15 Garden Plants — Planting & Growth Tips
1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Growth type: small tree / large shrub. Best for partial shade and well-draining soil.
Japanese Maple is a beloved garden tree across Japan for its exquisite leaf shapes and seasonal color. To plant it successfully, choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade — strong midday sun, particularly in hotter regions, can scorch delicate leaves. Prepare the planting hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper; the root crown should sit slightly above ground level to improve drainage. Mix native garden soil with a handful of organic matter such as compost to encourage root establishment. Water deeply at planting and keep soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) during the first two summers while roots develop. Mulch around the base but keep mulch a few centimeters away from the trunk to avoid rot.
For vigorous growth and a fuller shape, prune sparingly in late winter when the tree is dormant — remove dead branches and maintain a balanced scaffold of limbs. Avoid heavy pruning which can weaken structure and invite disease. Feed with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring before leaf-out; do not over-fertilize in late summer. Watch for pests like aphids or scale; use soapy water spray or horticultural oil if infestations are light. In Japan’s varied climates, select cultivars adapted to local conditions: some cultivars tolerate stronger sun and heat better than delicate forms. With proper site choice, steady moisture, and patient formative pruning, Japanese Maples will grow into graceful focal points in a few seasons.
2. Satsuki Azalea (Rhododendron × indicum)
Growth type: evergreen shrub. Thrives in acidic, well-drained soil and dappled shade.
Satsuki Azalea is valued in Japanese gardens for its dense flowers and compact form. Choose a location with morning sun and shelter from harsh afternoon rays — bright, indirect light is ideal. Azaleas prefer acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). If your soil is neutral to alkaline, amend it with ericaceous compost or a small amount of sulfur, and mix in peat-free acidic planting mix to improve initial conditions. Plant at the same depth as the nursery container, and water well after planting. Keep soil moisture steady; azaleas are sensitive to both drought and waterlogged conditions. Mulch with organic material such as shredded bark to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Prune right after flowering to shape the shrub and remove spent flower clusters; this timing avoids cutting next year’s bud wood. Use a phosphorus-light fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in late winter or early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which produce lush foliage but fewer flowers. Watch for root rot in poorly drained locations — if drainage is limited, consider raised beds. To encourage a bushy habit, pinch back young shoots during the growing season. With attention to soil acidity, consistent moisture, and careful post-flowering pruning, Satsuki Azaleas reward gardeners with reliable spring and early-summer color.
3. Camellia (Tsubaki — Camellia japonica)
Growth type: evergreen shrub or small tree. Blooms in late winter to spring depending on cultivar.
Camellias are classic in Japanese gardens, admired for glossy foliage and abundant winter blooms. Plant camellias in sheltered spots that receive morning sun and protection from strong winds and late frosts. Like azaleas, they prefer acidic, well-draining soils. Prepare a planting hole enriched with organic matter. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is slightly above grade for good drainage. Water consistently, especially during dry winters when flowering buds are forming. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch off the trunk to prevent basal rot.
Prune camellias after flowering to remove dead or crossing branches and to maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or autumn because camellias set flower buds for the next season during that time. Fertilize with an acid-formulated, low-phosphorus feed in spring after flowering and again in early summer if needed. Remove fallen blooms from around the plant to reduce the risk of fungal disease. If you live in a humid region, good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering will help reduce leaf spot and petal blight. With steady moisture, acidic soil, and gentle pruning, camellias become long-lived, evergreen anchors for traditional and modern gardens alike.
4. Hydrangea (Ajisai — Hydrangea macrophylla)
Growth type: deciduous shrub. Learns well in moist, partially shaded spots; iconic for rainy-season blooms.
Hydrangeas are synonymous with Japan’s rainy season and make excellent hedges or focal clumps. Plant hydrangeas in soil that retains moisture but drains well. They prefer morning sun with afternoon shade — too much sun shortens bloom life and can cause leaf scorch. Hydrangea macrophylla has a flowering color partly determined by soil pH: more acidic soils (lower pH) produce bluer flowers while alkaline soils shift blooms toward pink. If interested in color control, use aluminum sulfate for bluer flowers or lime for pinker tones, applying carefully and testing soil pH first.
Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and conserve water during warm spells. Deadhead spent flower heads to encourage tidy growth and, in some cases, rebloom. Prune hydrangea varieties according to their flowering habit: mophead and lacecap types typically bloom on old wood, so heavy pruning removes next year’s flowers; newer remontant varieties bloom on new wood and tolerate harder pruning. Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Ensure consistent soil moisture during bud formation to maximize bloom size and longevity. With the right siting, hydrangeas deliver large, dramatic flowers that carry through the wet season and into summer.
5. Bamboo (Take — clumping and running species)
Growth type: tall grass. Rapid grower; species and containment determine suitability for small gardens.
Bamboo is a traditional and modern element in many Japanese gardens, used for screens, accents, and privacy. First, know whether you have a clumping (sympodial) bamboo or a running (monopodial) bamboo. Clumping varieties expand slowly and are safe for small gardens; running bamboos can spread aggressively and require root barriers or regular control. Choose clumping types for compact urban plots. Plant bamboo in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Bamboos prefer regular moisture and respond strongly to feeding with nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring to drive vigorous new shoots.
