Wind Resistant Plants for Landscaping

By Kelly Miller

Wind resistant plants are those that don’t topple over or otherwise suffer when faced with strong or persistent winds. A variety of adaptations help plants withstand strong winds. Some plants are low-growing and compact, forming shapes that deflect gusts. Others stand tall and thin, with flexible stems that bend but don’t break.

Here are some of the best wind-resistant trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals for your breezy landscape, along with a few tips for gardening in windy areas.

Wind Resistant Trees

All trees are perennials that are adapted for long lives in their native habitats. However, some tree species are particularly hardy in windy conditions. Meanwhile, some non-native ornamental trees, such as Bradford pears, are very wind-sensitive.

Traits that improve wind resistance include deep root systems, slow growth, thick bark, and flexible branches that sway in the wind without snapping. The shape of a tree can also affect wind resistance. Pyramid-shaped trees are naturally adapted to deflect wind, while trees with long, exposed branches may be more vulnerable to winter weather or storms.

Here are six trees that offer excellent wind resistance:

Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)

Shumard oak is an extremely hardy, versatile and low maintenance tree that is native to a large region of the Southeastern and Central United States. This is a tree worth growing for its beautiful foliage alone. It produces acorns that are a valuable food source for many types of wildlife.  Shumard Oaks are ideal for the mature landscape with a canopy that typically does not overcrowd other trees or buildings. Provides shade and large-scale beauty to landscapes.

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Bald cypress is native to wet, swampy regions throughout the Southeastern United States and along the Mississippi Valley. It can be found growing wild along streams, rivers, swamps and areas that routinely flood, but it will also grow quite well in landscapes. This is a beautiful deciduous conifer with a pyramidal silhouette. The soft, ferny foliage is a crisp green through the summer turning from gold to rust in the fall before the foliage drops for the winter. Interesting rounded, green seed cones are produced in the summer and will turn brown and mature through the winter.

Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

A magnificent tree with a rich history among the native North Americans who used all the plant parts for food or crafting. Later, when new populations of settlers arrived, the incredibly hard wood of live oak was found to be ideal for constructing wooden ships. This is a beautiful tree, with large, dense foliage and a graceful branching habit that combine to create a lush shade-giving canopy. A classic favorite for landscape focal points and as a source for shade. Best used for large scale plantings. Acorns are appreciated by all types of wildlife.

Tea Olive, Fragrant Olive, Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)

Tea olive is appealing through all the seasons. The dense, glossy leaves look great year-round, the new growth is tinged with red adding a subtle color accent, and clusters of small flowers appear over a long season starting in late summer. Although the blooms aren’t big and showy, their enchanting sweet fragrance makes up for what they lack in size. Can be pruned to maintain as a shrub or allowed to grow into a small tree. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where the fragrant flowers can be enjoyed by passersby.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

This native of Eastern North America offers year ’round appeal and ease of care. Large spring blooms are followed by tiny berries that attract an array of birds. The show transitions with red hued autumn foliage yielding to a winter display of graceful, branching stems. A classic favorite for landscape focal points. Makes a breathtaking specimen plant. Useful in small gardens where season long interest is needed.

Black Birch, River Birch (Betula nigra)

River birch, or black birch, is a North American native deciduous tree. Its tolerance for wet locations makes it a good choice for placing near a rain garden or in low areas of the landscape where water migrates. This fast-growing species is tolerant of heat, but not drought. River birch offers a lot of ornamental features. It produces interesting, dangling catkins in the spring. Leaves turn brilliant yellow in the fall. Attractive, exfoliating bark exposes red to brown-gray inner bark providing year-round interest. River birch is resistant to the bronze birch borer, an insect that is very damaging to other species of birch.

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Wind Resistant Shrubs

Shrubs are often used to establish windbreaks, and most popular shrubs have good wind resistance. Many wind-resistant shrubs are sturdy and compact (with the help of pruning and trimming). Their foliage may be hard and durable, such as holly leaves. Other wind-hardy shrubs have flexible stems and wispy foliage that sways in the wind without snapping.  Here are six shrubs that do an excellent job at withstanding strong winds:

Dwarf Yaupon Holly ‘Nana’ (Ilex vomitoria)

A great shrub for year round interest. Dwarf Yaupon Holly is a compact, rounded female shrub with close-knit branches. The glossy leaves are yellow-green when they emerge, turning dark green as they mature. Small blooms appear in early summer followed by small, decorative red fruits. This is a tough plant that can tolerate drought and salt spray better than most shrubs. A great choice for foundation plantings or hedges. Excellent for planting along fences and walls. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes.

