25 Best Japanese Plants for a Stunning Garden

The Japanese gardens are renowned for their serene beauty and symbolic significance. This is due to their rare and beautiful plants that captivate attention.

Plus, for centuries, these plants have played a vital role in Japanese culture. They represent harmony, peacefulness, and the connection between nature and human life.

However, creating a Japanese-style garden at home can be confusing. But fret not!

In this blog post, we will discover important information about 25 popular breathtaking Japanese Plants in gardens around the world!

Moreover, we will share key details such as hardiness zones, soil requirements, and sun exposure needs of each of these. Let’s get started.

TL; DR

• Create a Japanese-style garden with thoughtful layering and maintenance. Plan your plants to tell a story. Combine purpose and care in your plan for a stunning outdoor space.
• Check what each listed plant needs to grow well before buying it at the nursery.
• Some plants listed are harmful invaders in certain areas. So, always check to avoid planting species that can cause ecological harm locally.

What are the Best Plants for a Japanese-inspired garden?

Now, without any delay, let’s explore the popular Japanese plants used in Zen gardens around the world:

Trees

1) Japanese Maple

AKA Palmate Maple, Smooth Japanese Maple

Latin Name:	Acer palmatum
Native to:	Korea, Japan, eastern Mongolia, China, and southeast Russia
Hardiness Zones:	Hardiness Zones /USDA growing zones: 5-9
Pros:	Complicated foliage, sculptural branching structure, fall shades
Color varieties:	Red, Purple
Sun exposure:	Partial
Soil needs:	Sandy, Acidic Soil, Full/Partial Sun

Japanese Maple

Japanese maples are a top pick for gardens due to their unique leaves. They are loved for the change in colors with the seasons, from summer greens and purples to fall reds, oranges, and purples.

Moreover, they shine in gardens, growing well under trees or by water, needing partial shade and space to grow.

2) Japanese Cherry

AKA Sakura Tree

Latin name:	Prunus serrulata
Native to:	Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam
Hardiness Zones:	USDA growing zones: 5-8
Pros:	Stunning spring blooms attract bees & butterflies
Color varieties:	Pink, Red
Sun exposure:	Full
Soil needs:	Loamy, Well-Drained

Japanese Cherry

Japanese Cherry trees shine in spring. These Japanese plants are often planted in big spaces or along streets and create beautiful shades.

Plus, they are perfect for framing paths or as a garden centerpiece. Cherry trees are great for zen gardens, symbolizing life’s fleeting beauty.

Furthermore, their brief, stunning blooms inspire global festivals. In Japanese, they are called sakura, representing life’s short, beautiful journey, a meaningful idea in Japanese culture.

3) Japanese Zelkova

AKA Japanese elm, keyaki, keaki

Latin name:	Zelkova serrata
Native to:	Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Eastern China
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-9
Pros:	Drought tolerant
Color varieties:	Yellow to bronze, Brick or rusty red
Sun exposure:	Full sun
Soil needs:	Wet, Properly Drained Soil

Japanese Zelkova

The Japanese Zelkova trees are loved as street trees. They are super hardy and have a beautiful shape.

Their branches form a vase shape, with lots of leaves on top. Usually, these trees bloom in the cities as they can endure the tough conditions and grow rapidly, providing shade and beauty.

Their leaves turn to amazing shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall, and in winter, their gray bark peels to appear the orange underneath.

Japanese Zelkova trees look great all year round and last a long time, making them perfect for cities and gardens. Typically, they are a popular choice for their beauty and durability.

Deciduous Shrubs

Next, our second category of Japanese plants is Deciduous Shrubs:

4) Japanese Quince

AKA Maule’s Quince

Latin name:	Chaenomeles japonica
Native to:	Japan
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-9
Pros:	Spring blossoms
Color varieties:	Orange, pink, red, burgundy, white
Sun exposure:	Full/partial
Soil needs:	Moist, Well-Drained Loamy Soil

Japanese Quince

Japanese Quince is a strong, beautiful shrub. Before the leaves appear in the early spring, they produce bright orange, red, or pink flowers.

The thick, sharp branches of the shrub also serve as a barrier or fence in their way.

For gardeners who require little upkeep and constant beauty, the Japanese quince is an excellent choice. Its durability and minimal care needs make it a favorite.

So, enjoy beautiful flowers and functional protection in your garden with this amazing shrub.