Containment strategies are crucial for running species: install a buried root barrier or plant in large containers to restrict rhizome spread. Prune older canes at ground level annually to allow new shoots to replace them and to maintain an open, attractive stand. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool, and water during dry spells when new shoots are forming. For privacy screens, stagger planting and trim the tops to encourage thicker growth. Bamboo can be an attractive, fast-growing solution when chosen and managed with care; select species suited to your garden size and commit to regular maintenance for running types.
6. Sakura (Cherry blossom — Prunus serrulata)
Growth type: medium-sized ornamental tree. Best known for spring floral display; needs space for canopy.
Cherry trees bring the iconic spring display that defines many Japanese landscapes. Plant cherry trees where they can develop a graceful canopy and be admired from multiple viewpoints. Choose well-drained, fertile soil and a sunny to partly sunny site. While cherries tolerate a variety of soils, they dislike standing water. Dig a hole wider than the root ball and mix the excavated soil with compost; set the root flare slightly above grade to improve drainage. Water regularly for the first two to three years while roots establish, and use a layer of mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Young trees benefit from formative pruning to develop a strong central leader and well-spaced branches; remove crossing branches and any suckers from the base. After the main flowering years, thin crowded inner branches to increase air circulation and reduce fungal disease risk. Cherry trees rarely need heavy feeding — a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring is enough. Be realistic about lifespan: some ornamental cherries have shorter lives than fruiting types; plant with that in mind and enjoy periodic renewal by propagating cuttings or selecting replacement specimens that match the garden’s scale.
7. Ume (Japanese Apricot — Prunus mume)
Growth type: small tree. Fragrant late winter blooms and early spring fruit in suitable climates.
Ume trees are prized for their perfume and seasonal interest. Plant in a sunny location with good air circulation to reduce fungal pressure. Soil should be well-draining and fertile; incorporate compost into the hole before planting. Ume is tolerant of a wider pH range than some ornamentals, but good drainage is essential. Water consistently during establishment and during dry spells as fruits form. Mulch conservatively to keep soil cool and suppress weeds; maintain a clear zone near the trunk to prevent rot.
Prune after flowering to shape and to remove dead or crossing branches, promoting open structure and easier harvest. If you plan to harvest fruit, thin crowded fruiting clusters to improve size and quality. Ume benefit from modest feeding in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Protect delicate early blooms from late frosts if your site is prone to sudden cold snaps. With correct siting and annual pruning, ume will provide attractive winter blossoms and, in many cases, a modest crop of fragrant fruit the following spring.
8. Chrysanthemum (Kiku — Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Growth type: perennial or annual depending on variety. Central to seasonal displays and festivals.
Chrysanthemums are culturally important in Japan and versatile in garden borders or containers. Choose a sunny location; chrysanthemums bloom best with six or more hours of sunlight per day. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter. Water at the base to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. Pinch back young growth through early summer to encourage branching and more flower heads — this traditional technique creates a fuller plant with abundant blooms when the season arrives.
As autumn approaches, many gardeners stagger pinching and provide additional supports for large-flowered varieties. Feed with a balanced fertilizer through summer, reducing nitrogen as flowering approaches to favor bloom over leaf growth. After flowering, remove spent blooms and cut back stems to tidy the planting. For hardy varieties, a light winter mulch helps protect crowns in colder regions. With sunlight, regular pinching, and careful feeding, chrysanthemums will produce robust autumn displays suitable for seasonal arrangements or traditional exhibitions.
9. Japanese Iris (Hanashōbu — Iris ensata)
Growth type: perennial. Prefers moist to wet soils and is often grown near ponds or damp borders.
Japanese irises shine in moist gardens, edging ponds or damp beds where their tall flower spikes are visible at eye level. They prefer full to partial sun and consistently moist soil — some varieties tolerate shallow standing water. Prepare a planting site with rich, peaty or loamy soil, improving natural moisture retention. Plant the rhizome or crown slightly shallow to encourage strong top growth and easy division later. Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, especially in late spring when flower buds develop.
Divide clumps every three to five years in early summer to maintain vigor and to propagate new plants. Support tall varieties in windy sites or position them where wind is blocked by structures or shrubs. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after flowering. Remove spent flower stalks to tidy the bed and to direct energy into root and leaf growth. In wet areas, good air flow reduces disease issues; avoid stagnant water in the root zone. With the right wet site and seasonal care, Japanese irises provide dramatic, architectural blooms each year.
10. Hostas (Plantain Lily)
Growth type: shade-loving perennial. Valued for leaf texture, form and low maintenance under trees.
Hostas thrive in shaded gardens and are especially useful under deciduous trees or in north-facing beds common in many Japanese yards. Choose a site with rich, well-draining soil and moderate moisture. Hostas appreciate organic matter worked into the planting hole; this improves texture and water-holding capacity without becoming waterlogged. While most hostas prefer shade, a few varieties tolerate morning sun and develop stronger color in part sun. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but watch for slug and snail activity — these pests can be the main nuisance for hostas.