Silverthorn, Thorny Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus pungens)

Silverthorn is a terrific shrub for multi-season interest. The evergreen foliage, and branches, have a lovely, silvery cast. Small white trumpet flowers produced in autumn are fragrant. Blooms are followed by small brown berries that are a welcome treat for birds. Silverthorn produces thorns, up to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in length. Use for a hedge, screen, shrub border or foundation plant.

Saltcedar, Tamarix (Tamarix ramosissima)

The delicate, needle-like foliage and slender clusters of pink flowers of saltcedar create a soft silhouette that disguises this shrub’s true rugged character. Tolerates a wide range of challenging conditions such as dry, sandy, or infertile soils, salty seashore conditions, and uneven, hilly terrain. Saltcedar is a rapid grower that can quickly bring barren areas to life. It is native to East Europe and Central Asia and it is considered an invasive species in some parts of North America.

Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)

A fine choice for the landscape offering excellent flower, fruit, and foliage! Highbush cranberry viburnum is an extremely hardy, versatile and low maintenance shrub. Plants provide high yields of tasty fruit. Dense foliage makes a great informal hedge row or privacy screen. Beautiful grouped or massed in a shrub border. Delicious in pies, tarts, jams, and preserves.

Golden Mock Orange ‘Aureus’ (Philadelphus coronarius)

Golden mock orange is an extremely hardy, versatile and low maintenance deciduous shrub. Wonderfully fragrant blooms provide a treat for the senses. Gold foliage contrasts beautifully with evergreens. A great choice for foundation plantings, hedges, and planting along fences and walls. Great for privacy screening or blocking unsightly views.

Hedge Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus)

Hedge cotoneaster is an upright evergreen shrub with lustrous, dark green leaves. It produces pinkish-white flowers in the summer followed by decorative black berries that provide a valuable food source for birds. The leaves transition to a brilliant blend of yellow, orange and red foliage in the fall. Hedge cotoneaster is native to Northern and Central Siberia and is a good choice for foundation plantings or hedges in regions that get cold winters. Excellent for planting along fences and walls. Very useful as a privacy screen or for blocking unsightly views.

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Wind Resistant Perennials

Wind-tolerant perennials are adapted to endure strong winds in habitats such as beaches, mountainsides, or open prairies. Some have tough, leathery leaves and grow in dense bunches, while others have flexible stems and branches that sway in the breeze.

Many perennial native wildflowers are wind-pollinated and thus well-adapted to breezy settings. These plants often have large, feathery stigmas and abundant loose grains of pollen that easily catch the breeze.

Here are six perennials that are known for thriving in windy areas:

Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)

A fabulous plant for bringing unique form, texture and glowing blue color to the garden. Better yet, Sea Holly is incredibly easy to grow and can stand up to heat, drought, wind and poor soil conditions. A perfect choice for the novice gardener or anyone who appreciates a low-maintenance garden. Excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements. Birds enjoy the seeds.

Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)

Switch Grass is a North American native grass. It forms a dense clump with a narrow, upright habit that provides a strong vertical accent in the landscape. It grows in just about any type of soil, but prefers sandy loam. Several varieties are available offering a range of foliage and panicle colors from which to choose. Provides good winter cover for small mammals and nesting material for birds in the spring.

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

This is a North American native prairie grass that brings a relaxed, natural feel to any location. It grows in just about any type of soil, even clay or poor, infertile soils. It’s a good choice for challenging areas, such as a slopes or locations where high-maintenance plantings aren’t practical. Makes a dependable mixed border plant, especially suited as a tall background plant. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes.

Nepeta, Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)

Catmint is a relative of the familiar catnip plant that is adored by cats (Nepeta cataria) and it is a plant sure to be adored by gardeners dealing with the challenges of hot, dry growing conditions. No matter how tough things get, Catmint retains its lovely mounded form, soft gray-green color, and in a true display of resilience, it produces flowers throughout the growing season. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Looks great in rock gardens. Outstanding for planting near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed.