5) Bigleaf Hydrangea

Also known as Mophead Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lace-Cap Cydrangea, and Hortensia

Latin name:	Hydrangea macrophylla
Native to:	Japan
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-9
Pros:	Huge flowers for prolonged summer and fall interest
Color varieties:	Blue, Pink
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Well-Drained Loamy Soil

Bigleaf Hydrangea

One common garden plant is the Bigleaf hydrangea. It has lovely, big flowers that can thrive in either pink or blue, depending on the soil.

These shrubs add vibrant color to gardens all summer. They work well in borders, foundation plantings, or containers.

Moreover, these Japanese plants thrive in sun and shade. Their large blossoms and luxuriant leaves create a gorgeous show that is ideal for a small cottage garden.

Also, they are very flexible and simple to maintain. This is a supreme choice for you if you are looking for a romantic dash or a splash of color in your garden.

Evergreen Shrubs

6) Azalea

AKA Evergreen Azalea, Deciduous Azalea

Latin name:	Rhododendron Spp
Native to:	Asia (the evergreen variety), North America (the deciduous variety)
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 4-10 (varies by species)
Pros:	Late spring-summer blooms
Color varieties:	Yellow, pink, orange, red, and white
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun (varies by species)
Soil needs:	Moist, Well-Drained Soil

Azalea

Azaleas come in two types:

       i.          Evergreen

      ii.          Deciduous.

 The Azaleas Evergreen Japanese plants have vibrant spring petals that range from white to deep red, and they hold their leaves throughout the year.

Deciduous azaleas produce larger flowers, but after a dramatic fall show, they shed their leaves in the autumn season. They handle harsh winters better.

Both types are great for borders, foundation plants, or solo features. Azaleas love Well-drained, acidic soil and some shade under trees or east-facing spots.

Plus, they thrive in these conditions, making them perfect for beautiful landscapes.

7) Japanese Camellia

AKA Common Camellia

Latin name:	Camellia japonica
Native to:	China
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 7-9
Pros:	Early and late season blossoms
Color varieties:	White, red, pink, purple
Sun exposure:	Acidic Soil
Soil needs:	Partial sun

Japanese Camellia

Japanese Camellias have shiny leaves that look great in winter. They flowered red, pink, and white in the spring. They look great in the formal gardens and shaded areas.

Moreover, Camellias need acidic soil that drains well. They also prefer shade from strong afternoon sun to stay healthy and thrive.

8) Japanese Gardenia

AKA gardenia, cape jasmine

Latin name:	Gardenia jasminoides
Native to:	Japan and Southern China
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 8-11
Pros:	Fragrant blossoms
Color varieties:	Orange, red, and yellow
Sun exposure:	Full/Partial sun
Soil needs:	Well-Drained, Acidic Soil

Japanese Gardenia

Love fragrances? Then try Japanese Gardenia in your garden. These Japanese plants can be used as individual plants or as borders or pots. Plus, they’re ideal for courtyards and walkways.

These plants need acidic or well-drained soil that’s sheltered from afternoon light. Furthermore, with good upkeep and care, they flourish and fill your garden with lovely fragrance.

9) Bamboo

The Phyllostachys genus contains more than 75 species of bamboo.

Latin name:	Phyllostachys
Native to:	China
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 7-11
Pros:	Late-summer and fall interest
Color varieties:	Blacks and goldens to light and dark greens.
Sun exposure:	Partial sun/shade
Soil needs:	Deep, Well-Drained Soil

Bamboo

Bamboo Phyllostachys grows very fast and has tall, slender stems in shades of green, gold, and black. It’s great for creating natural barriers due to its thick growth.

Phyllostachys works well in large spaces or as a privacy screen. It grows in many soil types but likes moist, well-drained ground best. However, these Japanese plants can spread too much if not controlled.

To prevent this, use root barriers to keep it contained. Furthermore, Phyllostachys adds both appeal and value to any environment when given the right care.

10) Japanese Andromeda

AKA Japanese Pieris

Latin name:	Pieris japonica
Native to:	Japan, eastern China, and Taiwan
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-8
Pros:	Attracts bees and butterflies
Color varieties:	White, pink
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun; acidic
Soil needs:	Well-drained soil

Japanese Andromeda

Japanese Andromeda is a beautiful Japanese plant that changes with the seasons. It produces beautiful bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white in the early spring.

