates a harmonious composition that engages the eye and encourages contemplation.
Color Palette
Maintaining a limited color palette is fundamental to selecting Zen garden plants. Neutral and calming colors like green, gray, and white are typical choices. These serene hues evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony.
The absence of vibrant, distracting colors allows the mind to focus on the garden’s overall balance and encourages a meditative experience. By adhering to a restrained color scheme, you can ensure that your Zen garden remains true to its principles of simplicity and balance, creating a space that promotes inner peace and reflection.
Final Thoughts
These 5 plants are common species found in traditional Japanese Zen gardens. By carefully selecting these plants and embracing the principles of Zen design, you can create a harmonious and tranquil Zen garden that reflects your inner peace and sense of balance. Take your time, experiment, and let your garden reflect your journey toward serenity.