Bloody Cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum)

Bloody cranesbill is a bushy species of perennial geranium with deeply cut, almost ferny foliage. It produces an abundance of vibrant pink, saucer-like blooms over a long season in the summer. The foliage turns a rich, deep red in the fall. Excellent for borders, rock gardens, or mass plantings. A reliable groundcover for any location. Best planted in groups.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow brings soft texture and long lasting color to the perennial garden with a minimal care. The Achillea millefolium species includes many of the deep red, pink, and orange hued varieties. Regardless of color they all attract butterflies and admiring eyes. An ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens.

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Wind Resistant Annuals

An annual plant completes its life cycle in a single growing season. Annuals don’t live long enough to grow extensive root systems or thick, strong stems. However, many annuals are adapted to windy weather. Helpful traits include flexible stems and low, dense growth that doesn’t topple over in the breeze. Here are a few annuals to consider in a windy garden:

Orange Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)

Orange jewelweed is a North American native plant found in shady, moist, often boggy locations. The plants have a loose, fine-stemmed growth habit sprinkled with intricate orange flowers that dangle from delicate stems. The blooms are shaped like a funnel, with a wide opening tapering to a spur. A perfect reservoir for nectar that attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bumble bees.

French Marigold (Tagetes patula)

French Marigolds have a smaller plant habit and flowers than African marigolds making them the perfect size for containers and edging pavement, a patio, or flower border. They offer outstanding color and performance with minimal maintenance, even in hot weather. Marigold’s deeply cut foliage offers great contrast and texture when planted near plants with broad leaves or grassy foliage. Remove faded flowers to keep plants tidy and encourage more blooms. A great choice for beds, baskets, and window boxes.

Cucumberleaf Sunflower, Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)

This is a plant found naturally along beaches and dune areas, but it will grow just as well in any garden. It’s a tough plant tolerant to any type of soil, drought conditions and salts from sea spray. The vibrant yellow flowers are very attractive to butterflies. This is an ideal choice for beds, borders, and cutting gardens. Birds enjoy the seeds.

Lantana (Lantana )

Lantana are native to several tropical regions and popular as heat tolerant annuals for gardens and containers. Their clusters of tiny blooms come in a good range of colors and are loved by butterflies. They may be upright or trailing, depending on variety chosen, but all have nicely textured foliage and good drought tolerance. The perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes. Looks great in rock gardens.

Common Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

A favorite of gardeners and butterflies alike, Zinnias bring long-lasting, bright color and rich texture to any planting. Removal of spent blooms will assure the most prolific and ongoing floral display. Use in beds, borders, containers and window boxes. Provides long lasting cut flowers.

Scaevola, Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula)

The blooms of this species resemble tiny fans, unfolded against the summer heat. Perennial in its native Australia, fan flower is a favorite for use in annual combinations elsewhere. Very heat tolerant. A perfect choice for beds and borders. Superb for baskets, containers and window boxes.

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Tips for Helping Plants Survive Windy Conditions

Along with choosing wind-resistant plants, proper planning and care is key for maintaining a landscape that withstands harsh gusts of wind.

Borders and Layouts

Plantings and structures around a border help to filter and weaken harsh winds. A garden’s windbreak can be a wooden or metal fence, or a row of shrubs that forms a living fence. If artificial fencing is used, the material should be semi-permeable (such as spaced pickets) so that it filters air rather than blocks it completely. A solid wall redirects wind into strong, destructive gusts.

A tree or shrub growing in isolation, surrounded by empty space, is vulnerable to the elements. A single straight row offers some protection, while groupings or staggered rows are even better.

Pruning and Trimming

Pruning and trimming improve wind resistance. If a tree or shrub has rotting branches left in place, or if its growth is top heavy or unbalanced, then wind becomes a greater hazard. Proper pruning removes vulnerabilities and maintains compact, wind-resistant shapes.

Winter Care

In winter, freezing winds can cause extensive damage to plants, especially evergreens. Winter burn, or desiccation, occurs when harsh winds and cold temperatures strip moisture away from plants.

Mulching, pruning, and physical barriers are helpful methods for protecting shrubs and other plants against damaging winter winds.

More Ideas for a Beautiful Windswept Garden

Many landscaping plants that are known for wind resistance are species that grow well in coastal areas, where harsh winds and storms are common.

Find more inspiration for your breezy garden and wind resistant plants in our guide: Plants and Ideas for a Coastal Beach Garden.