Before turning green, new leaves emerge in gorgeous red or copper hues. Plus, this plant looks great in shady areas or near homes.

However, remember it requires protection from intense afternoon sunlight to avoid damaging its leaves, and it thrives in acidic soil that drains well.

11) Japanese Skimmia

Japanese Skimmia has one main name, but there are many variations of its name depending on the specific type.

Latin name:	Skimmia japonica
Native to:	Japan, China, and Southeast Asia
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-9
Pros:	Fragrant, fall seasonal interest
Color varieties:	Creamy white
Sun exposure:	Partial sun/shade
Soil needs:	Well-Drained and Acidic Soil

Japanese Skimmia

Skimmia shrubs have hardy and dark green leaves with fragrant white or pink blooms in the spring season. In the fall, it grows bright red berries that last till the winter.

Additionally, this shrub grows in areas with shade, beneath trees, or close to buildings. It prefers well-draining soil that is wet and slightly acidic.

Such types of Japanese plants are flawless for small gardens as they grow gently and remain modest in size.

Herbaceous Perennials

12) Japanese Windflower

AKA Buttercup

Latin name:	Anemone hupehensis
Native to:	Asia
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-8
Pros:	Mid-summer and fall interest
Color varieties:	Red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, white, pink
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Moist, Well-Drained Soil

Japanese Windflower

A beautiful Japanese plant that blooms in late summer and fall is the Japanese Windflower.

Its tiny, airy, saucer-shaped flowers are either pink or white with golden centers. When other plants begin to fade, they give your garden a splash of color.

Plus, with minimal care, these gorgeous Japanese plants thrive and beautify your garden.

13) Japanese Chrysanthemum

AKA mums, chrysanths

Latin name:	Chrysanthemum morifolium
Native to:	China
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-9
Pros:	Splendid large blossoms
Color varieties:	Several colors and cultivars are available
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Well-drained soil

Japanese Chrysanthemum

The stunning, brilliant blooms of Japanese chrysanthemums are their most famous feature. Their pink, white, fiery red and yellow hues brighten autumn gardens.

The flowers have a variety of sizes and forms. Some are small and round, while others are large and fancy.

They work well for Japanese tea gardens, borders, and containers. Also, they require lots of sunlight and well-draining soil to develop.

Their late-season color makes them a popular choice. These Japanese plants are a timeless symbol of Japanese beauty and elegance.

14) Japanese Iris

AKA hanashōbu

Latin name:	Iris ensata
Native to:	Japan, China, Korea, and Russia
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones:
Pros:	Attracts bees and butterflies
Color varieties:	Blue, pink, white
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Damp, Rich, and Acidic Soil

Japanese Iris

Japanese Iris is perfect for pond lovers! Its stunning flowers beautify gardens in summer.

These Japanese plants’ blooms are truly eye-catching, featuring large, flat petals in rich purples, blues, whites, and pinks.

Plus, Japanese Iris loves water-rich spots or moist garden areas with acidic soil.

It flourishes in bog gardens or by pond edges, where the soil stays consistently damp.

15) Japanese Lantern

AKA Strawberry Groundcherry, Bladder Cherry, Chinese Lantern, Winter Cherry, Alchechengi Berry, Klabuster Cherry

Latin name:	Physalis alkekengi
Native to:	Northeast Asia, South, and Southern Europe
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 3-9
Pros:	Mid-summer, fall, and winter interest
Color varieties:	Yellow
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Well-drained soil

Japanese Lantern

Japanese Lantern plants are known for their bright orange to red paper-like coverings around small fruits, looking like mini lanterns.

They may thrive in a variety of light conditions, like full sun and partial shade, and grow well in soil that drains properly.

Plus, their ease of growth and low care requirements are two of their biggest benefits.

These Japanese plants are perfect for borders, adding a touch of elegance and fragrance to any garden bed.

16) Japanese Toad Lily

AKA Hairy Toad Lily, Toad Lily

Latin name:	Tricyrtis hirta
Native to:	Japan
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 4-8
Pros:	Late-summer and fall interest
Color varieties:x	Color varieties: Purple, blue, white, or pale yellow
Sun exposure:	Partial sun/shade
Soil needs:	Well-Drained, Loamy Soil

Japanese Toad Lily

Japanese Toad Lilies are special and beautiful flowers. They bloom late in the summer and early fall when other flowers start to fade. These flowers are unique because they:

·        Have intricate patterns like orchids

·        Come in white, pale yellow, purple, and blue colors

·        Are small but eye-catching

Moreover, Toad Lilies grow best in:

·        Shady areas

·        Soil that’s moist and rich in nutrients

·        Under trees or tall bushes where they get filtered sunlight

They are ideal for giving your garden’s shaded areas a splash of color.