Manage pests with barriers, traps, or hand-collection rather than broad-spectrum pesticides to protect beneficial wildlife. Divide large clumps in early spring or autumn to rejuvenate plants and create new specimens. Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer and avoid heavy late-season feeding which can delay dormancy. With simple attention to soil richness, moisture and slug control, hostas make a quietly beautiful groundcover that complements flowering shrubs and trees in shaded Japanese garden corners.
11. Shiso (Perilla — Perilla frutescens)
Growth type: annual herb. Popular culinary herb used in Japanese cooking; fast-growing and easy in pots.
Shiso is a versatile culinary herb that grows quickly in containers or garden beds. It prefers a sunny to partly shaded site and fertile, well-draining soil. Sow seeds after the last frost or start seedlings indoors for earlier harvests. Because shiso grows rapidly, provide regular harvesting to promote bushy growth; frequent leaf harvesting prevents rapid bolting to seed. Water consistently and feed with a balanced liquid feed if growth seems slow.
Shiso tolerates a range of soils but performs best with steady moisture and good fertility. In hot midsummer, provide partial shade in the hottest afternoons to reduce stress. Grow in pots to bring herbs close to the kitchen and to control volunteer spreading — shiso can self-seed readily. Harvest leaves young for tenderness, and pinch flower buds to extend the harvest season. With simple soil, regular water and active harvesting, shiso will reward home cooks with fresh, aromatic leaves all season.
12. Green Onion (Negi — Allium fistulosum)
Growth type: hardy perennial/annual depending on region. Staple vegetable, easy to grow in small spaces.
Green onions are practical and quick to grow in small Japanese gardens or balcony containers. Plant sets or seedlings in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Space rows close for small scallions or give more room for larger bunching varieties. Keep soil evenly moist to promote straight, tender stems; uneven moisture can lead to woody or split stalks. Mulch around plants to keep soil cool in summer and reduce weeds.
Fertilize with a nitrogen-rich feed to encourage leafy growth, especially when grown for harvest as young scallions. You can harvest outer leaves continuously while leaving the central growth intact for continual production. Green onions tolerate short cool spells and can be overwintered in milder regions. For container growers, use deep pots to allow root development and water more frequently. With simple care and timely harvests, negi provides a steady supply of fresh flavor for soups, toppings and everyday cooking.
13. Morning Glory (Asagao — Ipomoea nil)
Growth type: annual climber. Classic summer vine used on trellises and balcony screens.
Morning glories are fast-climbing annuals perfect for screens, trellises, and balcony railings. Sow seeds directly after the last frost, or pre-soak seeds overnight to improve germination. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure for best flowering. Morning glories grow rapidly and appreciate a strong, sturdy support. Train young shoots gently and tie them if needed to encourage upward growth. Water moderately — they do not like to be waterlogged but will need regular moisture during dry spells.
To encourage a long display of flowers, remove spent blooms and avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen feeds that favor leaf growth over flowers. Morning glories self-seed easily, so collect seedpods if you want to control volunteer plants. In small urban gardens, morning glories are a low-cost way to add vertical green and seasonal color during summer. With a sunny site, quick support and regular deadheading, they rapidly create lush, flowering screens that cool and beautify outdoor spaces.
14. Japanese Pepper (Sansho — Zanthoxylum piperitum)
Growth type: deciduous shrub or small tree. Aromatic leaves and peppercorn-like fruit used in cooking.
Sansho is a fragrant addition to edible gardens and does well as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Plant in a sunny to partly shaded location with well-draining soil. Sansho tolerates a range of soils but performs best with organic matter and consistent moisture. Water regularly while the plant establishes and mulch to conserve moisture. Sansho is hardy but young plants benefit from some winter protection in colder regions.
Prune in late winter to shape and to remove any crossing or weak growth. Sansho develops ornamental thorns and fragrant leaf growth; the young leaf shoots are prized in cooking. If you value the peppercorn-like fruit, allow pollination and thin crowded fruit clusters to improve size. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced feed. Sansho can become a multi-stemmed focal point and provides seasonal interest with its leaves and fruit; it fits well into mixed edible-ornamental planting schemes in Japanese gardens.
15. Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)
Growth type: evergreen shrub. Grown as a crop or garden ornamental; leaves are harvested for tea.
Growing tea plants in a home garden is both decorative and practical. Camellia sinensis prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil and a site with morning sun and afternoon shade. Plant larger groups of tea bushes with enough spacing for easy harvesting and airflow. Prune regularly to maintain a harvestable height and to encourage a dense canopy where new growth forms. Harvest young shoots and top leaves selectively for the best quality tea; consistent light pruning encourages continuous production of fresh shoots.
Keep soil moisture steady and mulch to maintain cool roots. Tea plants benefit from periodic applications of acid-formulated fertilizer in spring. Protect new shoots from late frosts and pests; integrated pest management and organic controls are often sufficient for small-scale plantings. With modest attention to soil acidity, pruning and harvesting, home-grown tea bushes become productive features that link garden design with culinary tradition.