8 Stunning Plants That Won't Budge in Windy Weather

A bush with small flowers, blurred green foliage in the background — Credit:
Bowonpat Sakaew Getty Images

It's easy to find plants that thrive in protected locations, but what do you do if you live somewhere with windy weather or your garden is on a windy balcony or in an alleyway? Wind can be detrimental to plants, especially young plants that aren't established yet. Strong winds can cause plants to fall over, break branches, damage blooms, cause moisture loss, and other issues. While it can be hard to find plants that can withstand wind, there are some varieties available. Ahead, you'll find an assortment of wind-tolerant plants experts say you can place in less-protected areas of your lawn or garden.

Jan Johnsen, co-principal of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools and author of Gardentopia—Design Basics for Creating Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
Angela Judd, certified master gardener, author of How to Grow Your Own Food, and founder of Growing in the Garden

01 of 08

Feather Reed Grass

Tall grass with narrow stalks in an outdoor setting, with vegetation in the background — pcturner71 / Getty Images

You can't find a plant more wind-resistant than reeds or grass—there's even an Aesop's fable about the reed's ability to bend with the wind. One beautiful variety is feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora), which features a long, golden seed head. You can use clumps of this grass throughout your garden landscape to add texture and height. It's also a candidate for growing in a container.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun or partial shade; moist soil

02 of 08

Texas Sage

Shrubs with purple flowers in a landscaped outdoor area — EuToch / Getty Images

Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) makes a lovely shrub for gardeners in warm climates. Delightful blooms cover the plant for most of the year, or even all year in ideal conditions. "Tough and dependable in challenging conditions, Texas sage tolerates wind, drought, and poor soil," says master gardener Angela Judd. "Its dense form makes it a strong candidate for a wind-buffering hedge or screen."

Zones: 8 to 11
Size: 5 to 8 feet tall x 4 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

03 of 08

Feathery Cassia

Macro close up of yellow Silver senna or silver cassia — Tessa Pietersma / Getty Images

If you're looking for a splash of yellow in the garden but also need wind resistance, feathery cassia (Senna artemisioides) is an outstanding choice. "Its open, airy branching allows wind to pass through easily, while flexible stems bend rather than break," explains Judd. "The small, silvery leaves help reduce moisture loss in dry, windy conditions. It also adds movement and texture as the wind flows through it."

Zones: 8 to 11
Size: 4 to 6 feet tall x 4 to 6 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

04 of 08

Trailing Rosemary

A dense bush of rosemary with small flowers — mtreasure / Getty Images

Unlike traditional rosemary, trailing rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'prostratus') spills downwards, adding a relaxed, happy feel to the garden. "This plant handles wind well thanks to its thick, waxy leaves, sturdy woody stems, and low, sprawling growth habit that keeps it close to the ground," says Judd.

Zones: 8 to 11
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; sandy or rocky soil

05 of 08

Northwind Switchgrass

A garden scene with ornamental grasses and mixed plants — TorriPhoto / Getty Images

Another lovely grass option is 'Northwind' switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'), which has long, tapering blades that add vertical height to the garden. It's easy to grow and popular in landscaping. "Northwind switchgrass is a native grass with a strong vertical form that stands up to wind without flopping," says Johnsen. "It grows 4 to 5 feet tall and has a golden fall color."

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 4 to 5 feet tall x 2 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; adapts to various soils

06 of 08

Russian Sage

Despite the wispy, delicate appearance of the purple-tinted stems, Russian sage (Salvia yangii) is quite hardy. "It is a sturdy perennial that has long-lasting, lavender-blue flowers in the summer," says Johnsen. "It is deer resistant and has silvery stems that are flexible yet tough." It grows 3 to 4 feet tall, but there are shorter varieties available, such as 'Blue Jean Baby,' she adds.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 2 to 4 feet tall x 2 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; dry, well-drained soil

07 of 08

Daylily

Daylilies (Hemerocallis) deliver terrific blossoms with an almost leathery feel, putting on a colorful show throughout the blooming season. Despite the weight of the flowers, the slender and flexible stalks keep them safe in the wind.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 24 to 48 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
Care requirements: Full to partial shade; well-drained soil

08 of 08

Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is a species of flowering shrubs and small trees known for having long-lasting blooms, which put on a show from late May through fall. Sometimes called the "lilac of the south," crape myrtle is famously wind-resistant and might be the perfect addition to your garden or lawn.