17) Plantain Lily

AKA Hosta, Gibōshi

Latin name:	Hosta
Native to:	China, Japan, eastern Russia, and Korea
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 3-8
Pros:	Late-summer and fall interest
Color varieties:	Lavender
Sun exposure:	Partial sun/shade
Soil needs:	Rich, organic soil

Plantain Lily

Plantain lilies are lovely and simple to grow, making them perfect for gardens containing shade. T

hese Japanese plants come in an extensive range of shapes, sizes, and hues, like blue, white, and green. These reasons explain their popularity:

·        They cover the ground nicely and make beautiful borders.

·        Their thick leaves stop weeds from growing.

·        In summer, they grow pretty purple or white flowers.

These all features make Plantain Lilies a popular choice for shady areas.

18) Tiger Lily

AKA Oni Yuri

Latin name:	Lilium lancifolium
Native to:	China, Japan, eastern Russia, and Korea
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 3-9
Pros:	Attracts bees
Color varieties:	Orange, red, yellow, white, pink
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Organic or Well-Drained Soil

Tiger Lily

Tiger lilies are a lovely flower because of their vivid orange hue. Their petals are marked with black patterns that resemble the tigers’ fur. The flowers bend backward, making them look special.

These plants grow and prosper in either sunny or somewhat shaded areas, provided the soil drains enough.

These Japanese plants are hardy and need low maintenance. Over time, they can spread and grow more if they like where they are planted.

Grasses & Ferns

19) Japanese Painted Fern

AKA Black Lady Fern, Oriental Lady Fern

Latin name:	Athyrium niponicum
Native to:	East Asia
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 3-8
Pros:	Striking feather-like foliage with purple accents
Color varieties:	Gray-green, often flushed with burgundy
Sun exposure:	Partial sun/shade
Soil needs:	Well-Drained, Loamy Soil

Japanese Painted Fern

The Japanese plants like Painted Ferns are known for their beautiful leaves. Their silver-gray leaves have blue and purple hints, making them visually striking.

To grow well, they need moist soil with plenty of organic matter. Moreover, they’re flawless for shaded gardens or with other plants that prefer shade.

They thrive in cooler, shaded spots where their colors stay vibrant.

20) Japanese Forest Grass

AKA Hakone Grass

Latin name:	Hakonechloa macra
Native to:	Central Japan
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-9
Pros:	Excellent ground cover
Color varieties:	Green, or boldly multi-colored in stripes of white, green, or yellow.
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun, shade
Soil needs:	Moist, Well-Drained Soil

Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese Forest Grass is a beautiful, low-maintenance Japanese plant that blooms in places having shade. Golden yellow to vivid green are the colors of its delicate, curved leaves.

Additionally, this grass prefers moist yet well-draining soil. It’s ideal for growing in containers, beneath larger plants, or around the border of gardens.

Plus, this grass softly sways in the wind, giving your yard movement and texture.

21) Japanese Blood Grass

Also known as Cogon Grass, Kunai Grass

Latin name:	Imperata cylindrica var. rubra
Native to:	Japan, Southeast Asia, and China
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 3-9
Pros:	Summer and fall interest, attracts butterflies
Color varieties:	Burgundy or cranberry-red coloration
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Moist or Well-Drained Soil

Japanese Blood Grass

The gorgeous Japanese plant known as Japanese Blood Grass has leaves that turn from green to a deep red color like flames.

This vibrant grass gives gardens a striking texture and energy. The crimson color increases with the changing of the seasons, adding a splash of color when other plants start to fade.

Additionally, it flourishes in areas with adequate drainage that are sunny to a bit shady. Moreover, this grass is ideal for ground cover, rock gardens, and borders.

To stop it from spreading too much, just make sure to apply a root barrier.

