If you live in Tacoma, you already know the weather doesn’t do anything halfway. We swing from cool, soggy winters to dry, sun-baked summers, and sometimes, it feels like your yard is the one caught in the middle. So how do you design a landscape that looks good and stands up to the challenge?

Let’s talk about the best landscaping plants for Tacoma, handpicked to thrive in our two-season climate. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush backyard retreat or a tidy, low-maintenance front garden, we’ve got what you need to get started.

Our Two-Season Climate

Tacoma’s climate falls into USDA Zones 8b to 9a, which basically means what you already know; we get wet winters and hot, dry summers. Because of this, your plant choices need to stand up to both extremes, not just one or the other.

Wet Cold

In order to survive the winter, any plants you grow will need strong drainage to avoid root rot, tolerance to low sunlight, and resistance to damp conditions. That cold, wet environment seems like it wouldn’t be a lot of fun for most, but there are some native western Washington plants that thrive in it. All you have to do is know the difference. 

Dry Heat

During the summer, you’re gonna want to choose plants with deep root systems, (for water access) drought tolerance so they don’t wilt, and minimal watering needs if you want to keep your water bill sane. 

Native vs. Adaptive Plants: What Works Best?

So with all of that dramatic swinging from one extreme to the other, how do you find something that thrives? You can go two different directions: native or adaptive plants. Both options have their upsides and downsides, but you don’t just have to choose one or the other. 

Native Plants

Native plants are naturally adjusted to our local soil, rainfall, and pests. They’re lower maintenance, provide food and shelter for pollinators, and don’t need extra pampering.

Some popular native plants in Tacoma include:

  • Red Flowering Currants: bloom in early spring, drought tolerant once established
  • Oregon Grapes: evergreen, handle poor soil, great for rock gardens
  • Sword Ferns: ever a classic, these are great for that woodland vibe and grow well in shaded corners
Adaptive Plants

Some non-native plants perform just as well in our climate when chosen thoughtfully. Look for ones labeled for Zone 3-9, especially with heat tolerant and cold hardy qualities.

Great adaptive picks are:

  • Lavender: long blooming, drought tolerant, and fragrant
  • Sedum (Stonecrop): tough succulent, thrives in hot dry areas
  • Coneflower (Echinacea): attracts pollinators, blooms into early summer
Best All-Season Landscaping Plants

These plants do more than survive, they thrive from season to season with minimal fuss.

Groundcovers That Handle Rain and Shine
  • Kinnikinnick: low-growing native with red berries
  • Creeping Thyme: edible, aromatic, loves sun
  • Bunchberry: shaded woodland look, Zone 3-8
Shrubs That Withstand Cold Snaps and Heat Waves
  • Red Twig Dogwood: stunning red stems in winter, tolerates wet soil
  • Evergreen Huckleberry: local favorite, edible berries, Zone 4-9
  • Spirea: fluffy blooms, vibrant fall color, low maintenance perennial
Perennials That Keep Coming Back
  • Black-Eyed Susan: cheerful blooms, long blooming into fall
  • Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’: loved in rock gardens, bees can’t resist
  • Heuchera (Coral Bells): colorful shaped leaves, purple flowers, survives winter in shady spots
Trees That Are Tough and Beautiful
  • Vine Maple: bright fall color, loves partial shade
  • Serviceberry: four-season interest: flowers, fruit, foliage, bark
  • Western Red Cedar: iconic evergreen, great privacy screen
What Makes a Plant “Low Maintenance”?

Low maintenance means more than just skipping a watering can. Low maintenance plants need minimal maintenance, basically taking care of themselves. A low maintenance plant rarely needs pruning or deadheading, resists pests/local diseases, grows in normal soil, and doesn’t need regular replanting. If you find a plant with the “low maintenance” label, you should be able to count on needing very little effort to grow it. 

Design Tips

A thriving yard isn’t just about plant lists; it’s about thoughtful design. To get the best looking and healthiest yard year round, try blending textures and heights. Mix shaped leaves and tall grasses, and stack your plants forward by height with the tallest as a backdrop. Sprinkle in some hardscaping with your planting, adding a path or a rock feature among the green. You can also plan for a bloom timeline, which is basically planting your space in such a way that means something is constantly in bloom. There are plenty of ways to keep your yard looking fresh all year round without sacrificing style. 

Common Landscaping Mistakes
  • Overwatering plants in already soggy soil
  • Choosing tropicals or annuals that can’t survive winter
  • Ignoring bloom time and ending up with a dull landscape for half the year
  • Using plants with high fertilizer needs in poor soil
Closing Thoughts

Tacoma’s climate can be demanding, but with the right plants and smart planning, your landscape can thrive year-round. By choosing low maintenance perennials, native plants, and drought tolerant varieties, you’re investing in a yard that’s not only beautiful, but built to last.

Why Choose True Design?

At True Design Landscape, we know Tacoma—because we live and work here too. Our team combines expert design with local knowledge to create landscapes that suit your home, your lifestyle, and our ever-changing weather. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to upgrade what you already have, we’ll work with you to bring your vision to life. From custom designs built to handle Tacoma’s volatile climate, to full-service installations that include fencing, irrigation, turf, and even rock gardens, we’ve got the tools and the experience to get it done right.

Ready for landscaping that looks just like you pictured it? Reach out today to schedule your free site visit or design consultation. Your dream yard is closer than you think.