When arranging plants with rocks, you can get a natural look by not planting in rows or patterns; instead, use a variety of plants and different heights, like perennials, ornamental grasses, small shrubs, and creeping groundcovers to balance the hardness of the rocks. Also, consider giving the rock garden contrast with outcroppings of tall plants along a plant border, shoots of whispy texture, or a small burst of color with seasonal flowers. “Rock garden plants” are not a botanical classification, although many are succulents. They share specific characteristics, including drought resistance, a preference for good drainage, and a compact growth habit. Here are 33 of the best plants for a rock garden, from small to large varieties.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Dry, average to sandy, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10Color Varieties: Red-purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average to poor, dry, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Nahhan / Getty Images
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: PinkSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Red-purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Pink Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Light green to yellow Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7Color Varieties: White Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Sandy, dry, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: White, pinkSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10Color Varieties: Blue, violetSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: Red, purple, pink, blue, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Humusy, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Purple, whiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Humus, gritty, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: Blue, purpleSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 8Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Color Varieties: PurpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, alkaline, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: White, yellow, pink, redSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Lean, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: Pink, red, purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Blue-purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: Red, pink, yellow, white, blue, purpleSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: Pink, purple, red, whiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10Color Varieties: Purple Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: NonfloweringSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: White and yellowSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7Color Varieties: Yellow, yellow-orangeSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 10 (depends on variety)Color Varieties: Pink, purple, green, blue, yellow, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 7Color Varieties: Blue, purple, whiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: Blue, purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 7Color Varieties: NonfloweringSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Loamy, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 7Color Varieties: PinkSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Pink-purpleSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: Copper to silverSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 7Color Varieties: Pink, whiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Loamy, moist, slightly acidic, well-draining