22) Mondo Grass

AKA Dwarf Lilyturf

Latin name:	Ophiopogon japonicus
Native to:	India, Japan, Nepal, Vietnam, and China
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 7-10
Pros:	Evergreen, extremely hardy
Color varieties:	White or light lilac
Sun exposure:	Partial sun/shade
Soil needs:	Moist or Well-Drained Soil

Mondo Grass

With grass-like leaves, Mondo grass is a lovely, low-maintenance planting. It remains green all year long and grows close to the ground. It’s perfect for:

·        Filling gaps between stepping stones

·        Bordering garden paths

·        Shaded areas under trees

This excellent Japanese plant prefers:

·        Partial to full shade

·        Moist and Well-drained soil

Due to its easy care ability to tolerate urban pollution, and flexibility to an array of soil types, it’s an excellent option for many landscaping projects.

Vines & Groundcovers

23) Japanese Honeysuckle

AKA the Gold-and-Silver Honeysuckle, Chinese Honeysuckle, Hall’s Honeysuckle

Latin name:	Lonicera japonica
Native to:	East Asia
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 4-9
Pros:	Fragrant and appeals to hummingbirds or butterflies.
Color varieties:	Yellow-orange
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Moist, Loamy Soil

Japanese Honeysuckle

Japanese honeysuckle is a climbing shrub plant that grows speedily and has scented white or yellow buds.

It quickly covers fences and other structures, providing lots of leaves and fragrant blooms from spring to summer.

It grows in an assortment of soil kinds and thrives fine in areas that are sunny or slightly shaded.

But be careful! It can spread too much. If it’s a problem in your area, consider using a different type of Honeysuckle.

24) Japanese Spurge

AKA Carpet Box, Japanese Pachysandra, Pachysandra

Latin name:	Pachysandra terminalis
Native to:	Japan, Korea, and China
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 4-8
Pros:	Drought tolerant
Color varieties:	Glossy dark green
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Organic or Well-Drained Soil

Japanese Spurge

Japanese Spurge is an easy-to-care- plant that can thrive in the shady areas in your yard.

It stays green year-round and grows close to the ground, with shiny leaves and tiny white flowers in the spring.

Furthermore, this Japanese plant is very flexible and can thrive in different types of soil.

It spreads slowly and helps keep weeds away, making it perfect for under trees or along paths.

25) Japanese Wisteria

AKA Wisteria

Latin name:	Wisteria floribunda
Native to:	Japan, China, and Korea
Hardiness Zones	USDA growing zones: 5-9
Pros:	Fragrant, attracts Butterflies
Color varieties:	Blue, White, Pink
Sun exposure:	Full/partial sun
Soil needs:	Acidic or Well-Drained Soil

Japanese Wisteria

The Japanese Wisteria is a fabulous climbing Japanese plant that has fragrant, light purple or blue flowers in long, droopy bunches

These plants blossom wildly in the spring, producing an aesthetically pleasing and fragrant display.

Plus, to grow this, you will need a strong grill or fence to support its heavy growth. It loves:

·        Full sunshine to produce the most flowers

·        Regular pruning to keep it under control and encourage blooming.

This plant is a real showstopper, but it needs some extra care.

Final Thoughts

Create your own peaceful and attractive garden with these 25 beautiful Japanese plants.

These plants are chosen for their stunning looks and special meanings in Japanese culture. Plus, they will turn your lawn into a calming landscape.

These plants are Japanese icons and perfect for a Zen garden or Japanese culture lovers.

Take care of them thoughtfully to make a gorgeous space where nature and people come together. Pick your favorites and start growing a peaceful colorful oasis today.

FAQs

1. What plant is most prevalent and famous in Japan?

The Japanese cherry or Sakura is one of the most eminent and prevalent plants In Japan.

2. In Japanese gardens, what kinds of plants are present?

Japanese gardens typically feature plants like:

• Japanese Maple
• Cherry Blossom
• Bamboo
• Bonsai
• Moss
• Zen Grass.

3. What is the name of the Japanese plant?

Cherry blossoms are know as national Japanese plant and its name is “Sakura”.

4. What plant is found in Japan?

Japan is home to various plants, including;

• Japanese Iris
• Japanese Lantern
• Japanese Wisteria
• Japanese Spurge

5. In Japan, what kind of plant is lucky?

The Japanese money tree is regarded as a lucky plant in Japan.

6. What is the Japan’s flower?

The Sakura is known as the Japan’s national flower.

7. What is the sacred plant in Japan?

Sakura is respected as a sacred plant In Japanese culture as it represents the short-term beauty of life.