Martha Stewart’s Favorite Plants for a Lush Outdoor Garden
Martha Stewart, a renowned figure in the world of lifestyle and home gardening, has long been passionate about cultivating beautiful outdoor spaces. Her love for gardening began at a very young age, sparked by simple tasks like weeding a cobblestone path under her father’s guidance. Over the decades, this passion has evolved into a lifelong dedication to nurturing landscapes that reflect her aesthetic and expertise. From her Bedford, New York estate, where she works alongside a dedicated team led by Ryan McCallsiter, Stewart continues to fill her outdoor spaces with an array of flowers, trees, and succulents. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your gardening skills, here are some of her favorite plants that can elevate your garden.
Roses (Rosa Spp)
Roses are one of the most iconic and beloved flowers, and they hold a special place in Stewart’s garden. These thorny shrubs produce stunning blooms in a vast array of colors and are often used to define garden beds or line pathways. For those interested in growing roses, it’s important to provide them with full sun, rich soil, and regular watering. Pruning after blooming and deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. While roses thrive in most USDA hardiness zones, the specific variety you choose should align with your local climate.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum Majus)
Snapdragons are another favorite on Stewart’s 153-acre estate. Known for their unique, dragon-like blossoms, these flowers add a vibrant touch to any garden. They grow well in zones 7 through 10 and are ideal for cutting. Snapdragons prefer moist, well-drained soil and can be started indoors during winter before being transplanted outdoors in spring. Their long flowering season ensures color from early summer through fall.
Agave (Agave Americana)
Stewart has a deep appreciation for exotic succulents, and agave is one of her favorites. These low-maintenance plants store moisture in their stems, making them perfect for busy gardeners. Agave varieties such as ‘Queen Victoria’ and the giant blue agave are commonly found in her collection. While some species can grow quite large, smaller ones fit well in pots. Once established, agave can live up to 25 years and thrive in zones 8 to 10.
Lilies (Lilium Spp)
Lilies are another staple in Stewart’s summer garden. These sun-loving flowers come in a wide range of colors and can reach impressive heights. Stewart often plants them in groups to create dramatic displays, such as her collection of orange tiger lilies. Lilies require well-draining soil and minimal upkeep once established, making them a great choice for gardeners who want beauty with ease.
Phlox (Phlox Paniculata)
Phlox adds a burst of color to any garden with its five-petal blooms. These perennials are known for their ability to fill garden spaces and create visual interest. Stewart uses them for color statements throughout her landscape. Phlox thrives in zones 4 to 8 and prefers full sun to partial shade. Their fragrant flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.
Weeping Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides)
The weeping dawn redwood, also known as Miss Grace, is a striking addition to Stewart’s Winter House. This tree grows well in containers and can be transplanted into the ground once its leaves turn bronze in the fall. It requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Stewart recommends using a quality potting mix and fertilizing regularly to support healthy growth.
Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus)
Cosmos are easy-to-grow flowers that bring a sense of whimsy to any garden. With their delicate foliage and towering height, they make a bold statement in Stewart’s personal gardens. These annuals thrive in full sun and can be sown directly from seed. They attract pollinators and continue to bloom until the first frost.
Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris)
Mugwort is a versatile plant that adds texture and fragrance to gardens. Stewart recently added several to her Winter House patios, pairing them with other plants of varying heights. This perennial is hardy in zones 3 to 8 and prefers well-draining soil. It has medicinal properties and is used in traditional remedies, though caution is advised due to its slight toxicity.
Zinnias (Zinnia Elegans)
Zinnias are a classic summer favorite, known for their vibrant colors and butterfly-attracting qualities. Stewart loves their intensity and ease of growth. These fast-growing flowers thrive in full sun and are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for novice gardeners. They bloom from early June until the first frost.
Pansies (Viola X Wittrockiana)
Pansies are a charming addition to any garden, especially during colder months. Their ability to tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit makes them a great choice for spring and winter planting. Stewart enjoys their colorful blooms, which add life to yards when most flowers are dormant.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus)
Bird’s nest ferns are a tropical evergreen that adds a lush, dramatic touch to indoor and outdoor spaces. Stewart keeps them in her Winter House, where they thrive in warm, humid conditions. These plants require consistent moisture and are best suited for zones 11 and 12.
Korean Fir (Abies Koreana)
Korean fir is a medium-sized conifer that brings a unique, frosted look to Stewart’s terraces. Its soft, two-toned needles and striking purple cones make it a standout in any garden. These trees prefer cooler climates and well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
